The current CDC ‘No Sail’ order is being replaced by a ‘conditional’ sailing order where cruising will be able to resume under a new set of strict guidelines and protocols.
All cruise lines must be equip with rigorous testing facilities for both passengers and crew before embarking and cruise lines will be expected to take part in a certification process with simulation cruises, set up with volunteer passengers which will ensure they can effectively handle testing, social distancing and other required protocols.
“Subsequent phases will include simulated voyages to test cruise ship operators’ ability to mitigate Covid-19 risk, certification for ships that meet specific requirements and a phased return to cruise ship passenger operations,” the CDC said.
Each ship must will be required to have its own risk assessment plan to mitigate transmissions and must have dedicated cabins left vacant in the even of the need for isolation.
