After a pause of almost two years, Hawaii is preparing to allow large cruise ships to dock once again. Per this Hawaii News Now segment, approximately five cruise ships with a combined total of 8,000 passengers are set to arrive in the Hawaiian Islands in January.
With the Omicron variant still circulating in Hawaii and reports of cruise ships having COVID outbreaks despite the , some folks are hesitant about allowing cruise ships. Despite these fears, it appears that the cruise industry is set to resume this month.
Officials have stated that new safety protocols must be in place before the state finalizes port agreements with cruise ships. According to this HNN segment, both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have approved agreements with the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
The cruise lines must abide by CDC requirements as well as the Safe Travels Hawaii program. All passengers and crew members must be able to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative test.
The state’s official website for the Safe Travels program has updated their website to include information and instructions for cruise ship passengers. You can review them at hawaiicovid19.com/travel/faqs/
Sheila Beal
