In the recent weeks, we have seen several updates provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the resumption of cruising in the United States. Well, today, we receive more updates to the CDC Cruise Guidelines. This updated guidance provides more encouraging news that cruising can really resume in the U.S. this summer with less restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.
More Updates to the CDC Cruise Guidelines
Recent Updates to CDC Cruise Guidelines
If you have been following along, you may be a bit confused with all the recent changes to the CDC cruise guidelines. So, we’ll provide a bit of a recap first.
Back on May 5th, the CDC released its Operations Manual for Simulated and Restricted Voyages. This provided us with the cruise requirements for the return to cruising in 2021 from U.S. homeports. Let’s just say that many were not happy with these protocols, as they again held the cruise industry to higher standards than any other travel sector. These regulations did not align with its new recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals on land either.
Subsequently, the CDC released additional updates over the next two weeks. These updates provided some clarification and eased some previously stated requirements. First, the CDC updated its guidance for face masks. Mainly, this update allowed fully vaccinated passengers to gather outdoors without wearing a mask. However, a mask would still be needed indoors.
This guidance also provided an update for shore excursions, allowing guests to take independent tours or self-explore ports of call.
Then, the CDC issued updates regarding testing of passengers. In brief, fully vaccinated passengers do not need to be tested at embarkation, disembarkation, or between back to back cruises. Further, disembarkation testing is only needed for unvaccinated passengers if the voyage is greater than 4 days in length.
New Updates to CDC Cruise Guidelines
Today, we received even more updates to the CDC cruise guidelines for fully vaccinated passengers and crew when it comes to the use of face masks and physical distancing.
First, fully vaccinated crew do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in crew only areas.
Second, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos; bars; spas; entertainment venues; and dining areas, including self-serve buffets).
Finally, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in ANY areas IF the ship has 95% vaccinated passengers and crew.
Further, the previously stated requirements for physical distancing measures are now only recommendations on fully vaccinated cruises. This includes spacing in areas like dining venues, elevators and stairwells, entertainment venues, casinos, gyms, recreational water facilities, gangways, and more.
So, does this mean that more cruise lines will begin announcing fully vaccinated cruises? Stay tuned as more details emerge.
Comments
What do you think of the new updates to the CDC cruise guidelines today? Do you think cruising will resume in the U.S. this summer with less restrictions? Drop us an anchor below to share if you think U.S. cruises from the major brands will require vaccines.
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