The CDC issues new guidelines for the cruise industry, but does not give the green light

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – The Centers for Disease Control issued new guidelines for the cruise ship industry on Friday. This is the first update since October, but it does not appear that merchant ships will resume immediately.

The new instructions mention COVID-19 vaccinations, saying vaccines are a necessary step before passenger travel can resume.

“COVID-19 vaccination efforts will be key to the safe resumption of passenger operations,” the CDC said in a statement. “As more people are fully vaccinated, the step-by-step approach allows the CDC to incorporate this progress into planning the resumption of cruise ship travel when it is safe to do so.”

[ALSO SEE: Florida Gov. signs executive order banning “vaccine passports”]

The CDC said simulated (trial) voyages should be made to allow crew and port personnel to practice new COVID-19 operational procedures with volunteers before sailing with passengers.

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The guide also provides for the frequency of COVID-19 cases, and crew members’ illnesses should be increased from weekly to daily.

However, the CDC did not specify a date on which cruise operations could be resumed from US ports, but said they would issue additional guidance before allowing the cruise to resume.

“Safe and responsible navigation during a global pandemic is difficult. While the cruise will always present a certain risk of COVID-19 transmission, following the phases of the Conditional Navigation Order (CSO) Framework, it will be ensured that the passenger operations of cruise ships are conducted in a manner that protects crew members, passengers and port staff, especially with the emerging variants of COVID-19 of concern, ”the statement said.

The CDC first issued a no-shipping order in March 2020, which took effect on one of South Florida’s economic engines, the cruise industry.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has asked the CDC to cancel its order not to sail.

“If I’ve learned one thing in the last year, it’s that blockages don’t work and Floridians deserve the right to make a living.” DeSantis said during a roundtable in Port Canaveral, Florida: “The cruise industry is critical to our state’s economy and keeping it closed until November would be devastating for men and women who rely on cruise lines to insure for themselves. and for their families. I urge the CDC to immediately cancel this baseless order to allow Floridians in this industry to return to work. ”

The CDC No Navigation Order is currently in effect until November 1st.