CDC lifts some mask rules for vaccinated cruise passengers

Cruise passengers who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to take their masks off outdoors as long as they aren't in crowds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

The agency included the new guidance in an update to its operations manual for cruise lines to follow when they eventually restart sailing under new coronavirus-era rules. "Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that - if they are fully vaccinated - they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings," the manual says.