WITH Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association – Ready, Set, Sail: When the CDC issued the next two phases of its Framework for Conditional Sailing Order last week, it provided yet another glimmer of hope for the resumption of cruising in the United States.
In essence, it means cruise ships
can commence what is being
termed “simulated” voyages in
preparation for passenger sailings
with restricted numbers.
With vaccination availability
progressing quickly for both crew
and passengers, it is likely that a
Jul 2021 re-start date could indeed
be on the horizon.
The Caribbean is expected to
resume shortly after.
In the UK, the news is also
promising with a 17 May re-start
on the calendar for international
travel, albeit with some slightly
confusing traffic light systems.
Many of the well-known cruise
lines are on the starting blocks
including MSC, Viking, Cunard,
Virgin, Royal Caribbean and P&O.
Cruising will initially commence
as a domestic UK opportunity only
with short break to week-long
itineraries planned.
In Australia, ACA stands firmly
in support of the Ready, Set, Sail
campaign launched today by CLIA.
This initiative encourages
members of Australia’s vast cruise
community to visit ReadySetSail.
com.au and use the tools available
to write to their local MPs and
Ministers with their personalised
message around what the stand
down means to them.
The industry is turning up the
heat on the Government to make
way for a controlled resumption.
