The U.S. CDC on Thursday (Dec. 30) warned people against going on cruises regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status after a recent surge in COVID-19 cases onboard ships.
The CDC increased its travel warning for cruises to the highest level as the agency is investigating or observing dozens of ships that have had recent outbreaks.
Cruise ships operating in U.S. waters reported about 5,000 COVID-19 cases to the CDC between December 15 – 29, a major spike compared with the first two weeks of the month when 162 cases were reported.
“It is especially important that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status,” the agency warned.