The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships on Monday. “CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew,” the agency’s website reads. “Cruise ships have access to guidance and tools to manage their own COVID-19 mitigation programs.”
The CDC added that “while cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.”
USA TODAY reached out to the agency for comment. The agency transitioned to a voluntary program for COVID-19 mitigation cruise ships earlier this year, which offered recommendations on safety measures like testing and vaccination. Cruise lines that opted into the program agreed to follow those recommendations.