The cruising public is confused and concerned. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted cruise ship sailings to the high level 4 and recommended don't sail for vaccinated and non-vaccinated.

The decision was made on December 30, 2022, due to the spread of the Omicron variant.

In less than a week, CDC announced that they will make Conditional Sail Oder (CSO) voluntary for cruise ships. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, gave a reason for this decision: cruise lines implemented standards that are above or meet CDC’s requirements.

So, CDC confused cruisers. This means that cruising is dangerous at the present time, but we will not regulate the cruise industry because cruise lines do everything right.

From my point of view, it is not logical. If the industry is dangerous, the CDC must protect cruisers. Supervision from the government is critical.

Making Conditional Sail Order voluntary means that cruise lines can decide. They can relax protocol in one day, and CDC doesn't control that.

Just to let you know that maintaining health protocol on board is expensive. It includes but is not limited to routine crew members testing, additional medical facilities onboard, providing medical care for sick guests, etc.

CDC issued No-Sail Order back in March 2020 at the beginning travel shutdown

In October 2020, CDC transformed No-Sail order into Conditional Sail Order. Conditional Sail Order means a framework of health and safety protocols. Those protocols are compulsory for all cruise lines that operate in the USA waters.

So, cruise lines must follow those protocols if they operate from, to, or call on the US ports.

The CSO officially expires on January 15, 2022, and will be not extended. After this date, CDC will implement a voluntary program to help cruise lines to operate safely.

We can see softness in CDC decisions for cruise lines and strong recommendations for consumers not to sail.

Inconsistency of decisions is evidence of a political game that CDC involved. On one side, they please shareholders and cruise lines owners by clearly conveying that they don't want to destroy their business. – CDC doesn't want to reinstate No-Sail Order with the spread of the Omicron variant.

On the other hand, they want to protect the cruising public from infection by giving the highest Level 4 to the cruise industry.  

From my point of view, this is a compromise that sends a confusing message to cruisers.

I am sure that cruise lines will continue to follow their established health and safety protocols. The problem is an inconsistency between cruise lines.

I had a family of three that booked and paid in full for the cruise that they couldn't take.

When they booked online, there was no warning that there was no way for 10 years old to be with his parents. – Norwegian Cruise Line requires all guests to be vaccinated. At that time, the vaccine was not available to kids. Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line returned the money, but the family ate all non-refundable expenses.

At the same time, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity welcome unvaccinated children. – They implemented a special protocol for that.  

Now, are my practical suggestions.

First, think critically. Don't trust cruise lines and media. Every one of them has its own agenda. Cruise lines need your business. They have billion dollars in loans from No-Sail Oder. The media and press need more eyes to read their news and see ads.

That is why the cruise industry tells you that they are safe, and the media persuades you that cruise ships are a petri-dish.

You are in the middle. Find a travel advisor that you can trust. Trust is based on knowledge of your situation and current situation in the cruise industry.

Second, forget about deals on a cruise vacation. –

 It is better to be safe than sorry!

It is better to have somebody care about you and help in an unforeseen situation.

It is better to have somebody who explains the pros and cons of each trip or cruise. So, you can make a well-informed decision. This will be your personal travel advisor you can trust.

I will tell you how to find the best one for you in a future post.

Feel free to discuss options for your travel in 2022 with me.

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