CDC Makes Changes to COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships

Quietly on Friday, March 18, the CDC made a couple of very positive changes to its COVID-19 program. The changes affect ships that are Highly vaccinated or Vaccination Standard of excellence.

There are a couple of highlights.

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The passenger interactive experiences that were previously under suspension can now be returned to. Events such as galley tours and cooking classes are free to resume.

Limits on ships and capacity at ports are no longer in place. The requirements for physical distance during shore excursions were changed.

If someone is found to be in close contact with a COVID-19 positive guest or crew member, and they are identified within 36 hours prior to disembarkation, they can be placed in their own cabin. All guests were moved to isolation cabins.

The following is what the Cruise Lines International Association had to say.

The updates announced today acknowledge the effectiveness of the cruise lines in their ability to create an environment that provides one of the highest levels of COVID-19 mitigation and reflect the improvements in the public health landscape.

The health warning for cruise ships was lowered by the CDC.

The CDC website has more detailed information.