CLIA has called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lift the current framework for conditional sailing order (CSO) and allow for the planning of a phased resumption of cruise operations from US ports by the beginning of July.

The association said “the outdated” CSO does not reflect the “industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines”.

The order was issued almost five months ago and at the time outlined a “framework of actionable items for the cruise line industry to follow”.

CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead said: “The outdated CSO, which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently.

“Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.”

Following the industry’s voluntary suspension of operations one year ago, cruise lines have been prevented from operating in the US by a series of “No Sail Orders” issued by the CDC.

The CSO was issued last October, but since then the CDC has not released any further guidance, as called for in the CSO.

Craighead added that the sector had carried almost 400,000 passengers over the past eight months in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific, with “industry-leading protocols that have effectively mitigated the spread of Covid-19″.

According to the association, the number of reported Covid cases (fewer than 50 based on public reports) is lower than the rate on land or in any other transportation mode.

“The cruise industry has adopted a high bar for resumption around the world with a multi-layered set of policies that is intended to be revised as conditions change”, Craighead said.

“Our members continue to follow this multi-layered approach to enhancing health and safety that has proven effective, making cruising one of the best and most adaptable choices for travel.”

CLIA stated that it does not currently have a vaccine policy, although it is working with members to explore a workable approach for how to consider vaccinations, once widely available, as part of robust protocols.

Craighead also noted “the accelerated rollout of vaccines is a game-changer… especially in the US, where President Biden expects all adults will be eligible for vaccinations by 1 May 2021.”

Cruise Trade News has contacted the CDC for comment.