Celebrity Cruise: Healthy Return To Sailing

Earlier this week, the Healthy Sail Panel‘s expert recommendations for revolutionizing health and safety in cruising were submitted to the CDC. The panel presented 74 recommendations across five core focus areas, a result of a months-long study and are not only meant to inform Royal Caribbean Groups’ already exceptional sanitation standards — but a guide to be shared across the industry and the world.

The panel is a collaboration between Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and includes experts across public health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, hospitality, and maritime operations.

The five core focus areas are:

  1. Testing and Screening
  2. Sanitation and Ventilation
  3. Response and Contingency Planning
  4. Destination and Excursion Planning
  5. Mitigating Risks for Crew Members

The efforts of this panel, and the industry as a whole, have been placed before the CDC on the eve of a possible end to the suspension of cruise services in the United States. While ships have returned to European waterways, it is not yet clear if the US agency will lift the no sail band at the end of September.

While the ships remain docked, booking opportunity and exclusive cruise incentives remain strong. Cabin inventory is filling at a great pace, with some 2021 sailings near complete booking levels. AAA Travel is here to help you plan and find the right cruise. Our AAA Travel Advisors are staying up to date on the COVID impact on the cruise industry, including ports and itineraries opening and closing in response to the pandemic. One thing is certain; ships will sail again. Planning now will allow you to secure your vacation, and with easier rules around booking changes, the financial risks are minimal. To speak with you AAA Travel advisor, please call 1-800-222-7448.