CDC lowers risk of cruise ship travel to Level 2: moderate

This is down from Level 3: high. 

Stay up to date on vaccines

CDC continues to advise travelers to get vaccinated and stay up to date with COVID vaccines, which means getting a booster when eligible.

Masking and testing

The agency also recommends cruisers wear a mask indoors and in crowded outdoor settings. 

CDC further advises a test as close to the time of cruise departure as possible, but no more than three days before travel. And the agency said cruisers should get tested three to five days after their cruise, regardless of vaccination status, and to isolate if the results are positive or if COVID-19 symptoms develop.

Azamara Quest in 'vaccination standard of excellence'

According to the CDC's color-coded dashboard, one ship, Azamara Quest, has informed the agency it qualifies for the 'vaccination standard of excellence,' meaning it is committed to operating with 95% of passengers (including children) and crew up to date with their vaccines (having a booster when eligible).

Nearly all other ships are at the 'highly vaccinated tier,' that is, 95% of crew and passengers (including children, apart from those under 5 who are currently ineligible) fully vaccinated.