After United States authorities lifted the ban on cruise ship operations this 29 October 2020, the major cruise lines have announced the start of their winter cruise schedules. In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Tourism and the Port Authority announced the lifting of the local ban on cruise ship arrivals to local ports – Amber Cove in Maimón, Puerto Plata on the north coast; Sans Souci in Santo Domingo and Casa de Campo-La Romana.
Tourism Minister David Collado announced that the country is ready to receive the passengers following protocols outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Safe Travel and Bureau Veritas organizations.
Abroad it is reported that cruise lines will be making test runs with crews to practice the new normal for the industry in November and December. The companies seek to test new capabilities to implement health and safety protocols and mitigate the risks of Covid-19 onboard. This includes rapid laboratory testing of all passengers and crew on the day of embarkation and the day of disembarkation. Only passengers 18 years or old showing medical evidence that they have no pre-existing medical preconditions will be allowed to embark. What is reported is that if the ships pass the simulated sails with flying colors, the US CDC will issue a conditional Covid-19 sailing certificate.
The cruise industry says that about 20% of those who take a cruise are cruise loyalists that are ready to go on board as soon as the cruises begin again. As reported, this will not be until 2021.
The prognosis is not encouraging. In Europe, where cruise lines resumed limited operations, there has been a surge in coronavirus cases that has led several to cancel departures. As reported, in Australia, Princess Cruises announced last week it had canceled all planned sailings until June 2021 because of uncertainty about restrictions on international travel.
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1 November 2020