Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that its ocean-going member brands/companies would voluntarily extend the cruise suspension (all departures from ports in the USA) until and including September 15. The US CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) "no sail order" (for all cruise vessels) expires on July 24.
In a statement released on Friday, June 19, CLIA said that due to the ongoing situation within the US related to COVID, CLIA member lines had "decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations."
“The current No Sail Order issued by the US 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 ship cruising industry (CLIA stats) supported 421,000+ jobs in the USA, with every 30 cruiser from US ports supporting one American job. A day of cruise suspension in the USA results in a loss of ~USD 110 million in economic activities and up to 800 American jobs.
Oceangoing CLIA member lines operating from the United States include Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa Cruises, Crystal, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Scenic, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, Virgin Voyages, Windstar.