Will the CDC Allow Cruise Ships to Resume Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

By Robert Palmer

The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many ships stranded at sea and passengers and crew members falling ill. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a No Sail Order in March 2020, which has been extended several times since then.

However, as the world slowly begins to reopen, there is increasing pressure on the CDC to lift the No Sail Order and allow cruise ships to resume operations. But will they?

The Current State of Affairs
As of August 2021, the CDC’s No Sail Order remains in effect for all cruise ships operating in U.S. waters. However, there are some exceptions being made for ships that meet certain requirements.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Edge was allowed to set sail from Fort Lauderdale in June 2021 with fully vaccinated passengers and crew members after meeting all of the CDC’s requirements. Other cruise lines are also working towards meeting these requirements so they can resume operations as soon as possible.

The CDC’s Requirements
So what exactly does a cruise ship need to do in order to be allowed to resume operations during the pandemic? The CDC has laid out a detailed framework that outlines specific measures that must be taken by both the cruise lines and ports of call.

Some of these measures include:

  • Vaccinating crew members and passengers
  • Regular testing for COVID-19
  • Social distancing measures
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols

Additionally, each ship must undergo a simulated voyage with volunteer passengers before being allowed to resume commercial operations.

The Future of Cruise Ships During COVID-19

While it is difficult to predict exactly when cruises will be able to fully resume operations during the pandemic, it seems likely that more ships will be given permission to sail in the coming months.

However, it is important to note that the situation is constantly evolving and the CDC may change their requirements or extend the No Sail Order again if necessary.

Conclusion

In summary, while the CDC’s No Sail Order remains in effect for all cruise ships operating in U. waters, there are exceptions being made for ships that meet certain requirements. Cruise lines are working towards meeting these requirements so they can resume operations as soon as possible, but it is important to remember that the situation is still very fluid and subject to change.