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Updated May 5, 2021
CDC Issues Phases 2B and 3 of the Conditional Sailing Order (Read CDC release including Technical Instructions for phases)
CDC Committed to Cruise Resumption in Summertime
In today's trade briefing with Celebrity Cruises, we were told about the latest update from the CDC regarding the resumption of cruises out of the United States. The news is very promising.
In a letter to the cruise industry, CDC on Wednesday covered five parts of the phased approach to the safe resumption of cruises out of the U.S.
Test Cruises
The phased Conditional Sail Order (CSO) had provisions for "test cruises" before a cruise line could begin revenue sailings. The cruise line would submit plans and results of their test cruises and the CDC would respond in 30/60 days. They have reduced the requirement to a 5 day response and furthermore removed the need for test cruises if the following vaccination policy is in place.
Vaccinations
While the CDC can't mandate vaccinations, they are highly recommended and the cruise lines plan to implement the requirement in order to speed up the process of resumption of cruising. The requirements shown in the chart above are for 98% of the crew to be vaccinated and 95% of the guests. In Celebrity Cruises case, the crew will be 100% vaccinated and they will be requiring guests 18 or over be vaccinated, so they will be able to meet the 95% requirement.
Crew Travel
There is a color code in the CSO which comes into play for crew embarking on a vessel. We won't go into details here since this is internal to cruise line operations and not of concern to passengers. The new rules makes it easier for cruise line operations.
Port Support
The CSO calls for the cruise lines to have contingency plans in place in the event there is an outbreak of cases onboard a ship, which is highly unlikely. The update from the CDC allows nearby ports to work together to provide the necessary capacities that are required.
Returning Home
Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company for Celebrity Cruises, has already have 150,000 passengers sail successfully this year. There were a total of 7 cases of COVID-19 among all those passengers. There was no disruption, unlike the problems that happened in the early days of the pandemic before much was known about the disease.
What happens if a passenger tests positive for COVID-19 and must leave the ship? How do they return home?
If they are local to the port, they can simply drive home. If they need to fly home, the airline has rules which require quarantine. They will be quarantined in a local hotel and then allowed to fly home after that period expires. Your airline or travel professional can help you understand this requirement.
What Will Cruise Experience be Like
Celebrity Cruises (and others) are striving to make the cruise experience as good or better than pre-COVID-19. The crew are very anxious to get back to work, and will go out of their way to make your voyage a great experience. Here are just a few ways that this will occur:
- The ships will be operating at 50-60% capacity, while the crew is at 100%, meaning more crew to assist you
- Additional show performances will be added to allow for social distancing, meaning less crowds
- You'll still be able to enjoy a buffet meal, but the crew will serve you instead of you picking out the food yourself, meaning you won't have someone's grubby hands in your food
- Shore excursions may be limited to those offered by the cruise line (depending on the requirements imposed by the ports visited - this is still a work in progres)
- You'll still be able to relax in the spa and enjoy other ship amenities
- In accordance with CDC guidance, other safety measures, including COVID testing, mask use and social distancing will remain important on ships, regardless of whether passengers are vaccinated
- Any COVID-19 testing required onboard (embarkation / disembarkation) will be handled by the cruise line (rules may vary based on destination and cruise line - consult your travel professional).
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We are also committed to a safe resumption of travel, not just cruising. We participate in weekly update calls with all our travel partners so that we can bring you the very latest information to help you plan you return to travel. Please see our Travel Safety Program.
We will be conducting virtual information sessions. If you'd like to be on our mailing list please contact us.
I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.
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