The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended a “no sail order” for all cruise ships.
The CDC made the announcement Thursday saying the timeline was indefinite but would remain in place for at least 100 days. In recent weeks, at least 10 cruise ships reported crew or passengers that tested positive or experienced respiratory symptoms or flu-like illness.
The United States Coast Guard and health officials helping out – offering resources for people who are sick and keeping close communication with captains. There are about 100 cruise ships idling in the Atlantic, Pacific or Gulf Of Mexico, either in port or offshore.
Together, they have nearly 80,000 crew aboard. Some of those ships, from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines, have docked in Jacksonville over the past few weeks.
“The cruise industry has definitely taken a hit during corona, but I’m confident we’ll come back stronger than ever,” said Scott Lara, a travel agent. “There will be changes, there may be reduced sailings, but the cruise industry will continue to be vibrant. Saudi Arabia recently invested in Carnival. So I feel financial the industry is on good stable ground.”
The industry is losing billions of dollars and serious damage to some companies’ reputations, but Lara said cruise companies will weather this storm, while keeping passengers safe and healthy.
“The ship industry is not only doubling efforts to keep ships clean, but also working to education passengers and crew on staying safe,” Lara said.