CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that its members have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations from American ports due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The current no sail order issued by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)...
CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that its members have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations from American ports due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
The current no sail order issued by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) expires on 24 Jul, but CLIA said “although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the US”.
The voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the no sail order applied (vessels with capacity to carry 250 passengers or more).
“Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crew members,” CLIA’s official statement said.
“The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations.”
Ongoing uncertainty about COVID-19 means the new planned date for resumption may not be final at this stage, with CLIA saying its cruise line members would continually evaluate the evolving situation “and make a determination as to whether a further extension is necessary”.
Pictured: the Port of Miami.
