Cruise Lines International Association, CLIA, which considers itself the leading voice of the global cruise industry – and with good reason as the major cruise lines are amongst its members – has just announced a raft of measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the cruise industry’s continued commitment to the health and safety of guests and crew, as well as the residents of port cities and destinations around the world, CLIA has announced the adoption of additional enhanced screening measures in response to COVID-19.
As a result of these changes, which are effective immediately, CLIA members are to:
- Deny boarding to all persons who have travelled from or transited via airports in South Korea, Iran, China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government, as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within 14 days prior to embarkation.
- Deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days prior to embarkation, have had contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who are currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
- Conduct pre-boarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19.
In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to COVID-19 and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew. With strict measures in place, as guided by national and international health authorities, CLIA and its member lines, in concert with pronouncements from the World Health Organization, say they do not believe restrictions on the movement of ships are justified.
“The adoption of these measures further demonstrates the cruise industry’s unique ability to respond quickly as circumstances evolve,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA. “We remain in close contact with local governments around the world, and while we regret that these changes will result in the denial of boarding for some of our guests, travelers should know that their health and safety is the absolute priority for the industry.”
At the same time, Reuters and others are reporting that CLIA has proposed to the US Government, that persons aged over 70 should also not be permitted to cruise unless they produce a certificate of fitness from a medical practitioner.
Everyone is doing what they can to keep their business afloat, excusing the pun.
And travel agents are being fully equipped to sell the latest on water experiences as well, with a major training program being put in place by CLIA around Australia and New Zealand. It is scheduled to kick off in Perth on 17 & 18 March 2020. See here.
We continue to watch the cruise industry space.
