The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered its pandemic travel health alert for cruise ships from "very high" to "high" on Tuesday.
Driving the news: Under the CDC's new level 3 guidance, the health agency suggests that travelers ensure they're "up to date" with their COVID-19 vaccine inoculations before embarking on cruises.
Yes, but: "If you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, avoid cruise ship travel even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines," the CDC advises in the guidance.
Flashback: The CDC last December raised its travel health notice to the highest level under the four-level system, advising people to "avoid cruise ships, regardless of vaccination status" due to an increased threat of COVID-19, driven by the Omicron variant.
Go deeper: CDC COVID guidance for cruise ships to be optional
