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.
