Orlando, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that its no-sail order for Cruise lines will expire on Saturday, paving the way for passenger cruise ships to resume operations in U.S waters.
The CDC said it will begin a “phased approach” to resuming passenger cruises.
“Considering the continued spread of COVID-19 worldwide and increased risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships, a careful approach is needed to safely resume cruise ship operations,” the order reads. “CDC is establishing requirements to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to passengers and crew, prevent the further spread of COVID-19 from cruise ships into U.S. communities, and protect public health and safety.”
The no-sail order was first established in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and had been extended several times.
More than 150,000 Floridians are employed by cruise lines.