As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, many cruise lines are extending cruise suspension. Sailing dates have been being pushed back since last March and still are. The cruise lines are hoping to resume sailings soon with strict health protocols on board the boats and at the ports.
“The situation so far is that almost all cruises globally are suspended and will only restart depending on the authorities in each country, new health measures, and travel restrictions.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced its Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) that is in place until November 1, 2021. The cruise industry is putting a lot of pressure on the CDC to allow cruises, but they have now made it clear that it is an inter-agency decision whether the cruises will resume or not. It was thought that the CDC was controlling when cruise operations would start again.
The CDC created the Conditional Sailing Order, (CSO) a phased approach containing four phases. It includes all the instructions for the cruise lines and ports. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and many cruise lines including Norwegian have said “the new details unduly burdensome and largely unworkable.” The CDC has received many calls and letters to lift the order, but it is still in place.
A lot of cruise lines have already announced their plans for when they will begin operation. Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Disney cruise lines are all planning to sail in July. With all of the new health protocols they are having to follow there could still be changes in dates. Some cruise lines are requiring covid vaccinations, but so far only for the crew members on the Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. As more people continue to get the vaccine some cruise lines are considering requiring it for their guests.
It is still questionable whether or not cruises will be sailing this summer, but they are trying. The cruise lines are working hard to get people back on the boats and are planning to start in July. There will be many new protocols on board the ships and at the ports, but many people are looking forward being able to go out on the boats again after the past year.
THE WARRIOR WORD 