CHARLOTTE – We have all read articles about how being on a cruise ship is akin to sitting in a hospital ward with sick patients. Yes, there have been very few instances of multiple passengers getting sick on cruise ships since 2021. As a matter of fact, there have been 100 times as many instances of “Super Spreader Events” since 2021, occurring on land-based get-togethers. Just a few facts as I have read them from the CDC, from Travel ConsultantTraining, and from passenger feedback. Before ships were allowed to begin sailing again, all countries, including the USA, imposed stringent requirements before passengers were allowed to board once again. I can remember many of the cruises Barbara and I have taken, where we saw crew members cleaning surfaces constantly. Long before Covid, Cruise ships were very careful in minimizing viral or foodborne illness cases by providing hand-sanitizing stations, thermometers in buffet lines, and hot water washing of bedding. With guidance from the CDC, most Cruise lines hired professional sanitation companies in order to insure they were cleaning correctly. Everyone realized they would never sail again until they at least complied with the CDC guidelines at a minimum. No one wanted to do just the minimum, so most Cruise Lines opted to go beyond the minimum and invested heavily in passenger safety.

When the CDC allowed ships to sail again, they were under surveillance, sailed with fewer passengers, and began vaccinating EVERY crew member without exception. They also set up testing labs on board and began to test crewmembers on a regular basis.

Phil and Barbara operate Leisure Travel Experts here in Mint Hill and are proud members of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce.