Cruise lines adjust rules amid rise in infections

MIAMI — Cruise lines have detected infections among vaccinated crew members and passengers, including a 77-year-old traveler who recently died.

Last Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began advising travelers who are at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness to avoid cruises.

It is also recommending that passengers show both a recent negative COVID-19 test and proof they’ve been immunized.

In addition to the surging delta virus, the CDC changed its cruise guidelines for highrisk groups because of the close proximity of ship passengers, the limited options for care on board and the challenges of medically evacuating travelers at sea, CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said this week.

Some cruise lines — and cruise destinations — are also revising their own guidelines.

Starting Sept. 3, the Bahamas — a favored stop for cruises — is requiring all passengers 12 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition for ships to dock. That has prompted companies including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Carnival to announce this week that they are adopting the same requirement.

The companies will ask for a government vaccination card or a record from a health care provider.

Jaime Katz, an analyst who covers the cruise industry for the Morningstar financial services company, said while many high-risk travelers might postpone their trips, others will continue to book for the future, betting that the current wave of cases will subside by the time their ship sails.

Companies are offering full refunds if people test positive for COVID-19 or decide to cancel after a cruise line shortens the length of a planned trip.