Many say they’re comfortable with COVID protocols before and during cruises.
GALVESTON, Texas — Disney’s “Wonder” cruise ship finally landed at Galveston Friday morning following a fog delay.
It eventually docked alongside Carnival’s “Vista” at the Port of Galveston. Both ships were set to sail once again into the new year with thousands of passengers.
“Making the best of it, we’re on vacation,” said Mike Blackmon.
Blackmon and his family came from Colorado for an eight-day Caribbean cruise.
“I mean, there’s a lot of safety measures onboard,” said Blackmon. “No different than going to a packed restaurant.”
“So, we’re just going to try and do the right thing here and be safe.”
Happening now: @DisneyCruise arriving in Galveston after a fog delay. A @CarnivalCruise ship isn’t far behind. A new CDC warning (see link) regarding #COVID isn’t keeping folks I’ve spoken with from setting sail. More: @KHOU at 4:00 + 6:00 https://t.co/BTbtbT6ZRY #khou11 pic.twitter.com/9RzyQwl6wV
— Jason Miles (@JMilesKHOU) December 31, 2021
“Avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status,” it said.
The advisory added that the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruises is very high and cited a number of recent outbreaks.
“CDC also says we should wear a mask everywhere we go,” said frequent cruiser Francena Lewis. “But you see anybody doing that?”
Lewis has taken other voyages amid the pandemic and told us the required testing, masking, and limited excursion options help keep her at ease.
“I believe that Carnival wouldn’t let us get on this cruise if it was that bad and that toxic. That’s my opinion on it,” said Lewis.
“Not much we can do about it,” said passenger Michelle Miterko of Dallas. “Can’t get our money back.”
The Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, called the CDC’s advisory perplexing and said in a statement that cases identified on cruise ships consistently make up a very slim minority of the total population on board.
“We’re going to try and keep within our little family unit and try to be safe and take care of each other,” said Blackmon. “Wear a mask on board, sanitizer, and follow all the recommended guidelines.”
He and others said they hope to return to port with only positive memories.