250,000 cruisers disembarked at US ports in 3 weeks due to coronavirus pandemic: USCG

At least 31 people have been medically evacuated by USCG since March 7.

114 cruise ships now in or near US waters

As of Saturday there were 114 cruise ships carrying 93,000 crew members, in or near US ports and waters. This includes 73 cruise ships, with 52,000 crew, moored or anchored in US ports and anchorages. Another 41 cruise ships, with 41,000 crew members, are underway and still in vicinity of the United States.

USCG, under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and working with Department of Homeland Security partners Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration, as well as state and local entities from multiple port jurisdictions, said it facilitated the safe landing, screening, quarantine and repatriation of the 250,000 passengers in a manner that has prevented further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Safe harbor after entry denied elsewhere

Many passengers were brought to safe harbor in the United States when international ports refused entry. Recent examples include Coral Princess and Zaandam. People died on both ships during their extended voyages. 

Most of the cruise industry announced a voluntary suspension of cruise operations from/to US ports March 13, and the CDC issued a 'no sail' order March 14 to those cruise ships that had not voluntarily suspended.

'Whole-of-nation' approach

'We commend the decision by the cruise industry to cease operations. However, pausing a global tourist industry does not happen instantaneously or easily,' said Vice Adm. Dan Abel, Coast Guard deputy commandant for operations. 'The federal, state, local and industry cooperation to achieve this feat truly represents the whole-of-nation approach directed by the president and is essential to fighting the spread of this virus and working to minimize the loss of life.'