The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its advisory for cruise vacations to the highest risk level, urging people to defer travel on cruise ships.
The agency lifted its warning from Level 3 to Level 4, which designates cruise ships as ‘very high’ risk.
"Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including Covid-19, and outbreaks have been reported on cruise ships," it said.
"It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises."
The cruise industry is still at a standstill in the US working through requirements for the CDC’s framework to resume cruise operations.
It requires lines and individual ships to meet various conditions including simulated cruises with volunteer passengers.
With regards to global cruise travel, it urges passengers to get tested three to five days after their trip and stay home for at least seven days after travel, even if they test negative.
If a guest doesn’t get tested, they are advised to self-isolate for 14 days after travel.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
