Last chance for the public to provide CDC feedback on cruising

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Written comments to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how cruise lines could safely operate in the COVID-19 era are due Sept. 21.

The information may be used to inform future public health guidance and preventative measures relating to cruise ship travel.

Comments should be submitted to the federal rulemaking portal, identified by Docket No. CDC-2020-0087.

4,667 comments received, and counting ... 

Comments are publicly posted and, as of this writing, 3,333 comments have been posted from 4,667 received. Those not posted may contain private or proprietary information, inappropriate language or duplicate/near duplicate examples of a mass-mail campaign. 

The submissions are from a wide range of voices, including avid cruisers, travel advisors, people who live in port communities and suppliers. As of Friday, Cruise Lines International Association had not yet submitted its comments.

Divergent views

The postings present a range of views, from 'I cannot understand why the CDC has singled out the cruise industry as the only leisure activity not allowed to resume since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic' to 'It would be tragically irresponsible to allow cruise ships to start operating again.'

Comments also address specifics like masks and HVAC systems, with equally passionate and divergent views.

After the docket closes, CDC will be reviewing the submissions, along with the detailed plans submitted by cruise lines. 

The US no-sail order currently extends through September, while CLIA's own voluntary suspension of sailings from/to US ports stretches through October

See also 'Florida senators introduce Set Sail Safely Act toward resuming US cruises'