How Are Cruise Lines Dealing With Covid?

Cruise lines are now requiring passengers to show proof of a COVID-19 test taken within two days of boarding a vessel. Major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess, have dropped their vaccine requirements for most cruises, with a few exceptions. The cruise industry is once again at sea due to the Omicron coronavirus variant, with some ships experiencing outbreaks and disruptions. Experts suggest it’s best to avoid cruise ships for now, as they have a reputation for being infectious disease petri dishes.

The CDC revised its guidance Thursday, as 91 cruise ships are under investigation for COVID outbreaks onboard. Most cruise lines require adult passengers, and some cruise lines have detected infections among vaccinated crew members and passengers, including in an elderly traveler who recently died. The loss of revenue within the travel, tourism, and cruise line industry has been one of the biggest consequences of the pandemic.

Cruise ships have become the perfect petri dish for the virus to thrive and spread quickly. Governments and ports have prevented many cruise ships from docking and advised people to avoid traveling on cruise ships. Many cruise lines have waived room service and movie charges once you enter Covid isolation, allowing you to order as much food and watch as many movies as you want. Under the CDC guidance, cruise lines are supposed to educate both crew and passengers to identify and report COVID-19 symptoms.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the void of international law framework in coping with disease outbreaks on cruise ships.