Time to bust out the bathing suits, sunscreen, beach bag, and camera because CRUISING IS OFFICIALLY BACK!!
As you have probably gathered from my extensive posts about cruising or the fact that I am nearing my 20th debarkation, I am an avid cruiser. So these past 15 months have been long and disheartening as no ships hit the open waters.
Well, the time has finally come and cruising is coming back to US ports starting June 26th! Although most cruises won’t be hitting the water ways in June, many have officially gotten CDC approval to begin test runs of their ships in order to start sailing come July.
So what does all of this mean?
Cruise lines have one or two options according to the CDC.
- They can operate at 95% vaccinated capacity and 98% of crew vaccinated. The less than 100% helps to accommodate a few populations that may not be able to get vaccinated.
- Cruise lines who choose not to operate at the 95/98 vaccinated rule will need to submit approval to the CDC and plan at least 2 test cruises with a select number of guests.
The Celebrity Edge is the first ship scheduled to leave a US port since March of 2020. Their first sailing will be June 26th and leave out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Celebrity has opted for the edge to be a fully vaccinated ship. Their captain is back on board and they are currently in the process of relocating their entire crew back to the ship with vaccines waiting for their arrival.
If you are as eager to cruise as I am, this news is the light at the end of the tunnel we have been waiting for. So if you haven’t done so already, get your vaccine and lets sail!
Stay tuned for more cruise news, as I am set to sail of the Celebrity Edge July 17th!
