NCLH pitches fully vaccinated sailings to fast-track return to service
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings took an unusual step of directly asking the CDC to allow it to skirt the Conditional Sailing Order to resume operations in July.
It pledged to mandate vaccinations for all guests and crew.
It sent a letter to the CDC detailing a restart plan and hopes it will be given the green light to resume sailing by 4 July for the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.
"We share the CDC’s view that vaccinations are the primary vehicle for Americans to get back to their everyday lives," said CEO Frank Del Rio in the letter.
"We believe that through a combination of 100% mandatory vaccinations for guests and crew and science-backed public health measures we can create a safe, ‘bubble-like’ environment for guests and crew."
"With vaccine mandates and strict health and safety protocols in place, we believe we can provide a uniquely safe and healthy vacation experience."
Meanwhile, CLIA reacted with disappointment over the CDC’s latest guidance for the Conditional Sailing Order.
The cruising industry is being unfairly treated it says.
The CSO requirements ‘seem to reflect a zero-risk objective rather than the mitigation approach to Covid that is the basis for every other US sector of our society,’ CLIA said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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