CLIA and its Cruise Line Members Announce Mandatory Core Elements of Health Protocols

Core elements include a travel-industry first with 100% testing for passengers and crew

Washington, DC (September 21, 2020)—Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity, announced today the adoption of mandatory core elements of a strong set of health protocols to be implemented as part of a phased-in, highly controlled resumption of operations. A critical next step, now that initial sailing has begun effectively with strict protocols in Europe, is the resumption of operations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America (the Americas), which encompass the largest cruise market in the world.

Informed by leading scientists, medical experts, and health authorities, the core elements are the product of extensive work by CLIA oceangoing cruise lines and their renowned teams of science and medical experts, including the recommendations from the Healthy Sail panel established by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. released today, as well as MSC’s Blue Ribbon group and Carnival Corporation’s collection of outside independent experts. Other considerations included the effective protocols developed for the successful sailings in Europe by MSC Cruises, Costa, TUI Cruises, Ponant, Seadream, and others.

The CLIA Global Board unanimously voted to adopt all of the listed core elements for an initial restart of limited operations in the Americas and, most important, operations related to U.S. ports. These core elements will be continuously evaluated and adjusted against the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the availability of new prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.

Coinciding with the release of the core elements agreed to by CLIA ocean-going cruise line members, the Association issued the following statement:

Guided by world-class experts in medicine and science, CLIA and its ocean-going cruise line members have outlined a pathway to support a phased-in, highly-controlled return to passenger service in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America with protocols that promote the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities visited. The core elements mirror the successful resumption of cruising in other parts of the world and include 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding — a travel industry first. Initial cruises would sail on modified itineraries under stringent protocols that encompass the entirety of the cruise experience, from booking to debarkation. With support and approval of regulators and destinations, cruises could feasibly begin during the remainder of 2020.

The core elements, which are applicable to CLIA member ocean-going cruise ships subject to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) No Sail Order, will also be submitted by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on behalf of its members in response to the CDC’s Request for Information (RFI) related to the safe resumption of cruise operations. CLIA’s response to the RFI also details other measures that address the entire cruise experience from booking to disembarkation.

Highlights of the core elements include:

• Testing. 100% testing of passengers and crew for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.
• Mask-Wearing. Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained
• Distancing. Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions
• Ventilation. Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air onboard and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk
• Medical Capability: Risk based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation.
• Shore Excursions: Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.
Implementation of these elements on board every oceangoing ship subject to the CDC’s No Sail Order is mandatory and requires written verification of adoption by each company’s CEO. These elements do not preclude additional measures that may be adopted by individual lines. Measures will be continuously evaluated and adjusted against the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the availability of new prevention and mitigation measures.

Leaders representing governments, destinations, science and medicine responded favorably to the core elements announced by CLIA today, including the following:

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, who co-chairs the Americas Cruise Tourism Task Force, said: “Cruise tourism is incredibly important to our regional economies and we are eager for its safe return to help revitalize our economies and share the beauty of our destinations. As part of the Americas Cruise Tourism Task Force, government leaders in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, have been working productively with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), CLIA, and the cruise lines to implement guidance for cruise resumption and good progress is being made. The cruise lines’ commitment to conduct 100% testing for all passengers and crew is significant and unique as compared to any other sector. Having this core element in place as part of an initial phase of operations adds a layer of confidence for us as we continue to work together

developing guidelines and protocols so we may safely welcome cruising back to our regions.”

Governor Mike Leavitt, Co-Chair, Healthy Sail Panel and Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said: “The industry’s commitment to create best practices for mitigating the risk of SARS-CoV-2, is a necessary step. By embracing best practices to protect public health, cruise lines can provide a clear pathway for resuming operations in a way that safeguards the health of our guests, crew and communities. There have been many lessons learned and advances made by medicine and science over the past six months, and we need to continue to advance our approach going forward.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said: With the development of these rigorous safety protocols, the cruise industry is once again demonstrating its leadership and commitment to public health in travel and tourism. Simply put, the cruise industry has taken such a thorough and comprehensive approach to caring for public health. Based on the effectiveness of the protocols implemented by CLIA members in Europe and other parts of the world, I am confident that a slow and gradual resumption of cruise operations in the Americas can be done responsibly in the coming months.

Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly said:“What we have seen is that when procedures are in place and they are rigorously followed, the risk is minimized. The core elements of the approach developed by the cruise industry which adopt scientific evidence-based EU guidelines for COVID-19, go further than I have seen in almost any other industry—and serve to demonstrate this industry’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of health and safety onboard ships and within the communities they visit. I am satisfied with the engagement of the cruise industry to follow the EU guidelines and impressed with the level of detail that has gone into the planning process. I look forward to continued progress as cruises resume on a limited basis with a phased-in approach.”

Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said: “As the Travel & Tourism sector continues in its fight for survival, the cruise industry is proving the importance of testing as effective tool to resume travel. The core elements of the approach, developed by the

cruise industry are in line with WTTC’s Safe Travels protocols, which were designed to enable travellers to identify destinations around the world that have adopted our health and hygiene global standardised protocols. An industry wide testing programme is the key to recovery and the cruise industry is leading by example, testing all passengers and crew prior to boarding.

Implementing this comprehensive programme, and adopting these enhanced measures, serves to demonstrate the commitment of this industry to uphold the highest standards of health and safety. We are impressed with the level of detail that has gone into the planning process and look forward to seeing the continued progress as cruises resume on a limited basis and phased-in approach.”

CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead offered the following comment:

“We recognize the devastating impact that this pandemic, and the subsequent suspension of cruise operations, has had on economies throughout the world, including the nearly half a million members of the wider cruise community and small businesses in the Americas who depend on this vibrant industry for their livelihoods. Based on what we are seeing in Europe, and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for the return of limited sailings from the U.S. before

the end of this year.”

According to CLIA’s most recent Economic Impact Study, cruise activity in the United States supported over 420,000 American jobs and generates $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country prior to the pandemic. Each day of the suspension of U.S. cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs. The impact of the suspension has been particularly profound in states that depend heavily on cruise tourism, including Florida, Texas, Alaska, Washington, New York and California.

Thanks for the info, Tom. It does sound promising for our cruises after the first of the year 🤞🏻
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Helen

Tom et al; does that sound like a $1,000 per day luxury cruise experience? Count me out if that is how we are going to have to travel. And please let me know how you will feel if you get to port and get tested and have a false positive and get sent home.

Yes, thanks Tom. The focus of this seems to be on the "Caribbean, Mexico and Central America (the Americas)". Nothing about AUS/NZ. (Sigh)

Kim, for insight into NZ cruising look at this from the ruling party Treasury economic and fiscal update:


https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/efu/pre-election-economic-and-fiscal-update-2020


Their forecast assumes borders not opening until January 2022.

The guidelines were put out by a group that wants to restart cruising as soon as possible. Resumption is still subject to CDC approval which has not yet happened.

I also believe the CDC is a government bureaucracy that will operate on its own timetable. Getting Americans back on foreign-flagged cruise ships is not at all a priority for the US government.

I think when cruises do resume, they will be from US ports to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, basically ports that will accept ships and want the business.

Would this be a $1,000 a day luxury cruise experience? No, not for most people. I feel cruising is divided into two groups, those who will sail on the first cruise no matter what the protocols and restrictions, and everyone else.

There are definite issues with these core elements. Instant tests are wrong as much as 20% of the time. What happens if you show up at the ship and test positive? Will there be enough time for a second test?

It looks like the guidelines on shore excursions are only for ship approved tours. That would mean you could not get off the ship on your own to sightsee, shop or visit friends.

It also seems like masks would have to be worn everywhere except when eating or in your cabin. And it's still unclear whether social distancing would allow you to eat or drink with people not in your traveling party. A lot of passengers are not going to like this.

Would I sail under these restrictions? Probably not. But they should ease as time goes on and a proven vaccine is available. I would not be one of the first people to get the first vaccine that comes out.

I think it's pretty clear that cruises to and from ports in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia are still months away. People have said before that when cruising resumes it's not going to be like turning on a switch. All the ships are not going to resume cruising on their previously posted schedules immediately. It will be phased in.

I'm anxious to book another cruise but I'm going to wait until the ships actually start sailing and we know exactly what protocols are in place.

Tom.

