Published on Tuesday, November 3, 2020

US cruises cancelled for rest of the year

CLIA cruise lines have voluntarily suspended all US cruises for the remainder of 2020.

The extension to the pause in operations will give the cruise lines more time to comply with new guidance from public health experts and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC has lifted its 'no sail' order but replaced this with a conditional order with specific protocols cruise lines must follow before they can resume operations.

Also, cruises must be limited to no more than seven days and all crew and passengers must be tested for Covid-19 before embarking and disembarking.

The CDC said there would be a phased return to cruising, after the operators have demonstrated their ability to mitigate the risks of Covid-19.

CLIA represents 95 per cent of the world's ocean-going cruise lines, with giants like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines all members.

"As we continue to plan for a gradual and highly-controlled return of cruise operations in the US 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," it said.

"We share a common goal with the US 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 operationalise a path forward, our members have agreed to extend our existing suspension of US operations through 31 December.

"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."

By Linsey McNeill, Editor (UK)