Statement from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on cruise industry "No Sail Order"

On September 3, 2020, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed  a resolution urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expedite and conclude any analysis necessary for the establishment of the public health guidance and preventative measures required prior to the resumption of travel on cruise ships.   

On Monday, September 21, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity and its Cruise Line Members, announced the adoption of mandatory core elements of health protocols to support a phased-in, highly controlled return to passenger service. The elements mirror the protocols established in Europe for the successful resumption of cruising and go beyond all other industries in requiring 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding. Core elements include:

(1) COVID-19 Testing - 100% testing of passengers and crew for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.

(2) Mask-Wearing - Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.

(3) Distancing - Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions.

(4) Ventilation - Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air onboard and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk.

(5) Medical Capability - Risk-based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation.

(6) Shore Excursions - Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.

With the development of these rigorous safety protocols, the cruise industry is demonstrating its leadership and commitment to public health in travel and tourism. Based on the effectiveness of the protocols implemented by CLIA members in Europe and other parts of the world, and the core elements developed by world-class experts in medicine and science, our cruise partners are  confident that a resumption of cruise operations in the Americas can be done responsibly.

The “No Sail Order” is set to expire on September 30, 2020. Now that the cruise industry has adopted the mandatory core elements, I urge the CDC to not extend or renew the “No Sail Order.”