The world is huge

Don't miss any of it

Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

X
Aerial view of a cruise ship at sunset
Biletskiy Evgeniy | Adobe Stock

Avoid Cruises Regardless of Vaccination Status, Warns CDC

As the new Omicron variant surges across the globe, cruises have become virus hotspots, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently investigating outbreaks on more than 90 ships. (The CDC gets involved when more than 0.10 percent of passengers on a ship test positive for COVID-19.)

With this new increase in COVID cases, the CDC announced on December 30 that it was raising the warning level for cruises to Level 4, the agency’s highest level. 

“Avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status,” the CDC warned. “If you travel on a cruise ship, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel and get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if you are eligible.”

Why Is the CDC Advising Against Cruising?

The nature of cruising (large crowds, confined spaces) allows viruses to spread quickly, and the CDC points out that “Even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.” The agency’s advisory warns, “The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters onboard ships, and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you are fully vaccinated and have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.”

What Should I Do If I’m Going to Cruise Regardless of the Cdc’s Recommendation?

If you are still planning on taking a cruise, the CDC recommends travelers take the following precautions against COVID:

  • Make sure you are fully vaccinated (including a booster shot if you’re eligible) before traveling
  • All travelers should get tested 1-3 days before your trip and 3-5 days after you return home (regardless of vaccination status or symptoms)
  • Unvaccinated travelers should self-quarantine for five days after cruise travel
  • Self-monitor for COVID symptoms for 14 days after travel
  • Wear a mask and keep six feet of space from other passengers in shared spaces during the cruise
  • Wash your hands frequently aboard the cruise
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

You Might Also Like:

New Data Shows Travelers Are In For An Expensive Summer
The Ultimate Europe Summer Packing List
The Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
Airlines May Soon Have to Pay Passengers for Delayed or Canceled Flights
5 Comfortable and Packable Dress Shoes You Can Actually Walk In

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From