Many major cruise lines continue to operate despite the State Department's cruise ship warnings. The travel advisory was issued late Sunday evening and was a direct response to a coronavirus outbreak on cruise ships.
The State Department stated in a statement that Americans should never travel on cruise vessels as they are more likely than others to contract the virus. According to the agency, passengers on these hulking vessels are often more closely grouped than in other modes of transportation.
The agency also advised that cruise travellers could face restrictions at international ports of call. If local authorities decide to quarantine them, they will not be able use government repatriation aircraft.
The CDC has generally issued travel warnings that discourage travel, except for essential travel, during epidemics of coronavirus. With this new outbreak, however, the CDC has taken a more active approach.
The CDC has a number of ways you can protect yourself from COVID-19 infections. These include:
Avoid situations that can increase your chances of contracting more severe diseases such as crowded areas and long plane rides (e.g. Miami to San Francisco).
Avoid working or visiting cruise ships with this virus.
The CDC advises you to get in touch with the company that you're booking a cruise to learn if they have any plans for taking precautions.
If they do, they should let you know so you can make other arrangements to get off the ship if necessary.
You should also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently to avoid spreading the virus.
Some cruise lines have more stringent procedures in place to protect passengers and crew from outbreaks.
The CDC still recommends against any cruise ship traveling, especially for patients with chronic diseases, due to the increased risk of COVID-19-related infections.
This is a very important issue, and we urge you to follow the CDC's recommendations to stay healthy and safe while traveling abroad.
A number of health organizations are offering free vaccinations and other support to help travelers stay healthy during the epidemic, and the CDC recommends travelers be up to date with their vaccines before boarding a ship.
The CDC offers some tips on how to stay healthy.
1. After using the toilet, before touching your face or coughing or sneezing, and after handling germ-infested surfaces.
2. You should wear comfortable, loose clothes and shoes when you travel outside of your cabin. Avoid sharing towels or other personal possessions with anyone.
4. Report any loss of passport immediately to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They will arrange to obtain a replacement passport at a cost.
5. It is better to rent a room or apartment than a shared one on board the ship.
FAQ
Where do cruises begin?
Cruise vacations typically begin in Miami, Florida. It has both international ports and airports, so cruises leave from Miami. These two locations permit passengers to explore South America and Europe.
Which cabin type should I buy?
When deciding on a cabin, think about what size room you want. Do you like sharing a bathroom or would you prefer to have your own? Would you prefer your own private bathroom? Is noise important to you? Is it important to you that you spend more time in the stateroom or the dining area? Consider whether you would prefer an interior or balcony view. Balconies provide more space, but can sometimes make it noisy. Interior views are generally quieter than balconies.
What is cruising?
You pay a deposit of $50-$100 when you reserve a cabin on a cruise. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check into your cabin when you arrive at the port. Afterward, you may participate in one of the many onboard activities.
Statistics
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- You can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip. (travel.usnews.com)
- You'll need to budget around $80 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. (travel.usnews.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
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How To
How to book a cruise
Booking a cruise through a travel agency is the best way to do so. You will need to arrange for your trip, book accommodation, make payment arrangements and handle insurance issues. The agent will take care of you throughout the process and ensure you get the best deal.
There are many ways to save money. Some people go directly to the cruise lines and buy their tickets. This is a great way to compare prices with what you would be paying if you booked through an agent. Another option is to use a specialist online comparison site like CruiseCompare.com. You can enter your details into the website and see which companies offer the best price. You can then book the one that best suits your needs.
There are many other options available, if you are willing to do some research. For example, you could look for an internet-based company that offers a package deal where you can combine flights and accommodation. These packages are offered by many websites.
You could also ask friends and family members about their experiences with different cruise lines. You might get some advice from them about the suitability of a particular cruise for you.