Author: Morgan Hines, USA TODAY

“Voluntary” doesn’t mean that cruise ships will not be regulated by the CDC – regardless of whether they opt into the CDC’s new program.

Norwegian Cruise Line canceled more sailings this week as COVID continues to spread across the country.

The CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing Order will expire Saturday and the health agency’s COVID guidance for cruise ships will become voluntary.

Royal Caribbean joined Norwegian in canceling cruises. Some scrapped sailings were to depart as soon as Saturday, leaving cruisers in a lurch.

Royal Caribbean International announced Friday that it will pause operations on multiple ships because of COVID-19.

Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess ship docked in San Francisco Thursday with a dozen COVID-19 cases among passengers.

Royal Caribbean is moving crew members who have tested positive for COVID to two of its out of service cruise ships to quarantine as COVID surges.

The cruise industry has voluntarily halted operations in Brazil to seek alignment with authorities on COVID-19 protocols.

Norwegian Cruise Line canceled cruises on several of its ships Wednesday as COVID-19 continues to surge with the emergence of the omicron variant.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain steps down after 33 years of leadership.