TORONTO — AmaWaterways has updated its travel policy to include a new vaccination requirement for all guests.

Effective immediately, the river cruise line will require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their river cruise. For those who’ve received the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca shots, they must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to their sailing date. Those who’ve received Johnson & Johnson must be fully vaccinated at least 28 days prior to their departure.

AmaWaterways is also recommending all guests take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure, and bring documentation of a negative result with them on their sailing as a precautionary measure.

According to the company, the decision was made following recent changes in certain European countries that now require up to a 10-day quarantine period for unvaccinated travellers upon entry. Many countries have implemented procedures that strongly encourage travellers to be vaccinated and, in some cases, restrict access to certain venues unless they are vaccinated or can provide a negative COVID-19 test result valid for 24 hours.

“AmaWaterways acknowledges that vaccination is an important tool in mitigating the health risks associated with COVID-19 worldwide,” said AmaWaterways President and Co-founder Rudi Schreiner. “In order to support this effort and safeguard the onboard experience, we will now only be allowing vaccinated guests onboard our ships. The vast majority of our guests are already vaccinated and they, along with our travel advisor partners, have expressed support of this new policy as an added layer of protection to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests and crew onboard.”

Guests who may be affected by this new policy change are asked to contact their travel advisor for options.

For more details about the change, click here.