The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a new framework for controlling communicable diseases aboard cruise ships sailed by foreign-operated cruise lines that have been issued a CDC permit, and the framework has recently been modified to include an extension through January 15, 2022.
The CDC has modified the Conditional Sailing Order
Cruise ship travel is still not safe during COVID-19. Although the CDC has modified the Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) which previously caused some ships to cancel their trips; certain diseases are still spread by travelers on cruise ships, such as mumps, measles and influenza. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid cruise ship travel during published COVID-19 periods.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has extended the framework for conditional sailing orders until January 15, 2022. While the original CSO framework was due to expire December 31, 2018, the new modified rules extend the existing framework through a public comment period and formal notice and comment process.
CDC has extended the Conditional Sailing Order
Travelers to the United States who plan on taking a cruise ship should be aware of the CDC’s latest travel advisory . The CDC has extended the Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) under which cruise ships operating in U.S. waters or whose home ports are in U.S. ports are required to comply with specified prevention and response measures for norovirus, hepatitis A, and influenza, as well as contact with sewage discharges or anecdotal evidence of contact with other passengers or crew members who have diarrheal illness.
Cruise lines, guest populations, and all ports in the United States must continue to comply with these requirements until January 15, 2022, when they will expire unless they are extended or revised.
Cruise Ship Oceanborne Vaccination Interception (COVID) Report
Twice a year, Florida passes along updated information to Carnival Cruise Lines and other cruise ship companies by way of a report. This report is the Cruise Ship Oceanborne Vaccination Interception (COVID) Report. It requires standard reporting of all international cruises that are destined for or that originate in ports in Florida, including Key West & other hot spots.
In the wake of the recent outbreak, CDC decided to extend the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) with minor modifications through January 15, 2022. The CSO applies only to foreign-flagged cruise ships operating or seeking to operate in U.S. waters.
