Updated CDC Order underscores importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between government and industry as Order enters final phase
COURTESY CLIA: 25 October 2021 (Washington, DC)—Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, issued the following statement following the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the temporary extension of the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.
Cruising has successfully resumed in the United States, with leading public health measures that have enabled our ocean-going cruise line members to effectively mitigate the risk of COVID-19 amongst cruise passengers, crewmembers and destinations. The changes to the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO), announced today, show that the Biden Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the cruise industry’s successful resumption of operations. We look forward to demonstrating the industry’s continued leadership in this final phase of the CSO, and to carrying out a smooth transition when the Order comes to an end on 15 January 2022.
Cruise industry protocols are unique in their approach to monitor, detect, and respond to potential cases of COVID-19. As a result, CLIA-member ocean-going cruise ships are sailing today with some of the highest levels of COVID-19 mitigation of any industry. In addition, the economic impact of the cruise industry reaches every U.S. state, helping to support nearly 450,000 American jobs and reigniting local economies in places like Alaska, California, Florida, Texas, New York, and many other states that benefit from a vibrant cruise industry. These accomplishments are the result of ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the Biden Administration, as well as our members’ strong commitment to making cruise a model for responsible travel.
The health and safety of cruise passengers, crewmembers and destinations remain the industry’s highest priority. CLIA ocean-going cruise line members will continue to be guided by science and the principle of putting people first as we work with the Administration and the CDC to expand on our progress and build additional confidence in cruising as one of the safest vacation options, during the pandemic and beyond.
About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and is the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 54,000 travel agents, and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world. The organization’s global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia.
Cover photo: FloridaPortMiami ©Dennis Cox/WorldViews
