Do Cruise Ships Have to Quarantine for COVID-19?

By Alice Nichols

In recent times, the world has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the travel industry has been one of the most affected sectors. Cruise ships, in particular, have been under a lot of scrutiny since they are known for being a hub for viruses to spread quickly due to their enclosed spaces and large crowds.

There are several protocols in place that cruise ships must adhere to when it comes to quarantining passengers and crew members. In this article, we will explore the question: Do cruise ships have to quarantine for COVID-19?

What is Quarantine?

Before we dive into whether cruise ships have to quarantine for COVID-19 or not, let’s understand what quarantine means. Quarantine is a public health strategy that is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It involves separating people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease but are not yet sick from others who are not exposed.

Do Cruise Ships Have to Quarantine for COVID-19?

The answer is yes; cruise ships do have to quarantine for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued strict guidelines that all cruise lines must follow before they can resume operations. These guidelines include:

Pre-Boarding Testing

All passengers and crew members must undergo pre-boarding testing for COVID-19 before they can board any cruise ship.

Reduced Capacity

Cruise lines must reduce their capacity on board each ship to ensure that social distancing measures can be implemented.

Masks and Social Distancing

All passengers and crew members must wear masks at all times while on board the ship, except when eating or drinking. Social distancing measures must also be implemented throughout the ship.

Isolation Rooms

Each cruise ship must have designated isolation rooms where passengers or crew members who test positive for COVID-19 can be isolated from others.

Medical Treatment

Cruise ships must have adequate medical facilities and staff on board to provide medical treatment to passengers and crew members who may contract COVID-19.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that cruise ships have to quarantine for COVID-19. The guidelines issued by the CDC are in place to ensure that cruise lines can operate safely without putting passengers or crew members at risk of contracting the virus.

It is essential for all passengers and crew members to follow these guidelines strictly. By doing so, we can all ensure that we can continue to enjoy the joys of cruising while staying safe and healthy.