Members of CLIA have suspended their sailings from US ports for 30 days due to the coronavirus.

A statement from the association confirmed the cancellations and followed statements from individual lines about the suspension of cruises.

CLIA president and chief executive Kelly Craighead said: “This is an unprecedented situation. Our industry has taken responsibility for protecting public heath for more than 50 years, working under the guidance of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and provides itself on its ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for guests, as well as meaningful employment opportunities for crew.

“This has been a challenging time, but we hope that this decision will enable us to focus on the future and a return to normal as soon as possible.”

A statement issued on 13 March said the temporary suspension would take effect at midnight, with lines focusing on “the safe and smooth return of those currently at sea onboard ships that will be affected by this decision.”

CLIA global chairman, Adam Goldstein, added: “During this time, we will continue to work with the CDC and others to prepare for resumption of sailings when it is appropriate. We know the travel industry is a huge economic engine for the United States and when our ships once again sail, our industry will be a significant contributor to fuelling the economic recovery.”

US president Donald Trump posted on Twitter that he had requested the suspension, but also recognised the importance of the cruise industry.

He said: “At my request, effective midnight tonight, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC have all agreed to suspend outbound cruises for thirty days. It is a great and important industry – it will be kept that way!”

Major cruise lines globally have announced the suspension of sailings due to the virus, named covid-19.

Cancellation policies have also been altered by many cruise lines, allowing passengers to cancel up to 48 hours before departure.

Last week, CLIA announced the postponement of its annual conference, due to take place in Southampton in April.