We no longer have to question cruising and COVID. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted its Risk Advisory for Cruise Travel. Coronavirus is still on cruises, but it is now seen as a lower risk for healthy travelers due to vaccinations and testing. It is important to note that Cruise lines still require passengers to be vaccinated and test negative before boarding. In mid-March, we reported that the CDC had lowered the cruise travel warning from Level 3 “High” to Level 2 “Moderate,” which was the second significant change so far this year. This is excellent news for cruisers and the cruise industry that the advisory is gone altogether!
The CDC has issued notices about health threats worldwide. Since the Coronavirus started, they ranked Destinations based on health threats between Levels 1 and 4 based on the number of new cases. The CDC included Cruise travel and cruise ships as part of their health threat ranking system in March of 2020. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement, “travelers will make their own risk assessment when choosing to travel on a cruise ship, much like they do in all other travel settings.”
The CDC also recommends cruisers get a COVID-19 test before their cruise, which is still required by the major cruise lines.
The agency maintains its color-coded classification system, which indicates the number of COVID-19 cases reported onboard cruise ships and whether an investigation is needed. Instead of recommending travelers avoid cruise ships, the CDC now recommends cruisers stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and that immunocompromised individuals speak with their healthcare providers before booking.
The removal of the warning is a very positive step for the cruise industry. The CDC and the cruise lines have learned to work collaboratively and respect each other’s concerns, building trust. When questioning COVID-19 on any cruise ship, just go to the CDC’s website and get the facts without being scared away. The CDC’s removal of its health notice related to cruise travel is an important step forward in recognizing the work that has been done to protect cruise ship guests. Most lines will continue to create a safe and healthy environment, helping to ensure cruising is among the safest forms of socializing and travel.
Travelers should make sure they are up to date with vaccination before their ship travels and to still avoid cruise travel if they are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC’s Conditional Sail Order, where cruise ships operating in the U.S. have continued to voluntarily participate in the program, tracks COVID-19 levels onboard. One hundred eight of the twelve cruise ships operating under the CSO are considered “highly vaccinated ships.” This means they are sailing with at least 95% of fully vaccinated travelers.
Cruise Travelers are still advised to check the cruise ship’s color code and vaccination status classification online before they travel. In addition, the CDC dashboard tracks the current Covid-19 cases reported for each ship in the program, whether a ship has opted out, and other Covid-related information.
Now is the perfect time to plan your next Cruise Vacation. Check out the last-minute cruise deals that we have! Set up a Cruise Price Tracker and get Free Cruise Price Alerts on the cruises you are interested in. So many Cruise Lines are offering Deals for cruises in 2022. Companies such as Royal Caribbean is offering 30% off every guest on ships such as their newest ship, the Wonder of the Seas or the Oasis of the Seas, or Symphony of the Seas. Disney Cruises aboard the Disney Dream, where you can Save Up to 35% on Select Sailings. The newest Cruise Line Virgin Cruises, is offering 20% Savings Off select Cruise Fares aboard the Valiant Lady as well as the Scarlet Lady. If you are just looking for a more relaxed cruise with smaller crowds, consider a cruise on a Riverboat or Paddlewheeler from American cruise lines.
