CDC Wants Public’s Input Before Allowing Cruise Ship to Sail Again

In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued an order prohibiting international cruise ships from calling on U.S. ports through July 24. The CDC subsequently extended the order through September in order to give the cruise industry more time to put practices in place to help ensure passenger safety in the era of coronavirus. During the pause, the CDC is soliciting feedback from travelers to help it craft policies for the resumption of cruising.

USAToday.com reports that the CDC put out the request in the Federal Register on Tuesday, requesting people to comment on “cruise ship planning and infrastructure, resumption of passenger operations.” The report quotes CDC spokesperson Caitlin Shockey who said that the commentary will be used “to inform future public health guidance and preventative measures relating to travel on cruise ships.”

Participants will be able to submit comments until September 21. The commentary requests will cover virtually all aspects of the cruise experience, from boarding to disembarkation. The CDC indicated that it will publish the answers to the public record.