The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority. We have worked with our 36 regional offices and more than 2,500 regional associates and Program Directors around the world, listened to government guidance, and reviewed feedback from our travelers to create the following health and safety guidelines for all our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep this page updated with our latest information.

During your trip

• Face masks: The use of face masks is not required, unless dictated by local regulations. Face masks will not be provided; however, travelers are welcome to use them and can bring their own from home, if preferred.


• Whispers Headsets: Headsets are provided for all included features and activities. They are thoroughly sanitized before the trip begins.


• Local transportation & coaches: The use of face masks is not required aboard local transportation or coaches, unless dictated by local regulations. All coaches will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized with disinfectant before each use.


• Program Directors: Program Directors will be trained on health and safety protocols to follow during the trip.

Aboard our privately-owned river ships

• The use of face masks is not required aboard the ship, unless dictated by local regulations.


• All crew members are trained on best health and hygiene practices from ECOLAB and the European Union’s SHIPSAN ACT to prevent the spread of illness onboard the ship.


• Sanitization is conducted every night utilizing an electrostatic disinfection spraying machine for a more complete cleaning in public areas—including the dining room, public restrooms, lounge, bar, lobby, elevator, and all crew areas.

Testing positive while on your trip

Aboard our privately-owned ships

• If the country you are visiting requires it, you and your roommate must isolate in your cabin for the number of days as stipulated by the local government. Afterwards, you and your roommate can rejoin the group after taking a Covid antigen test. If the test is positive, you must wear a mask at all times onboard the ship and will continue eating meals in your cabin. If the test is negative, you do not need to wear a mask.


• If the country you are visiting does not require isolation after testing positive, you and your roommate must wear a mask at all times for 5 days. If after 5 days you and your roommate test negative, you do not need to wear a mask. If the test is positive however, you must continue to mask for an additional 5 days.

On Land Tours

• If the country you are visiting requires it, you and your roommate must isolate in your hotel room for the number of days as stipulated by the local government. You will be supported by a Grand Circle representative through the quarantine period. Afterwards, you and your roommate can rejoin the group after taking a Covid antigen test. If the test is positive, you must wear a mask at all times, and eat meals separate from the rest of the group. If the test is negative, you do not need to wear a mask.


• If the country you are visiting does not require isolation after testing positive, you and your roommate must wear a mask at all times for 5 days. If after 5 days you and your roommate test negative, you do not need to wear a mask. If the test is positive however, you must continue to mask for an additional 5 days.

We will do all we can to ensure our travelers’ safety and health while on our trips, but we need your help. We expect travelers to follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness as well—from washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and following social distancing guidelines. By working together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.