CDC extends no sail order for cruises, but not as far as planned

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended the no sail order for cruise lines, but the prohibition isn’t as long as they had intended.

The CDC said cruise lines that carry more than 250 passengers will not be allowed to embark on voyages through Oct. 31 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The previous extension was issued in July and expired Sept. 30. The first 30-day order was issued in March.

The order can be changed or rescinded as needed based on public health concerns.

The CDC had planned on extending the no sail order until mid-February with CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield saying the ships could be a viral hot spot, The New York Times reported.

But the White House only agreed to the month-long extension, the newspaper reported.

Axios first reported the White House’s overruling of the more stringent plan.

The administration denies a role in the change of policy, Axios reported.

Some are calling the change a political move since it directly impacts the economy of Florida, a key state in the upcoming presidential election. Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern said, according to Axios, “The president, the vice president and the task force follow the science and data to implement policies that protect the public health and also facilitate the safe reopening of our country. It is not about politics. It is about saving lives.”

Click here for more information about cruising in the age of COVID-19.

Some cruise lines have set their own company-specific dates for the resumption of trips. Visit the cruise lines’ websites for more information.

Cox Media Group