Cruise industry to extend US sailing suspension until mid-September

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Just seen this.

 

Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise industry's leading trade organization, announced it would delay resuming cruises from U.S. ports until Sept. 15.

 

Concerns about the coronavirus caused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a "no-sail order" through July 24. The CLIA, whose members carry more than 95% of the world's cruisegoers, voluntarily decided to extend that suspension. The suspension may even go past Sept. 15, depending on the trajectory of COVID-19.

Similar to the CDC order, the suspension will apply to vessels that carry 250 or more passengers.

"Although we had hoped that cruise activity in the U.S. could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States," Bari Golin-Blaugrund, senior director for strategic communications at CLIA, told USA Today.

"We want the traveling public to know in no uncertain terms that when we do resume operations in the U.S., it will be with the confidence that we have the necessary protocols and systems in place and that we have done so with the input of the CDC," she added.

Some cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, have individually decided to delay sailing until the fall.

The cruise industry has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic after large outbreaks on some cruise ships.

 

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/cruise-industry-to-extend-us-sailing-suspension-until-mid-september

 

 

[Paula_MacFan]

Link from CLIA press release from other thread:

 

https://cruising.org/news-and-research/press-room/2020/june/clia-announces-voluntary-suspension-of-cruise-operations-from-us-ports

 

WASHINGTON, DC (19 June 2020)—Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued the following statement today to announce that the association’s ocean-going cruise line members will voluntarily extend the suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports until 15 September 2020.

 

“Due to the ongoing situation within the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations.  The current No Sail Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will expire on 24 July, and although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States.

“Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crewmembers.  We have therefore decided to further extend our suspension of operations from U.S. ports until 15 September.  The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations. 

“This voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the No Sail Order applied (vessels with capacity to carry 250 persons or more). CLIA member cruise lines will continually evaluate the evolving situation and make a determination as to whether a further extension is necessary.”

In 2018, the cruise industry supported over 421,000 jobs in the United States, with every 30 cruisers from U.S. ports supporting one American job. Each day of the suspension of cruise operations in the U.S. results in a total loss of approximately $110 million in economic activity and up to 800 American jobs. For more information about the economic impact of the cruise industry in the United States, including the top ten states benefitting from cruise activity, please visit:

[oskidunker]

Not a surprise. 

[voljeep]

11 minutes ago, oskidunker said:

Not a surprise. 

and maybe only a couple / few cruises from the West Coastal out of LA affected - if any at all

[hapster85]

I continue to remain optimistic about our Alaskan cruisetour next June, but it gets a little bit harder each time there's an extension.

[Eagle_and_hawk]

We were not surprised either, as we had been expecting it to be extended.

 

Keeping our fingers crossed this is the last delay before cruising can resume. 

 

Really need a vacation about now..................

[JudithLynne]

We are also scheduled for an Alaskan cruise in June 2021.  Our concern is that we want to be safe on a trip and expect the cruise line to feel the same way.  I doubt that we would even get on a ship w/o a vaccination.  Our no penalty cancel date is Jan 31 so am keeping my fingers crossed as we are going through "cruise withdrawal."

[voljeep]

Realistically, and way optimistically , glass half-full to the max, the next Princess cruise(s) are 7 day west coastals on the Royal beginning 10/3 🥃🍷🍸🍻🦄🛸

[seniorladycruiser]

We are on the 9/27 Panama Canal 19 day round trip LA on the Coral Princess that has not been cancelled yet.

[voljeep]

it may still be on the Princess website , but it ain't happening ... I know it's after the 9/15 date, but do you really believe , one of the first Princess cruises will be a 19 day'er ?

 

paid in full yet ?

Edited June 19, 2020 by voljeep

[seniorladycruiser]

No

[voljeep]

1 minute ago, seniorladycruiser said:

No

feel like letting Princess hold some more of your money, with the chance of doubling it for a future cruise ?

[pms4104]

2 hours ago, seniorladycruiser said:

We are on the 9/27 Panama Canal 19 day round trip LA on the Coral Princess that has not been cancelled yet.

We had been booked on that

same sailing ... not comfortable flying and sailing at this time ... cancelled April 15, and Princess refunded our FCD on June 4 ... we chose refund rather than return to our Princess acct

Edited June 19, 2020 by pms4104

[Amtrack Springfield]

The CDC is dragging their feet. Disney and other theme parks are opening. The government talked about a $4000.00 travel incentive for airlines. 

