Travel

U.S. Travelers Should Avoid Cruises, Regardless Of Vaccination Status: CDC

After several recent outbreaks, the CDC increased its travel warning for cruise ships to the highest possible level.

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In an aerial view, the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas prepares to set sail from PortMiami during the first U.S. trial cruise testing COVID-19 protocols. The CDC is recommending travelers avoid cruises as COVID-19 cases spike.
In an aerial view, the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas prepares to set sail from PortMiami during the first U.S. trial cruise testing COVID-19 protocols. The CDC is recommending travelers avoid cruises as COVID-19 cases spike. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC — If you're fully vaccinated and planning a winter cruise vacation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging you to reconsider, according to new guidance released on Thursday.

Amid a recent spike in coronavirus cases, which includes dozens of outbreaks on cruise ships, the CDC increased its travel warning for cruise ships to the highest possible level, according to an NBC News report. The reason, according to the CDC, is COVID-19 transmits easily between people in close quarters, increasing the chance of contracting the virus on a cruise, regardless of vaccination status.

If traveling by cruise, the CDC encouraged people to get vaccinated and receive a booster dose if eligible. Passengers who aren't fully vaccinated should self-quarantine for five days upon return.

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