Cruise Lines International Association has called on US authorities to allow cruise operations to resume from American ports in July.
The cruise trade body said the early-July timeframe is in line with President Biden’s forecast for when the US will be “closer to normal.”
Following the industry’s voluntary suspension of operations one year ago, cruise lines have been prevented from operating in the US by a series of ‘No Sail Orders’ issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
A Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) was issued last October, outlining a “phased approach for the safe and responsible resumption for passenger cruises”, but since then the CDC has not released any further guidance.
Kelly Craighead, Clia president and chief executive, said: “The outdated CSO, which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently.
“Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.”
She added: “Over the past eight months, a highly-controlled resumption of cruising has continued in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific – with nearly 400,000 passengers sailing to date in more than 10 major cruise markets.
“These voyages were successfully completed with industry-leading protocols that have effectively mitigated the spread of Covid-19.
“Additional sailings are planned in the Mediterranean and Caribbean later this spring and summer.”
Clia claimed there is a “very small fraction of reported Covid cases” – fewer than 50 based on public reports – which is “dramatically lower” than the rate on land or in any other transport mode.
Craighead added: “This is a testament to the industry’s unparalleled expertise, gained over more than half a century, in coordinating movements of guests and crew, efficiently organising complex embarkations and excursions, and designing vessels that are more technologically advanced and operationally agile than any other mode of transportation.
“The cruise industry has adopted a high bar for resumption around the world with a multi-layered set of policies that is intended to be revised as conditions change.
“Our members continue to follow this multi-layered approach to enhancing health and safety that has proven effective, making cruising one of the best and most adaptable choices for travel.”
She noted: “The accelerated rollout of vaccines is a gamechanger in providing for the health and well-being of the public, especially in the US, where President Biden expects all adults will be eligible for vaccinations by May 1, 2021.”