FOLLOWING A PHASED APPROACH
Cruise lines are working closely with the CDC on a phased approach to returning to travel . As a result of these measures , a cruise vacation will be safer than ever before . The first step involves implementing testing and additional safeguards for crew members . Other phases include mock voyages with volunteers playing the role of passengers , certification of ships that meet certain safety requirements and a return to passenger voyages in a careful manner that mitigates the risk of COVID-19 among guests , crew and communities .
MASK-WEARING MEASURES
Face masks are required for everyone on board ships who is over two years of age . A CDC order that went into effect February 1 stipulates that passengers of “ transportation hubs ” must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth in all public areas . Exceptions would be dining areas where people are eating or drinking ( provided that tables are socially distanced ), when taking medication , when proving identity or when communicating with someone who is visually impaired . Even on cruises with vaccine requirements , mask wearing will be enforced . Prior to the CDC announcement , cruise lines were outlining similar measures to ensure a safe return to cruising . Passengers who fail to comply with mask-wearing protocols may be disembarked .
THOROUGH CLEANING
When cruising resumes , ships will be pristine . More oversight will be enforced regarding cleanliness — for example , each ship has its own Public Health Officer overseeing all aspects of health and sanitation for guests and crew . Cruise lines as a whole have expanded their onboard medical teams and designated each ship with isolation accommodations . You may notice crews cleaning public spaces with more regularity — they ’ ll use hospital-grade disinfectant to do so , and ships will be deep cleaned between sailings . Luggage handles are sanitized before delivery to staterooms and cruise lines have added hand washing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the ships for guests ’ convenience .
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