The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cruise ship protocols will expire and become a voluntary program from this weekend.
The conditional sailing order becomes optional from 15 January by ‘transitioning to a voluntary Covid-19 risk mitigation program,’ the CDC said.
"Cruise ships operating in US waters choosing to participate in the program on a voluntary basis agree to follow all recommendations and guidance issued by CDC as part of this program," the agency added.
Some cruise lines have exceeded the CSO requirements such as for guest vaccination rates, mask wearing and testing.
Trade group Cruise Lines International Association said the move to a voluntary program is a testament to the industry’s goal to make sailing safe.
"The planned transition of the Conditional Sailing Order to a voluntary program recognizes the cruise industry’s commitment to providing some of the highest levels of Covid-19 mitigation found in any industry."
"Cruise is the only segment of travel that requires, prior to embarkation for both passengers and crew, exceedingly high levels of vaccination."
