The industry adopted face masks for cruise passengers as policy months ago. The USA's CDC agency issued an order going into effect on February 1 that requires cruise passengers to wear masks on all forms of public transportation, including cruise ships.
The CDC also requires people to wear masks in transportation hubs.
"Persons must wear masks over the mouth and nose when traveling on conveyances into and within the United States. Persons must also wear masks at transportation hubs as defined in this Order. This includes a wide array of transportation, like busses, trains, vessels, and other conveyances used for travel."
The Healthy Sail Panel submitted a total of 74 recommendations, including wearing of face masks, in September to the CDC.
Following the recommendation, industry organization CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association said its member companies had agreed to adopt a mandatory set of core elements, including mandatory wearing of masks by all cruise passengers and crew members onboard and during excursions in accordance with guidance from health authorities.
Even the few ships that restarted passenger shipping operations (in Singapore, Germany, Italy, Canary islands) are required their passengers to wear masks.
The Centers' order does allow for masks to be removed when drinking or eating, as well as for any child under 2 years old.