The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new update warning people who have an increased risk of severe illness from Covid to avoid cruising, regardless of their vaccination status.
Those who are not vaccinated are also advised against boarding cruise ships, and even those who are fully-jabbed should take tests before and after travel, the CDC said.
“The virus that causes Covid-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting Covid-19 on cruise ships is high,” the organisation claimed.
It urged those travelling on cruises to “get tested one to three days before their trip and three to five days after their trip, regardless of vaccination status”, while non-inoculated guests should also quarantine on their return.
“Along with testing, passengers who are not fully vaccinated should self-quarantine for seven days after cruise travel, even if they test negative,” the CDC added. “If they do not get tested, they should self-quarantine for 10 days after cruise travel.”
In addition, the CDC said people on cruise ships should wear masks to keep their nose and mouth covered when in shared spaces.
“While CDC’s Mask Order is not being enforced on cruise ships, individual cruise lines may require travellers (passengers and crew) to wear masks indoors on board the ship,” it said.
