Sponsored By

CLIA extends operating pause from US ports until October 31

Cruise Lines International Association members are voluntarily extending the suspension of cruise operations from US ports until 'at least' October 31.

Mary Bond, Editor in Chief

August 5, 2020

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

‘Although we found the alignment between the CLIA’s voluntary suspension of September 15 and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no-sail order September 30 valuable, the global board of directors felt a further extension was prudent for a number of reasons,’ CLIA said.

COVID spike in US a factor

'The spike in COVID-19 infections in the US is, of course, an additional factor. We will consider a possible further extension on or before September 30. At the same time, if conditions in the US change and it is possible to consider short, modified sailings, we can also consider an earlier restart.'

This voluntary suspension, as before, is applicable to ocean-going vessels with capacity to carry at least 250 people (passengers and crew).

Small and medium-sized businesses struggling

CLIA's Kelly Craighead, president & CEO, said in a message to members: ‘We recognize and support all of our cruise line members who are working tirelessly to protect the health of passengers, crew and public in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We also recognize that the cruise community is made up of tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that are struggling to survive this difficult time.’

She referred to this week as ‘crucial in the United States' with Congress considering provisions related to extended unemployment benefits, expansion of the Payroll Protection Program and other relief measures important for CLIA rravel trade members and executive partners.

‘CLIA is actively engaged in supporting these efforts,’ Craighead added.

About the Author

Mary Bond

Editor in Chief

Mary Bond is Group Director, Seatrade Cruise a division within Informa Markets and responsible for the Seatrade portfolio of global cruise events, print and online cruise publishing.

Mary is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Seatrade Cruise News and Seatrade Cruise Review magazine.

Mary has worked in the shipping industry for 39 years, first for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping before joining Seatrade’s editorial team in 1985.

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like