With recent tensions building over the resumption of cruising in the United States (or lack thereof), the mayor of Miami-Dade county, Daniella Levine Cava, stated she was excited to learn that the CDC would issue new cruise guidelines shortly.
Seemingly in response to recent threats by other political figures to sue the federal government if cruising doesn’t resume soon, Daniella had her own more positive conversation with the CDC.
Could The CDC Issue New Cruise Guidelines Soon?
In a Twitter post yesterday, the Mayor indicated that she was hopeful after her call with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We are very encouraged by our call today with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Division Director Dr. Martin Cetron, and the CDC team to discuss the safe return of cruising in the U.S. I was impressed by the Director’s knowledge of the industry and her empathy to the economic hardships that the loss of this business has caused.”
“We are excited that the CDC will shortly be issuing new guidelines for a restart to cruising, taking into consideration the advancements made possible by the vaccine, and we are eager to work with the CDC and the cruise industry as a positive partner and a resource. Some may want to sue, but we want to sail, and we are ready to collaborate to make sure the Cruise Capital of the World can lead the way to rebuild this critical industry.”
A recent outreach from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) called for the CDC to lift the Conditional Sail Order all together as it no longer reflects the current conditions. However, it appears that the federal agency has no intent to abandon the CSO which is in effect until November. Instead, this news makes us a bit more hopeful that the CDC will at least provide instructions to allow the cruise lines to move into the next phase of this 4-step process.
The CDC has not issued any official statements or indicated when “shortly” might be.
In the meantime, cruise lines have begun announcing a resumption of cruising in North America outside of the CDC’s jurisdiction. Royal Caribbean International will sail Adventure of the Seas from the Bahamas this summer as well as Vision of the Seas from Bermuda. Celebrity Cruises also announced that Celebrity Millennium will cruise from St. Maarten this summer.
Comments
Do you think the CDC will actually issue new cruise guidelines soon? What do you think these guidelines will entail? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on when and how cruising will resume in the United States.
