All major cruise lines (worldwide) committed to testing every passenger and crew for COVID prior to boarding, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) announced on Tuesday, October 6.
Bari Golin-Blaugrund, vice president of strategic communications for CLIA, said in a statement that all CLIA ocean cruise line members had agreed to conduct 100% testing of passengers and crew members on all larger-sized vessels with passenger capacity 250+. A negative test will be required for any embarkation.
"The global policy applies to ships capable of carrying 250 or more people, which is consistent with the policy in place as it relates to ships sailing from US ports," Golin-Blaugrund added.
The CDC's "no-sail" order bars vessels that can carry at least 250 guests from cruising in U.S. waters until November 1.
The testing requirement is "effective immediately worldwide."
CLIA member lines carry about 95% of the world's oceangoing cruise passengers.
The cruise industry is the first in the tourism sector to commit to worldwide pre-embarkation testing of all travelers and crew. A number of airlines have already announced testing initiatives, however not on an industry-wide basis.
CLIA did not specify whether it would use rapid or nasal swab (PCR) testing or whether cruise passengers will be tested several days prior to arriving at the port.