This latest news is so exciting for Cruise Lovers and Travel Advisors alike here in the U.S.! There are still some major steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that cruising is a safe option, but it is absolutely a step in the right direction.
Even the stock market has already reacted favorably with increases in stock prices for the major cruise lines on the day the CDC (Center for Disease Control) made their announcement.
The initial sailings will include crew only in order to properly test the required protocols that will be in place. Some believe that there could be passengers on ships in time for the holiday season, before the end of this year, if all goes well.
Cruise ship operators will be required to meet standards for hand hygiene, face masks, social distancing and proper ship sanitization. Dining, entertainment, and excursions will all be modified as required.
Testing will be required before embarkation and at disembarkation and quarantining will be required if anyone tests positive during a cruise. Proper equipment and medical expertise will be required on all vessels. Cruise length will start being limited at 7 days initially until such time as the CDC has more of a comfort level with everything.
Stay tuned for more information and if you have any questions for me, I'll be reachable by email and you can simply hit reply to this email!