Cruise Lines International Association members announced that they will maintain the voluntary suspension of cruise ship operations in the U.S. through the end of the year.
To remind, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new Framework for Conditional Sailing Order that introduces a phased approach for the resumption of passenger cruises in US waters. The CDC’s no sail order expanded on October 31st.
However, the Association that includes Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, stated that they will voluntarily pause their operations until the end of the year for safety and health reasons, keeping in mind that the cruise industry has been severely affected by the pandemic.
Responding to this decision, CLIA commented that extending the sailing suspension through the end of the year will give its members time to implement the extensive measures set out by the CDC and the guidance of outside public health experts.
The Association issued the following statement
As we continue to plan for a gradual and highly-controlled return of cruise operations in the U.S., CLIA members are committed to implementing stringent measures to address COVID-19 safety, including 100% testing of passengers and crew, expanded onboard medical capabilities, and trial sailings, among many others. We share a common goal with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect public health, which has been affirmed and reaffirmed consistently throughout the industry’s response to the global pandemic. As we work to operationalize a path forward, our members have agreed to extend our existing suspension of U.S. operations through December 31. This action will provide additional time to align the industry’s extensive preparation of health protocols with the implementation requirements under the CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing and Initial Phase COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Protection of Crew. We recognize the devastating impact that the pandemic continues to have on the 421,000 Americans whose livelihoods are connected directly to cruise operations. We will work with urgency to advance a responsible return to cruising while maintaining a focus on effective, science-based measures to protect public health.
