Despite the recent surge in COVID cases, Carnival’s itinerary remains unchanged according to the company. The world’s largest cruise operator made this announcement on Tuesday. However, Carnival also announced that some ports are reviewing protocols.
Carnival’s Itinerary Remain Unchanged, So Far
It was reported that some ports in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Mexico barred passengers from disembarking because of the COVID-positive individuals aboard. According to Carnival, the cruise line will find an alternative destination if ports decide to ban cruise ships.
James Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer said that “The cruise lines’ reaction to the substantial increase in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron surge is largely hit or miss”.
CDC Wants Passengers to Avoid Cruises
CDC is currently investigating 77% of 111 ships operating US waters. According to the agency, the ships met the threshold. On Thursday, the agency announced that people should avoid cruising, regardless of vaccination status.
CDC increased its travel warning for cruises to the highest level as COVID outbreaks occurred in multiple ships. There were around 5,000 cases on cruise ships that operate in US waters from December 15-29. That’s a major spike compared to the 162 cases during the first two weeks of December.
The CDC in a statement said that “It is especially important that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID19 avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status”.
CDC’s call to avoid cruising is a new challenge for the industry. Stocks of Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian fell after the latest announcement.
According to the CDC, COVID19 easily spreads in close quarters on ships. Plus, it is still possible to catch COVID19 even for those who received their booster dose.
CDC advised those who will go to cruises to complete their vaccine doses first. And if eligible, CDC also suggests that individuals get a booster dose. The agency also reminded individuals to wear masks in shared spaces. Plus, passengers who haven’t completed the COVID doses should self-quarantine for five days after the trip.
The agency also said that those who are going on cruises should get a COVID test one to three days before their departure and another one three to five days after the trip. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of at-home test kits in many pharmacies.
