MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its mandatory vaccination policy for guests and crew by another two months.

Originally set to expire on Oct. 31, 2021, the policy has now been extended for all sailings through Dec. 31, 2021. According to the cruise line, the decision was made under the guidance of globally recognized public health experts and to prioritize the health and safety of all those onboard, as well as the communities it visits.

Passengers on ships embarking or disembarking at U.S. ports must be vaccinated with FDA and/or World Health Organization (WHO) authorized single-brand vaccinations. Those who are not old enough to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings.

“However, we eagerly await an expansion of the age criteria for vaccinations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so we can once again welcome these guests back onboard,” said NCL in an official statement.

“We will continue to evaluate and modify our health and safety protocols with our team of scientific and public health experts as science and technology evolve,” added the company. “We thank our guests for their understanding and support as we address the challenges posed by COVID-19 to deliver a safe vacation experience.”

Earlier this month, NCL won a preliminary court injunction that allows it to now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from guests prior to boarding its ships in Florida, despite Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial ‘vaccine passport ban’ that was passed in May. The injunction came just in time, with the Norwegian Gem sailing out of Miami a week later, on Aug. 15, the first time NCL has sailed out of the cruise hub since the start of the pandemic.

For the latest updates on NCL’s health and safety protocols go to www.ncl.com/sail-safe.