Port Canaveral responds to CDC cruise update
Port Canaveral has welcomed the latest cruise industry update from the CDC, and looks forward to a resumption of cruise operations at the Florida port.
The CDC said cruise operations in US waters could restart by mid-July and it has eased measures each cruise ship requires under the conditional-sail order.
It said no test cruises are required if 98% of crew members and 95% of all passengers are fully vaccinated.
The test cruise was one of the final steps to sign off on a cruise ship’s onboard health and safety as part of the CSO.
"This puts cruise ships closer to open-water sailing sooner," the CDC said.
"This is very exciting news. Finally, the CDC has responded to the cruise industry with game changing guidance to restart cruising in the U.S. This newly defined approach includes common sense recommendations, said Capt. John Murray, CEO Canaveral Port Authority.
Capt. Murray also lauded the relaxation of rules on disembarking passengers.
Disembarking guests can quarantine at home if they are within driving distance.
"The CDC’s focus on cruise passengers that drive-in for cruises, could expedite the resumption of cruise operations at Port Canaveral," he said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled