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| Courtesy of CLIA (cruising.org) |
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates, and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually.
They have assembled the latest industry facts and resources and summarizes the current state as follows: (click here for the latest news and resources)
As the world continues to address challenges regarding COVID-19, the top priority for the entire cruise community—including cruise lines, travel agents, ports, destinations, suppliers and beyond—continues to be the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities in the places we visit.
CLIA and its member lines have invested in research, worked with global experts, and closely cooperated with national and regional health, transport and safety authorities in specific regions to develop world leading health and safety protocols. In fact, to date, we have put in place more than 75 science-led measures.The industry’s successful resumption in Europe, parts of Asia, the UK, and parts of North America demonstrate a promising example that a responsible return to cruising is possible with the right measures in place.
Cruise Ships Singled Out
In all the hospitality and travel sectors, people gather in close contact to socialize and enjoy shared experiences. Last year this time there was a perception that the incidents of COVID-19 were higher on cruise ships than other sectors and industries.
Cruise Ships Differ From Other Sectors & Industries
CLIA member lines are required to have credentialed doctors and nurses onboard who are required to provide health declarations detailing illnesses of individuals onboard to port authorities around the globe prior to a ship’s entry. Neither airlines, hotels, nor any other travel and tourism sector is required to report the same information.
This lopsided reporting isn't new with COVID-19. The media has always singed out incidents of Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, while similar events occurring elsewhere in the travel and hospitality sectors go unreported. The following is not new:
How do CLIA member cruise lines promote public health?
- CLIA ocean-going cruise ships are the only form of travel or passenger transportation that must be medically equipped to care for passengers or crew in the event of illness
- medical facilities must meet the standards set forth by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
- cruise ships must have an examination room, an intensive care room and equipment for processing labs, monitoring vital signs and administering medications
- doctors and medical personnel MUST be available onboard 24/7
We will take a closer look at some of the new technology and protocols that are currently in place to provide a safe and healthy environment for your vacation. You will learn that since the cruise line controls their environment, a cruise vacation is one of the safest things you can do today.
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