Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, two major cruise lines, have tightened their policies on onboard face masks in the wake of Omicron.
The COVID-19 variant has forced the cruise companies to require passengers to wear masks in indoor areas unless they are eating or drinking.
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The updated rule will be re-examined on January 5, 2002.
A Royal Caribbean spokesman told Cruise Critic that it was prudent to temporarily add measures and require masks indoors at all times. The update also applies to venues. Guests booked on these sailings are being reached out and made aware of the change.
Omicron is less deadly than the Delta variant of the virus. It is moving at a faster pace than was thought, and it is moving at a faster pace than the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Christine Da Silva, senior vice president of branding and communication for Norwegian, said in a statement that they have updated their onboard health and safety protocols.
Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have set a precedent that other cruise lines will follow if proper social distance is not achieved.
President Joe Biden will speak to the nation on Tuesday.
Building off his Winter Plan, the President will announce new steps the Administration is taking to help communities in need of assistance, while also issuing a stark warning of what the winter will look like for Americans that choose to remain unvaccinated.
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December 18, 2021.
