The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today issued technical briefing for cruise lines, and now test cruises appear to be the next.
In a press release following the new technical guidelines, the agency confirmed that simulated voyages (also known as test cruises) will be next under the Conditional Sail Orders (CSO) framework.
“The next phase of the CSO will include simulated (trial) voyages that allow the crew and port staff to practice new COVID-19 operating procedures with volunteers before sailing with passengers.”
With this explanation of when Phase 2B could begin, no timetable was given.
During test cruises, cruise lines can operate ships with volunteer passengers to prove that their new protocols work.
While Phase 2A of the CSO didn’t include much concrete progress, the possibility of test cruises on the horizon gives hope that something will change.
In its statement, the CDC stated it was “committed to working with the cruise industry and seaport partners to resume cruising if it is safe to do so following the step-by-step approach outlined in the CSO”.
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In addition, the Covid-19 vaccines specifically mentioned by the CDC are “critical” for starting cruises with passengers.
“The COVID-19 vaccination effort will be critical to the safe resumption of passenger operations.
“As more and more people become fully vaccinated, CDC’s step-by-step approach will allow CDC to incorporate these advances into planning to resume cruise shipping when it is safe to do so.”
“CDC recommends that all eligible port workers and travelers (passengers and crew) receive a COVID-19 vaccine if one is available to them.”
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The agency added that it recognizes that cruise lines can be operated “safely and responsibly during a global pandemic”.
“While cruises always pose some risk to the transmission of COVID-19, following the stages of the CSO will ensure that cruise ship passenger operations are carried out in such a way that crew members, passengers and port personnel are protected, especially in the event of newly emerging COVID- 19 variants of concern, worry. “
Why test cruises are so important
At the end of October, the CDC issued the Framework for conditional sails order That said, any cruise line that wants to restart from the US must apply for a conditional sailing certificate 60 days prior to a trip. Before this happens, they need to do test sailing with volunteers – and give 30 days’ notice in writing.
All volunteer passengers and crew must follow test protocols, including quick tests before boarding and disembarking.
Simulated drives must meet CDC expectations for certification. This includes passengers wearing masks, washing and disinfecting hands, and practicing social distancing.
Continue reading:: Top 14 things the CDC requires of cruise ships on test sails
Disappointing update
The CDC released technical instructions earlier on Friday, but the update was far from what most cruise fans had hoped for.
The Phase 2A instructions included new requirements related to crew and other worker involvement and testing requirements, but nothing significantly different.
After waiting months for an update, the CDC news landed like a lead balloon. Many suggested it was more like the same with little evidence that cruise lines might be sailing out of the United States anytime soon.
That result was something Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, was Warned earlier this week was likely.
Mr. Bayley used the word “concerned” to describe what the CDC should say to cruise lines when in fact they are providing some type of guidance.
“We are concerned that the instructions we will be given will be quite out of date.”
