It appears that new guidelines will be released by the CDC in the coming days on resuming cruises out of the U.S. The release we expect to see is phase two of the Conditional safe sailing order, which will allow cruise lines to start test cruises from US ports, one of the requirements before sailing with passengers will be allowed
The CDC updated it’s guidelines today that anyone who is fully vaccinated can travel domestically within the U.S. The CDC says that “fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.” It means no test will now be needed to travel unless the destination requires it. Vaccinated travelers also no longer need to self-quarantine. The CDC still encourages wearing a mask, social distancing of 6 ft and washing your hands often. Removing the travel warning within the U.S. could also indicate there will be similar guidelines for cruising.
The Cruise Line International Association has urged the CDC to end its Conditional Sailing Order and reopen cruises this summer. The organization that represents 95% of global cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, urges the CDC to lift the framework on the Conditional Sailing Order and allow cruises from U.S. ports by early July.
The next steps were released just moments ago and likely not what the cruise lines were hoping to hear. The CDC is calling it step 2A of a 4 step plan. Much of the steps involve reporting COVID cases daily to the CDC. Implementing routine testing for all crew. Create plans that the port authorities and local health authorities must approve to ensure cruise lines have the necessary infrastructure in place to manage an outbreak of COVID-19 on ships. This is to include healthcare capacity and housing to isolate infected people and quarantine those who have been exposed. They are also recommending a plan and timeline for vaccinations of the crew and port personnel.
Although the CDC fell short of stating that vaccines would be required, we feel that it is likely that vaccines will be required at least initially for guests to cruise. CLIA is exploring protocols that will include vaccinations once they are widely available. Individual member lines also have their own measures depending on which country. We have shared the information we have so far on our post which cruise lines require a COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC stated the following: “COVID-19 vaccination efforts will be critical in the safe resumption of passengers operations. As more people are fully vaccinated, the phased approach allows CDC to incorporate these advancements into planning for the resumption of cruise ships travel when it is safe to do so. CDC recommends that all eligible port personnel and travelers get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to them.”
More technical guidance for phase 2B, including crew simulated sailings, as well as volunteer sailings will come at a later date. “Cruising safely and responsibly during a global pandemic is difficult,” reads the statement. While cruising will also pose some risk of COVID-19 transmission, following the phases of the conditional sail order will ensure ship passenger operations are conducted in a way that protects crew members, passengers and port personnel, particularly with emerging COVID-19 variants of concern.”
Also Read: When Will Cruises Resume 2021
The CDC also stated they were committed to working with the cruise industry to resume cruising when it safe to do so.
Also Read: How To Use Future Cruise Credits
Let’s keep in mind there are still issues even if the CDC does allowing cruises to resume. For example the Caribbean Islands are ready but how many people will they allow in each port daily? Canada has closed their boarders which means Alaska and New England cruises have already been cancelled for 2021.
We will update this post as more information becomes available.
Wearing Face Masks on a Cruise
