CDC Seeks Public Comments on Cruising and Covid-19

On July 16, 2020, CDC extended the No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation thru September 30th stating 'The current scientific evidence suggests that cruise ships pose a greater risk of COVID-19 transmission than other settings.'

On July 21, 2020, CDC announced a Request for Information related to cruise ship planning and infrastructure, resumption of passenger operations, and additional summary questions. This information may be used to inform future public health guidance and preventative measures relating to travel on cruise ships.

Public Can Comment

Interested persons or organizations are invited to participate by submitting comments specifically on the following questions related to planning and infrastructure, resumption of passenger operations, and summary questions raised in this document.

This was formally documented in the Federal Register here.  There are 28 questions, many of which have subcategories.  A PDF version of the Federal register is available here.

Until now, the cruise industry talks with the CDC have been focused on operations to protect the safety of crew members onboard ships that have been impacted by the no-sail order.   This opens the door for talks about resumption of operations with health and safety measures in place.

You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. CDC-2020-0087 by any of the following methods listed below. CDC does not accept comment by email.

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 
• Mail: Maritime Unit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS V18-2, Atlanta, GA 30329.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket Number. All relevant comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov. 

CLIA Response to Extension

According to Seatrade Cruise News, In response to the CDC's extended no-sail order, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said the industry remains 'aligned with the CDC in our commitment to public health and safety. We are also pleased that the CDC has announced its intention to issue a request for information about the industry's resumption of passenger operations. As we continue to work towards the development of enhanced protocols to support the safe resumption of cruise operations around the world, we look forward to timely and productive dialogue with the CDC to determine measures that will be appropriate for ocean-going cruise operations to resume in the United States when the time is right.'

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Major Christchurch Earthquake Impacts Cruise Schedules

Cunard Line's QM2 and Queen Elizabeth in Sydney Feb 22

Royal Rendevous Overshadowed by 

Major Earthquake

Cruise ship calls at Christchurch, New Zealand, are being cancelled following this week's devastating earthquake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and destroyed large areas of the city and suburbs.    

At least 65 people have been killed, making this New Zealand's worst disaster in more than 80 years.  The suburb of Lyttelton, where cruise ships dock, has suffered infrastructure damage.


Our hearts and prayers go out to all the people of New Zealand impacted by this natural disaster.  This post provides links to sites with additional information.  We will attempt to provide updates to assist those who might be traveling in the region.

Graphic courtesy USGS

Magnitude 6.3 – South Island of New Zealand

Monday, February 21, 2011 at 23:51:43 UTC
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 12:51:43 Local
The February 21, 2011 South Island, New Zealand earthquake occurred as part of the aftershock sequence of the M 7.0 September 3, 2010 Darfield, NZ earthquake. 


This latest shock is significantly closer to the main population center of Christchurch, NZ, than is the September 2010 mainshock. The February 21st earthquake represents the largest aftershock to date.

The National Crisis Management Centre has been activated and a National State of Emergency has been declared (www.beehive.govt.nz). 

Peak Cruise Season for Australia & New Zealand

This is the peak season for cruise vacations to Australia and New Zealand.   Cruise itinerary changes are anticipated in the wake of the quake.   Cruise lines are responsible for health and safety of their guests.    Any changes that are made are done so regrettably, but unfortunately become necessary when conditions prevent planned port calls to be made.

Lyttleton Port of Christchurch posted the following statement:  "The 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday 22 February caused further damage to Lyttelton Port of Christchurch infrastructure and facilities.  Our priority is for the safety of all staff and we can advise that fortunately there were no injuries sustained at the port."   Read more on their webpage.

Cruise Itinerary Changes - Christchurch

• Cunard Line: QM2 will call at Wellington (Feb. 26)
• Holland America: Volendam (Mar. 5) - no changes yet - monitoring situation
• Princess Cruises: Sun Princess (Feb. 28) - extending stay in Wellington then three hours of scenic cruising Marlborough Sound
• Princess Cruises: Dawn Princess (Mar. 4) - no changes yet - monitoring situation
• P&O Cruises Australia: Pacific Sun will call at Akaroa (Feb. 25)
• P&O Cruises Australia: Aurora (Mar. 7) - no changes yet - monitoring situation

Cunard president Peter Shanks, who was in Sydney for the rendezvous of QM2 and Queen Elizabeth, said (that Cunard would be) "doing all it can to support the devastated port city."

We will provide updates as more information becomes available 
Last Updated:  23 Feb -  9 PM Est

Useful Links for Additional Information

Main New Zealand Civil Defense Update New Zealand Civil Defense Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Lower Hutt, New Zealand Geonet - Christchurch Badly Damaged by Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Lyttelton Port of Christchurch  Christchurch Earthquake Information (Tourism New Zealand)