CLIA global chair Adam Goldstein has told the CLIA Virtual Cruise Showcase that the industry has made “incredible progress” over recent months.

Goldstein praised cruise lines and “the whole cruise ecosystem” for the way in which it has come together to develop new safety protocols.

“There has been more interaction among the CEOs of major lines in the last nine months than in the previous 25 years put together,” Goldstein said.

“It’s been the whole cruise ecosystem. Ports and port administrations have been extremely vocal on how important cruise is. The relentless emphasising of that message has happened on all levels.

“Most of the cruise ecosystem is about small companies. We have been pushing for economic relief for small and medium businesses. We have all worked together in an unprecedented way. That needs to continue.”

As for new safety measures, such as the Covid-19 framework and a pledge from CLIA lines to test all guests and crew prior to embarkation, Goldstein emphasised that the industry is now at a “completely different level of understanding” in how to combat the virus.

He added: “The amount of learning that has been done, the protocols, the input we’ve received from experts, has [all] brought the cruise industry to a completely different level of understanding in how to mitigate the virus.

“Cruise lines have engaged experts. We have come together around a member policy [to test all passengers and crew prior to embarkation] and we have harmonised our way forward. It’s fantastic.

“Like everyone, there is tremendous enthusiasm [for Covid-19 vaccines]. We believe that as 2021 unfolds, and more and more people have access to the vaccine, that the situation will rapidly improve. The next few months, before there is [full roll out of the vaccine] will be challenging.

“Multiple layers are required. There is no one layer of protection that for sure can mitigate the virus. Testing, mask wearing, social distancing, better hygiene, interaction with destinations [are all part of the approach].”