CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), which represents 95% of the world's ocean-going cruise shipping capacity, announced on Tuesday, November 3, that its member companies would maintain the voluntary suspension of passenger shipping operations in the USA through December 31 and will use the remainder of 2020 to prepare for the implementation of extensive measures to address COVID safety with the guidance of outside public health experts and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The Association issued the following statement:
“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 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect public health, which has been affirmed and reaffirmed consistently throughout the industry’s response to the global pandemic. As we work to operationalize a path forward, our members have agreed to extend our existing suspension of U.S. operations through December 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. “
Each day without cruise ship operations in the USA results in nearly 1000 American jobs lost. The industry is vital for the US economy, generating USD 53+ billion in annual economic activity and supporting ~421,000 American jobs spanning nearly every sector. From mid-March, it is estimated that the suspension of cruises has resulted in a loss of over US$25 billion in economic activity and 164,000+ American jobs.
In the nearly 8 months that cruise operations in the USA have been suspended, CLIA cruise line members have been diligent in the development of rigorous protocols. The public health protocols that the members have agreed to adopt have been informed by the recommendations of experts in public health and science, as well as the experiences of CLIA members who have resumed sailings in Europe and other parts of the world.
CLIA's ocean ship cruise companies include the brands (for information see CruiseMapper's directory here) AIDA, ACL-American Cruise Lines, Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Celestyal, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, PGC-Paul Gauguin Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant, Princess, RSSC-Regent Seven Seas, RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, TUI, Virgin Voyages, Windstar, Fred Olsen, Hapag-Lloyd, Marella UK, P&O UK, Saga UK.