Letter to Ms. Kelly Craighead, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Lines International Association, Blumenthal & Matsui Urge Strong Action to Avoid Additional COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships as Cases Surge

Press Release

Dear Ms. Craighead:
We write with extreme concern about the conditions on cruise ships amidst the rapid
spread of the Omicron variant. Passengers on board ships with outbreaks say they have little
accurate information about positive COVID-19 cases, and those who test positive report
deplorable conditions. While ships continue sailing, cruise operators must take all actions
necessary to prioritize the health and well-being of passengers and crew.
COVID-19 poses a unique risk on cruise ships. Despite efforts of cruise operators, one
positive case can -- and often does -- quickly spread amongst passengers and crew. On December
30, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledged this risk,
updating the COVID-19 Travel Health Notice to its highest level for cruise ships and warning all
passengers to "avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status."1 Moreover, the CDC is
investigating all cruise ships with passengers in U.S. waters for positive COVID-19 cases.2 It is
clear the COVID-19 protocols cruise operators have in place are not working.
Passengers also report that they do not think cruise operators properly informed them of
COVID-19 risks or handled outbreaks of COVID-19 that did occur. Passengers booked trips
expecting to be safe given cruise operators' vaccination and testing requirements. Some even
booked larger rooms under the impression they could quarantine in their room should they test
positive for COVID-19.
3 Other passengers who tested positive reported receiving moldy and
lackluster food or waiting hours to receive bottles of water.4 In addition, cruise operators'
reportedly did not engage in contact tracing or regularly update passengers updates about
positive COVID-19 cases on board.5 This is simply unacceptable. Passengers and crew on cruise
ships need to be given full and transparent information about potential COVID-19 outbreaks
occurring to make informed decisions about their health and safety.
We respectfully request written answers to the following questions about cruise lines'
health and safety protocols by January 27, 2022:
1. Are passengers and crew required to be fully vaccinated?
2. What information about COVID-19 risk and response is conveyed with passengers in
advance of their trip? While they are sailing? And upon conclusion of the trip?
3. Does the information shared with passengers include relevant CDC COVID-19-related
guidance, such as the COVID-19 Travel Health Notice? Please explain why or why not.
4. Are passengers and crew required to test negative before beginning a trip? If so, how is
the requirement enforced, and what happens if a passenger or crew member tests
positive?
5. Please describe cruise lines' on board protocols to handle to COVID-19 cases,
including--
a. response to a suspected or positive COVID-19 case among crew;
b. response to a suspected or positive COVID-19 case among passengers, including
quarantine location and amenities and testing availability for the accompanying
travel party;
c. notifications to passengers about suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases
among passengers and crew;
d. timelines for the notifications following case identification; and
e. contact tracing efforts.
6. Do cruise lines have mask mandates?
a. If so, please describe how they are enforced.
b. If not, please explain why not.
7. Are passengers and crew required to test negative before disembarking from a ship?
a. If so, how is the requirement enforced, and what happens if a passenger or crew
member tests positive?
b. If not, please explain the steps cruise lines are taking to protect people from
COVID-19 at ports of call.
5 Sampson and Kornfield, "Bare rooms;" Yeginsu, "Cases Rise."
3
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

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