The Tourism Ministry says the recent warning to Americans to avoid cruise shipping regardless of their vaccination status, is a setback for the industry.

In issuing the warning yesterday (December 30), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its Covid-19 warning level for cruise ships to 4, the highest.

In recent weeks there have been reports of outbreaks on ships, resulting in some ports turning away vessels.

Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism Delano Seiveright is hopeful that the advisory will be amended soon.

He says the development is of concern.

Mr. Seiveright says the Tourism Ministry held talks with cruise shipping stakeholders yesterday (December 30).

He adds that they are monitoring the situation.