Passengers on most cruise ships in US territories will soon be able to ditch the face masks and once again feel the salt air and ocean breezes on their cheeks.

Cruise majors Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will lift their mask mandates for US waters in coming weeks.

Arnold Donald-led Carnival said US-based brands Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn will not require passengers to wear masks as of 1 March.