Carnival says it will continue to operate – and expand – its current COVID-19 protocols, including sailing vaccinated voyages, requiring pre-embarkation testing, and following onboard indoor mask requirements “until further notice.”

At the same time, the cruise line said it is now the largest cruise line to use the VeriFLY solution for its operations from US homeports, with a pilot program having started Saturday for guests boarding Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Florida. The VeriFLY system is widely used in the airline industry and will allow Carnival guests to upload their proof of vaccination and testing information so that it can be verified in advance of the sailing – resulting in a streamlined embarkation experience at the terminal.

Once the pilot at Port Canaveral is complete, Carnival says it intends to move quickly to implement the solution across its fleet.

Carnival also reports that it is also finalizing plans to expand in-terminal testing capabilities for vaccinated guests prior to embarkation, specifically for short itineraries of three- and four-day voyages.

Carnival is also working to expand testing capabilities at the terminal for vaccinated guests, specifically for short itineraries (3- and 4-day voyages). Once implemented, vaccinated guests will be able to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement as part of the embarkation process. Pre-registration will be required, and there will be capacity limits based on the resources of testing providers.

Testing sites to support short itinerary cruises will be phased in and announced by the end of January. The cruise line says it will also release more details on its “Have Fun. Be Safe.” operating protocols to travel agents and guests soon.