Cruises and Vaccines: How Cruises are Making a Comeback-- CDC Makes Masks Mandatory for Cruises

As countries globally begin their vaccine drives, travel restrictions are slowly being lifted for travel by air-- but that is not the case for cruise ships. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced it will make face masks mandatory on all forms of transportation within the United States, including aboard cruise ships and inside cruise terminals across the country.

While our primary concern is ensuring the safety and well-being of all our travelers, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t itching to get back out on the high seas.

When will the Great Cruise Shutdown end? That’s the question cruise fans in North America have been asking for months as they await the day when they can get back to vacation on the high seas. American Cruises are proposing an early 2021 re-opening. And we should be expecting most brands to be sailing again by this or next year as we can see in this article. 

New guidance from the CDC on rules and regulations for US cruising are right around the corner and may be announced any day now. Nonetheless, we can for sure expect new restrictions to be implemented.
 
 As of Tuesday, February 2 2021, the Indiana-based river line American Queen Steamboat Company and sister brand Victory Cruise Lines became the first North American cruise brands to announce that passengers will need to show proof of being vaccinated for COVID‑19 before stepping on a vessel once cruising resumes. 

Until the vaccine becomes available, the lines will implement a wide range of previously announced anti-COVID-19 health measures that include pre-cruise testing of all passengers and crew for the illness and a mask mandate onboard-- and we can currently expect that these restrictions will not be lifted and replaced by the vaccine.  

But no worries! The health and safety of the cruisers is always in all cruise lines main priority. The lines have expressed that passengers who are unable to receive a full two-shot dose of currently available COVID-19 vaccines in time for an upcoming cruise will be able to rebook at no cost! 

Whether you have to decide on what cruise line will be the most beneficial for you and your family, or you need more insight and planning tips for the new cruise regulations, we’re here to help! Give us a call today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! 

Safe Travels,
Dan.