C-19 CLIA Update & AFTA Travel Advice

Given the evolving nature of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities — CLIA ocean cruise line members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for guests and crew who have recently travelled from or through Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government.

These enhanced policies, which came into effect as of 03 March 2020 AEST, build upon those which were first implemented on 31 January 2020 and continue to allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be permitted to board.

• Boarding will be denied to all persons who have within 14 days before embarkation travelled from, visited or transited via airports in Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government, as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Preboarding screening will be conducted for all persons who have within 14 days before embarkation traveled from, visited or transited via airports in any destinations listed on the U.S. CDC “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel” page. Illness screening includes symptom history checks for fever, cough and difficulty breathing in the 14 days before embarkation and taking of temperature.
• Boarding will be denied to all persons who have within 14 days before embarkation had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having Coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
• Preboarding screening will be conducted to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19.

In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to the coronavirus and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.

The health and safety of passengers and crews is, and must remain, the top priority for the cruise industry. These measures, while more restrictive than our previously announced enhanced protocols enacted on 31 January, are intended to reflect the industry’s commitment to ensuring necessary precautions are in place as the situation continues to evolve.

This is an ongoing challenge for many sectors, including the cruise industry. However, it is important to note that cruise lines have extensive experience monitoring the health of passengers, providing care as needed, and responding as necessary to evolving circumstances. Individual cruise lines will be able to advise of their specific measures and matters that may relate to their own guests and operations.

Globally, the majority of cruise itineraries are continuing to operate as normal.

As an industry we are working to reassure guests that right now, our number one priority is the health and safety of passengers and crew. This is undoubtedly a challenging moment for the entire travel industry—and one which is being taken very seriously by all. Cruise lines are constantly monitoring the situation as it rapidly develops and will continue to adapt, as needed, to provide for the needs of guests and crew.

Washington, DC (15 March 2020)— The FCCA and CLIA today released the following statement related to U.S. ports and returning ships:

U.S. ports are open to returning ships, and passengers are able to disembark and fly home as confirmed by a National Interest Exemption (Exemption) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 13, 2020. This includes passengers who are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and foreign diplomats. Non-U.S. citizens will be able to fly home to their home countries.

As a result of this Exemption, CLIA and FCCA have requested that all ports in the Caribbean, South America and other areas keep their ports open to cruise ships sailing on itineraries related to U.S. ports to allow passengers to return as soon as possible to their homes.