Following many cruise lines’ decision to cancel their voyages through the end of 2020, all Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines have now opted to extend their voluntary service suspension from the U.S. through Dec. 31.
The announcement comes in response to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new “Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.” CLIA says it will take the extra time to address outlined COVID-19 safety measures and prepare for their implementation.
The association also released the following detailed statement in a press release:
"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 CDC to protect public health, which has been affirmed and reaffirmed consistently throughout the industry’s response to the global pandemic.
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.
As we work to operationalize a path forward, our members have agreed to extend our existing suspension of U.S. operations through Dec. 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.”
CLIA also reiterated how crucial the cruise industry is to the economy, citing that it generates more than $53 billion in annual economic activity while supporting 421,000 American jobs. Nearly 1,000 jobs are lost daily without cruise operations. In total, since mid-March, an estimated loss of more than $25 billion in economic activity and more than 164,000 American jobs have been reported.
What’s more, during the almost eight months of suspended U.S. cruise operations, CLIA members have developed robust health and safety protocols to protect passengers, crew and the communities that voyages visit. These extensive measures have been informed by experts in public health and science, as well as the case studies of successful CLIA-member sailings in Europe and abroad as approved by regional governments.
The Details
Cruise Lines International Association
www.cruising.org
