While the move doesn't mean there is no risk of Covid-19 transmission on cruises, "travelers will make their own risk assessment when choosing to travel on a cruise ship, much like they do in all other travel settings," the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

Industry group Cruise Lines International Association said the move "recognizes the effective public health measures in place on cruise ships and begins to level the playing field, between cruise and similarly situated venues on land, for the first time since March 2020."

CLIA said its cruise line members "are sailing today with health measures in place that are unmatched by virtually any other commercial setting."

It also advises travelers to consult with their doctors about additional precautions if they are immunocompromised or at higher risk for severe illness.

Cruise travel's CDC status has come a long way in the past few months. Three months ago, on December 30, it was moved to the agency's highest-risk Level 4 category of travel advisories as the Omicron variant brought a surge of cases that included a higher number of breakthrough infections.

Cruise travel dropped to Level 3, or "high" risk, in February and then to Level 2, "moderate" risk, where it was listed until it dropped out of the notices altogether on Wednesday.

CDC rules under a conditional sailing order that expired in January required 95% of both passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated to sail in most circumstances, and some cruise lines have required vaccination for all passengers and crew.

The agency said Wednesday that it would continue to provide guidance to the cruise industry through that program.

Source: CNN

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