We are actively working with public health officials and medical experts in an effort to do everything possible to prevent illness, including COVID-19, onboard our ships. Here are some actions we are taking to ensure our guests can sail confidently and safely with Princess.
Pre-Cruise
Changing Itineraries
We constantly monitor the global health map and cancel or modify itineraries to impacted areas. We also prevent guests and crew who have recently traveled through these high-risk locations from boarding. For a current list, see our full Health Advisory (PDF).
Enhancing Health Requirements
We will deny boarding to guests and crew if they:
- Have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or a person being monitored for COVID-19.
- Are suffering from a fever or flu-like symptoms prior to embarkation.
If you meet any of these criteria, please contact Princess as soon as possible, definitely before you travel to the terminal for embarkation. If you’re unable to sail because of these restrictions, you’ll receive a full cruise credit.
Embarkation
Stepping Up Screenings
At embarkation, we’ll require all guests and crew to participate in mandatory health screenings, which may include a thermal scan to check temperatures, and in some cases secondary screenings. Depending on the results, we will deny certain individuals boarding if we feel they could pose a risk to others.
Enhancing Sanitation Procedures in Embarkation Terminals
Enhancing Sanitation Procedures in Embarkation Terminals Beginning in select terminals on March 7, 2020, highly touched surfaces throughout each embarkation terminal will be sanitized continuously, and terminals will be thoroughly sanitized and, where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation.
On Board
Cleaning Everywhere!
In addition to the rigorous daily cleaning regimen we already have, we are establishing additional sanitation measures on all our ships, which include sanitizing frequently touched surfaces in all public areas – from tables and chairs to casino chips and fitness machines – even more often than we did before.
Free-flowing Hand Sanitizer
We already have hand-washing sinks or hand sanitizer dispensers in front of entrances to all dining venues and the buffet. Crew will monitor entrances to all venues to encourage all guests wash their hands before entering. We are also adding additional hand sanitizer dispensers in high-traffic areas around the ship.
Keeping Our Crew Healthy
Each day, we are raising awareness daily of how to maintain a healthy environment on board by reinforcing frequent hand-washing, avoiding hand contact, reporting guests who present signs of illness and more. We will also more actively enforce crew hand-washing and provide more hand sanitizers in crew areas.
Revising Medical Protocols & Staying Prepared
Every Princess ship sails with a highly capable medical team that will receive special training for COVID-19. Any guest or crew member who exhibits symptoms of respiratory illness will strongly be encouraged to visit the Medical Center for a complimentary consultation and, if appropriate, screening for COVID-19.
Additional Information
24/7 Monitoring and Preparedness
Our team monitors world health developments from our state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Center in Santa Clarita, California, and offices around the world 24-7. We are also in close contact with major health agencies, medical experts and partners in the travel industry so we can act quickly to revise plans and protocols as the situation evolves.
Your Health and Safety Is Our Top Priority
Princess is working closely with public health officials to keep COVID-19 away from our ships. Here are some actions we are taking to ensure that you can sail safely and confidently.
Health and Safety Infographic (PDF)
Stay Healthy While Cruising
Here are some healthy travel habits recommended by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control — be sure to practice them on your next Princess® cruise!
Stay Healthy While Cruising Infographic (PDF)
New Onboard Health Protocols
Here are some new health protocols that you can expect to see on board your next cruise with us!
Onboard Preventative Measures Infographic (PDF)
Looking for more information?
See our full Health Advisory (PDF) for additional details on boarding restrictions and health protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is novel coronavirus?
A: According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory conditions.
A “novel” coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. The current novel coronavirus, now called COVID-19, had not been previously detected before first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
For more information, please visit The World Health Organization for more information about coronavirus.
How does coronavirus spread?
A: According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household, workplace or health care center. For more information, please visit The World Health Organization for more information about coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
A: According to the World Health Organization, common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. For more information, please visit The World Health Organization for more information about coronavirus.
What are the best ways to prevent coronavirus infection?
A: According to the World Health Organization, the simplest and most effective way to prevent illness is to take extra care to practice healthy habits, such as frequent hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. The WHO also recommends avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing.
For more information, please visit The World Health Organization for more information about coronavirus.
What precautions are your ships taking to prevent COVID-19 on board?
A: Our ships and medical staff are well equipped to prevent and contain the spread of contagious illnesses, including COVID-19. We are taking extra precautions and are being guided in consultation with international and local health authorities.
Among the precautions are:
- Enhanced screening of guests and crew embarking our ships
- Isolating and treating any guest or crew member showing symptoms of illness
- Rigorous cleaning and sanitation of our ships
Our ships are cleaned thoroughly and regularly with a disinfectant proven to be highly effective against contagious illnesses. While our routine sanitation protocols are robust and more stringent than those of land-based hotels and resorts, in an abundance of caution, we have increased our sanitation protocols.
We will also provide information to our guests and crew about how to minimize any risk of contracting illness by practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing.
How are you screening guests at embarkation?
A: For many years, cruise lines have screened guests and crew about their health before they board a ship, including questions about recent or current illnesses and symptoms. This health screening has been modified and enhanced to more aggressively screen for any potential COVID-19 symptoms or exposure.
What will happen if an embarking cruise guest or crew member shows symptoms of possible COVID-19? Will you deny them boarding?
A: A guest exhibiting signs of any illness prior to boarding a ship is checked by health and medical staff who determine if the guest will be allowed to board or be referred to shoreside medical care for further medical screening and potential treatment.
For many years, cruise lines have screened embarking guests and crew members about their health before boarding a ship, including recent or current illnesses and symptoms. Guests exhibiting signs of illness will not be allowed to board the ship.
What happens if a guest aboard a ship gets sick?
A: As we have always done, we ask guests and crew to report to the medical center immediately if they exhibit any symptoms of illness.
Is COVID-19 airborne?
A: According to the information World Health Organization provides: the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces.
You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 meter of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
Have you modified or cancelled any future voyages?
A: View the Impacted & Cancelled Cruises page for the latest announcements regarding voyage modifications and cancellations.
Where can I go to get updates from Princess Cruises?
A: Updates are available at Princess Cruises’ Notices & Advisories.