The cruise industry moved a step closer to resuming U.S. operations when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set out requirements for test cruises with volunteer passengers on May 5 to ensure ships can sail without COVID-19 infections to spread.
“With the issuance of these documents, cruise lines now have all the necessary requirements and recommendations to start simulated voyages before they can resume restricted passenger voyages,” said a CDC press release. “In addition, this version includes the application of the COVID-19 certificate for conditional sailing. This is the last step before restricted passenger journeys.”
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The CDC reiterated its commitment to work with the cruise industry to make this possible Cruise the US this summer.
“CDC is committed to working with the cruise industry and seaport partners to resume cruising following the phased approach outlined in the CSO,” the press release said. “This goal is in line with the anticipated resumption of passenger operations in the US by mid-summer expressed by many of the major cruise lines and travelers.”
Cruise lines don’t expect any difficulty in finding volunteers.
For one, Royal Caribbean said tens of thousands of People had already volunteered.
Loyal cruises desperately want to be back at sea after ships have been there paused since March 2020.
Framework for the step-by-step approach to conditional sails ordering (photo via CDC)
Under the CDC Simulated Travel Requirements::
– – Cruise lines are required to provide a written notice to be signed by volunteer passengers stating that they are “participating in health and safety protocols that have not been proven and tested in the US to simulate a cruise trip and that sailing during a pandemic is one.” is inherently risky activity. ”
– – Cruise lines must have written agreements with all US ports and local health authorities specifying how medical care will be handled. This includes evacuation and medical transportation to hospitals and shelters at shore facilities for isolation and quarantine if required.
– – The cruise line must ensure that all volunteer passengers – who must be at least 18 years old – have either proof of full vaccination or written records from a health care provider or a self-certified statement that the volunteer does not have any medical conditions that pose a high risk to them would for severe COVID-19.
– – The cruise line must meet standards for hand hygiene, use of face masks and social distancing for passengers and crew, and ship hygiene. Ships need to modify the food and entertainment location to allow social distancing during the simulated voyage.
– – Simulated trips must be between two and seven days of at least one night’s stay, although a minimum of three days of two night’s travel is recommended.
– – Self-guided or independent exploration by passengers during port calls is prohibited. Shore excursions may only include passengers and crew members on the same ship. Cruise lines must ensure that all shore excursion companies adhere to social distancing, mask wear, and other COVID-19 public health measures during the tour.
– – Examination of all passengers on the day of embarkation and disembarkation with results on the same day.
As of April 12, 2021, the CDC and officers from other federal agencies have held meetings with representatives of cruise lines twice a week. The aim was to provide information on the effects of vaccines and other scientific developments since The conditional sail order was issued on October 31st. Participants also had the opportunity to ask operational questions about the technical instructions.
The CDC recommends that all port workers, passengers and crew members receive a COVID-19 vaccine if it is available to them.
“CDC acknowledges that it is not possible for cruises to be a risk-free activity for the spread of COVID-19,” the press release said. “While cruises always pose some risk of transmission of COVID-19, CDC is committed to ensuring that cruise ship passenger operations are carried out in such a way that crew members, passengers and port personnel are protected, especially in the event of newly emerging COVID-19 variants. ”
