Today, the CDC eliminated its cruise travel health notice after two years of warning about the risk of contracting COVID-19 on a cruise ship. Cruise lines were quick to agree it’s safe to cruise, beginning with a favorite cruise line, Holland America.

“The CDC’s removal of its health notice related to cruise travel is an important step forward in recognizing the work we have done to protect our guests. At Holland America Line, we continue to operate vaccinated cruises and have created a safe and healthy environment for our guests, our teams, and the communities we serve, helping to ensure cruising is among the safest forms of socializing and travel.

“With the remainder of our ships set to return to service in the coming weeks, Holland America Line is looking forward to safely welcoming more guests back to cruising this spring and summer as we explore Alaska, Canada, New England, and Europe. We recently extended our Worry-Free Promise to allow flexible cancelation for cruise bookings made by May 31 and embarking by September 30 of this year.”

Also, Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages noted “We’re absolutely thrilled to see that the CDC recognizes that it’s time to remove the Travel Health Notice website. While we feel this was a long time coming, we recognize this move as a demonstration of all of the hard work this industry has done to ensure that we’re offering the safest way to travel. It’s refreshing to see them meet us where we’re at, and clearly where our consumers are at considering the major uptick in demand we’ve seen.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes the removal of the Travel Health Notice for cruises

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “The decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remove the Travel Health Notice for cruising is well-deserved recognition that the industry has been sailing millions of travelers for many months with highly effective protocols that make cruising among the world’s safest forms of socializing and travel.

“The cruise industry has gained strong momentum in recent months, with many travelers anxious to again begin enjoying holidays with family and friends, and the CDC’s decision begins to help level the playing field between cruise and land-based vacation options.

“This is also welcome news to the extensive network of suppliers, many of whom are small businesses that depend on cruise for their success, which will continue to help provide significant positive impacts for economies and employment in countries and regions around the world.”