CDC Announces Updated Guidelines for Cruise Ships

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues across the United States, certain levels of normalcy are slowly returning.

However, one industry that’s still significantly impacted by the global health crisis is the cruise industry. Now, the CDC has released a new set of guidelines that will help lead to the return of sailings.

The second phase of the CDC’s Conditional Sail Order for cruise ship operators was released earlier today. Its guidelines were created with safety for crew, port personnel, and passengers as a top priority.

Planning is a major part of this second phase. For example, ship crew and port personnel must determine a plan and timeline for when they will receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, a plan must be created to form agreements between port authorities, local health authorities, and cruise operators regarding health protocol and housing for quarantine purposes at the port.

Also, reports of COVID-19 cases must be shared daily rather than weekly. This includes reports of other illnesses as well. Crews will be tested routinely, depending on the ship’s color-coding in relation to the CDC’s classification system.

The next phase of the Conditional Sailing Order includes simulated voyages where cruises can implement their new safety procedures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Check back with us for more travel news!

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Do you plan to cruise when sailings return? Tell us in the comments!

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