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The CDC might require cruisers to wear masks even when sunning by the pool

May 05, 2021
4 min read
Mariner of the Seas
The CDC might require cruisers to wear masks even when sunning by the pool
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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."

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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:

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  • 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.

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Featured image by Michel Verdure
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Cons

  • The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
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  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees