The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated their guidelines for US domestic travel. The update is long overdue and could be a step in the right direction to resume cruise operations.
Those who are fully vaccinated have the green light to travel domestically in the United States with no restrictions. This could be the sign the cruise industry has been waiting for, and we already know the CDC will be releasing new guidance for cruises as well.
Green light for domestic travel
It is now apparent that the return trip to the US is all about the vaccines. The CDC updated its guidelines on April 2nd for US domestic travel. For some time now, the CDC has only been issuing guidelines for essential travel. That has now changed and anyone who is fully vaccinated is now at low risk.
CDC website update
The CDC says “travelers who are fully vaccinated are less likely to get and spread COVID-19”. It means that no test is now required to travel unless the destination requires it. Vaccinated travelers also no longer have to quarantine themselves.
However, vaccinated people should exercise caution by wearing a mask, socially distancing themselves from 6 feet, and washing their hands frequently.
There is no doubt that the introduction of vaccines across the country has proven to be a great success. This should allow a further relaxation of the travel rules.
Photo Credit: Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com
A step in the right direction for cruises
How could this change the game for the cruise industry? It’s sure to be a step in the right direction, especially for this one Cruise ships planning a full vaccination Guests only.
This could be an indication that cruises may resume operations. However, the industry is still waiting for further guidance from the CDC. Until this guide comes out, it’s all pretty much guesswork.
Also read: CDC issues new guidelines for resuming cruises
With the introduction of the vaccine it will only be a matter of time, but there are some obstacles. Domestic cruises are difficult as cruise lines have to visit an international port, and that is even more difficult as Canada is very closed to cruise lines.
When traveling internationally, everything stays the same for test and quarantine requirements. The Caribbean is ready and waiting for the cruise ships to get approval. For now, the CDC has put the Conditional Sailing Ordinance in place until November 1, 2021 unless the director revokes it.
There were Growing demands for the abolition of order, and the CDC has already responded that new guidelines are on the way. What these are remains unclear. You could be phase 2 of the framework that was Announced at the end of October 2020.
It’s all moving quickly and Cruise Hive will keep readers informed of new updates as to when US cruises can resume