[oskidunker]

They are going to pay people to fly?

[franktown]

33 minutes ago, Amtrack Springfield said:

The CDC is dragging their feet. Disney and other theme parks are opening. The government talked about a $4000.00 travel incentive for airlines. 

Yes Disney theme parks plans to reopen in July but with many restrictions.  All guest must wear face masks at all times except when eating and drinking. Social distancing will be strictly enforced  Park will open at approximately 30% capacity.  No parades no fireworks and many other activities will not take place.   I have not seen the cruises lines come forward with that type of proposal and it might not be economically feasible for them to sail at 25 or 30 percent capacity or even 50%.  Would you be willing to wear a face mask when you are not in your cabin.  Have no shows etc.  The ball is really with the cruise lines to come up with a proposal that is something more than enhanced cleaning and expanded medical facilities.

 

[harkinmr]

4 hours ago, voljeep said:

Realistically, and way optimistically , glass half-full to the max, the next Princess cruise(s) are 7 day west coastals on the Royal beginning 10/3 🥃🍷🍸🍻🦄🛸

Booked on the 10/3 Royal cruise.  Cancelled today.  No way are we going to be guinea pigs for the first cruises out😬

[caribill]

10 hours ago, voljeep said:

and maybe only a couple / few cruises from the West Coastal out of LA affected - if any at all

 

It really affects Carnival Cruise Lines as they had a number of cruises from three USA ports scheduled starting August 1.

[getting older slowly]

Does This ban only apply to the US  ???

 

I see at the moment most of Princess Fleet are in the Philippines  with two in the Gulf and two in the Mediterranean 

 

The more one looks.... I feel there will be no 2020/21 season in Australia......

 

Cheers Don

[LDVinNC]

9 hours ago, harkinmr said:

Booked on the 10/3 Royal cruise.  Cancelled today.  No way are we going to be guinea pigs for the first cruises out😬

 

Smart, in my opinion.  Gonna cancel our late November 14 day Caribbean, but waiting for Princess to do it so we do not lose $100 to the TA.  (I know, I know, but they give great OBC).

[joepeka]

18 hours ago, JudithLynne said:

We are also scheduled for an Alaskan cruise in June 2021.  Our concern is that we want to be safe on a trip and expect the cruise line to feel the same way.  I doubt that we would even get on a ship w/o a vaccination.  Our no penalty cancel date is Jan 31 so am keeping my fingers crossed as we are going through "cruise withdrawal."

We're in almost the exact situation: the final payment date for our May 2021 California Coastal cruise is 1/31/2021 and if things haven't significantly improved (including the availability or very near availability of a vaccine) by next January, we will likely have to cancel. We would hate that but need to feel safe as well. 

[voljeep]

20 minutes ago, joepeka said:

the final payment date for our May 2021 California Coastal cruise is 1/31/2021

90+ days ?

[Hlitner]

20 hours ago, Eagle_and_hawk said:

We were not surprised either, as we had been expecting it to be extended.

 

Keeping our fingers crossed this is the last delay before cruising can resume. 

 

Really need a vacation about now..................

We have often posed this very basic question.  What will change, regarding COVID-19, between now and September 15...or even the end of the year?  The most logical answer is nothing!  That being the case why could the cruise lines resume cruising on Sept 15, Oct 15 or even Jan 15?     And also keep in mind that when it comes to cruises in and out of USA ports the cruise lines will need both the CDC and the Ports to agree.

 

Hank

[JudithLynne]

2 hours ago, joepeka said:

We're in almost the exact situation: the final payment date for our May 2021 California Coastal cruise is 1/31/2021 and if things haven't significantly improved (including the availability or very near availability of a vaccine) by next January, we will likely have to cancel. We would hate that but need to feel safe as well. 

Joepeka....are we on the same cruise?  May 1 2021 Emerald from Seattle RT?  We are staying on board for the Emerald Alaska cruise after that.  I accidently called them June cruises in my last post.

Edited June 20, 2020 by JudithLynne

[portiemom]

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

 What will change, regarding COVID-19, between now and September 15...or even the end of the year?  The most logical answer is nothing! 

I absolutely agree. Much as people want to wish it away or ignore that it exists, SARS-CoV-2 is not going anywhere anytime soon. So settle into social distancing, wear your face mask, stay safe, and try not to kill someone today.