News outlets are getting a lot of mileage out of the breaking news that on the first Celebrity cruise on Millennium out of St. Maarten, there were two positive Covid tests. While this is being widely covered as a terrible development in the path to a safe resumption of cruises, I adamantly disagree. Covid-19 is here to stay for a while and the importance of a small number of positive cases and the effectiveness of the safety protocols is a giant step forward to the continued ramp-up of the cruise industry.

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Official statement regarding the positive Covid tests on the first Celebrity cruise:

Today two guests sharing a stateroom onboard Celebrity Millennium tested positive for COVID-19 while conducting the required end of cruise testing. The individuals are asymptomatic and currently in isolation and being monitored by our medical team. We are conducting contact tracing, expediting testing for all close contacts and closely monitoring the situation. Celebrity Millennium is sailing with fully vaccinated crew and guests and following comprehensive protocols that align with our destination partners and exceed CDC guidelines to protect the health and safety of our guests. All guests on Celebrity Millennium were required to show proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before sailing from St. Maarten this past Saturday. This situation demonstrates that our rigorous health and safety protocols work to protect our crew, guests and the communities we visit.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s stance, and mine, is the pre-cruise protocols requiring vaccines and negative tests prior to boarding kept the spread to a minimum on the first Celebrity cruise. Based on their statement, it also proves that the protocols in place for handling positive Covid test results are effective. The guests who tested positive — two out of hundreds of guests — are asymptomatic (so the vaccine is effective) and were isolated and monitored. Contact tracing is being done to be able to identify potential cases and minimize the risk of a more widespread outbreak. These protocols, and all the others were developed by the Healthy Sail Panel in coordination with health officials from the ports and the US CDC and prove that cruising is safe.

Celebrity Millennium has been totally reimagined to align with Celebrity’s new, more upscale luxury experience. Guests can expect luxury touches throughout their vacation without the usual upcharges for Wifi, gratuities, and drink packages.

Cruising has always been a safe and fun way to see the world and Celebrity is doing everything possible to make sure that doesn’t change. More more information about Celebrity cruises or assistance planning your next vacation, use the contact form or call Joel at 844-483-6669.