CDC's Framework for Conditional Sailing Order Temporarily Extended Through January 15, 2022

[Merion_Mom]

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1025-Conditional-Sailing-Order.html

[SargassoPirate]

In the release, the CDC touts the success of the preventative measures, but cites the Delta variant as the reason for the extension.  They also stated that a zero case rate is unobtainable.

 

The CDCs own data shows how miniscule the rate of breakthrough transmissions are.

 

Draw your own conclusions.

 

 

[BND]

1 hour ago, SargassoPirate said:

In the release, the CDC touts the success of the preventative measures, but cites the Delta variant as the reason for the extension.  They also stated that a zero case rate is unobtainable.

 

The CDCs own data shows how miniscule the rate of breakthrough transmissions are.

 

Draw your own conclusions.

 

 

Problem is the media has people terrified about breakthrough cases, even though it's less than 1% of vaccinated.  Also, the CDC is drawing conclusions without knowing that their measures are actually preventing anything.   Also, Delta is waning.

 

 

Edited October 26, 2021 by BND

[Biker19]

37 minutes ago, ChC said:

Does that mean transatlantic cruise is not viable until January next year?

RCI and everyone booked on the Harmony next weekend don't think so.

[flamingos]

2 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

In the release, the CDC touts the success of the preventative measures, but cites the Delta variant as the reason for the extension.  They also stated that a zero case rate is unobtainable.

 

The CDCs own data shows how miniscule the rate of breakthrough transmissions are.

 

Draw your own conclusions.

 

 

My conclusion is that the current protocols are working and keeping confidence in the cruise lines.  They cannot afford a sick ship.

[BND]

1 hour ago, pyrateslife4me84 said:

Not diving into that dumpster but we are just talking about cruise ships here. As far as any of us can tell, the protocols are working. I’m not reading any headlines about full ships of sick people. For this reason alone, it makes sense to extend this a few more months. Let’s get kids vaccinated and re-evaluate. I suspect we will see pretty dramatic changes by spring. 

The only way to scientifically prove that would be a control group.  So, they would need to sail ships without protocols in place to see if it's actually the protocols working.  And, then, ships with only certain protocols in place to see which ones actually make any difference.    Otherwise, it's all just conjecture.  

 

For example, we know the vaccine works because numbers dropped accordingly with increase in vaccines.  But, since ships haven't sailed without protocols since the shutdown, we really don't know how they impact it.

Edited October 26, 2021 by BND

[Pratique]

I'm not sure what more (or differently) can realistically be done, with or without the CSO. CDC received 1,359 reports of confirmed cases between June 26 and October 21. On one ship with 100% vaccination rates there were 112 cases over four consecutive sailings. The single biggest challenge is keeping infected passengers and crew from boarding the ship either at embarkation or at ports of call. On page 22, CDC says that a few passengers who were symptomatic denied it on embarkation day or for several days after becoming symptomatic while on board. These are small numbers of people but all it takes is for a few to spoil it for everyone else. Without the protocols these numbers would almost certainly be higher.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/pdf/CDC-CSO-Extension-10-25-21-p.pdf

 

[toad455]

I was worried my 11-day Anthem cruise in January would get changed to a shorter cruise. Very positive news for longer cruises.

[Fairsailing]

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/cruises-no-longer-required-cdc-030533196.html
 

And it looks like CDC restrictions will be voluntary after January 15. It will be interesting to see which ones are continued.  The industry cannot afford the image of another Diamond Princess.  

Edited October 26, 2021 by Fairsailing

[smokeybandit]

On 10/26/2021 at 11:24 AM, Fairsailing said:

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/cruises-no-longer-required-cdc-030533196.html
 

And it looks like CDC restrictions will be voluntary after January 15. It will be interesting to see which ones are continued.  The industry cannot afford the image of another Diamond Princess.  

 

There never will be a Diamond Princess even if all restrictions are removed today.

Edited October 30, 2021 by smokeybandit

[Biker19]

With the conditional sailing order expiring Jan. 15, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled a new voluntary COVID-19 program for cruise ships.

 

This includes guidance for ships to continue to operate in a way that is healthier and safer for crew, passengers and communities. Unlike the CSO, it is voluntary. Lines are asked to opt in by Jan. 21.

 

If they do so, they'll have to follow all the CDC recommendations and guidance, and their ships will continue to receive a color status.

 

If lines opt out, their ships will be listed as 'gray' on the CDC's website, meaning the agency has neither reviewed nor confirmed their health and safety protocols. These 'gray' ships will be subject to other CDC orders and regulations to the same extent as other vessels subject to US jurisdiction. One exception: US-flag ships that don't follow this program will not be listed as 'gray.'

Lines likely to opt in

Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings had no immediate comment, however multiple cruise industry sources told Seatrade Cruise News they believe all lines will opt in.

'Following these rules just makes good business sense, to keep instilling confidence in the sailing public that cruising is safe,' an industry operations expert said.

 

Lines are exceeding compliance

Public notices by various operators also suggest controls that go above and beyond requirements will continue, for example, Norwegian Cruise Line's determination to continue antigen testing of all passengers at embarkation through February. 

The new voluntary program — and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky's Senate testimony on Tuesday — indicate public health officials feel confident the cruise industry's adherence to COVID prevention and mitigation measures, even amid a rise in cases due to the Omicron variant. 

 

'... the fact the industry has stepped up and is now interested in doing and exceeding the compliance with the sail order without the order even necessarily needing to be in place is a real testimony to how well that has worked ...' Walensky said.

Investigation threshold goes up

The new program's provisions are very similar to the existing CSO, with some exceptions. For example, the threshold for CDC investigation will go from 0.1% passenger cases or one or more crew cases to 0.3% of passengers and/or crew. This will be 'yellow' or 'orange' under the color-coded system, which is being updated.

'Red' status criteria are also being updated.

Testing continues

Testing requirements will continue, and ships with at least 95% of fully vaccinated crew and passengers may continue to reduce or eliminate certain public health measures onboard, such as mask use and physical distancing.

Masks

The CDC's requirement that people wear masks at transportation hubs like seaports and US ports of entry still applies whether lines opt in or opt out. And the agency continues to recommend people wear a mask inside ships when outside of their cabins and in crowded outdoor settings.

Self-service food will begin to be allowed

Self-service beverage stations will continue to be allowed regardless of onboard vaccination status. Self-service food operations will begin to be allowed.

Recommendations for cleaning and disinfection will continue to align with CDC guidance. Negative air pressure for quarantine cabins will not be required — these cabins must still be in a separate HVAC zone. Isolation cabins must still have negative air pressure.

Port agreements

Port agreements between US port and local health authorities will still be needed. Cruise lines must continue to identify medical and housing facilities and have port and local health authorities sign these agreements. However, operators won't need to present CDC with signed contracts. The agency said it will evaluate this program component but foresees the continued need for lines to pre-identify medical and housing facilities. These could be pre-identified through an emergency response plan, rather than through signed port agreements.

 

No simulated voyages

 

CDC will eliminate the simulated voyage requirement and the conditional sailing certificate application process.

Inspections

CDC will continue to conduct routine unannounced inspections and announced outbreak investigations.

 

The agency said web pages are expected to be updated with the new program details on or around Jan. 14. 

 

CDC unveils new voluntary COVID-19 program for cruise ships (seatrade-cruise.com)