Two cruise lines will require guests to have Covid-19 booster shots.
UnCruise Adventures said that boosters for eligible guests will be required starting Feb. 5. Royal Caribbean-owned German luxe brand Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will mandate boosters for guests 18 and older, beginning Feb. 14.
"We are aware of the additional CDC focus on larger cruise lines and variants, and we continue to take a safe and practical approach to every step of our small-vessel experience," UnCruise said. "We've successfully operated in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii during Covid, and recent experience has proven a recipe for limited transmission with variants thus far. We require full vaccination to board, including a booster for all of those who are eligible, along with a negative molecular Covid test."
Hapag-Lloyd has mandated the booster for those 18 and older for cruises on the Europa 2 on Feb. 14, the Hanseatic Spirit and Hanseatic Nature on Feb. 19, and the Hanseatic Inspiration and the Europa on Feb. 24.
Hapag-Lloyd also adjusted its Covid-19 vaccine mandate to guests 12 and older. Vaccination had been required for guests 18 and older.
Both Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line "strongly recommend" that passengers get boosters but do not require it.