CDC Fully Vaccinated Language to Change - How Will It Impact Cruises? - Cruise Hive

As new variants of the virus have emerged in the ensuing months, however, booster shots have been recommended to augment those initial vaccinations, leading to some question as to how many shots a person needs to receive to be considered fully vaccinated.

It is possible the language cruise lines use will also pivot to include the additional protection of booster shots.

Carnival Cruise Line’s health and safety protocols, for example, explicitly state that “Should the CDC definition of fully vaccinated evolve to require the booster shot, our policy will adapt accordingly.”.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean International’s vaccination guidance states “We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests receive a booster dose when they become eligible to do so, though it is currently not required.” Because the cruise line follows CDC guidance, however, it is likely that should the CDC change the definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters, the cruise line’s policy would also be adapted.

Several cruise lines are already requiring booster shots for all passengers and crew members.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a European cruise line partially owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, already requires booster shots for everyone eligible.

UnCruise Adventures, a small ship line specializing in unique adventure destinations, is requiring all eligible guests and crew members to have a booster shot for all embarkations on and after February 5, 2022.

With the new shift in language from the CDC, it is entirely possible that other cruise lines, including larger lines with more extensive fleets, will begin requiring booster shots!