Two US cruise lines require proof of coronavirus vaccinations before passengers are allowed on board from July.
The requirements set by the American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines, are part of guidelines called “SafeCruise” that the companies have established to protect passengers and personnel during their travels.
“Vaccination requirements for both our guests and crew are the most prudent next step in ensuring that we provide the safest cruise experience,” John Wagoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company told Condé Nast Traveler.
The guidelines of both companies stipulate that passengers and crew must be vaccinated against the corona virus from 1 July in order to travel.
The industry was hit by the pandemic as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) docked the cruises from March to October last year.
Both companies will resume cruises from April, instituting coronavirus precautions such as masks and temperature controls, although the vaccine mandate begins in July.
The companies said they are not concerned about the requirement, as many of their customers are older and eligible for the vaccine. The crew are also eligible for the vaccine under the CDC’s Phase 1c priority system, as they are employees of a transportation company, both companies said, Condé Nast Traveler reported.
Since the approval of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, the US has focused on vaccinating two of its most vulnerable populations – the elderly and health professionals.
The Biden administration has vowed to deliver 100 million shots within the first 100 days of President Biden’s term as it ramps up efforts to distribute the vaccine.
Public health officials, including the best infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci
Anthony Fauci NFL Commissioner Offers Stadiums As Vaccination Sites CDC Says Schools Are Safe But Biden Continues To Ignore The Science, Doctors Jill Biden And Dogs Appear In Ads Promoting Mask Use During Puppy Bowl MORE, have predicted that more than 75 percent of the population will need to be vaccinated for the country to return to some version of normalcy.