24 January 2023 , 16:56
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Fred Olsen has announced plans to end its rules on Covid vaccine requirements for passengers heading on cruise holidays this year.
The cruise line has confirmed that from March 1, passengers will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination, or a negative Covid test result, if they want to board its ships.
The change in policy will apply to the majority of cruises, except for the brand's World Cruises and Grand Voyages. Passengers who are only joining a certain leg of the latter will also still need to meet any Covid requirements.
A statement from the cruise line shared on its Twitter page read: "As we all become more used to living in a world with Covid-19, we have been reviewing our travel requirements and would like to make you aware of some upcoming changes.
Borealis cruise ship (Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines)"All guests joining cruises on or after Wednesday 1st March will no longer be required to have proof of vaccination or show a negative lateral flow test prior to boarding.
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"This applies to all cruises, unless they are Grand Voyages, World Cruises or shorter sectors of these longer sailings.
"We would like to reassure you that we still have measures in place on-board to help minimise the impact of Covid-19.
"We are looking forward to exploring more of the world with you in 2023 and beyond."
It's not the first cruise line to have scrapped Covid requirements for passengers.
Royal Caribbean no longer requires passengers to show proof of Covid vaccination, with some exceptions such as sailings from Australia, as well as Transatlantic and Transpacific Sailings. The Covid requirements apply to all holidaymakers aged 12 or over.
Meanwhile Disney Cruise Line ditched Covid vaccination rules in November 2022, with guests no longer being required to have proof of vaccination to board its ships .
Fred Olsen's Balmoral in Flam, Norway (Fred Olsen)The Fred Olsen fleet comprises of three cruise ships; Bolette, Balmoral and Borealis.
Balmoral was the first of the ships to sail on a 2023 Grand Voyage, a 78-night ‘Exploration of South America and the Antarctic’ cruise.
The itinerary includes destinations such as Peru, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil and for the first time in Fred. Olsen’s history, the Antarctic.
Meanwhile Borealis is due to sail on an ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ cruise in February, which includes stops in the likes of Japan, Singapore, India and Hawaii.
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As for Bolette, passengers can opt for an epic sailing in November courtesy of the 93-night 'The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean’ cruise.
You can find out more on fredolsencruises.com.