(WENY) - Travel plans across the nation halted thousands this holiday season. The CDC is now recommending Americans steer clear of cruise ships this winter.  

The CDC announced Thursday afternoon the COVID-19 Omicron variant has increased the risk of travel. Travel Risk by cruise ship bumped up to level 4, the highest level of COVID-19 risk. This comes with the CDC labeling 91 ships in the yellow level, reaching the threshold for investigation. Case increase has caused four ocean cruise ships to be turned away from ports this week.  

Cruise Lines International Association voiced disappointment in the elevated risk levels. The association addressed the decision with the following:  

“Cruise ships offer a highly controlled environment with science-backed measures, known testing and vaccination levels far above other venues or modes of transportation and travel, and significantly lower incidence rates than land.”  

Many cruise lines have responded by making pre-departure testing essential, regardless of vaccination status. Ocean liners are also requiring vaccination of all passengers and crew in compliance with a CDC Conditional Sailing Order. Various cruise lines put the following guidelines in place:  

  • Disney Cruise Lines: All guests 5 and older must be fully vaccinated (in effect January 13th, 2022)  
  • Viking Ocean Cruise: All guests and crew must be vaccinated. New air purification technology on all boats. PCR tests provided on the boat for all guests and crew (processed in b onboard)) in addition to more health checks and a complementary PCR test for a return flight home.
  • Royal Caribbean International: All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated (non-eligible must test before boarding). Crew vaccinated and tested weekly. Free refund to those who test positive and cancel 48 hours before the trip. Onboard medical care and travel home are refunded to those who test positive during the trip. 
  • Carnival Cruise Lines: Vaccinated cruises require proof of vaccination. Pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests ages 2 and older to be taken 2 days before the sailing date. Unvaccinated cruises for unvaccinated guests are provided through March 31st, 2022. Must receive approved exemption 14 days before sailing.  
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated 2 weeks before departure to board.  

The CDC is also recommending people who get on cruises get tested one to three days before departure. People are also expected to test again three to five days after their trip, even if they don’t have symptoms. Additional CDC guidance for cruise travel can be found here.