Is it full steam ahead? It certainly appears so! The CDC has supplied the framework for “Conditional Sailing Order for Cruise Ships” today, Friday the 30th of October!
From the official website of the CDC: This Order shall remain in effect until the earliest of
- The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency,
- The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
- November 1, 2021
The cruise lines will be able start sailing in North America starting on November 1, 2020 with “a careful approach”. That approach will include testing and additional safeguards for crew members, along with onboard facilities in place to test future passengers. Next, the CDC is requiring all lines go ahead with test voyages to demonstrate the cruise ship operator’s “ability to mitigate CoVID-19 risk.”All ships will have to meet specific requirements for re-certification and then, and only then, can cruise ships start a phased return to service.
“These phases are subject to change based on public health consideration and cruise ship operators’ demonstrated ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk,” the CDC said. The CDC reserves the right to issue additional orders as needed going forward.
The news brings an end to months of uncertainty for the cruise industry, travel agencies, and cruise fans alike. And with this news, brings hope the cruise lines – and many future passengers – will be returning to some kind of normalcy soon!
Although it’s unclear when exactly all ships will begin sailing again as some lines have already cancelled their 2020 season, for others like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, we could see a return to sailing before the end of the year as a real possibility.
What is clear is that when cruises do resume, you can expect new health and safety protocols in place, including universal Covid-19 testing, along with other guidelines…and that’s not necessarily a negative thing, especially if it gets those of us who love to sail the option to return to our paradise on the high seas.
Our cruise specialists will be here every step of the way to guide you and assist you with the new protocols and guidelines to ensure stress-free planning and a smooth sailing for next adventure.
We can’t wait to wish you “Bon Voyage” once again! Contact your favorite Vacations with Character® Vacationista for more information: https://vacationswithcharacter.net/about-us.html
