The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Navigator of the Sea is docked at PortMiami on March 2, 2021 in Miami, Florida.
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The trade group of the world’s largest cruise lines on Wednesday called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to allow the gradual resumption of voyages from U.S. ports in early July.
In a press release, International Cruise Lines Association President Kelly Craighead argues that the CDC’s stance does not reflect the current conditions of the pandemic or the accelerated deployment of Covid vaccines.
Cruise lines said the early July time period fits President Joe Biden’s goal of when the United States is “closer to normal.” In his first 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 Fourth of July. .
With hotels, casinos, and airlines beginning to reclaim reservations, most cruises remain dormant waiting for the CDC to make the decision on when to resume shipping in the United States. It has now been more than 12 months since cruise lines suspended all U.S. crossings due to Covid.
“Cruise lines should be treated the same as other sectors of travel, tourism, hospitality and entertainment,” Craighead of CLIA said in the statement.
Although some cruise ships have resumed some crossings in Europe and Asia, the United States continues to represent the largest market and is where the industry gets most of its profits.
Some cruise operators have been looking for alternative options to welcome customers back, especially during the crucial summer sailing season.
Royal Caribbean announced two new voyages: one from its new home port of Nassau, Bahamas, and another from Bermuda. Both cruises will set sail in June and will not stop at any US port. Instead, Royal Caribbean will take advantage of its private island, Perfect Day CocoCay, and will also stop in Cozumel, Mexico.