We are booked (again) on the 2021 Flower Power cruise in March which quite obviously is a bunch of old people and their favorite bands (also a bunch of old people 😀) It just meanders around the Caribbean and most people don’t even get off the ship since it is the music not the destination that draws us. It’s a charter with a very clear “no refunds” policy but it is also sold out as it is every year before we even get off the current one, the next is sold out. So I was kind of happy that I didn’t see anything in Tom’s info about limited capacity on the ships. I thought that was going it be the real problem with this cruise, how to reduce the capacity when the trip is sold out for over a year. It isn’t and never was $1000 a day luxury cruise, so if it goes we are on it!
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Helen

Marc - clearly you are retired and have time to read the 183-page "Forecast"!
So, thanks for the bottom line. Not looking good at all for getting my last continent until I retire, most likely.

Tom - I agree with you about not wanting to cruise under those circumstances anyway.

Helen - Rock on!

I HATE wearing those masks but always do of course when not at home or in the office. Second I get in the car I take it off, does not seem to bother Ken he just forgets he has it on!

The MASK WEARING MANDATORY when physical distancing is not possible. That is the biggie.

On the information from the now sailing MSC cruises I read you have to wear a mask in smaller spaces such as in an elevator. Dining room open - just tables spread out probably like eating in a restaurant now at home. I bet all the crew wear masks. Spacing in seating for shows and masks were not required during the show - but probably are once you get up and go to an elevator.

How about just walking around, sunning on the deck and reading a book - easy to maintain social distancing then - mask or no mask? The coffee corners things of that nature are what we need to know. Probably read all 183 pages and perhaps still not get clarity to our questions.

With Mariner having the most and largest public spaces, I am betting on Mariner being the test ship and the first ship to sail. It is now heading to Panama Canal and hopefully heading to Miami (or someplace in Caribbean) for testing.

Thanks for the updates.

At this point, Tom & I are just ready to go SOMEWHERE and will abide by all regulations. Between the California fires and the Covid, we'd be happy to go on a cruise to "nowhere" having, clean air, a chef, open bar and daily housekeeping. We've probably been to most of he destinations so the ship IS our destination.

We'd jump at going on Helen's Flower Power cruise, that sounds great !

I think it will be the newest ship the Splendor. It is in Europe now but does not take long to cross the ocean and it has Caribbean cruises already scheduled through November to March of 2021. Best to start with booked passengers than trying to find all new guests. But the Mariner has Caribbean schedules as well but could certainly offer more Caribbean cruises.

The other benefit to ships other than the Explorer and Splendor is how the dining room is split into cube like spaces which may make social distancing easier.

I agree with Ngaire. I think the Splendor will be the first to sail.

But I see dining as a real challenge. If you're not allowed to eat with other people how are they going to have space to feed everyone?

I never read you cannot eat with other people, is that in the information somewhere? I imagined smaller tables limit of 4 or 6 just like is happening in the restaurants right now. The reports I read from MSC never mentioned not eating with others in the dining room.

I just don't see paying all that money and wearing a mask. Whatever happened to Regent experience? I hate the mask and wear it to places I'm forced to. I take it off as soon as I'm out. I hate going to restaurants (restaurants in our area do not require masks) and seeing the servers wearing those masks their entire shift. I can't breathe with those things. I feel so sad for crew and others who depend on cruises. Our next cruise is next April and I was hopeful it would go. Now, I don't know. Naturally, these are only recommendations and we don't know what the CDC will do. I miss cruising but I don't think I want to cruise with those protocols.

Ngaire, nothing definitive has come out on dining. But the guidelines call for social distancing. I don’t see how you could put together two or three couples at a dinner table, where you have to remove masks to eat, and still achieve social distancing.

Tom.

If they allow restaurants on land to have small groups why not ships?

I asked that question today and the bottom line is that issue is not clear yet - this may come down to the CDC that is why no one is discussing it yet. Likelihood is the cruise lines want to retain as much of the "Regent Experience" as possible and dining with other guests is at the heart of the cruise. CDC is looking at this from an entirely different view point.

Time will tell and it could go either way. For me it is all about the dinners, catching up with friends and sharing the experiences of the day.

Ditto

Hi! Keith and I are more than happy to be among the cruise re-opening guinea pigs! We both wear our masks constantly at work and have now come to regard them as an unnoticed extension of our faces 😆 My job is entirely outside, so I’m well conditioned to breathing fine in any situation.

