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At present, U.S. port departures remain a no-go under CDC guidelines, despite calls to restart by July 1. That includes large cruise excursions to Alaska, where governor Mike Dunleavy is threatening legal action. Still, with government regulation and vaccination rollouts varying across the globe, seafarers have a lot to navigate. CNBC's Global Traveler took a look at what to expect from cruises in 2021. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signaled this month that cruises may resume by mid-summer — with restrictions — in a move cheered by operators and cruise lovers.
Respect the Crew Quarters and Passenger Boundaries
That's the bold claim that some leaders of the cruise industry have been making in recent months as they lay out a road map to a return to service in many parts of the world. The CDC advised that those who choose to travel on a cruise should get vaccinated against COVID-19 before their trip and, if eligible, receive a booster dose. The Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Sunrise ship is seen in the port of Miami on Dec. 23, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
International Safety Standards
The circumstances that seem safe for one person may appear ominous to another. In the end, all COVID-era travel entails weighing available information in light of personal health factors and one’s tolerance for risk. The new CDC color code system for cruise ships offers one more metric to help make these tough decisions. According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), a typical cruise ship has more than 60 safety, environmental and health inspections each year. Safety regulations are rigorous – and ships often go substantially above and beyond what is required. We dive into the details on cruise ship safety with regards to sinking, fires, pirates, falling overboard, and more.
How many people have fallen off cruise ships in 2023?
When it comes to the question of being safe on a cruise, perhaps nothing has seen as much attention recently as your health. In the beginning of the pandemic, outbreaks on cruise ships were widely reported. It even led to a pausing of the industry until new protocols were put in place to combat the spread. Let's take a look at how cruise ships keep passengers and crew exceptionally safe and nine top tips on keeping yourself safe while onboard. Despite concerns about pirate attacks, these incidents are very rare on cruises. Ports and waterways deemed high risk are usually avoided, and cruise ships can increase speed and change course if necessary.
However, the reality is that pirate incidents on cruise ships are extremely rare. Once you’re onboard the cruise ship, familiarize yourself with the ship’s safety procedures and emergency exits. Pay attention during the mandatory muster drill, where you’ll learn important information about life jackets, emergency assembly points, and evacuation procedures.
Alaska is out, but the Caribbean is full speed ahead: What we know about cruising in 2021
Cruise ships are bastions of safety, diligently undergoing regular inspections according to maritime law and complying with stringent international rules. Equipped to handle various emergencies, these ships ensure that accidents remain a rare occurrence. Modern cruise ships are marvels of engineering, built with strict safety standards. They’re designed to handle the unpredictability of the sea while ensuring the comfort and safety of everyone onboard. Coast Guard and the CDC, ensuring that every cruise line adheres to the highest standards of safety. This level of safety and regulation is reassuring, especially for those considering making a cruise ship their permanent residence.
What Precautions Will Cruise Lines Take?
Cruises to places with travel warnings can still be safe, experts say - USA TODAY
Cruises to places with travel warnings can still be safe, experts say.
Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
They’re significantly mitigated by safety barriers and diligent precautions. Think about it; you’re more likely to encounter issues on land than on a vast, open sea. Because traveling in the era of COVID is never risk-free, up-to-date information can help travelers make better-informed decisions, taking into account their personal health status and willingness to take risks. If you have already booked a cruise or are in the throes of deciding whether or not to take one, you might be having second thoughts after listening to news reports of COVID-19 outbreaks at sea. But most of all, stay informed, judge rationally, and don't let rare unfortunate incidents stop you from traveling the world. The contracts passengers agree to when they book a cruise allow operators to change ports as necessary without owing them compensation (though they may offer it as a goodwill gesture).
It does happen, but it’s also a small number of major offenses that are reported, which should help put you at ease. Accidents involving cruise ships do happen, but they are exceedingly uncommon. Cruise ships that sail in U.S. waters are regularly inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard for any irregularities or safety issues that might be of concern, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection as part of its long-standing Vessel Sanitation Program.
While there is nothing wrong with being cautious while booking any vacation, you can rest assured that cruise vacations are incredibly safe. For cruise lines, passenger safety is always one of the top priorities. Failure to live up to SOLAS mandates, including meeting lifeboat and lifevest requirements, can result in extremely heavy fines for the cruise line. Cruise ships are subject to evaluations from SOLAS representatives, so they are not examined internally. This means the evaluators are impartial and will not hesitate to penalize a cruise ship for any infraction. We don’t want to downplay the seriousness of something happening in the open ocean.
Pasquarello urged travelers to call their provider to check and look into travel insurance if their coverage is lacking. “There's a lot of different risks in Mexico, and yet, so many people are traveling to Mexico and having excellent, successful excursions and vacations,” Pasquarello said. Cruise operators monitor for potential safety issues well before departure. “Security is top of mind for cruise lines, and they're constantly looking at areas of concern,” whether due to terrorism or other threats, Feldman said.
It’s worth noting that while accidents can never be completely ruled out, understanding the factors that contribute to cruise ship safety can help alleviate concerns and allow you to focus on enjoying your vacation. By choosing a reputable cruise line, following safety guidelines, and being aware of your surroundings, you can have peace of mind knowing that your safety is a top priority on board. When I first booked a family cruise, my biggest concern was the safety of my children.
The bridge — the ship's main control center — is constantly in touch with shoreside teams who provide additional assistance. Most modern cabins come equipped with peepholes and safety latches – use them. Ross A. Klein, an American with dual citizenship and a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada, is an authority on the cruise industry, and has testified at hearings before Congress. In 2017, the MSC adopted a set of amendments, focused on new passenger ships. The MSC also approved the revised guidance for watertight doors on passenger ships which may be opened during navigation.
By far the biggest issue reported is sexual assault, with roughly 90 reported cases among more than 11 million passengers. In that regard, we think it pays to be vigilant even while enjoying your vacation, but the total numbers are small. According to data from industry group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) roughly 11.3 million passengers sailed North American destinations in 2022, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico.
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