CLIA ocean-going cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from US ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the US Government continue to address COVID-19.
CLIA cruise line members are voluntarily and temporarily suspending operations from the US as we work to address this public health crisis. This is an unprecedented situation. Our industry has taken responsibility for protecting public health for more than 50 years, working under the guidance of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prides itself on its ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for guests, as well as meaningful employment opportunities for crew. This has been a challenging time, but we hope that this decision will enable us to focus on the future and a return to normal as soon as possible,
…said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, CLIA.
The temporary suspension has taken effect at 12:00AM EDT on 14 March 2020.
We do not take this decision lightly, and we want the traveling public to know in no uncertain terms the commitment of this industry to putting people first. During this time, we will continue to work with the CDC and others to prepare for resumption of sailings when it is appropriate. We know the travel industry is a huge economic engine for the US and when our ships once again sail, our industry will be a significant contributor to fueling the economic recovery,
…said Adam Goldstein, CLIA Global Chairman.
The cruise industry is a vital artery for the US economy, supporting over 421,000 American jobs, with every 30 cruisers supporting one US job, and annually contributes nearly $53 billion to the US economy.
Guests who are booked on cruise itineraries which will be impacted by this decision are encouraged to contact their travel advisors or reach out to their cruise lines directly.
So far, several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celestyal Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Viking Cruises have announced temporary suspensions of cruise operations due to COVID-19.
Last week, the US President announced suspension of all travel from 26 European countries to the United States for the next 30 days, in an effort to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. This ban took effect from Friday midnight.
The travel order does not apply to the UK and Ireland, and does not apply to American citizens.
Amid the voluntary suspension of US cruise operations, the US Port of Jacksonville announced that four cruise ships, including JAXPORT’s regular home-ported ship ‘Carnival Ecstasy’ already in port, will dock at the port and remain there.
See also:
- CLIA to take further measures against COVID-19
- Several ports ban cruise calls amid COVID-19 outbreak
