MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) – Last week, the Cruise Lines International Association called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lift the framework for the conditional sail order, also known as the No Sail Order, and allow a phased order to be planned to resume cruise operations US ports through early July.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson released a statement Monday in support of this proposal.

“I strongly support and strongly support federal measures to repeal the No Sail Order for the cruise industry, which is the only economic sector that is still closed due to COVID-19 restrictions that were introduced more than a year ago. The loss of the cruise industry in the state of Alabama is having a serious and detrimental impact on the economy of the city of Mobile and the small businesses it supports.

The Port of Mobile is Alabama’s only deep water port and is home to our only cruise terminal, which handled over 200,000 passengers annually prior to closing last year. These passengers lead directly to gross hotel room, restaurant, local attractions, and local retail spend totaling over $ 12 million.

Additionally, Mobile’s economic sustainability has been weakened by the loss of direct and indirect employment by cruise lines. The terminal directly employs 206 full / part-time workers. In addition, there is another occupation in the form of trucks / transport; Food / beverage suppliers; Security; Fuel / water supplier; Taxis / Uber / Lyft; Mobile Bay Bar Pilots; Tractor driver; and carnival support and logistics staff.

Should President Biden support a phased approach to reopening US ports to cruise lines, I am confident that the Mobile Alabama Cruise Ship Terminal will successfully address this challenge. Terminal staff are already familiar with best health and safety best practices. They are ideally equipped and can quickly generate logs to reduce the introduction and spread of the coronavirus. Also, because of its close relationships with the local medical community, testing facilities, and health department, Mobile and its terminal are optimally supported and positioned for success. “

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson

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