By Sam Boughedda
Investing.com — Cruise line stocks have dipped just after midday Thursday after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people should "avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status."
The CDC increased the travel warning to Level 4, Very High, its highest level as it investigates almost 100 cruise liners after Covid outbreaks.
The news resulted in a move lower in cruise stocks. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (NYSE:RCL) shares fell into the red on the news, but are now sitting 0.09% higher, Carnival (NYSE:CUK) Corporation (NYSE:CCL) shares are currently down 0.72%, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NYSE:NCLH) shares are down 1.25%. Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), which has four ships under investigation or being observed by the CDC, has not yet moved negative on the news, with its shares trading 1% above Wednesday's close.
On its website, the CDC said Covid-19 can spread easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting the virus on the ships is very high.
"It is especially important that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status," stated the CDC.