Cruise Industry Wants to Impose Ban on Travelers Over 70

If you’re over 70 or have a medical condition and planning a cruise, it may be time to reconsider amid the dangerous coronavirus outbreak.

According to a report from CNBC, citing two sources familiar with the situation, cruise ships want to stop people from over 70 and those with chronic medical conditions from getting on board.

The cruise industry has recently submitted a proposal to the White House that would ban travelers over the age of 70 as well as those with chronic medical conditions from getting on a ship as the disease spreads.

According to the sources, the proposal would restrict people over the age of 70 from getting on a ship unless they can provide written consent from a doctor.

The U.S. State Department urged Americans recently to refrain from traveling on cruise ships after both the Diamond Princess off the coast of Japan and the Grand Princess off the coast of California had cases on the boats.

Adam Goldstein, CEO of the Cruise Line International Association and former Vice Chairman of Royal Caribbean, had said on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street that the industry submitted the proposal after Vice President Mike Pence requested to strenghtencontainment measures.

“We had 72 hours in which to respond, which we were able to do yesterday in time. We feel like we have been responsive on prevention, on detection, and on care for guests on cruise ships, and we believe that we’ve now elevated our ability to manage any situation that would arise and that people should feel comfortable to cruise with us,” said Goldstein.

He also said, “Either elderly travelers or travelers with serious chronic underlying health conditions are the most vulnerable segment of the population, and we need to take that into account.”