The CDC Requirements That Will Guide Test Cruises

Successful test voyages will be the all-important first step toward a return to normal for the cruise industry. While cruising will look different in a post-pandemic world, it will undoubtedly be safer as the COVID-19 crisis has forced operators to reexamine every aspect of the journey, from check-in to disembarkation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently let its no-sail order expire, paving the way for the conditional resumption of cruising, beginning with the aforementioned simulated sailings. There's already been remarkable demand for these test voyages, which are likely to begin in the weeks and months to come. Before they set sail, here's a closer look at what the CDC is requiring.

Cruise lines will be required to inform volunteers in writing that they are participating in "inherently risky activity" by sailing during a pandemic. What's more, all volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have no pre-existing medical conditions that would put them at higher risk. Volunteers' participation must also be on a "consensual basis" and not in exchange for employment or consideration for a future reward.

Cruise lines will be tasked with conducting laboratory testing of all passengers and crew on both the day of embarkation and the day of disembarkation with results becoming available before the ship sets sail and before passengers are allowed to disembark the ship at the conclusion of their trip. Passengers and crew will also need to be tested again post-disembarkation.

Moving forward, cruise passengers can expect strict face-covering and social distancing requirements as well as elevated standards for hand-washing and sanitizing to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 onboard. Cruise ships will also be required to undergo more frequent and effective sanitation.

The CDC will also require that cruise lines modify meal service and entertainment venues onboard to allow for adequate social distancing. That means changes to or elimination of the traditional buffet and spaced out seating in restaurants and theaters and other venues. Self-service food stations will almost certainly be replaced with PPE-equipped staff serving guests who are already seated.

The CDC also wants to see how cruise lines implement enhanced health and safety protocols during shore excursions. With destinations having restrictions in place to minimize the potential spread, it's likely many of these initial land activities will occur on cruise companies' private islands such as Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Simulated voyages will be required to include a handful of simulated activities, including quarantine and evacuation procedures. The CDC wants to ensure that cruise lines can safely transfer symptomatic or COVID-19 positive passengers or crew members from their cabin to an isolated room and be able to effectively quarantine remaining passengers and non-essential crew to prevent a serious outbreak.

In order to obtain and retain a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate, cruise lines can not sail an itinerary longer than seven days. However, the CDC could shorten or lengthen the limit based on public health considerations.

Cruise lines will also be required to notify travelers of any CDC travel advisory, warning or recommendation relating to cruise travel before accepting a reservation. Cruise operators will also have to inform customers that a COVID-19 outbreak could result in the sailing ending immediately and their return home potentially being impacted.

Mistakes or deficiencies in health and safety protocols will need to be documented in an "after-action" report that will also include test results for all passengers and crew members. Cruise operators must explain how they intend to address any deficiencies in the report, which will be necessary to secure a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate.