Cruises Suspended Until At Least October 31 – CLIA Extends Voluntary Pause in Cruising for a 3rd Time

CLIA extends cruise suspension

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Update: CLIA Extends Voluntary Pause in Cruising in U.S.

For the third time in almost 5 months, CLIA, the Cruise Line International Association announced an extension of it’s voluntary suspension of U.S. ocean-going cruise operations to October 31, 2020. 

cruise Balcony cabins and view

While the CDC has issued a no sail order which expires September 30, 2020, CLIA says they made a difficult, but prudent decision to pause cruising even longer.

According to their statement in an August 5 press release:

We believe this proactive action further demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to public health and willingness to voluntarily suspend operations in the interest of public health and safety, as has occurred twice prior. CLIA cruise line members will continue to monitor the situation with the understanding that we will revisit a possible further extension on or before 30 September 2020. At the same time, should conditions in the U.S. change and it becomes possible to consider short, modified sailings, we would consider an earlier restart.”

They also point out the valuable contributions cruise activities make to the U.S. economy. Each day of the suspension of cruises results in a loss of over $1oo million in economic activitu and 800 direct and indirect jobs for Americans.

There’s no doubt that this crisis is devastating to many, including those who work in any part of the cruise travel industry (on and off ships).

Please see the CLIA website for further news and the information below, which was shared during the last announcement.

While the CDC’s no-sail order was due to expire July 24, CLIA, the Cruise Line International Association announced a voluntary extension of suspended cruises, until September 15. This applies to cruises departing US ports.

If the latest cruise cancellations are getting to you, you’re not alone. It’s certainly difficult, especially if your cruise is affected.

After the Norwegian Cruise Line cruise cancellation announcement just a few days ago, this isn’t a total surprise – we all expected something, didn’t we?

However, this announcement comes from CLIA, representing all members. Consequently, this extended suspension of operations affects every cruise line.

In case you’re wondering, CLIA represents the interests of the cruise industry as a whole. It’s the largest cruise industry trade association, and all major cruise lines are members. It also provides resources and professional development for travel agents and industry partners.

St. Thomas Havensight Cruise Port Royal Princess Cruise Ship

Breaking News: Voluntary Extension of Suspension of Cruises Until September 15

Here’s an excerpt from the CLIA announcement, which can be found on the CLIA website as well as on their social media pages:

“Due to the ongoing situation within the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations.  The current No Sail Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will expire on 24 July, and although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States.”

They go on to explain that when cruising does resume, CLIA is confident that cruises will be safe, and following the “latest protective measures”. Further, this decision and more cautious timeline was made in the best interests of passengers and crew.

The statement continues, “The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations.”

“This voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the No Sail Order applied (vessels with capacity to carry 250 persons or more). CLIA member cruise lines will continually evaluate the evolving situation and make a determination as to whether a further extension is necessary.”

Canceled Cruises Cruise Suspensions Extended
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Economic Impact

CLIA also pointed out the economic impact of the cruise suspensions. The cruise industry, both directly and indirectly, supports many jobs and businesses in the US. It’s estimated that for every day of the suspension of cruises, there is a total loss of approximately $110 million in economic activity, and 800 jobs. (source CLIA statement June 19, 2020).

What to do if your cruise is canceled

During the last few cruise cancellations, most cruise lines were offering cruise passengers 2 options. Although not yet confirmed, this is the likely scenario.

You’ll be able to choose either a full refund or a future cruise credit, which has been 125% during recent cancellations.

Keep an eye for an email from your cruise line in the next few days, for any specific instructions you must follow. In most cases a Future Cruise Credit is the default option, so if you prefer a refund, you’ll need to be more pro-active.

Always look at the terms and conditions, including your date to rebook as well as to use your future cruise credit voucher.

SuggestedShould You Take a Refund or Future Cruise Credit on a Canceled Cruise?

Most cruises cancelled until September
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Final Thoughts: CLIA Announcement – Cruises Cancelled Until September 15

As the world health situation continues to be impacted, despite the innovations and health and safety measures cruise lines are implementing, it’s clearly not yet time to cruise. While we all wish it were different, and some of us may be ready to cruise, this clearly is a complicated situation for cruise lines.

I do hope that the CDC will begin communicating with the public, and working cooperatively with cruise lines to ensure safe cruising resumes as soon as possible.

Are you satisfied with this statement and supportive of the decision to delay cruising until September 15? Do you think this has the potential to be extended further? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy (future) cruising!!

Ilana xoxo

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Suggested posts:

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Should You Take a Refund or Future Cruise Credit on a Canceled Cruise?

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2 Comments

  1. June 23, 2020 / 3:17 am

    I want to cruise in the worst way. But we need to respect Covid-19. It is ruling and killing people. Today 555 people died in US. I will be patient and wait till it is safe. NCL and rest of the cruise industry will make it safe for us to return to what we like to do. Sit on Liddo deck by pool, visit an amazing port of call, drinking wine at dinner, having a drink at a show, or any other fun thing we do on board. So we all keep waiting!!!

    • June 23, 2020 / 10:43 am

      Thanks for your comment Russell. I know this is such a hard time for so many people. Thoughts and prayers to all those dealing with the sadness and heartbreak of this virus directly.We’ll definitely cruise again, but it will be a little while longer.

      llana

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