When Cruise ships begin to sail In and around the United States, passengers must wear a mask for much of their time on board to aid in the fight against COVID-19.

The new mandatory mask mandate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) applies to all forms of public transport, including “airplanes, trains, road vehicles, ships or other means of transport”.

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The ordinance went into effect on February 1, but there are exceptions for children under two and passengers with a disability who prevent the wearing of a mask under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Passengers do not need to wear a mask when eating, drinking or taking medication.

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While the CDC’s new mandate for face covering is in line with industry practices already in place as part of the cruise line’s return to sailing effort, guests who refuse to wear masks are breaking federal law, which is a completely different set of Punishments.

When asked about the mask mandate and its possible impact on the industry, Scott Lara von replied TheCruiseGenius.com shared his thoughts.

“I worry that many past cruise enthusiasts will not like the mask mandate. Can you imagine walking around the Lido deck wearing a mask? “Said Lara. “I have been to all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic for the past 12 months. While wearing a mask is recommended, you will not be penalized for not wearing a mask. I expect a lot of cruisers will visit all inclusive resorts. “

There are still questions about how many of the existing protocols developed by groups like the Healthy Sail Panel will remain or be adapted to current orders. However, some cruise lines have already taken the next step by requiring COVID-19 vaccinations.

On Tuesday, sister companies American Queen Steamboat Co. (AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines (VCL) became the first U.S. cruise lines to require proof COVID-19 vaccinations from all passengers and crew members.

The first to announce a vaccine requirement for passengers was a British line, Saga, which requires proof Two-dose vaccine at least 14 days before boarding the ship, valid from May 4th.

Norwegian Cruise Line is also considering one Vaccine Mandate for guests, but would require it for crew members.

Not everyone is excited about cruise lines considering mandatory vaccines.

“Cruise lines that require COVID-19 vaccines will put pressure on the industry. A lot of Americans are against Vax and will refuse to take the vaccine, ”Lara continued. “I am very concerned that the CDC is biased against the cruise industry and will never agree that we can continue cruising without strict restrictions.”

Karen Rutter from Expedia cruises also believes the vaccine requirement is unnecessary.

“I don’t think there should be a need for vaccines. There are too many different scenarios such as religious, personal, health reasons, etc., ”said Rutter. “It is too early to give this mandate as we do not know whether it will be effective against various stresses.”

“I’m not sure how this would affect cruising since cruising is a worldwide travel mode,” Rutter continued. “It seems most Americans are taking the vaccine, but I don’t know of any statistics for other countries that choose to cruise.”