Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Sea cruise ship is docked at PortMiami on March 2, 2021 in Miami, Florida.
Joe Raedle | Getty Images
The commercial group of the world’s largest cruise companies asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday to allow the gradual resumption of travel from US ports in early July.
In a press release, Cruise Lines International Association President Kelly Craighead argues that the CDC’s position does not reflect the current conditions of the pandemic or the accelerated launch of Covid vaccines.
Cruise companies said the early July deadline is in line with President Joe Biden’s goal of when the United States will be “closer to normal”. In his first prime-time speech to the nation as president, Biden said earlier this month that Americans should be able to meet in person with their friends and loved ones in small groups to celebrate the 4th of July.
With hotels, casinos and airlines beginning to see a recovery in bookings, most cruise ships remain idle, waiting for the CDC to make a decision on when to allow travel in the United States to resume. It has been more than 12 months since cruise lines suspended all travel in the United States due to Covid.
“Cruise lines should be treated in the same way as other travel, tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors,” said Craighead of CLIA in the statement.
Although some cruises have resumed some trips in Europe and Asia, the US still represents the largest market and is where the industry makes the most of its profits.
Some cruise operators are looking for alternative options to welcome customers back on board, especially during the crucial summer sailing season.
Royal Caribbean has announced two new voyages – one from its new port of origin in Nassau, Bahamas, and the other from Bermuda. Both cruises will depart in June and will not call at any port in the United States. Instead, Royal Caribbean will take advantage of its private island, Perfect Day CocoCay, and also make a stop in Cozumel, Mexico.