If you want to hop on a cruise ship soon, add a negative Covid-19 test to your pre-cruise list of things to do.

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line became the latest cruise lines to require its passengers to get a negative Covid-19 test, in addition to new mask requirements.

It’s now two against one in the fight to free the cruise industry from the CDC’s control. 

In response to the Delta variant and increasing U.S. cases of Covid-19, Carnival has updated its mask and Covid testing policies for vaccinated guests, effective August 7 and 14, respectively.

In an email sent to booked travelers and travel agents, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, says, “These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while on board…. We expect these requirements will be temporary and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard.” 

Flush from its successful U.S. cruise restart, Royal Caribbean has announced that all of its 26 ships will be sailing with passengers by spring 2022. Yesterday, the line revealed return-to-cruise plans for 13 ships, including fan-favorite Oasis of the Seas.

This Hot Cruise Summer has hit its midpoint, and more and more cruise ships are returning to service. Read on for this week’s cruise ship restart and test cruise news. Is your favorite ship finally sailing the ocean blue?

Get all the details about ship launches and simulated voyages with Cruise.blog’s master list of test cruises and 2021 debut sailings.

While other cruise lines are still sailing at a fraction of their normal capacity, Carnival's newest ship is nearly full.

Carnival Mardi Gras departed from Port Canaveral on Saturday on its maiden voyage, coinciding with a major celebration of the cruise line's newest ship.

While Mardi Gras is not the first cruise ship to restart sailings from Florida this summer, she is sailing with a lot more passengers onboard than other ships early sailings.

Royal Caribbean has added a new requirement for passengers to bring a negative Covid-19 test result to the cruise terminal on U.S. cruises longer at least 5-nights in length.

Regardless of vaccination status, all guests over the age of 2 sailing with Royal Caribbean for all sailings five nights or longer will need to bring provide proof of negative COVID-19 test at embarkation.

The cruise line will accept a PCR or antigen test.

Disney is putting the bar back in barbershop and giving grownups new onboard experiences with the 2022 debut of new ship Disney Wish. Today, the line unveiled new spa and nightlife areas where adults can relax and unwind.

New spa and salon areas

Celebrity Cruises announced a new round of cruise cancellations on Tuesday.

Travel agents were informed of the alterations to the cruise line's  2021 and 2022 sailings on various ships.

There are three ships with new cancellations, as well as some itinerary modifications.