The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ended its Covid-19 programme for reporting coronavirus cases on cruise ships.
Launched at the start of the pandemic, the programme allowed the public to monitor the spread of the virus at sea.
A statement on the CDC website said: “As of July 18, 2022, CDC’s Covid-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect and this page will no longer be updated. New guidance for cruise ships to mitigate and manage Covid-19 transmission will be available in the coming days.”
Under the cruise travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, it said: “CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew.
“Cruise ships have access to guidance and tools to manage their own Covid-19 mitigation programs.
“Additionally, cruise travelers have access to recommendations that allow them to make informed decisions about cruise ship travel.
“While cruising poses some risk of Covid-19 transmission, CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.”
It added: “The previous color-coding system under CDC’s Covid-19 Program for Cruise Ships depended upon each cruise line having the same COVID-19 screening testing standards, which may now vary among cruise lines. Therefore, the cruise ship color status webpage has been retired.
“CDC will continue to provide testing recommendations for cruise ship operators to follow and cruise ships will continue to report COVID-19 cases to CDC.
“Cruise travelers have the option of contacting their cruise line directly regarding outbreaks occurring on board their ship.”
A spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) told the Washington Post that the cruise body expects new guidance from the CDC later this week, adding: “We look forward to reviewing the details, which we understand will be posted on the CDC website in the coming days.
“This is an important step forward in the CDC aligning the guidelines for cruise with those it has established for other travel, hospitality and entertainment sectors.”
Cruise agency The Cruise Room – winner of the One to Watch award at Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards last week – tweeted about the move, saying it was major news, allowing cruise lines to self-manage with guidance.
BREAKING – CDC DROP CRUISE COVID-19 PROGRAM WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT!
Major news this evening as the @CDCgov has dropped Covid protocols with immediate effect to allow #cruise lines to self manage with guidance! We need to wait for real impact or change but massive news! @CLIAUKpic.twitter.com/njCUZWbley
— The Cruise Room (UK) (@CruiseRoomUK) July 18, 2022
The CDC’s policy on Covid and cruising was criticised by many in the sector, who said the regulation was far more stringent for cruises than other holidays on land.
In March, the body dropped its risk assessment of cruising, after more than two years of warning against the dangers of contracting Covid on a cruise ship.
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