The requirement will be dropped on European sailings from Sunday (24 July) and Wednesday (27 July) for cruises from the US.

Vaccine requirements for guests will remain in place – although the line confirmed it was “evaluating” the policy and would issue an announcement “in the near future”.

For US sailings, Virgin Voyages added that passenger vaccination requirements would now be lowered to 90% of guests, allowing unvaccinated customers to sail if thresholds are met. 

The line’s decision on testing echoes other cruise brands, including NCL parent Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Azamara, in axing the requirement for mandatory guest testing.

Virgin Voyages’ decision also follows a move by The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this week to end its programme for reporting Covid-19 cases on cruise ships.

The line said it would “continue to work closely” with the CDC and collaborate with the industry to implement appropriate health measures. 

“Along with the rest of the cruise industry, the brand welcomes the update and autonomy that has been afforded the rest of the travel sector over the past several years. The news comes as the cruise industry continues to regain post-pandemic momentum,” Virgin Voyages added.