FMC's Sola asks US to share vaccines with Caribbean, Central American cruise ports

Sola noted the hemisphere's ports have a direct connection to the safety of US ports and residents and said facilitating vaccination would expedite the comfort of regulators and potential passengers.

According to the commissioner, cruising's impact doesn't stop at US ports; sailing to neighboring foreign destinations generates the need for American goods there.

Cruising helps US neighbors' economies

'More importantly, American tourism provides essential capital to our Caribbean and Central American neighbors, helping to facilitate their economic and social stability. Over the last year this income stream has dried up due to safety concerns and a loss of passenger confidence,' Sola said. 

'By assisting our neighbors battle this pandemic,' he continued, 'we not only help them but ourselves as we reduce an ocean borne vector of transmission, expedite the full recovery of a vital income generator and help ensure the stability of our hemisphere.'

Sola has also advocated for making surplus vaccines available to the crews of cruise and cargo ships calling at the US.