Forget about cruises until at least Nov.
Cruise lines throughout the United States will stay in dry dock through Oct. 31 “in the interest of public health and safety” during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Cruise Lines International Association said Wednesday.
The newly announced extension comes about three weeks after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order for all U.S. cruise ships through the end of September.
“This is a difficult decision as we recognize the crushing impact that this pandemic has had on our community and every other industry,” the cruise association said Wednesday.
“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.”
There have been multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 aboard cruise ships across the globe since the pandemic began, including one recently on a boat operated by a Norwegian cruise line that’s seen more than 40 people test positive.
On Wednesday, the Carnival Cruise Line addressed the no-sail extension and said it will keep working with health and government officials to “finalize enhanced health and sanitation protocols and procedures.”
“We thank our guests for their continued patience and support as we work through these difficult decisions,” the cruise line said in a statement. “When the time is right, our terrific onboard team will be waiting to welcome our guests back to give them the great vacation they deserve.”
Royal Caribbean, Disney, Virgin and the Norwegian Cruise Line are among the other major cruise operators that will be impacted by the no-sail extension.
The Cruise Lines International Association said it will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation, and acknowledged the date that cruise ships are permitted to resume operations could potentially be moved up or pushed back again.