Revised COVID-19 Criteria for the Cruise Industry
On February 9, 2022, the cruise industry updated its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters. The CDC revised COVID-19 criteria for the cruise industry, adding how they determine the COVID-19 Travel Health Notice levels.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
Optional Program
Now, cruise ships that operate in U.S. waters may choose to participate in the CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. The program requires cruise lines, such as Disney Cruise Line, to report the vaccination status classification for each ship.
Photo: Disney
The Travel Health Notice levels are Not Highly Vaccinated, Highly Vaccinated, and Vaccination Standard of Excellence. Ships reported as Not Highly Vaccinated have less than 95% passengers and 95% crew fully vaccinated; ships reported as Highly Vaccinated have at least 95% passengers and 95% crew fully vaccinated; finally, ships reported as Vaccination Standard of Excellence have at least 95% passengers and 95% crew with up-to-date vaccines.
Photo: Disney
Ship’s Color Status
The Cruise Ship Color Status webpage includes each cruise line’s status. For example, if your cruise line operator is gray, then the cruise line opted out of the program. Therefore, the CDC did not review or confirm the operator’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
Medical staff tests everyone (regardless of vaccination status) if you travel on a ship with a red status. Testing occurs either mid-voyage or before the end of the cruise. Also, all passengers and crew must wear a mask while inside and in crowded, outdoor locations.
Know Before You Go
Any cruise line that chooses to join the program has until February 18, 2022, to notify the Maritime Unit. Here are some important details to keep in mind regarding the new COVID-19 criteria:
Photo: Disney
- Onboard travelers with COVID-19 symptoms must be isolated and tested immediately, regardless of vaccination status.
- Ships with a Vaccination Standard of Excellence classification must quarantine close contacts at least five full days after their last exposure. Also, they must get a viral test immediately, as well as on day five before ending quarantine. Travelers who remain asymptomatic after five days and have negative results may end quarantine, but they must wear a well-fitting mask for five days while around others.
- Ships without a Vaccination Standard of Excellence classification must quarantine close contacts at least 10 days after their last exposure. In addition, they immediately receive a viral test, as well as on day 10 before ending quarantine. These travelers may end quarantine if they remain asymptomatic after 10 days and both tests are negative.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
A Few Safety Suggestions
Additionally, passengers should:
- Stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Check their cruise ship’s color code and vaccination status classification prior to sailing.
- Get a COVID-19 test within three days of their departure date.
- Get a COVID-19 test three to five days after sailing, regardless of vaccination status.
- Self-quarantine for five days after sailing if COVID-19 vaccinations are not updated.
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
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Article Information: www.fox35orlando.com/
Photo: Disney Cruise Line
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