Yesterday, the big news in the cruise world was a letter from the CDC saying that cruises could possibly resume by the middle of July.
With cruises from U.S. ports shut down for over 13 months, cruisers are anxious to once again board a cruise ship to take their favorite type of vacation.
Capt. John Murray, CEO Canaveral Port Authority, gave the following statement: “This is very exciting news. Finally, the CDC has responded to the cruise industry with game changing guidance to restart cruising in the U.S. This newly defined approach includes common sense recommendations, including CDC’s focus on cruise passengers that drive-in for cruises, which could expedite the resumption of cruise operations at Port Canaveral.”
Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world with Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line all having cruise ships sailing from the port.
The cruise shutdown has not only affected cruise ports, but also travel advisors.
Cruise Planners’ Founder and CEO, Michelle Fee, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled. Spirits are very high among our travel advisors, cruise line partners and Home Office Team. We’ve all been optimistic, but the latest news has been a significant move in the right direction to a safe return of cruising and we are highly encouraged for sailings from U.S. ports by mid-July.”
“This is the time every cruiser has been waiting for. As more people are vaccinated and more countries are opening to tourists, Cruise Planners travel advisors are becoming increasingly busy with new bookings. Consumers deserve a vacation and want to make up for lost time.”
“We are encouraged the cruise lines and the CDC are having regular and productive meetings to safely restart cruising. Cruise Planners has been supporting recent advocacy efforts to help educate decision makers about the safety measures the cruise lines have proposed and why cruising should be treated like other venues in the hospitality sector.”
