Taking a Carnival cruise from Florida but don’t want to get vaccinated? Buy travel insurance

Carnival Cruise Line has followed Royal Caribbean’s lead in adding a travel insurance requirement for unvaccinated cruisers departing from Florida.

“Consistent with the practices of other lines who are also restarting their operations, and in the best interests of our guests who are unvaccinated, this is important coverage to have should they encounter a medical situation during their cruise,” Carnival said in a statement provided by spokesperson Vance Gulliksen.

The new requirement will be in effect for cruises departing from Florida starting July 31. The requirement is waived for children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated in the U.S.

All unvaccinated guests must provide proof of their travel insurance policy that covers at minimum $10,000 per person in medical expenses and $30,000 per person for emergency medical evacuation and without exclusions for COVID-19, the cruise line said on its website. 

The policy has to name the unvaccinated passenger as the holder or beneficiary and can be purchased from a travel insurance company of the passenger’s choosing or through Carnival Vacation Protection.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Royal Caribbean International said last month it is requiring passengers ages 12 and up who choose not to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to purchase travel insurance – if they’re departing from Florida. 

“The insurance must cover medical, travel and other related costs for COVID-19 should they test positive while on board,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement provided by spokesperson Lyan Sierra-Caro.

Outside of Florida, Royal Caribbean is requiring all COVID-vaccine eligible passengers to show proof of vaccination. But in Florida, requiring proof of vaccine puts businesses, including cruise lines, at odds with state law.

The travel insurance requirement applies to sailings departing from Florida Aug. 1 through Dec. 31 and all bookings after June 28. Proof of travel insurance for unvaccinated passengers must be shown at check-in.