CDC drops warning about COVID-19 risk on cruise ships

This follows the warning being lowered to Level 2: moderate risk on March 14.

'Recognizes the effective public health measures in place'

Cruise Lines International Association hailed the new development, saying that removing the travel health notice for cruising 'recognizes the effective public health measures in place on cruise ships and begins to level the playing field, between cruise and similarly situated venues on land, for the first time since  March 2020.'

CLIA added: 'From the onset of the pandemic, CLIA’s cruise line members have prioritized the health and safety of their guests, crew and the communities they visit and are sailing today with health measures in place that are unmatched by virtually any other commercial setting.'

'A long time coming'

'We’re absolutely thrilled to see that the CDC recognizes that it’s time to remove the travel health notice website,' said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. 'While we feel this was a long time coming, we recognize this move as a demonstration of all of the hard work this industry has done to ensure that we’re offering the safest way to travel. It’s refreshing to see them meet us where we’re at, and clearly where our consumers are at considering the major uptick in demand we’ve seen.'

'Important step forward'

Holland America Line called the change 'an important step forward.'

The CDC's voluntary COVID-19 program for cruise ships remains in place.