CDC advises travellers against cruise ships

Like many other viruses, Covid-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships and boats. Older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, are at increased risk of severe illness if infected with the novel coronavirus. As such, the CDC issued a statement on 21 October advising against travel on cruise ships.

“CDC recommends that all people defer travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide. That’s because the risk of Covid-19 on cruise ships is high. People with an increased risk of serious illness should especially defer travel on cruise ships, including river cruises. CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for cruise ship travel,” the CDC wrote. “Passengers who return from a cruise ship or river cruise voyage are advised to take extra precautions to protect others for 14 days after arrival.”

No Sail Order to end on 31 October

In March, the CDC issued a No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation for cruise ships operating in US waters; the No Sail Order was extended on 30 September to last until 31 October.

While so far, the No Sail Order has not been extended further, travellers might still feel unsafe on cruises. This is another blow to the cruise industry, which has been struggling since the pandemic started.