Requirements for going ashore

Please visit our Destination entry requirements guide for the latest information regarding going ashore at the ports we visit.

Vaccine and testing policy

Correct as of May 10, 2023

There are currently no vaccination or pre-cruise testing requirements for any voyages outside of Australia and New Zealand.

This policy is currently under review for our Australia and New Zealand voyages, due to recommence in Autumn 2023. If you are sailing on one of these voyages, please ensure you check these pages nearer to your sailing date for the most up to date information.

While Covid-19 vaccinations are no longer required for Cunard voyages, we still highly recommend that all guests traveling on our ships are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters if eligible and where available.

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 and on board protocols are 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.

During your voyage it is your responsibility to meet all entry requirements for that country at the time of sailing. Please check the government website of the country you are traveling to and ensure you are aware of the most up-to-date country requirements, as we can’t accept responsibility if you are denied entry to a country because you don’t meet its entry requirements.

Additional notes for all voyages

If guests choose to embark one of our ships at a port outside of their home country, it is their responsibility to ensure they meet all entry requirements for that country at the time of sailing. Cunard cannot accept responsibility if a guest is denied entry to a country because they do not meet its entry requirements.

Some destinations may require a Covid-19 test before going ashore. If a test is required these can be purchased on board. For full details, see our Destination entry requirements guide for our upcoming voyages.

If you test positive for Covid-19 within 7 days of your voyage or are not permitted to travel following completion of the Health Declaration at the terminal (if required), you will unfortunately not be allowed to travel.

Please contact your travel insurance provider at your earliest convenience to claim for any associated loss.

The booking confirmation issued at the time of booking serves as proof of the vacation cost. We encourage you to keep hold of all booking documentation and proof of your positive covid test to assist you with your claim. If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us or your travel advisor.

If you test positive for Covid-19 whilst on board, you will need to isolate for your well-being and the well-being of other guests*.

We’ll make sure you’re well looked after with full room service, a choice of three meals a day and a complimentary laundry service.

Close contacts of guests who test positive while on board are not required to go into isolation, but additional testing and other protocols, such as in stateroom dining, and mask wearing outside your stateroom, may apply.

As you’ve unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19, our duty of care means you will be unable to take your Cunard booked flight (if applicable). You will have the choice to either disembark the ship at your scheduled port of disembarkation (we do recommend you continue your isolation ashore) or stay on board to complete your period of isolation. Once you have tested negative you can disembark at the next port of call. You will need to liaise with your insurers to book and pay for any alternative accommodations, flights and transfers.

Our dedicated medical teams will also be on hand to take care of you, either for the duration of your required isolation period or until your scheduled port of disembarkation.

Any instances of positive cases on board will be managed by our on board medical teams in conjunction with the local port authority to determine the best course of action.

If you’re required to isolate/quarantine during your time on board, please contact your travel insurance provider at your earliest convenience to claim for any associated loss. The booking confirmation issued at the time of booking serves as proof of the vacation cost. We encourage you to keep hold of all booking documentation to assist you with your claim.