At Silversea, our top priority has always been to safeguard the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. Partnering with leading medical experts and governmental authorities from around the world, the Royal Caribbean Group formed the Healthy Sail Panel to ensure that our guests can travel in luxury with unwavering confidence. Silversea Cruises has introduced a comprehensive, multi-layered set of science-backed protocol, which, informed and approved by the Healthy Sail Panel, will help to safeguard guests.
Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.
Please note, with the uncertainty surrounding current travel regulations, this information might evolve by the time of your voyage, and it may change based on the cruising region of a particular itinerary. As well, please know that local regulations may require more stringent protocols (e.g. masks may be mandatory), in which case Silversea will comply with all local requirements and guidelines.
If you have recently recovered from COVID-19, please click here to see our protocols.
PLEASE NOTE THAT COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS VARY IN SOME PARTS OF THE WORLD.
Learn about Antarctica Protocols here
Learn about Galapagos Protocols here
Learn about Canada, New England and Alaska Protocols here
Learn about European Union Protocols here
Learn about Northern European Protocols here
Learn about Arctic Protocols here
Learn about Bridgetown, Fort Lauderdale & San Juan Protocols here
Learn about South America Protocols here
Learn about Asia Protocols here
Learn about Oceania Protocols here
Learn about Africa Protocols here
WORLDWIDE HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS (Except for the destinations listed above)
AREAS OF FOCUS
Updated 20th April, 2023
Effective September 5, 2022, for all voyages, subject to local regulations:
- Fully vaccinated and up-to-date travellers will not be required to show evidence of a PCR or Antigen test to embark a Silversea vessel except from destination with specific local health regulations, including but not limited to Australia.
- Unvaccinated travellers may embark a Silversea vessel in certain areas of the world. To see the list please click here . Unvaccinated guests will need to provide a negative COVID-19 Antigen or PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation, subject to local requirements.
- Testing and vaccination requirements will differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from destinations with specific local health regulations, including but not limited to Australia. These requirements will be highlighted to guests approximately 15-days prior to sailing.
- Where tests are required, all guests must provide proof of a negative test result (printed or digital) at embarkation and should travel with a copy of their test result.
- COVID-19 negative test result documentation must be provided in English and must include the following information:
- Your name, which should match the name on your travel document
- Your date of birth
- The result of the test
- The date the test sample was collected
- The name of the test provider
- Confirmation of the type of test provided
Up to Date Vaccinated Guests: You will need to be fully up to date with your vaccine status (“up to date” means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible), in accordance with each of the countries you plan to visit on your respective itinerary. We recommend that you refer to each country’s official government website to understand the complete vaccination status requirements for entry, as the ability to roam freely, enter restaurants, cultural institutions, etc. For example, some countries may allow entry for fully vaccinated travellers, but will require “up to date” vaccine status to dine at a restaurant. It is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately inoculated to enter and enjoy the countries on your itinerary.
Similar to testing, we have seen that destinations across the globe are now updating validity dates for vaccination series. Many countries have differing rules (both based on residency and as entry requirements), with most now indicating an “up to date” COVID-19 vaccine includes an additional dose anywhere from 90 to 270 days past the original series completion date. Quite simply, the vaccine will no longer be considered up to date unless an additional dose has been received after a certain time has elapsed from the completion of the primary series. So while the booster (or an additional dose) is not necessarily a requirement to sail with us, an up to date vaccination series is. By way of example for our guests residing in the US, please click here to understand the CDC’s definition of “up to date.”
Please know that the health and safety of our guests, as well as that of our crew and the communities we visit, remain a priority for us at Silversea. Rest assured that we will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to navigate this evolving landscape, as new health recommendations are issued and as the situation advances.
Until then, click here to understand which vaccines are currently accepted, and for up to date information. I also encourage you to contact your Silversea representative for assistance with any questions you may have.
All guests will undergo a pre-embarkation health screening including an enhanced health questionnaire.
While Silversea will facilitate entry into each port of call during each voyage, guests are responsible for complying with entry requirements for the country of embarkation, as well as the travel requirements affecting their return journeys. These regulations could include a COVID-19 test (PCR or other).
Physical distancing will no longer be required for guests.
Thanks to the intimate size of our ships and the abundance of space enjoyed by our guests, our ships can guarantee physical distancing with only minor reconfigurations to onboard public areas.
Our flexible embarkation procedure will be further relaxed by the implementation of staggered check-in times at various locations on the pier. This will ensure ample space for every guest to embark in comfort and safety.
Guests wishing to go ashore will be able to experience each port either on Silversea’s shore excursions or, in destinations where permitted, independently, at their leisure—all the while respecting local health and safety requirements, if and when applicable. All shore excursions will comply with Silversea’s health and safety measures. To better prepare for your journey with us, please book your shore excursions through My Silversea before your voyage. You are reminded to carry your vaccination certification with you when exploring each destination, as you may be required to present proof of vaccination to access restaurants, transportation, and local attractions.
The wearing of masks during the cruise will be at each guest’s discretion. Masks are highly recommended inside shore excursion buses, unless there is a local requirement that makes them mandatory.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Extensive cleaning and sanitation measures have been introduced to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are met. These around the clock measures include constant sanitation of public and high-traffic areas. Suites will be disinfected twice daily. Departure terminals will be subject to continual disinfection on all surfaces both before and after embarkation. Where permitted, we will implement fogging to sanitise hard to reach and potentially hazardous areas.
Upon embarkation, guests will be provided with a portable sanitisation kit, which will include hospital grade hand sanitiser. Hand sanitising points will be placed in easily accessible and strategic points throughout the ship.
The highest grade of medical air filters (MERV 13 or HPA according to HVAC standards) have been installed on board our ships. On each of our ships, our HVAC systems supply fresh, filtered air from outdoors to all areas. This continual intake of fresh air means old air is replaced, with a full total air change per hour - well above the minimum required.
Our high-quality onboard medical care is stronger than ever, with enlarged teams of doctors and/or nurses on each ship, as well as state-of-the-art equipment enhancements. Additionally, all ships have been appointed with an Infection Control Officer. This person is responsible for ensuring that all enhanced sanitary measures are met. Our multi-level COVID-19 Expert Response Plan has been developed and approved by the Healthy Sail Panel to contain an outbreak if a positive case is confirmed. These protocols include tracing methods and notification of those who may have been exposed, as well as dedicated isolation and quarantine areas.
BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE
Should authorities in a guest’s country of residence prohibit travel, or should a guest or a member of their travelling party test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of embarkation, the guest will be able to convert their booking into a 100% Future Cruise Credit or receive a 100% refund for the total booking amount. Click here for more information.
Silversea has developed a robust repatriation plan should any guest or crew member fall ill with COVID-19 while on board one of our ships. We have worked closely with local authorities to ensure that immediate medical attention is provided should the need arise, and have strengthened and upgraded our telemedicine consultations. Silversea will cover COVID-19-related expenses for onboard medical and repatriation costs.