Cruise industry throws in the towel on 2020, looks to 2021
SILVER SPRING, MD. » The cruise industry has jettisoned hopes of restarting operations this year.
Days after both Carnival and Norwegian extended a halt on cruises through the end of the year, the group that represents cruise lines with 95% of global oceangoing capacity said Tuesday that its members have agreed to extend the suspension of U. S. sailing operations for the rest of 2020.
The announcement comes just days after the U.S. government effectively lifted its no- sail order despite a global spike in coro
navirus infections.
Cruise Lines International Association — which includes cruise giants Princess, Carnival, and Royal
Caribbean — said that its members have voluntarily opted to maintain the current suspension of cruise operations in the U. S. through the end of the year.
Members “will use the remainder of the year to prepare for the implementation of extensive measures to address COVID-19 safety” with the guidance of public health experts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the association said.
On Friday, federal health officials issued new rules that will enable large cruise ships to start sailing again in U. S. waters, though not immediately. Among the CDC’s requirements is that ship owners must test all passengers and crew at the start and end of all voyages, which are limited to seven days.