Cruise Industry Throws In The Towel On 2020

Above, our cruise ship docked at Key West, Florida during last year's Cuba cruise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was bound to happen and it really isn't a surprise.

The U.S. cruise industry is giving up restarting this year and is looking towards restarting next year. So now the cruise lines remain suspended.

Japan Today reported:

SILVER SPRING, Md - The cruise industry has jettisoned hopes of restarting operations this year.

Days after both Carnival and Norwegian extended a halt on cruises through the end of the year, the group that represents cruise lines with 95% of global ocean-going capacity said Tuesday that its members have agreed to extend the suspension of U.S. sailing operations for the rest of 2020.

The announcement comes just days after the U.S. government effectively lifted its no-sail order despite a global spike in coronavirus infections.

Cruise Lines International Association — which includes cruise giants Princess, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean — said that its members have voluntarily opted to maintain the current suspension of cruise operations in the U.S. through the end of the year.

Members “will use the remainder of the year to prepare for the implementation of extensive measures to address COVID-19 safety” with the guidance of public health experts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the association said.

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