US Issues New Cruise Travel Advise

The US Department of Health and Human Services advises anyone who is at risk of serious disease to avoid cruises, regardless of their immunization status.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an updated recommendation on Friday, just weeks after cruise ships were authorized to return to US ports in a phased return to operation.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The virus that causes Covid-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters aboard ships, and the chance of getting Covid-19 on cruise ships is high. Outbreaks of Covid-19 have been reported on cruise ships.”

Travel on cruise ships, particularly river cruises, should be avoided by people who are not completely vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Cruises should be avoided by anyone with a higher risk of serious illness, regardless of immunization status.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stated: “People who decide to go on a cruise should get tested 1–3 days before their trip and 3–5 days after their trip, regardless of vaccination status.

“Along with testing, passengers who are not fully vaccinated should self-quarantine for 7 days after cruise travel, even if they test negative. If they do not get tested, they should self-quarantine for 10 days after cruise travel,” in accordance with the new edict

The CDC also stated that “based on public health considerations and other factors,” it may change requirements and recommendations on its phased approach to resuming cruise ship operations in the United States.

In the CDC’s list of Covid risk levels, cruises are classified level three or “high.”