WE'VE TAKEN CAREFUL MEASURES so you can travel without worry.
As an experienced traveler you are well informed, prepared and mindful. Uniworld approaches every cruise with that same thorough diligence. Stringent security and sanitation protocols onboard our ships are nothing new to us. They not only remain our top priorities but are being escalated as we face the current challenge. As we learn more from Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) we will look to adopt their health and safety recommendations and continue to update for your added peace of mind.
Health and safety assurance—always a priority for your cruise experience.
SAFETY & SECURITY PROTOCOLS*
- All outside doors and access to the interior of the ships are locked when docked. Only registered guests can access the ship using a key card.
- All guests and luggage are verified against the manifest at check-in.
- Guests have 24/7 access to the front desk.
- Key card scanners with facial recognition are utilized at the gangway.
- Cameras are present at the entrance of the ship and in public areas, and are monitored by our reception staff.
- Trained security staff are posted at the gangway 24 hours a day.
- Ships are patrolled by trained staff 24/7.
- All deliveries are thoroughly inspected before being brought onboard.
COVID-19 FAQs: Before your cruise Expand all
Will I need to have had the COVID-19 vaccination to be allowed to travel with Uniworld?
2022: All guests on Uniworld cruises or cruise/tours through December 31, 2022, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. Young children who are not eligible to be vaccinated based on their age will be exempt from this vaccination requirement, however, they will be asked to provide a negative PCR or Antigen test result taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
2023: All guests traveling with Uniworld in 2023 will be required to follow the entry requirements specified by each country visited along their itinerary—by river, land or rail.
What are the entry requirements for the countries I will visit?
Please note that guests will need to comply with any specific requirements imposed by airlines and/or governments, which may differ from the above and may include proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
All guests should follow the entry guidelines for travel to your destination which can be found on our Travel Requirements page. Your airline may have additional requirements and should be consulted as well.
How can I show you that I have been vaccinated?
Guests on Uniworld cruises or cruise/tours through December 31, 2022, will be asked to present their original COVID-19 vaccination record to show full vaccination, with the final dose administered no less than two weeks prior to embarkation.
As individual cities, countries and onshore venues may also require proof of vaccination at any point during the trip, we highly recommend taking a picture of any paper vaccination record in case of loss of the original and bring any digital records that you may have been issued.
Please note that guests will also need to comply with any specific requirements imposed by airlines and/or governments, which may differ from the vaccine requirements listed above and may include proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. There are several resources available to help find this information, including the official government website for each country and the Travel Requirements section of the Uniworld website.
Will Uniworld be assisting with any mandatory testing required prior to, during or post cruise?
Any testing that is required prior to the start of the Uniworld cruise or cruise/tour will be the responsibility of the guest.
If COVID-19 testing is required by a destination during the cruise or for re-entry to a guest’s home country, our onboard team will help facilitate testing with as little impact as possible to the guest experience.
It is the responsibility of the guest to make sure they understand the specific requirements of the countries they will be visiting prior to their trip. There are several resources available to help find this information, including the official government website for each country as well as the Travel Requirements section of the Uniworld website.
What happens if someone on my cruise gets sick?
If a guest gets sick while traveling with Uniworld, we will need to evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis and follow the advice of local government and health authorities. We will keep our guests informed and facilitate any required isolation or testing, as well as any needed medical assistance. Guests who disembark to isolate will be provided with information regarding local regulations and other resources, and we will maintain contact with them until they depart for their flight home.
We strongly encourage our guests to obtain travel insurance to cover situations like these. Learn about our Travel Protection Plans here.
What happens if my destination still has travel restrictions by the departure date of my cruise?
In the event that this happens, we will reach out to impacted guests in advance of their cruise to assist in changing their travel plans.
In the current environment, travel requirements by country are fluid and can change at any time. It is important for guests to make sure they understand the specific requirements of the countries they are traveling to prior to their trip. There are several resources available to help find this information, including the official government website for each country as well as the Travel Requirements section of the Uniworld website.
In addition to vaccination and/or testing, what extra steps do I need to take prior to traveling?
We ask that guests adopt the physical distancing and hygiene best practices as required by their country/state of origin prior to their trip. For 2022 travel, guests will also be required to complete Uniworld's Travel Declaration prior to embarkation.
Are The Travel Corporation (TTC) and Uniworld financially sound?
