Cruises From the United States May Be Back by Mid-Summer

As the tide turns! It’s been a full-time job recently keeping up with the the status of the cruising industry and the back and forth between the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, I think both sides might finally be on the same page as the CDC just announced that it’s likely cruises from the United States might start up by mid-Summer. 

Before we look to the future though and keeps our fingers crossed we will be able to sail again by mid-Summer, let’s look back at the past 13 months because that’s how long it has been since a cruise departed from the United States due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is when the CDC originally issued the “No Sail Order.” 

Image Credit: cdc.gov

After the “No Sail Order” was issued back in March of last year, the CDC pretty much left cruise lines everywhere in limbo. Finally, the “No Sail Order” was lifted back in March and replaced with a “Conditional Sail Order” that would allow cruise lines to start sailing again with a phased approach and once new guidelines and protocols were put in place. 

Once the “Conditional Sail Order” went into effect, cruise lines began putting together Healthy Sail Panels that made recommendations on how to resume cruising in a way that ensured the health and safety of all passengers and crew members. They also made sure their ships were equipped with adequate COVID testing facilitates among other changes and enhancements. 

Image Credit: Royal Caribbean

Then, the CDC left the cruise industry hanging once again for several months even though cruises were ready to get their “test sailings” underway which was one of the first phases of the their phased reopening requirements. 

With lack of direction from the CDC, cruise lines including Royal Caribbean took matters in their own hands. Instead of sailing from ports in the United States, they announced they would begin sailing again this Summer from ports outside of the United States such as Nassau in the Bahamas and Mediterranean cruises from Greece. Other cruise lines followed their lead including Disney Cruise Line who announced sailings strictly for UK residents from the United Kingdom. 

Port of Miami
Image Credit: Richard Pross/Shutterstock.com

Several major cruise associations, lobbying groups, and cruise lines began pleading with the CDC to let cruising resume with the appropriate protocols in place beginning July 1, 2021. Originally, the CDC said that they would not be lifting the “Conditional Sail Order” until this Fall and also required cruise lines to reach standards that were just unrealistic where other industries such as airlines have been up and operating through all of this and are very close to returning to “normal.”

But, that has all just changed and it appears it took the world’s largest cruise line, Carnival, to threaten to move their ships to ports out of the country to make cruising by mid-Summer happen. Once Carnival said they would be moving their ships to other markets this Summer, the CDC released the following statement: 

Image Credit: Disney

CDC is committed to working with the cruise industry and seaport partners to resume cruising following the phased approach outlined in the conditional sailing order. This goal aligns with the desire to resume passenger operations in the United States expressed by many major cruise ship operators and travelers; hopefully, by mid-summer with restricted revenue sailings.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to cruise this Summer or anytime in the future, book now! Prices are the lowest they are going to be and once these cruise lines officially begin sailing again from the United States, except prices to sky rocket. In addition, if your cruise is cancelled by the cruise line, you will receive a refund or a Future Cruise Credit worth what you paid plus a bonus. 

Image Credit: Disney

Currently, most cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, have cancelled all cruises through June 30, 2021. However, things are looking more and more optimistic that cruising will be back from the United States as early as mid-Summer. Make sure to keep it here with MickeyBlog.com as we follow this ever-changing story. 

Let’s start planning your cruise vacation! Fill out the form below or send an email to Holly@MickeyTravels.com for a FREE, no-obligation quote to book your cruise vacation. EVERY vacation package* booked EXCLUSIVELY with me by April 15, 2021 will receive a comprehensive onboard credit as a thank you. In addition, one lucky client will receive a bonus $169 vacation credit. As an agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package and I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best rate available. I work with all Disney Destinations and destinations outside of Disney. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch via email at Holly@MickeyTravels.com or calling 954.401.9577. Also, make sure to CLICK HERE to follow along with my Facebook page for all things Disney and giveaways!

*Cruise must be a minimum of three nights