Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued a statement in response to recent developments concerning the 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the global cruise industry. CLIA has adopted new enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew who have recently traveled from or through China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
These policies, which are in effect as of 7 February 2020, build upon those which were implemented on 31 January 2020 and continue to allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be permitted to board.
More specifically:
- CLIA Members are to deny boarding to all persons who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days before embarkation.
- CLIA Members are to deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days before embarkation, have had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having Coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to Novel Coronavirus.
- CLIA Members are to conduct preboarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected Novel Coronavirus.
The health and safety of cruise passengers and crew is and remains the number one priority of CLIA and its member lines, which make up over 90% of ocean-going cruise capacity worldwide
CLIA said.
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It also added that vessels must be fitted with onboard medical facilities, with shipboard medical professionals available around the clock, to provide initial medical care in case of illness and help prevent disease transmission.
The cruise industry has already been affected by the new virus, as cases have reported in several ships. On February 4, Princess Cruises reported that about ten passengers had been positively tested for Coronavirus. Then, on February 6, the company stated that there were 41 additional passengers infected by the Coronavirus, while 6 more cases were confirmed recently.
What is more:
- Royal Caribbean: Spectrum of the Seas, Costa Atlantica, Costa Venezia, and MSC Splendida have cancelled their departures from the International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District;
- Costa Cruises: Suspension of all operations from China until February 4. Operations at other major Chinese ports have also been halted;
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Introduction of non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from Chinese ports. Guest with a body temperature screening of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher will not be allowed to board and will be directed to seek local medical treatment. What is more, guests travelling from Wuhan, China or who have been in the city in the last 30 days will be denied boarding;
- Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia Pacific: Will not permit passengers who visited Wuhan including those who are from the region to board their ships;