We’re booked on Splendor (still), 28 Nov, and I already have visions of walking about with a straw under my mask. Whatever “they” require, we will do in order to get back onboard. Like Marcie and Ngaire, the ship is our primary destination. If the journey is cancelled, then we will continue our patient waiting game. If it sails, we are more than willing to risk the possibility of a false positive. Details are not relevant at this time, but suffice to say that the last 5 years have been absolute hell. Couple that with receiving a phone call at the airport, the day before our 14 March cruise on Splendor, informing us not to board the airplane (Clay Keene is a God!), and you have two people who are in desperate need of a Regent vacation. Regardless of the new regulations, the drinks will still flow, the food will still be magnificent, the weather and scenery will be a welcome change, and the guests who also choose to sail will still be friendly and interesting.

You can count on sea mail from me if this trip happens! Peace be the journey to you all.

Cheers!
Ash

Lots of articles today on the meeting yesterday between the CDC and the White House. Bottom line the CDC wanted to extend the ban until February 2021 but White House instructed the CDC to only extend to October 31. Different articles take different reads on the situation but several think the CDC may not extend it further. Nothing is clear yet but at least the news is good. Of course that does not mean the cruise lines WILL start sailing on November 1 it means there is a possibility they may be allowed to sail if they wish to resume in November.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/09/30/why-carnival-corporation-royal-caribbean-and-norwe/

MSC has had no cases with their protocols and larger ships - not sure but I think they have had 5 sailings so far. Pondant is sailing but with zodiacs and no ports. So people board are covid free and stay in that bubble not getting off the ship except by zodiac to remote locations. Paul Gaugin in sailing with one suspected case that turned out to be a false positive. I may not be 100% correct on this as it is just what I have read on the internet.

Not sure where to post this but I thought some might find it interesting.

Stacy and I have been booked on a National Geographic/Lindblad cruise on the new National Geographic Endurance that was suppose to go from Ushuaia to Dunedin in New Zealand departing December 28. They held a Webinar today to announce that since New Zealand won't be open they are going to change the itinerary to a 30-day deep dive into the Antarctic area south of South America, including the peninsula, Peter I island, Weddell Sea, Coronation Island, South Sandwich Islands, South Georgia Islands and the uninhabited parts of the Falkland Islands. Of note were the protocols that have been approved by Argentina to let them do this cruise:

- We will have to do a PCR test for Covid before departure and submit it to Lindblad.
- Originally we were to meet in Buenos Aries to start with a charter flight to Ushuaia. Now we will be meeting in Miami and required to take a charter flight directly from Miami to Ushuaia. Argentina has granted special permission for this charter flight to enter the country.
- Once we get to Miami on our own we will be required to take a rapid antigen test before being allowed to check into the hotel.
- If we are still negative we check in and get room service (as part of the cruise price) dinner and breakfast the next morning.
- At 8:00 am they put us all on to a bus to a separate terminal at Miami airport to board the chartered 787 to Ushuaia.
- We arrive at Ushuaia in the mid-evening and immediately board the Endurance and set sail.
- Rapid antigen tests will be administered on board the ship. Social distancing and face coverings will be required on board except outside, at dinner or at the bar. Daily temperature checks will be performed. They are limiting the capacity to 80%, which for this ship means about 100 passengers, so they told us they expect folks to be able to eat at the same table for meals and still socially distance (I need to see how that works).

Anyway I thought you all might find this interesting. The departure date has been changed from December 28 to January 8. Lindblad seemed very proud of the fact that these protocols have been widely reviewed and approved by many agencies--specifically the government of Argentina and the CDC. They also stated that the CDC requested that they be allowed to reference their protocols as a standard for small ships and have designated them as the "Lindblad Model".

Stacy and I have decided we are going to give its a go.

Really interesting post so glad you shared all of that. Kudos to Linblad for pulling that together. If you have not been to South Georgia before you will absolutely love it. To me a very magical destination. Sounds like a great adventure glad you decided to go I think you will love it. Early January is the PRIME TIME to go to Antarctica and South Georgia. I am excited for you wish I was on that trip!

I wish I was on that trip too. Much as I loved New Zealand, South Georgia is so special!