The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the world. While the initial outbreak did not begin on a cruise ship, a ship’s overall negligence did contribute to the spread of COVID-19. For example, 20% of the passengers and crew aboard the Diamond Princess with Princess Cruises caught the virus in February 2020. Thirteen deaths were associated with the Diamond Princess outbreak. Other cruise lines, including Carnival, were also a source of COVID outbreaks and experienced deaths. 
Cruise Lines Worsened the Spread of the Pandemic
While it is nearly impossible to avoid spreading a highly contagious disease on a cruise ship, cruise ship operators are responsible for keeping the passengers and crew as safe as possible while aboard the boat by following all safety protocols. Cruise ships with infected passengers and crew members did not handle coronavirus outbreaks properly, and some incidents could be classified as negligence.
One cruise ship, for example, was permitted to unload passengers in Miami without performing COVID testing on anyone, despite knowing that one passenger on board had an active case of COVID-19. On another cruise, a passenger died while waiting for medical assistance on the docked ship. The overall lack of regulation and protection on cruise lines encouraged the spread of COVID-19 and worsened the pandemic.
Cruise Line Safety Going Forward
Companies like the Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line now require passengers to be vaccinated from COVID-19, which initially erupted in a legal battle in Florida as elected officials disagreed with cruise line operators. Now, in September 2021, the coronavirus is better understood, vaccinations are readily available, previous faulty cruise line practices have been corrected, and cruise ship voyages have begun to reopen.
Vacationers are weighing their travel options. While local and regional travel experienced a burst of recovery during the summer of 2021, the restoration of international travel remains closed or significantly limited in most situations. One of the biggest travel concerns is bringing new variants and infections into the U.S. from across the border. Travel from the U.S., especially in Europe, remains closed to most destinations.
Countries such as Singapore require international visitors to quarantine for two weeks even when they present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. Domestic travel will continue to be the first to recover because travelers can avoid testing when leaving and returning to the United States. Despite immunization, travelers must continue to follow safe travel advice to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC continues to provide pertinent travel information. As per CDC info, travelers who are fully vaccinated or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days are considered less likely to spread or catch COVID-19. Patients who have a weakened immune system due to medications or a medical condition may not be fully protected even when they are fully vaccinated.
Things to Consider Before Travel
Patients should meet with a healthcare provider before traveling. Bring along face masks, disinfectant wipes, and take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and variants. Due to new cases of COVID-19 and highly-contagious variants like Delta, the CDC is recommending that unvaccinated individuals avoid non-essential travel, such as cruises, and vacations.
Here are some things to consider before travel:
Traveling after Vaccination
Travelers are encouraged to be fully vaccinated to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 or circulating variants, such as the Delta variant. Vaccinated individuals must follow all mask mandates which vary depending on current CDC mandates and company rules.
Traveling without Vaccination
Non-vaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of spreading and catching COVID-19 and circulating variants like Delta while traveling.
Close Contact with COVID-19
Individuals who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine. Visit the CDC website for more information on COVID-19 exposure and guidance for individuals who have come in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Testing Positive for COVID-19
Persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 must isolate and postpone travel plans regardless of vacation status to avoid the risk of exposing others. Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 should not travel.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Potential travelers who are experiencing any of the following symptoms should consult with their doctor and have a COVID-19 test before traveling:
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Body or muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of taste
- Loss of smell
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat