In Cruise Critic poll, 58% would cruise on 'gray' ship in CDC's new program

Of these, 44% would review the cruise line safety protocols themselves and book based on their own comfort level while 14% aren’t concerned about the safety protocols in place onboard.

And 37% of respondents would only book with a cruise line that’s part of the voluntary program.

What matters to those who'd make their own decision

Of those who would review the protocols themselves, the top protocols they’d look for from a cruise line to feel comfortable booking are enhanced cleaning and disinfecting (79%), vaccinated crew members (72%), vaccine requirement to sail (71%), booster requirement to sail (46%). sailing with fewer guests onboard (58%) and boosted crew members (47%). The least important safety protocol: Mask requirement onboard (16%).

So far, only 20 cruise ships have opted in to the new CDC program. 

Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises had immediately done so, before the spccifics came out. More recently, those lines said they'd be doing away with mask mandates. The situation is unclear. According to what the CDC had verbally informed cruise lines, masks could go only with a booster mandate and the three lines haven't said anything about boosters. NCLH today said it's still reviewing the requirements.

Feb. 18 opt-in deadline

The Feb. 18 deadline for lines to opt in looms. On Feb. 22, if lines have not informed CDC of their decision to participate in the program, their ships will automatically be designated 'gray.'

Too many protocols?

In other Cruise Critic survey findings, 53% of respondents don’t agree with the amount of protocols that are part of the voluntary CDC program and feel cruising should be held to the same standards as other forms of travel.

Some 33% agree with the amount of protocols in the new program and expressed confidence in the CDC’s guidance.

Unfair treatment?

According to the survey, 63% of respondents feel the CDC is treating the cruise industry unfairly. Of those, 44% said the agency has unnecessarily held cruising to a higher standard than other forms of travel, while 19% said they first felt the CDC requirements were necessary, but they now feel the cruise industry is being treated unfairly.

And 32% said the CDC has been fair and their requirements have been necessary.