Uniworld is a proud member of TTC, a family owned and operated business with over a century of experience. As such, we’ve remained stable and solvent despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic. TTC's incredible legacy, financial strength and integrity mean you can have peace of mind knowing your money is safe. You can read TTC Chief Executive Brett Tollman's letter of reassurance to all guests here.
COVID-19 FAQs: During your cruise Expand all
What health and safety protocols do I need to follow onboard?
Guests will be asked to follow all health instructions—whether noted in physical signage, or requested from our crew. Our expanded COVID-19 protocols for guests include but are not limited to the following*:
- All guests who will travel in 2022 must complete a Travel Declaration prior to embarkation.
- All guests are asked to sanitize their hands when entering public spaces, when coming back onboard the ship each day, and before each meal.
- Any onboard payments are processed using a contactless payment method and credit card machines will be wiped after each PIN entry.
PLEASE NOTE: While we believe these protocols to be the appropriate steps in protecting the well-being of our guests and crew, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 response globally and will update our protocols accordingly and in the best interest of our guests and crew.
*Health and safety features may vary on ships not owned and operated by Uniworld for certain non-European itineraries. Nonetheless, ships not owned and operated by Uniworld do adhere to high standards for sanitation and safety.
Will I need to wear a mask during the cruise?
We encourage all guests to wear a mask while in public areas onboard, especially when distancing cannot be maintained. Local regulations may require the use of masks in all public areas onboard, however masks can be removed when eating or drinking in the lounge and restaurant. While onshore, all guests and crew are subject to local mask guidelines. In some locations a high-rated respirator mask such as FFP2, N95/99, or KN95 may be required. Please pack any personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizers that you require.
Will I need to wear a mask while on the motorcoach (bus)?
We encourage all guests to wear a mask while traveling on motorcoaches. Depending on the location, masks may be required by local regulations.
How will the ship be kept clean and made to ensure it is germ-free?
Housekeeping staff disinfect all public area touch points and hot spots throughout the day, including all handrails and door handles. All staterooms and suites are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis and air-conditioning filters are cleaned and disinfected on each embarkation day before rooming takes place.
Additionally, we have added advanced air filtration systems to our restaurants and lounges.
How will Uniworld look after my health and safety onshore?
In addition to closely vetting all of our onshore partners to make sure they follow our strict standards, we require all buses to be cleaned and wiped with disinfectant before each use. Your personal Vox boxes are also sanitized prior to embarkation and after each excursion.
How will luggage be handled to avoid cross-contamination?
Crew wash their hands frequently when handling guest luggage. Disembarkation luggage is kept separate from embarkation luggage to avoid cross-contamination.
What health and safety protocols will the crew be following onboard?
All crew receives professional health and hygiene training (HACCP) by an external consultant before each ship begins its sailing season, including training on how to look for symptoms. Crew members strictly adhere to social distancing requirements, are required to wear masks at all times and wash and sanitize their hands frequently. Hand sanitizer is readily available and mandated for use in all crew areas.
For the safety of our crew and guests, all crew undergo regular health screenings and temperature checks, and are quarantined immediately if symptoms are present. Crew quarters are sanitized regularly, and all crew meals are served (with no self-service allowed).
Will I be refunded for missed inclusions?
Please be assured that we are a responsible and conscientious cruise line with a reputation for providing incredible experiences for our guests. While some inclusions may be subject to change or closures, wherever possible we will find alternative solutions to ensure our guests’ experience is still a remarkable one.
Personal Responsibility and COVID-19
We have introduced enhanced hygiene protocols—for you, our other guests and our team members. More information can be found at uniworld.com/covid-faq.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Uniworld requires our guests to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 at the time of embarkation. Young children who are not eligible to be vaccinated based on their age will be exempt from this vaccination requirement, however they will be asked to provide a negative PCR or Antigen test result taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
With the situation changing rapidly, guests will also need to comply with any specific requirements imposed by governments, airlines, tour suppliers and venues which may differ from the above. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your cruise/tour due to your failure to comply with these requirements. Should you become ill while traveling with Uniworld you will be responsible for any costs associated with your illness such as medical care, quarantine accommodations, changes to airfare, and other travel expenses. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers these expenses, along with the cost of any missed portions of your trip, as they are your responsibility.
We ask that you please take personal responsibility for your well-being. This begins with packing any personal protective equipment and sanitizers you require.
In choosing to travel with Uniworld, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Full details of hygiene protocols can be found at uniworld.com/covid-faq.
Let’s help keep each other safe and healthy.