To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.

The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the United States has cause many things to change around the country.

Travel restrictions were put into place, select people are advised not to travel, and places like Universal Orlando Resort have reinstated their mask policies. Florida has repeatedly broken its own record for the number of positive cases in the state, and Orange County, where Disney World is located, has seen their testing positivity rate increase significantly. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have new recommendations when it comes to cruises.

The CDC is advising people against going on cruises regardless of their vaccination status, according to CNBC. This comes as cruises have seen a surge of COVID-19 cases on ships as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

According to CNBC, the CDC also increased its travel warning for cruises to the highest level as the agency investigates dozens of ships that have had COVID-19 outbreaks.

Cruise ships in United States waters have reported around 5,000 COVID cases to the CDC between December 15th and 29th. The numbers are significantly higher compared to the first two weeks of December, when only 162 cases were reported.

The CDC also said that “It is especially important that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status.”

COVID-19 transmits easily between people in close quarters, like on cruise ships, the CDC said. There is a high chance of catching the virus on a cruise even if you are vaccinated and have had a booster shot, according to CNBC.

Right now, Disney Cruise Line requires all guests who are vaccine-eligible to be fully vaccinated at the time of sailing. This will be required for all guests ages 5 and up starting on January 13th, 2022. Guests who aren’t vaccine-eligible because of age have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken between 3 days and 24 hours before the day they set sail.

Cases of COVID-19 have reached an all time high in the United States. Over 300,000 daily new cases were reported as a 7-day average as of Wednesday, according to CNBC. That’s up 82% compared to last week. Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates on COVID-19 as it pertains to travel and tourism.

Click here to see more about the current COVID-19 situation in Florida

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The post People Should “Avoid Cruise Travel” According to the CDC first appeared on the disney food blog.