The CDC might require cruisers to wear masks even when sunning by the pool
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Planning to be on one of the first cruise ships to resume departures out of a U.S. port? You might have to wear a mask even when you’re lounging outside around the pool.
A lengthy operations manual that lists rules and requirements for initial cruises out of U.S. ports published Wednesday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website suggests passengers will be required to wear masks at almost all times when on cruise ships, including while on the pool deck.
The manual specifically says that cruise lines operating out of U.S. ports will be required to “ensure bathers wear masks while congregating outside of recreational water facilities (RWFs) and while seated on the pool deck area.”
For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s new cruise newsletter.
Masks will not be required when swimming in a shipboard pool, the manual says. It notes that masks likely will not work correctly if they get wet. But bathers must maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet while in a pool with anyone who is not a traveling companion, the manual says.
The manual, which is titled COVID-19 Operations Manual for Simulated and Restricted Voyages under the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, lays out rules that cruise lines must adhere to when operating initial simulated “test cruises” in advance of returning to service as well as subsequent “real cruises” with paying passengers.
The CDC calls the subsequent cruises with paying passengers “restricted voyages” as they will be voyages operating under restrictions imposed by the CDC, as authorized in an October “conditional sailing order” issued by the agency.
“This document is issued under CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) and its requirements must be observed in the same manner as other technical instructions issued under the CSO,” the CDC says in the manual.
The manual also requires that cruise lines:
- Reduce the “bather load” in pools and hot tubs to allow for social distancing. When social distancing of at least 6 feet between bathers is not possible, such as in hot tubs, the venue should be used by just one family or group of traveling companions at a time.
- Place lounge chairs, sunbeds and other seating items around pools and hot tubs at least 6 feet apart from each other to allow for social distancing. A caveat: These items can be grouped together to allow for families and traveling companions to sit closer together.
- Impose social distancing of at least 6 feet between passengers in lines for waterslides and other watery features.
In general, social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals who are not part of the same traveling group will be required in all areas of cruise ships.
Additionally, the manual says passengers should be prohibited from touring in ports on their own, and it calls for a long list of restrictions on how closely passengers can sit next to each other in onboard restaurants, entertainment venues and other onboard places.
Whether or not the CDC actually will require cruise lines to impose such rules when cruising resumes out of U.S. ports later this year is unclear.
In a statement announcing new “technical instructions” for test cruises issued on Wednesday, the CDC said it would continue to update its guidance and requirements for cruise ships “based on the best scientific evidence available.” That leaves open the possibility that the requirements laid out in the operations manual on Wednesday will be amended before cruising resumes.
The press release announcing the technical instructions did not mention the operations manual. The two documents are posted on separate pages on the CDC website.
A spokesperson for the CDC did not respond to questions about the new technical instructions and operations manual from TPG.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- What to pack for your first cruise
Featured image courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.