I’m keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed in hopes of the cruise ships restarting in the U.S. soon. The CDC issued a “No Sail Order” on March 14th, 2020 at the start of the pandemic. The date has been adjusted a few times but is currently set to expire on September 30th just a few days away.

If the “No Sail Order” is lifted, cruising can began as soon as November. Whooo Hooo!

Last week we received promising news from an expert panel set up by Royal Caribban and Norwegian Cruise Lines who developed protocols for a safe and healthy return to cruising. The panel consisted of Scientists, Medical Experts, Health Authorities, key CLIA cruise members and other cruise giants like, Carnival Corporation and MSC’s Blue Ribbon Group.

The panel and cruise operators submitted a detailed 74 page report to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on enhanced sanitation practices, controlled shore excursions and better protection for their crew and guests.

If approved, the ships can be up and running with the new protocols set in place within 30 days, which would be the end of October. By November they’ll be ready to raise anchors and sailing.
The report focuses on six (6) pillars:

1. Testing , Screening and Exposure Reduction
2. Mandatory Face Mask in Public Spaces and designated areas*
3. Socical Distancing
4. Enhanced Sanitation and Ventilation
5. Response, Contingency Planning and Execution
6. Controlled Destination & Excursion Planning

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) are also calling for the restart of cruising in the U.S. Cruising has already resumed in parts of Europe with great success.

Since the shut down of the cruise ships, Florida has lost $3.2 billion in economic activity and 49,500 local jobs paying approxiamtely $2.3 billion in wages as a result of the suspension.

I am highly satisfied with the protocols the panel and cruise lines have submitted to the CDC. My bags and Face Mask are half packed and I’m ready to set sail.

How likely are you to start cruising this year? Leave a response below.

*FYI…If you don’t like wearing a face mask, because you feel it takes away from your personal freedom. For the time being in order to restart cruising and travel, wearing a face mask will be neccessary.

Cruising is discretionary and not mandatory. Perhaps it would be best for you to travel in 2022 or 2023 as hopefully conditions will be much better.