Well, here we are again, another spike in this never-ending pandemic. Omicron has caused issues in multiple areas of travel, but no one has gotten as much heat as the cruise industry. Right before the new year the CDC released a statement that no one, even fully vaccinated and boosted individuals should cruise, citing an increase in transmissibility of the omicron variant as well as every cruise line having positive cases on board. This news came on the same day I arrived back in Miami from a post-Christmas cruise.
As an avid cruiser I am here to defend the cruise industry from these harsh critics. But I won’t say its all sunshine and rainbows if you do choose to cruise right now. Just like any type of trip there are issues and things that can go wrong as a result of the pandemic. Here are the pros and cons of cruising right now.
Pros
Required Testing
- While this is huge inconvenience while getting ready for a trip, normally it is easy to get tested these days. There are options to get tested at a facility or even take a test at home through teledoc. We ran into issues because the 48 hour rule required by most cruise lines feel on Christmas Eve, where most testing sites were close. However, this should not be an issue for most choosing to cruise within the next year.
- With everyone being tested you have some reassurance that most people getting on board are virus free. Yes, I am aware you can still catch the virus after that 48 hour testing window but I still feel safer knowing people have been recently tested which you cannot say about most other places you travel.
Required Vaccination
- All cruise lines are requiring proof of vaccination. Each sailing must have at least 95% of cruising passengers vaccinated. It is not 100% because it allows for children who are not eligible to be vaccinated as well as people with medical conditions to still enjoy cruising. Those passengers however must get tested onsite at the cruise terminal before boarding.
- Having almost the entire ship vaccinated provides a huge relief that you don’t get on land when you visit most places.
Masking Rules
- While masking rules are relatively new as a result of Omicron, it is another layer of protection the cruise lines are providing their guests.
- On our Carnival cruise, masks were required during all embarkation and debarkations, as well as inside unless eating or drinking. I would say a majority of passengers followed through with these requirements while onboard.
Positivity Rate on Board
- The reality of the situation is, people will test positive for COVID while cruising. Just like they do traveling to NYC, Vegas, Mexico, or even going to their local diner or bar. The positivity rate on cruises however is NOT exceeding what we are seeing on land. It is not even coming close. Critics need to use this metric before judging the industry so harshly. If cruising were getting higher positivity rates than what we see on land then I would say there is a problem. But the reality is COVID is here and we need to learn to live and adapt with it.
Cons
Port of Call Issues
- While I did not have any port of call issues on my cruise, there have been numerous issues with cruises being turned away from ports when they have positive cases on board. Most of the time the cruise line can rebound and go to another port but unfortunately that is not always the case and you may be stuck at sea for the day.
- When booking a cruise just be aware that plans can change at moments notice and set that expectation for yourself. Luckily there is a lot you can do onboard and most cruise lines will reward you for the missed port by offering passengers onboard credit which you can use for drinks or even a nice massage on your sea day.
Testing Positive on Board
- Yes, it is possible to test positive onboard. The cruise line will contact trace if someone test positive. They will test everyone in their travel party and those who may have been on an excursion with the positive person.
- If you do test positive the cruise will quarantine you on board.
While I already have my next cruise book for July 2022, I am hopeful this article will be irrelevant. But regardless I personally feel safe cruising right and am looking forward to the next time I can get on board!