With the pandemic wreaking havoc across the world, many people have been wondering whether it is safe to travel on a cruise ship. The United States has been one of the hardest-hit countries, and as a result, many ports have closed their doors to cruise ships. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current situation and answer the question: Are US ports open for cruise ships
Current Situation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a no-sail order on March 14, 2020, which went into effect immediately. This order was put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships. It has since been extended multiple times and is currently set to expire on September 30th, 2021.
Despite this order, some cruise lines have resumed operations in other parts of the world where it is deemed safe. However, they have not yet been given permission to operate in US waters.
When Will US Ports Open
As of now, it is unclear when US ports will open for cruise ships. The CDC has stated that they will only lift the no-sail order when certain conditions are met. These conditions include:
- Successful implementation of COVID-19 prevention protocols onboard ships
- Demonstration of healthcare system capacity to handle potential outbreaks onboard
- Cruise lines must conduct a simulated voyage with volunteers to test their protocols before resuming passenger voyages
The CDC will review each individual ship’s application before allowing them to sail again. They will also be monitoring any outbreaks onboard and may revoke permission if necessary.
Conclusion
US ports are currently closed for cruise ships due to the no-sail order issued by the CDC. While some cruise lines have resumed operations in other parts of the world, they have not yet been given permission to operate in US waters. The CDC has stated that they will only lift the no-sail order when certain conditions are met and will be reviewing each individual ship’s application before allowing them to sail again.
If you’re planning a cruise, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest information and guidelines from the CDC and your chosen cruise line. While it may be disappointing that US ports are currently closed for cruise ships, it’s important to prioritize safety during these uncertain times.