CDC Ends COVID-19 Cruise Program
Article Updated July 21, 2022. Effective July 18, 2022, the CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect. This change went into effect as the organization posted an update to the Cruise Ship Travel During COVID-19 section of its website. The update pertains to cruise ships departing the United States.
The CDC provided the following statement in response to the removal of the guidance, which was shared by Cruise Week:
Over the past two years, CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew.
CDC has determined that the cruise industry has access to the necessary tools (e.g., cruise-specific recommendations and guidance, vaccinations, testing instruments, treatment modalities, and non-pharmaceutical interventions) to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 on board.
Therefore, CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect as of today.
Going forward, CDC will continue to publish cruise-specific guidance so cruise ships can continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities. Individual cruise lines will determine their own specific COVID-19-related requirements for cruise travel, as well as safety measures and protocols for passengers traveling on board based on CDC recommendations for reducing the risk of COVID-19.
Cruise travelers should contact their cruise line directly for more information regarding the protocols and procedures for COVID-19 safety, which may vary among cruise lines.
While cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers can make their own risk assessment when choosing to cruise, much like they do in other settings. CDC continues to recommend that cruise travelers remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get tested for COVID-19 before and after they travel, and after any known exposure to a person with COVID-19. CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.
CLIA shared the following response of the CDC decision:
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member cruise lines welcome the decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to end the CDC COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters in favor of a set of guidelines for public health operations on cruise ships.
We look forward to reviewing the details, which we understand will be posted on the CDC website in the coming days. This is an important step forward in the CDC aligning the guidelines for cruise with those it has established for other travel, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.
The sunsetting of the CDC Program effective 18 July 2022 is a testament to the effectiveness of the industry’s comprehensive and robust protocols.
How Does This Change Current Cruise Protocols?
Azamara Cruises for sailings departing July 25, 2022, or later pre-cruise COVID testing will no longer be required to board except in countries where it is required. To check an upcoming sailing for requirements, click here.
Carnival Cruise Line responded to the CDC decision with the following statement, "Carnival has worked closely with public health officials to operate with a set of robust protocols to maintain public health and public confidence and we welcome the CDC’s decision to end its current program in favor of a set of guidelines for public health operations on cruise ships. We will review the newest guidelines when they are posted in the coming days but there are no immediate changes to the current COVID-19 protocols for Carnival Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean Group (parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea) shared the following, "On July 18, the U.S. CDC announced that the COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect. Going forward, the CDC will continue to publish guidance for the cruise industry. We are waiting for these revised recommendations, which we expect in the coming days. Upon review, we will adjust our current protocols and provide guidance to our guests. For now, our current protocols remain in effect for cruises departing U.S. homeports."
Virgin Voyages, in response to the discontinuation of the CDC’s Voluntary Program for the Cruise Industry, are updating its policies. Key changes to know now:
- Removing the requirement for a COVID-19 test to board as of July 24, 2022 (for Valiant Lady) and July 27, 2022 (for Scarlet Lady).
- Still require the majority (90%) of Sailors to be vaccinated but will be opening up voyages for a limited number (10%) of unvaccinated Sailors. Please call Sailor Services to check availability.
- All Crew will still be fully vaccinated.
At this time, no other major cruise line has made any announcements regarding changes to the current health and safety protocols. However, we anticipate lines to respond or release statements regarding this update shortly.
If you are currently booked on an upcoming cruise (or are in the process of booking a cruise), we recommend reaching out to the cruise line or travel advisor regarding any protocol questions.
Latest Update: July 21, 2022. This is a breaking news story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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