Senator Wants CDC to Pause Cruise Industry’s Operations As Nearly 90 Ships Had COVID Outbreaks

A few months since the cruise lines started their operations again, a lawmaker wants the industry to stop its operations again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost  90 cruise ships experienced COVID outbreaks. The agency investigated or is currently investigating 77% of the 111 ships operating in US waters.

CDC says that it investigates ships that meet a certain threshold. According to the agency, it investigates a ship if more than 0.1% of the ship’s passengers or crew members become infected.

Senator Richard Blumenthal wants CDC to stop cruise line operations again. He tweeted “Time for CDC & cruise lines to protect consumers & again pause—docking their ships. Cruises are repeating recent history as petri dishes of COVID infection”.

Last week, Royal Caribbean was diverted from its itinerary after 55 individuals tested positive. Also, the Norwegian Breakaway had 17 COVID cases when it docked in New Orleans on December 4. The Norwegian Breakaway made stops to Belize, Honduras, and Mexico for a week-long trip. More than 3,200 people were onboard. Everyone completed their COVID vaccine doses following the cruise line’s policy. A spokesperson for Norwegian said that “All the identified cases onboard were asymptomatic”.

COVID Outbreaks Even With Safety Protocols

Unfortunately, COVID outbreaks are happening despite safety protocols implemented by cruise operators. Cruise lines require vaccination among passengers 12 years old and above. Plus, additional testing procedures are done. And recently, cruise ships announced that passengers have to wear masks indoors.

A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association said that “Many of our members have announced additional measures in response to the Omicron variant”. The spokesperson added that this includes  “strengthening testing, masking, and other requirements, as well as encouraging booster vaccine doses for those eligible”.

The recent COVID outbreaks is challenging for the industry. Cruise operators are still trying to recover and have to deal with billions of dollars in debt. The industry stopped its operation for eight months after the CDC announced its no-sail order.