If you’re planning to go on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, you may be wondering if ships are currently sailing. This is a common question many people have due to the ongoing pandemic and its impact on the travel industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current status of cruise ships sailing out of Fort Lauderdale.
Background Information
Before we dive into the current status of cruises in Fort Lauderdale, let’s first understand some background information about the city. Fort Lauderdale is located in Florida and is known as the “Venice of America” due to its extensive canal system. It’s also home to Port Everglades, which is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the travel industry, including cruises. In March 2020, major cruise lines suspended operations due to health concerns and government regulations. Since then, many cruise lines have been working with health officials and governments to establish new protocols and procedures for resuming operations safely.
Current Status
As of August 2021, several cruise lines have resumed operations from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. These include:
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
However, it’s important to note that each cruise line has implemented their own set of protocols and requirements for passengers and crew members. These may include vaccination requirements, pre-cruise testing, mask mandates, and social distancing measures.
Vaccination Requirements
Some cruise lines require all passengers over the age of 12 to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding the ship. This means that you must have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine at least 14 days prior to your cruise.
Pre-Cruise Testing
Other cruise lines require all passengers to take a COVID-19 test before boarding the ship, regardless of vaccination status. This test must be taken within a certain timeframe before your cruise and may need to be a specific type of test (such as PCR).
Mask Mandates and Social Distancing
Most cruise lines currently require passengers to wear masks in certain areas of the ship, such as indoor public spaces and when social distancing is not possible. Social distancing measures may also be in place on board the ship.
Conclusion
In summary, several cruise lines have resumed operations from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, but each cruise line has their own set of protocols and requirements for passengers and crew members. If you’re planning to go on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, it’s important to check with your specific cruise line for their current policies and procedures. With proper safety measures in place, cruising can still be a great way to explore new destinations and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.