On November 4th, 2020, the CDC announced important updates on cruising during Covid-19 including a framework for the phased resumption of cruise ship passenger operations. In this framework, the CDC has announced the requirements for the initial phase, which includes testing the crew members for Covid-19. The order applies to all cruise ship operators who operate in US waters or expect to return to operating in US waters while the framework requirements are in effect.
In addition to crew testing the CDC has outlined the following requirements in its framework:
- Shoreside COVID-19 laboratory screening testing of all crew currently onboard cruise ships;
- onboard diagnostic testing capabilities for symptomatic travelers (crew and future passengers);
- shoreside COVID-19 laboratory screening testing of all newly embarking crew;
- continued compliance with complete, accurate, and acknowledged, No Sail Order Response Plans.
The question of whether or not it is safe to cruise will receive various answer I’m sure. While that is left to a personal decision to sail again or not, we can at least be certain that for those who do decide to sail soon, that they will be safer with these measures in place than without. At this time, the cruise industry has engaged its own voluntarily suspensions of operations until the end of the year.
So, what do you think, do you have plans to cruise anytime soon? Comment below and let us know!