CDC Shares Next Phase of Requirements for Cruise Lines

The CDC has consistently been churning out new guidelines in response to the global health crisis.

Will Disney set sail again this year?

Earlier today, the CDC announced that those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can travel. However, the return of cruises is still unclear — just last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatened to file a lawsuit against the CDC if cruises are not permitted to return by this summer. Now an update from the CDC lays the foundation for the return of cruise ships again.

The CDC has released another phase of its Framework for Conditional Sailing Order. The cruise industry has been seriously impacted by the pandemic, and now the second phase in the CDC’s order is taking steps toward the eventual return of cruises.

Disney Dream

The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that the health of crew, travelers, and port personnel is protected before returning to standard passenger operations. The second phase of the Conditional Sailing Order focuses on implementing safety protocols that will mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Disney Magic

Any cases of COVID-19 must be reported daily, as opposed to weekly. Ships’ crews will also be routinely tested, and a plan for their vaccination is to be determined before passenger operations resume. The testing of the crew is determined by the ship’s “color status,” in relation to COVID-19.

Beach-goers

As cruises prepare for “simulated voyages,” they must coordinate with the ports they plan to operate with, creating agreements between the cruise ship operators, port authorities, and local health authorities. These agreements include multiple components — port operations (which includes vaccination plans), a medical care plan, and a housing plan. These must be in line with the CDC’s designated guidelines.