The press release from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) was clear — the cruise industry is now shut down. No more cruising from the United States. CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, representing more than 50 cruise lines. Their statement read in part:
“CLIA ocean-going cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from and to U.S. ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the U.S. Government continue to address COVID-19.
CLIA cruise line members are voluntarily and temporarily suspending operations from the U.S. as we work to address this public health crisis,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, CLIA. “This is an unprecedented situation. Our industry has taken responsibility for protecting public health for more than 50 years, working under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prides itself on its ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for guests, as well as meaningful employment opportunities for crew. This has been a challenging time, but we hope that this decision will enable us to focus on the future and a return to normal as soon as possible.”
The government of Canada also announced that it will defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada, from April 2, 2020, to July 1, 2020, at the earliest for ships capable of carrying more than 500 passengers and crew members. Due to cabotage laws, this effectively shuts down the US Alaskan cruise trade until Canadian ports are reopened.
The shutdowns are impacting more than just the North American cruise markets. Princess and Viking Cruises had previously announced a world-wide suspension of cruise operations for up to two months. Costa Line and Aida Cruises, owned by Carnival, and UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, which sail mostly in Europe, are also temporarily suspending operations, as are a number of other carriers including Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Disney Cruises and Windstar.
Finally the Hotel Persons who now manager the cruise lines instead of the Professional Seafarers have been forced to shut down operations.
They were left with little choice considering so many Ports around the World are refusing to let cruise ships enter. Also of course that courageous whistleblower who released the e-mails from the Sales Department claiming that the tropical climate stops COVID-19 !! Generally one is not a fan of whistleblowers however in this case it seems well justified to save lives.
From time in cruise ships one knows that the most troublesome cruises were when the Sale Department hosted groups of Travel Agents aboard. The bars were opened at boarding so when we Officers conducted the departure Boat Drill many Agents were well lubricated which did not help one conduct a Boat Drill. From that point on things went steadily downhill !!
The Port of Miami has cruise ships moored alongside with more arriving and no doubt Port Everglades is in the same situation. Perhaps at least some will have to anchor off, we shall see what happens this weekend no doubt.
Good Watch
ALL sports suspended, even the games!
Sports on TV, they are reruns.
Even NASCAR has stopped, all ball games with crowds, only stores open, in some cities are drug stores, Walmarts, and CVS. Plus a very few others.
Rent the movie “Dawn Of The Dead”!
“Come on get down with the sickness Song!
Some kind soul from New York came to Maine to buy a car. They didnt buy the car, yet 20 locals are now at home because the idjut decided to spread the virus. Isnt life wonderful? Who needs a ship when tourists will do it anyways.
Names with held intentionally
I’m just wondering what the cruise lines are doing with their workers aboard their ships.
Are they staying aboard ships, disembarking to quarantine while closed,
heading to their homes by ship, or flying individually around the world to their homes?
And to see if as a group their health and impacts of the disease are being tracked.
Does anyone know-the news hasn’t mentioned this.
Irwin Bryan:
I addressed this point in a comment to a previous Post which might be helpful to answer your question. Perhaps you could call your Coast Guard, however good luck with that as they are politically restricted !!
Good Watch