U.S. CDC Issues High-Level Cruise Ship Concerns

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on February 9, 2022, an updated notice clarifying the modifications of CDC's COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters program.

And added criteria for how the CDC determines the cruise ship COVID-19 Travel Health Notice (THN) level. 

The THN for cruise ship travel represents the status of the COVID-19 pandemic at this time.

Furthermore, the CDC's re-issued Level 4 Travel Advisory says 'avoid cruise travel at this time.'

'Since identifying the SARS-CoV-2 virus variant known as Omicron, there has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among cruise passengers and crew reported to CDC.'

'Additionally, there has been an increased number of cruise ships meeting the COVID-19 case threshold for CDC investigation.'

'It is essential that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.'

'For travelers booking cruise travel now, be aware that the level may change as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and may be different by the time of your cruise.'

The CDC's updated Cruise Ship Status Dashboard is found on this webpage.

Additional cruise industry breaking news is published at Vax-Before-Travel/cruise.

Note: The CDC's Temporary Extension & Modification of Framework for Conditional Sailing Order expired on January 15, 2022.