After two years, COVID is still here and affecting people worldwide. However, the recent Omicron variant surge at the start of the year may be receding.
Although it may seem that way, some experts warn that removing the public safety protocols may be improper at this time.
The COVID booster shot is essential to control the spread of the virus. Viking Cruises have recently released its new rules for its customers. Are you interested to know what it is?
Kindly read on to learn more.
1. Passengers Without a Booster Cannot Get on Board
According to Viking Cruises, passengers must have the COVID-19 booster starting February 1, 2022, if they want to board its ships. The company announced this new rule on January 5 and said that travelers must prove they had the booster at embarkation.
This new rule adds to the company’s current practice of providing proof of fully vaccinated passengers at least two weeks before their date of departure.
Moreover, they must show a negative result of a PCR test within three days of boarding or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours. In addition, Viking Cruises requires a laboratory-certified negative COVID outcome.
Aside from the booster and vaccination requirements, Viking Cruises also requires travelers to observe physical distance while onboard and in public areas. Plus, everyone must wear face masks when they move around the ship.
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2. Other Luxury Cruise Lines Also Updated Their Policies for Boarding
More luxury cruise lines have already created new policies. Lindblad, Azamara, and Silversea announced that only fully vaccinated passengers with a COVID booster shot can board their ships starting March 1.
On the other hand, many cruise companies only require their travelers to have full vaccine shots before boarding. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have recommended the booster shots but don’t require them.
In addition, many luxury cruise lines require their passengers to test negative for the COVID virus before boarding. Passengers must also wear face masks in public areas onboard.
Companies changed the rules to comply with CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order, allowing them to continue their cruise operations.
3. CDC Warns Against Cruise Travel
According to CDC, the virus can spread quickly onboard ships, even if travelers have the COVID booster shot. Moreover, the cruise travel industry is facing new challenges with the onslaught of the Omicron variant.
In a report by CDC on January 11, the health agency said that the positive cases jumped from 162 in the first half of December to 5,013 in the latter half.
Moreover, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian postponed or canceled at least 20 cruises in the last part of December up to the first few weeks of January.
Final Thoughts
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Viking Cruises now requires passengers to have the COVID booster shot before boarding. This new rule is on top of the existing policies it has. Other luxury cruise lines have followed suit, but the others only require being fully vaccinated.
However, CDC still warns against taking the trip because the COVID virus spreads quickly onboard ships. Thus, if you wish to travel, you must exercise caution.
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