Negative COVID Test Among Future Requirements for Cruising

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world's largest cruise industry trade association which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruises, today announced a global testing policy that will require 100% of passengers and crew worldwide to submit of a negative COVID-19 test prior to embarkation. The cruise industry is the first in the travel and tourism sector to make this commitment. This global mandatory measure is effective immediately and is applicable to ships carrying 250 or more passengers.

While the testing policy applies to cruises worldwide, CLIA previously announced additional core elements of its mandatory health protocols, which included testing, that are applicable specifically to sailings from U.S. ports and in the Americas:

• Testing. 100% testing of passengers and crew for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.
• Mask-Wearing. Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained
• Distancing. Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions
• Ventilation. Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air onboard and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk
• Medical Capability: Risk-based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation.
• Shore Excursions: Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.

“This is a travel industry first and an example of the cruise industry leading the way. We see testing as an important initial step to a multi-layered approach that we believe validates the industry’s commitment to making health, safety, and the well-being of the passengers, the crew, and the communities we visit our top priority,” said CLIA in its official statement. 

These public health and safety protocols introduced by CLIA are the result of many months of meetings between cruise industry executives and global health experts. It represents the foundation of a global, comprehensive policy that all cruise lines will implement and adopt once cruising returns. 

Read More: CDC Extends No Sail Order Through October 31