The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating 68 cruise ships that had COVID19 cases aboard. According to the CDC, the cruise ships met the “investigation threshold” for the number of COVID19 cases.
The agency investigated 32 ships, though these ships remain “under observation”. And currently, CDC is investigating 36 ships. Cruise lines affected by CDC’s investigation include Disney, MSC Cruises, Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity.
A Carnival spokesperson said that the agency was “fully informed and supportive of its protocols and operational plans”. On the other hand, an MSC Cruises spokesperson said that the cruise line accommodated over one million passengers using their COVID19 health protocols. In late November, cruise ships started requiring COVID vaccination.
Cruise Lines International Association spokesperson said in a statement that cruises have fewer COVID19 cases than on “land”. However, a CDC spokesperson said that there is a “high” probability of getting COVID19 while cruising and cruising isn’t a “zero-risk activity”.
With cases on board, some ports denied cruise ships from disembarking. Holland America Line’s Koningsdam was denied to disembark in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Caribbean islands of Bonaire and Aruba, on the other hand, turned away Carnival Freedom. And also, Curacao and Aruba officials turned away Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas after 55 vaccinated individuals tested positive for COVID19. Curacao health officials said that the number of people who tested positive was too high.
Amid the recent surge in COVID19 cases, three major cruise lines also announced stricter masking policies. Passengers on Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean cruise ships will now have to wear masks unless when they are eating, drinking, or in their own rooms. The cruise lines also encouraged passengers to wear masks outdoors in situations with no social distancing.
Royal Caribbean said in a memo that the cruise line “feel it prudent to temporarily tighten our onboard health protocols”.
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