Cruise lines suspend all sailings from U.S. ports until Sept. 15

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced on Friday that they are extending the suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports until Sept. 15 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

“Due to the ongoing situation within the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations," the company wrote in a press release. "The current No Sail Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will expire on July 24, and although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States."

The Cruise Liner Caribbean Princess moored off Bar Harbour in Maine. (Photo by: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

This voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the No Sail Order applied, which includes vessels with the capacity to carry 250 persons or more. 

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“Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crewmembers.  We have therefore decided to further extend our suspension of operations from U.S. ports until Sept. 15. The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations."

CLIA's member lines carry 95 percent of the world's cruisers, including Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney Cruise Lines. 

Officials will continue to reevaluate the situation and the suspension may be extended past Sept. 15.