Cruise lines alter course
COVID-19 update
CLIA has advised that all of its ocean-going member cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from US ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the US government continue to address COVID-19.
Kelly Craighead, president and CEO, CLIA, said in a statement that, “CLIA cruise line members are voluntarily and temporarily suspending operations from the US as we work to address this public health crisis.”
Craighead continued, “This is an unprecedented situation. Our industry has taken responsibility for protecting public health for more than 50 years, working under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prides itself on its ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for guests, as well as meaningful employment opportunities for crew. This has been a challenging time, but we hope that this decision will enable us to focus on the future and a return to normal as soon as possible.”
The temporary suspension came into effect on March 14.
CLIA’s global chairman, Adam, Goldstein said, “We do not take this decision lightly, and we want the travelling public to know in no uncertain terms the commitment of this industry to putting people fi rst.”
Goldstein continued, “During this time, we will continue to work with the CDC and others to prepare for resumption of sailings when it is appro-priate. We know the travel industry is a huge economic engine for the United States and when our ships once again sail, our industry will be a signifi cant contributor to fueling the economic recovery.”
CLIA notes that guests who are booked on cruise itineraries which will be impacted by this decision are encouraged to contact their travel advisors or reach out to their cruise lines directly.
For more, go to www.cruising.org.
CLIA’s statement came as Cunard, Holland America, Carnival, Celebrity, NCL and Royal Caribbean all announced the temporary suspension of their cruise ship operations as did Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and American Queen Steamboat Company.
The period of suspension for each cruise line is as follows:
- Cunard – through April 11 – https://www.cunard.com/en-us/contact-us/travel-health-advisories
- Holland America Line – through April 14 – https://www.holland america.com/en_US/news/coronavirus-travel-advisory.html
- Carnival – to April 10 – https://www.carnival.com/health-and-sailing-update
- Celebrity – Beginning March 14 and continuing for 30 days –https://www.celebritycruises.com/travel-alert/voluntary-suspension-of-cruising
- Norwegian Cruise Lines – through April 11 – https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/travel-alert/coronavirus
- Royal Caribbean – to April 11 – https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates
- American Queen Steamboat Company – to April 12 – https://www. americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/contact-us/alerts/
- Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line – through April 8 – https://www. bahamasparadisecruise.com.