CDC Softens Warning For Cruise Travel

By: Alana DeRose

Since the pandemic, the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered the warning level from level 4 (very high) to a level 3 (high).

Back in November of 2020 the CDC raised the warning level of cruise travel to a level 4 and has been the same since.

Then, a week ago the CDC has also lowered 61 countries from a level 4 to a level 3 warning.

However, “The CDC noted the warning change is aimed at non-vaccinated passengers, "Lowered from Level 4 to Level 3, and specified the notice is for travelers who are not fully vaccinated.",” according to Royal Caribbean Blog.

The CDC still recommends unvaccinated people not go on cruise ships for the time being.

This is because according to the CDC unvaccinated passengers are at a higher risk when going on a cruise than vaccinated passengers.

"Cruise passengers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are at increased risk, since the virus spreads person-to-person, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships because of their congregate (group) settings where COVID-19 spreads easily."

In agreement with the cruise lines, the CDC recommends that guests get vaccinated before boarding the ship and recommends doing the following:

• Get tested with a COVID-19 viral test 1–3 days before your departure, even if you are fully vaccinated.

• Get travel insurance