CLIA Cruise Lines has reported that only seven of its members’ cruise ships remain at sea on their way to port, accounting for approximately 2.5 per cent of the global CLIA fleet.

The cruise ships still at sea include Cunard’s Queen Mary 2; P&O Cruises’ Arcadia; Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus; Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer; MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica; Princess Cruises’ Pacific Princess; and Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa.

In its latest statement published on 6 April, the leading cruise industry body said: “CLIA cruise lines remains singularly focused on the health and safe return of those onboard the few CLIA member ships that remain at sea on their way to port.

“As of April 6, 2020 this includes only seven ships, or approximately 2.5 per cent of the global CLIA fleet.

“Health and safety has always been our absolute priority, and is especially so now during this unprecedented time.

“To that end, our members are working around the clock, under the guidance and direction of the CDC, the U.S. Coast Guard and others at the local and national level, to overcome logistical challenges and do right by all, and we will continue to do so as we disembark the last remaining passengers and enter the next phase of the cruise industry’s voluntary suspension of worldwide operations.

“In the meantime, we encourage ports to around the world to allow access and safe harbour for cruise ships as needed to support the completion of their journeys and in anticipation of the return to normal operations when appropriate.”

In response to the global spread of coronavirus (covid-19), leading cruise lines announced a voluntary global suspension of sailings last month. As the outbreak continues, several lines have extended their pause in operations.

CLIA has 55 cruise lines as members in total, including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Holland America Line, to name a few.

Our view:

The cruise industry is facing an unprecedented and ever-changing situation, and we are committed to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date news. However, we firmly believe that the cruise industry will bounce back. When it does, we’ll be on hand to help you get back to selling the cruises that people love.

Visit cruising.org for more information.