Omicron Beginning to Threaten Cruise Lines

In response to the pandemic, cruise lines enacted policies requiring negative tests and vaccinations for all crew and passengers. Even with the safety protocols in place, outbreaks are happening. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises  saw clusters emerge on some of their vessels in recent days. While it’s suspected that Omicron is responsible for causing the breakthrough infections similar to air travel, it hasn’t been definitively identified.

CDC Begins Investigation

Because the cruise lines already have specific protections in place, including vaccination and testing requirements, designed to avoid allowing COVID-19 onboard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun investigations into the sudden rash of cruise-ship cases.

CDC spokesperson Dave Daigle made a statement on Thursday. “We are still learning how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and how well available vaccines and medications work against it.” With this in mind, the agency began working with public health experts and cruise industry partners to study the strain. Included in the study is looking at protocols to gauge if they are effective against the new varient as well.

To receive approval to resume sailing earlier this year, the CDC required cruise lines implement specific health and safety protocols. This ensured the effective containment and treatment of any potential incidents of COVID-19 infection. These requirements made them well-prepared for these outbreaks.

Daigle continued, “cruise travel is not a zero-risk activity.” The CDC recommends booster shots for all eligible travelers and avoiding travel for anyone unvaccinated.

Outbreaks on cruise lines

Despite cruises being fully vaccinated and tested before departure, cruise companies have been experiencing breakthrough cases. MSC Seashore discovered 28 of its over 4,700 passengers were positive for COVID-19. Most of the positive tests were asymptomatic, while others had mild symptoms. Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey found 55 positive cases, and officials denied Carnival Freedom entry to Aruba and Bonaire due to cases.