Carnival Allowing Kids on Ships in Texas, with Restrictions

Carnival Cruise Line clarified its vaccine policy for cruises out of Galveston, Texas, this summer, saying the line will allow a small number of children onboard via waitlist.

The July cruises will operate with at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated, Carnival said. A limited number of children under 12 will be permitted to embark -- no more than 5% of passengers. 

The cruise line said that guests can apply for those limited spots and that children will be tested for Covid-19. There also will be mask requirements and other restrictions for unvaccinated guests in the 5%.

Carnival confirmed on June 7 that it would return to service from Galveston on July 3 with the Carnival Vista. Carnival originally said it would only sail with fully vaccinated passengers.

The Carnival Vista will sail to Cozumel and Mahogany Bay, Belize.

The Vista will be followed by the Carnival Breeze on July 15. That ship's itinerary has not been confirmed.

The line said that its plans for a July restart from Miami are still being worked out.