On November 3, 2020, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), determined that its cruise line members would maintain the ongoing voluntary suspension of cruise operations in the U.S. through December 31, 2020. CLIA members will also use the remainder of the year to further prepare for the implementation of extensive measures to address COVID-19 safety with the guidance of outside public health experts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CLIA recently announced the adoption of a strong set of health protocols that represent core elements for a gradual return to service in the Americas. The core elements of these protocols go beyond any other sector of travel and tourism, including 100 percent testing of passengers and crewmembers – a travel and tourism industry first.

The Association has also committed to the following protocols to ensure passenger safety:

• Mask-Wearing: Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Distancing: Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions.
• Ventilation: Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air onboard and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk.
• Medical Capability: Risk-based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation.
• Shore Excursions: Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of reboarding for any passengers that do not comply.

The public health protocols that CLIA 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 member lines who have resumed sailing in Europe and other parts of the world with approval from local and regional governments.

“The complete shuttering of the cruise industry has had a significant impact resulting in lost revenues for the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and the hospitality industry that the cruise business contributes to. However, we have also seen an entire industry take proactive steps so that passengers can be confident that the proper measures and timing are in place when cruising does resume,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO. “When the time comes, Port NOLA and our tourism partners will be ready to welcome cruise operations back because we know that when the impacts of COVID-19 subside, New Orleans and Louisiana will still be a place people from all over want to visit.”

Published: November 19, 2020