Norwegian Cruise Line (NASDAQ: NCLH) announced Monday it will suspend all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements for passengers, marking another milestone as the travel industry continues to recover from the pandemic.
The cruise line made the change effective on Tuesday, "given the significant, posticie progress in the public health environment," the company said. Norwegian's policy change also follows several countries lifting their testing requirements for international air travelers as the use of effective vaccines continues to bring back signs of pre-pandemic life.
"Health and safety are always our first priority; in fact, we were the health and safety leading from the very start of the pandemic," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer at Norwegian, in a statement. "Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return."
While Norwegian is the first of the major cruise lines to end its testing requirements for passengers, travelers will still be subject to travel requirements by the countries the cruise may visit throughout its voyage. Norwegian said it will continue to follow country specific travel guidelines moving forward.
Back in July, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its COVID-19 program for cruise liners. Since then, Norwegian has relaxed its safety policies for vaccinated guests on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Rivals Carnival (NYSE: CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) have also dropped mandatory testing for vaccinated passengers on some of their cruise lines following the federal health agency's decision. However, the two companies still require proof of a negative test for unvaccinated passengers coming aboard.
Cruise lines were some of the worst hit companies in the travel sector by pandemic lockdowns. The industry continues to struggle as it works to recover, with inflation now impacting consumer's ability to afford expensive travel. Last week, Carnival reported that its biggest challenge post-pandemic is rising costs due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and health and safety protocols, with its operating cost more than doubling last years at $3.4 billion for the third-quarter.