The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has lowered its threat risk for travelling on cruise ships to Level 2, which is defined as ‘moderate.’
It was just a month ago that the CDC lowered the travel health notice for cruising from Level 4, which advised people not to cruise at all, to Level 3, which advised against cruise travel for those not fully vaccinated or those at increased risk of severe illness. The CDC continues to urge cruise passengers to get recommended COVID-19 vaccines.
The move comes as many destinations are lifting COVID-19 mandates and several cruise lines are lifting indoor mask requirements.
The CDC still recommends wearing a mask during a cruise when indoors or in crowded outdoor settings.
Canada’s health guidance on cruise travel states: “The virus can spread easily between people in close quarters, such as on cruise ships. The chance of being infected with COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you’re fully vaccinated.”