CDC Ceases Reporting COVID Case Numbers on Cruise Ships

This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) concluded a program that closely tracked COVID-19 cases on cruise vessels and shared the findings online.

For months, the CDC provided a color-coded chart that detailed COVID cases for each ship and highlighted outbreaks requiring investigation. However, the landing page for that chart now indicates the program has concluded as of July 18.

The agency has also released new, less stringent cruise ship guidelines, placing the responsibility on each cruise line to establish health and safety protocols for passengers and crew.

So, what does the CDC's updated cruising policy imply for travelers? Prospective passengers will need to carefully review the guidelines from each cruise line to understand the specific requirements regarding pre-cruise testing, vaccination mandates, mask usage, and other health measures.

The changing pandemic guidelines for cruising

At the onset of the pandemic, the CDC imposed a total ban on U.S. cruises due to health and safety concerns, a restriction that remained in place from March 2020 until June 2021. The return of cruising last summer came with a host of requirements concerning passenger and crew vaccinations, testing, mask-wearing, and protocols for managing quarantine if anyone onboard fell ill. These mandates were later downgraded from “requirements” to “strong recommendations” by the agency.

This week, as the CDC further eases restrictions, officials express confidence that the cruise lines' own safety programs are now adequate.

“Over the past two years, the CDC has collaborated closely with the cruise industry, as well as state, territorial, local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to create a safer environment for passengers and crew,” the agency stated in a message to Dinogo. “CDC believes that the cruise industry now has access to the necessary resources (e.g., specific recommendations and guidelines, vaccinations, testing tools, treatment options, and non-pharmaceutical interventions) to effectively prevent and manage COVID-19 onboard.”

Multiple cruise lines reached out to Dinogo, stating they were still assessing the latest CDC guidelines and determining their response.

“Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, and this will guide our decisions as we move forward,” stated a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean.

Michelle Fee, CEO of the home-based travel advisors’ network Cruise Planners, remarked that this change “was long overdue.” She expressed optimism, stating that this recent update from the CDC “gives us great hope that the future of cruising looks promising and will be back on track sooner rather than later.”

How cruise lines are revising their regulations

Following the CDC’s decision in June to eliminate the COVID-19 testing requirement for incoming international air travelers, several cruise lines have also dropped their pre-cruise testing rules for itineraries in locations where local authorities do not mandate it. Lines such as Viking, Virgin Voyages, and the smaller ship line Azamara are among those making this change.

“Relaxing our testing policy is a positive move toward restoring normalcy for the travel and cruising industry,” says Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara. “Cruising remains one of the safest travel options, and our current health and safety protocols onboard will provide peace of mind for both our guests and crew as we advance.” Azamara still requires proof of vaccination to embark.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which owns Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will eliminate its pre-cruise testing requirement for most voyages starting August 1.

Currently, the majority of cruise lines still mandate vaccinations for guests aged 12 and older, with some requiring all passengers to be vaccinated. Disney Cruise Line is one of the few companies that mandates vaccinations for all travelers aged 5 and up.

It is improbable that cruise lines will completely remove vaccine requirements in the near future, as the CDC continues to recommend vaccinations for cruise passengers. However, some lines may expand the number of unvaccinated guests they allow onboard.

Regarding the latest CDC recommendations for cruising, the agency reiterates its advice for passengers to stay vaccinated.

“While cruising carries some risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers can assess their own risk when deciding to cruise, similar to other environments,” states the agency. “CDC continues to advise cruise travelers to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and to get tested for COVID-19 before and after travel, as well as following any known exposure to someone with COVID-19.”

The CDC also advises wearing masks “in indoor travel environments.”