What Is the Purpose of the Conditional Sailing Order on Cruise Ships During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

By Michael Ferguson

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many industries to take unprecedented measures to ensure the safety of their customers and employees. One such industry is the cruise ship industry. Cruise ships have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, with several high-profile outbreaks occurring on board various vessels.

In response to this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Conditional Sailing Order for all cruise ships operating in US waters. But what is the purpose of this order? Let’s dive into it.

What is the Conditional Sailing Order?

The Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) was issued by the CDC on October 30, 2020, and applies to all cruise ships operating in US waters. The order outlines a series of requirements that cruise ship operators must meet before they are allowed to resume sailing with passengers on board. These requirements include:

  • Conducting simulated voyages with volunteer passengers to test COVID-19 mitigation measures
  • Developing plans for onboard testing and quarantine procedures
  • Increasing capacity for onboard medical facilities
  • Implementing social distancing measures and mandatory mask wearing
  • Enhancing cleaning and disinfection protocols

Why was the CSO issued?

The CSO was issued in response to several high-profile outbreaks of COVID-19 on board cruise ships earlier in the year. These outbreaks led to numerous deaths and illnesses among passengers and crew members, as well as significant negative publicity for the industry as a whole.

The CSO is designed to ensure that cruise ships can resume sailing safely without risking further outbreaks of COVID-19 on board. By implementing strict mitigation measures and conducting simulated voyages to test these measures, cruise ship operators can demonstrate that they are able to keep their passengers and crew members safe from the virus.

What happens next?

Cruise ship operators must meet all of the requirements outlined in the CSO before they are allowed to resume sailing with passengers on board. Once they have done so, they must apply for a Conditional Sailing Certificate from the CDC, which will allow them to begin sailing again.

It is important to note that even with the CSO in place, there is no guarantee that cruise ships will be able to resume sailing without any further outbreaks of COVID-19. The virus is still very much a threat, and it will be up to cruise ship operators to ensure that they are doing everything possible to keep their passengers and crew members safe.

Conclusion

The Conditional Sailing Order issued by the CDC is an important step in ensuring that cruise ships can resume sailing safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important for all of us to remain vigilant and continue following public health guidelines as we navigate this unprecedented time.