Preparing to sail
Covid-19 vaccination and testing will no longer be required for the majority of our voyages.
For voyages departing on or after the 23 April 2023 on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and voyages departing on or after 8 June 2023 on Queen Elizabeth, Covid-19 vaccination and testing will no longer be mandatory for guest’s travelling with Cunard. Prior to these dates there are still some voyages with Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements. For more information on our vaccine and testing policy and to see if your voyage has vaccination and testing requirements, please visit our vaccine and testing policy page.
While Covid-19 vaccination will no longer be required for Cunard voyages, we still highly recommend that all guests travelling on our ships are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters where eligible and available.
During your voyage it is your responsibility to meet all entry requirements for that country at the time of sailing. If you are travelling to join the ship in another country or disembark in another country, please be aware that the entry requirements to travel by land or air may differ from the requirements to embark the ship. Please note, all guests 18 years and over travelling to the U.S. by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19. These U.S. entry requirements are separate from our cruise protocols. Please check the government website of the country you are travelling to, to ensure you are aware of the most up-to-date country requirements. We can’t accept responsibility if your denied entry to a country because you don’t meet its entry requirements.
If you're displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to your voyage, we highly recommend that you take a Covid-19 test before you travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative. If you’re symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that you declare this to terminal or check-in staff. Guests who test positive within 7 days of sailing will not be allowed to embark.
Our vaccination and testing policy is reviewed on a regular basis and may be changed at any time. Where there are changes to the requirements for a voyage, impacted guests will be contacted directly in advance of travel. Also, at the time of travel, some ports of call may stipulate specific vaccine or testing policies for guests going ashore that differ from the Cunard vaccination and testing policy; refer to our Destination Entry Requirements Guide for details.
UK Pre-cruise checklist
Any time after booking:
- Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance cover for your voyage.
- Ensure you have a valid, in-date passport and appropriate visas where necessary.
- Complete your personal details on My Cunard. We also ask for your address in case a member of your travelling group is denied boarding at the terminal during pre-cruise screening.
- Browse and book dining, drinks and activities on My Cunard.
- If required, ensure you have proof of your Covid-19 vaccination and organise a Covid-19 test – please check the Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements needed for your voyage here.
- Keep up-to-date with our Destination entry requirements guide, for each port on your itinerary.
- Check what you need to pack.
From 21 days prior to embarkation:
- Plan your travel to your ship’s terminal to arrive at the time specified on your boarding pass.
- Complete online check-in via My Cunard on our website and print your boarding pass and luggage labels.
If you are due to embark at a port outside of the UK, it’s your responsibility to meet all entry requirements for that country at the time of sailing. Cunard cannot accept responsibility if you’re denied entry to a country because you don’t meet the entry requirements.
Essential documentation
Check the sections below to ensure you have what you need to get through our cruise terminals and begin your voyage smoothly.
Medical requirements
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept guests who test positive for Covid-19 within 7 days of travel. We are also unable to accept guests who use supplementary oxygen (via tank or cylinder) or require haemodialysis. Guests who use overnight CPAP for sleep apnoea will be able to travel, however guests requiring oxygen via concentrator, mechanical ventilatory support or peritoneal dialysis, may only be accepted to travel with prior confirmation from our medical team.
If any of these apply to you, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 0344 338 8641 (local call charges apply).