CLIA announces voluntary cruise suspension until 2021
In line with the extended voluntary suspension, members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will not resume their US operations until January 2021
CLIA – the cruise line trade association that comprises over 95 per cent of the world’s ocean-going cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises – has announced that it will be extending the voluntary suspension of US cruises through to 31 December 2020.
The new decision reflects the association’s plan to give CLIA members ample time to develop health and safety measures that successfully mitigate the spread of Covid-19, as set out by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CLIA and CDC share a common goal
“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-per-cent testing of passengers and crew, expanded onboard medical capabilities, and trial sailings, among many others,” said CLIA in a statement. “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.”
But, despite holdbacks, the industry is pushing forward. Recently, the CDC issued a ‘Framework for Conditional Sailing Order’, which aimed to help encourage a safe and responsible phased return to sailing. And, in early November, Viking launched its own onboard Covid-19 testing facility on its Viking Star cruise ship.