No cruise operations in U.S. ports until September

i By June 20, 2020 No Comments

Due to the ongoing situation in the U.S. related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ocean-going cruise line members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have voluntarily extended the suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports until September 15, 2020.

In a statement issued June 19, 2020, CLIA explained that while the current No Sail Order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would expire on July 24, it was clear more time was needed to resolve barriers to resumption of service in the United States. “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 crewmembers… 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.”

The No Sail Order was issued by the CDC on April 9 and went into effect on April 15, 2020. It applies to cruise ships with the capacity to carry 250 or more people (passengers and crew) with itineraries anticipating an overnight stay onboard or a 24-hour stay onboard for either passengers or crew.

Established in 1975, CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. It provides a unified voice for the industry and is the leading authority on the global cruise community. Its mandate is to advocate, educate and promote the common interests of the cruise community.

The association’s membership roster includes 50+ cruise lines, representing 95 percent of global cruise capacity; more than 340 executive partner members (ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services); and 15,000 global travel agency and 25,000 global travel agents. CLIA cruise lines serve more than 24 million people annually. It has seven offices around the world: CLIA Australasia, CLIA Asia, CLIA Brazil, CLIA Europe (Belgium), CLIA Europe (London), CLIA North America, and CLIA Northwest and Canada.