Two major cruise lines to drop mask requirements from Covid protocols

Royal Caribbean's 'Wonder of the Seas' will launch on March 4, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before sailing to the Mediterranean in May. Photo: Sigrun Sauerzapfe aka SIGGI.

Nathan Diller, Hannah Sampson
© © Washington Post

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will soon drop their mask mandates, relaxing their coronavirus protocols while the Omicron-variant-fueled surge that tore through the cruise industry for months continues an overall decline.

Royal Caribbean will allow its latest mask requirement to expire from today, February 14, it confirmed, returning to a pre-omicron policy in which passengers could go without face coverings in areas designated for fully vaccinated people, including some bars, lounges, restaurants, theatres and casinos.