Carnival updated its COVID health and safety protocols for its cruise ships.

Because of the recent spread of the omicron variant, all cruise passengers two years old or older must wear a face mask while indoors, excluding their own rooms. Carnival's new policy also says guests will be required to wear a face mask "when outdoors if in large gatherings and physical distancing cannot be maintained." This will also be required on elevators and inside shops, casinos and other indoor entertainment venues starting in February. Passengers enjoying food or a drink may remove their masks while doing so, but must cover their face in between sips if at the casino.

Passengers will also be asked to wear a mask while getting on or off the ship and on any excursions. Cruises going longer than 10 days "may have additional mask wearing requirements."

Vaccinated guests will not be required to socially distance but are still encouraged to do so whenever possible. Vaccinated guests will still need to be tested within 48 hours of the sailing date.

Unvaccinated passengers may still embark on a Carnival cruise out of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama if they can provide proof of a conflicting health condition from their medical provider. 

These policies will remain in effect through March and could stay in place depending on the state of COVID cases then.