Just a week ago, the CDC released its latest requirements for the resumption of cruising here in the United States. These requirements included the technical instructions for Simulated Voyages and an Operations Manual for Simulated Voyages and Restricted Passenger Voyages. With these new requirements, it made us question why cruising was still being treated unfairly. Well, in a more positive update, the CDC relaxes some cruise guidelines today.

These new modifications now align more with the CDC’s recommendations for vaccinated individuals. Specifically, these updates pertain to mask use and shore excursions.

This announcement comes on the heels of another positive cruise news update from Royal Caribbean. The cruise line indicated earlier today that it will not require face masks on Perfect Day at CocoCay during the summer Adventure of the Seas’ cruises.

Mask Use

The CDC has provided some updated cruise guidelines for fully vaccinated travelers in regards to mask use.

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.

For indoor settings, it still remains in effect that “removal of the mask for extended meal service or beverage consumption would constitute a violation of this Order”.

Related Post: All the Cruise Ships That Are Sailing Right Now

Shore Excursions

The CDC has also provided some updated guidance for fully vaccinated travelers in regards to shore excursions.

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors.

Of course, foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements that would supersede this updated guidance.

However, cruise ship operators are still “recommended” to prohibit self-guided or independent exploration by those who are not vaccinated.

As a further recommendation, cruise ship operators should offer supervised shore excursions for passengers and crew who are not fully vaccinated.

Per the CDC, cruise lines should also limit shore excursions in foreign ports of call to countries listed as Level 1: COVID-19 Low in CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination.

Comments

What do you think of the news that the CDC relaxes some cruise guidelines? Does this mean that the cruise lines have finally been heard? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise restart update.

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