If you’re a cruise fanatic, and even amid the coronavirus pandemic you’ve been feeling that “gotta cruise” itch, you’ll have to deal with it for a while longer before you’ll be able to head out on the sea again from a US port.
The nation’s top cruise lines have agreed to extend their “no sailing” through October.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced Wednesday that its ocean-going cruise line members will suspend their U.S. operations until at least Oct. 31, 2020. That association is comprised of cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines, and Norwegian cruise lines, and had previously halted U.S. operations until Sept. 15. The CDC’s no-sail order lasts through Sept. 30.
“This is a difficult decision as we recognize the crushing impact that this pandemic has had on our community and every other industry,” said CLIA in a statement. “However, we believe this proactive action further demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to public health and willingness to voluntarily suspend operations in the interest of public health and safety, as has occurred twice prior.”
“At the same time, should conditions in the U.S. change and it becomes possible to consider short, modified sailings, we would consider an earlier restart,” wrote CLIA.
The lack of cruises leaving US ports has had a profoundly negative effect on local Florida economies and individuals in Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Miami. Hopefully, there will be a turnaround in the near future, and we’ll begin seeing those beautiful ships heading out into the sea filled with cruise guests…. Safely – and securely.
