When Will Cruises Resume? Industry Demands CDC Lift COVID-19 Restrictions And End Shutdown

Cruise lines are ready to resume sailing to vacation destinations and want the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reevaluate the COVID-19 restrictions.

The industry has been shut down as a part of the CDC’s attempt to stop the spread of the virus. However, now that vaccines are available, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is hoping the public health agency will lift the restrictions and allow sailing to begin in July, USA Today reported.

In a press release on Wednesday, Kelly Craighead, the president and CEO of CLIA, urged the CDC to reconsider its restrictions on the cruise industry.

“The outdated CSO, which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently,” she stated.

While other industries of entertainment and leisure have been able to offer more bookings, the CLIA noted that cruises have remained shut down in America.

“Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors,” Craighead said.

The CDC issued a “conditional sailing order” in October 2020, and it is expected to remain in effect until Nov. 1.

“Returning to passenger cruising is a phased approach to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19,” said Caitlin Shockey, spokesperson for the CDC. “Details for the next phase of the CSO are currently under interagency review.”

Some cruise lines are already planning to resume sailing this year but will not dock in the U.S. Royal Caribbean plans to begin sailing in June from its ports in Nassau, Bahamas, and Bermuda, CNBC reports.

The destinations will also include stops in Cozumel, Mexico, and the Royal Caribbean private island Perfect Day CocoCay.

The push from the CLIA for the CDC to review restrictions comes after President Joe Biden’s first primetime address to the nation earlier this month. At the time, Biden shared his intent on having the country return “closer to normal” and being able to gather in small groups to celebrate the Fourth of July.