Norwegian Cruise Line extends 100% vaccination requirement through year's end

Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its "all passengers must be fully vaccinated in order to sail" rule by two months, through Dec. 31, 2021.

The original expiration date for the requirement, which is part of the line's Sail Safe protocols, was set for Oct. 31. Norwegian is the only line that has committed to 100% vaccination of both passengers and crew for all sailings from the United States.

"Under the guidance of globally recognized public health experts and to prioritize the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit, we have decided to extend guest vaccination requirements for all sailings through December 31, 2021," the line said in a statement. "Guests who are not old enough to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings. However, we eagerly await an expansion of the age criteria for vaccinations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so we can once again welcome these guests back onboard."

The extension comes less than two weeks after a judge ruled that NCL is allowed to require vaccination proof in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis previously issued an executive order prohibiting businesses from demanding proof of inoculation as a condition for receiving goods or services.

"All guests sailing aboard cruises with embarkation dates through December 31, 2021, are required to be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure in order to board," the line says under its Sail Safe FAQ section. "Vaccines, combined with multi-layered and robust preventative health and safety measures, including universal COVID-19 testing prior to embarkation, will help us provide a uniquely safe and healthy vacation environment that we believe exceeds all other vacation choices on land and at sea."

Passengers are required to confirm that they are vaccinated pre-cruise and also bring proof of vaccination with them on embarkation day. Passengers -- including children younger than 12 -- who are not currently eligible to be vaccinated are not allowed to sail.

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