Relaxation of Celestyal’s proof of valid vaccination and/or recovery certificate rules follows a missive from the Greek National Committee of Public Health. Celestyal, though, said it would still require guests to test ahead of their cruise until early March 2023 "for peace of mind".

Guests can prove their Covid status via a negative antigen test for Covid-19 taken up to 48 hours prior to embarkation, or a negative PCR test for Covid-19 taken up to 72 hours prior to embarkation.

Celestyal will drop all of its pre-embarkation Covid requirements – testing, proof of vaccination and proof of recovery – for all sailings departing on or after 2 March 2023, unless required by local regulations.

All Celestyal crew will continue to be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and the line will continue to encourage all guests aged 12 and above to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust to the evolving global situation,” said Celestyal chief commercial officer Leslie Peden.

"Our crew will continue to maintain our stringent hygiene protocols based on the most up-to-date guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, Clia and Greek health authorities."