03/09/2020

U.S. State Department Advises Citizens to Avoid Cruise Ship Travel

The department cites coronavirus risk as a danger

On March 8, 2020, the U.S. Department of State advised citizens, especially those with underlying health conditions, to not travel via cruise ship, citing an increased risk of spreading COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus.

The department's full statement posted to its website can be read below:

"U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship. CDC notes increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment. In order to curb the spread of COVID-19, many countries have implemented strict screening procedures that have denied port entry rights to ships and prevented passengers from disembarking. In some cases, local authorities have permitted disembarkation but subjected passengers to local quarantine procedures. While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities."

Please select this link to read the complete article from WBNS-10.