Princess Cruises confirmed that it is participating in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated program for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters through March 31. Cruise lines choosing to opt into this program are required to follow all recommendations and guidance as a condition of their participation in the program (they will not be able to pick and choose which recommendations they follow). Princess is advising guests of the following changes:

• Effective with cruises departing Mar. 1, masks on board will be recommended but not required. There may, however, be certain venues and events where masks will be required.
• Additional flexibility for pre-cruising testing requirements will become available. Details will be posted to the Cruise Health section of the Princess Cruises website.
• Princess will continue to meet the standard of vaccinated cruises.

“Princess has proven cruise vacations are safe and healthy for our guests and teams,” said John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises. “Going forward, Princess is prepared to adjust operating protocols to ensure our guests have amazing vacations while always protecting the safety of our guests, team members and destinations.”

Padgett added, “We appreciate the ongoing collaboration among multiple government agencies as well as the support of Alaska officials and other delegations.”

See Princess Cruise Health details for more information.