The health authority moved its travel health notice for cruises from level 4 to level 3, which indicates Covid-19 levels on ships are “high” rather than “very high”.

Since 30 December, the CDC had warned all travellers not to cruise, regardless of vaccination status, after a series of Covid cases onboard ships due to the Omicron variant.

Under its new guidance, the CDC states cruise travellers should ensure they are “up to date” with their Covid vaccines, including getting a booster, before they sail.

The agency is still warning unvaccinated travellers to avoid cruising, as well as those at increased risk for severe illness from Covid.

Reacting to the announcement issued on Tuesday (15 September), Clia welcomed the change, saying the decision “recognises the leadership and effectiveness of the cruise sector’s health and safety protocols”, calling the regulations “unmatched by virtually any other commercial setting”.
 
“Cruise ships have medical, isolation and quarantine facilities on site, implement extensive response plans using private shoreside resources, and have created an environment where almost every single person is fully vaccinated,” said a Clia statement.

“As a result, cases of Covid-19 are very low with the vast majority mild or asymptomatic – making cruise unequalled in its multi-layered approach to effectively mitigating Covid-19.”