Cruise ships now sailing without CDC’s travel warning

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. — Ships at Port Canaveral are now sailing without the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel warning, which was first issued more than two years ago.

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The agency lifted its warning on Wednesday.

The change lets vacationers decide whether they feel safe getting on a ship.

It’s big news as many people start making summer holiday travel plans.

READ: CDC lifts COVID-19 risk warning for cruise ships

“No one wants the industry to be operating safely more than the cruise lines. That’s the bottom line,” said Capt. John Murray, the CEO of Canaveral Port Authority.

But don’t expect anything to change for passengers while on cruise ships.

The robust safety protocols that led to the CDC removing its health risk notice will likely remain.

READ: World’s biggest cruise ship ready to set sail from Florida

“I will tell you this will do nothing to change the health protocols the cruise industry has implemented. They will continue to adjust with the science. They’ll continue to require the negative COVID tests. They’ll continue to require passengers and crew to be vaccinated,” said Stewart Chiron, a cruise expert.

READ: Have a cruise planned? Here’s what you need to know

Murray told Eyewitness News that several cruise ships are already operating at full capacity and bookings are strong.

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