Cruisers have expressed anger that the CDC recently stated that passengers would have to wear masks in the dining room and at the Lido deck pool. News reports revealed that the CDC modified the rule on face masks and shore excursions for vaccinated cruise guests.
CruiseIndustryNews.com is reporting, “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has seemingly lightened up on its complex cruise regulations, releasing an update to its COVID-19 operation guidelines for cruise lines wanting to operate from U.S. ports under the agency’s Conditional Sail Order.
While the CDC stressed its mask order remains in effect, it said that “cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.”
The CDC also noted that cruise lines may allow fully vaccinated passengers to go ashore on their own, instead of having to participate in organized group tours.
“Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements,” said the guidelines.
More news is expected to follow on Wednesday afternoon.”
Stay tuned to TheCruiseGenius.com for breaking cruise news, and check out my interview this Sunday, May 16th at 8:15 a.m. on News4Jax.com for my insight and analysis of 2021 summer travel.
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