CDC warns against cruises, regardless of vaccination status

[George II]

Source: Associated Press

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON today

MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people on Thursday not to go on cruises, regardless of their vaccination status, because of onboard outbreaks fueled by the omicron variant.

The CDC said it has more than 90 cruise ships under investigation or observation as a result of COVID-19 cases. The agency did not disclose the number of infections.

“The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high,” even if people are fully vaccinated and have received a booster, the CDC said.

The Cruise Lines International Association said it was disappointed with the new recommendations, saying the industry was singled out despite the fact it follows stricter health protocols than other travel sectors.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-travel-c092c07a571566dd2e32163fa1f3a593

[EYESORE 9001]

1. Floating petri dishes

COVID aside, cruise ships have long been known for transmission of disease. The association whines, but the CDC’s assertions are true.

[piddyprints]

2. We used to cruise.

Well, we went on 3 total cruises back in the '90s. It's a very economical way to vacation, at least it was back then.

But after 9/11? NO WAY! There was nothing that would get me on a cruise ship after that. Covid only makes it even less likely I'd ever go on a cruise again, if that's possible.

[Delphinus]

3. That should have

been a "Duh!" right from the beginning.

[csziggy]

4. My littel sister was on a cruise when COVID started

And as soon as she could, she went on a cruise when they started back up. She's been on three cruises since.

After the first cruise, she had to spend an extra week in Galveston since she tested positive getting off the ship and was not allowed to fly back to Orlando. Even with that, she keeps booking cruises. At least she has been vaccinated, but still...

There are many reasons why I do not speak or interact with that sister. For one thing, I have very little tolerance for stupid.

[melm00se]

5. I liked crusing

It is efficient use of time. Depending upon the packages selected, it can be done with little to no out of pocket expenses for food and drink. All you have to worry about is expenditures on shore.

The trade off is that you are shoulder to shoulder with a ton of people and that can be an issue as the current situation is showing.

Would I personally get on a cruise ship again?

Probably not. The wife and I have gotten really good at winging it on vacations and not doing tours or otherwise organized and programmed trips.

If someone wants to cruise: sure, go for it but understand the downsides.

[Magoo48]

13. Perhaps one might consider the downsides of cruising for our common ocean.

Cruise ships are pollution factories as well as disease incubators.

[twodogsbarking]

6. Don't tell me when I can curse.

I have my rights.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

7. Emily, that's "cruise" not "curse"

[twodogsbarking]

10. Thanks for posting this even though it made me cry inside.

[paleotn]

9. The hell you say.

[paleotn]

8. Ya think?

I've heard the industry is doing all it can as a matter of survival, but there's only so much they can do. A strange, new reordering of the world has begun.

[Callmecrazy]

11. I'm on the Celebrity APEX right now...

and all of the news out there is so overblown it makes me furious.
The CDC report is poorly written. Just today I read that people are in fact spending more money on cruise activities while onboard.
The ship is only about 67% booked.
This crew is doing all it can to keep people safe. This is day 6 of an 8 day sailing and there has only been 1 reported case onboard. She is fully vaccinated, as is everyone, showing very mild symptoms. Out of an abundance of caution she has voluntarily removed herself from the ship while we were in Costa Maya.
The crew is fully masked and all of the passengers carry a mask to wear when they feel they cannot maintain social distance; like in an elevator.
I have gone on 3 excursions with large groups during this voyage. The event companies require masks while travelling to the venue and treat us like adults and let us make our own decisions when we arrive to the activity. I am vaxxed and boosted and I sit at blackjack tables and in lounges and never mask up. this is my 11th cruise.
I was a good soldier during the pandemic last year. Wore a mask to the work site daily and while in public. Now I'm vaxxed and for all those people screaming about their rights being trampled on I say this: You have no rights until you first meet responsibilities. Get your fucking shots, you all blamed the government for not doing anything and then when they do, it ain't good enough. And suddenly y'all know more than health professionals. I hope you all get sick and die.

[mnhtnbb]

12. My Trumpist brother and his wife did a river cruise in Europe

before Christmas and went to their daughter's house in Texas for Christmas on their way home. The daughter has two little boys, too young to be eligible for the COVID vaccine. My brother is an MD/PhD and his wife is an RN. Very risky behavior. If they'd wanted to spend Christmas with their daughter and grandkids, maybe forgo the cruise? Or cruise and see the kids in the spring?