NEWS: Miami-Dade County Mayor Urges CDC NOT to Extend No-Sail Order

We miss sailing on Disney Cruise Line. A lot. 

Disney Dream

Disney has noted, however, that their cruise line will likely be the last part of their business to resume.

Of all the things that have drastically changed due to COVID-19, cruising is high on the list of affected industries. The very nature of cruising and the physical layout of the ships presents a unique challenge to those attempting  social distancing and other safety measures. 

Castaway Cay Dance Party

According to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com and NBC 6 South Florida, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a no-sail order in March which was originally set to expire on September 15th, and was later extended to September 30th. Now, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez has recently issued a statement urging the CDC not to extend the order any further. 

Enchanted Garden, Disney Dream

Gimenez pointed out that Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), one of the largest cruise companies in the world, which includes members such as Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more, has “adopted a number of health protocols to begin phasing in passengers services.”

Disney Dream

The measures adopted by the organization include:

  • Testing 100% of crew and passengers for COVID-19 prior to embarkation;
  • Enforcing face mask usage by passengers and crew on the ship and during excursions when social distancing cannot be maintained;
  • Requiring social distancing in terminals, on the ship, on private islands, and during excursions;
  • Using “air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air” on the ship and using enhanced filters when possible; and
  • Reserving cabin space for isolation and coordinating with other providers for shoreside quarantine and medical facilities.
Farewell Character Party, Disney Dream

According to the Miami Herald, cruising is “one of South Florida’s largest and most iconic industries, responsible for nearly $9 billion in annual economic impact to Florida — most in Miami-Date and Broward Counties.” The South Florida Sun-Sentinel notes that PortMiami calls itself the “Cruise Capital of the World” and hosts 22 lines and 55 ships. So, there are clear financial reasons why the Miami-Dade Mayor may be eager to get cruise ships up and running again. The Mayor also appears to believe cruise ships can now sail safely with the protocols the CLIA has adopted. In fact, according to NBC 6 South Florida, Gimenez noted in his statement that the protocols adopted “go beyond all other industries in requiring 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding.”

Castaway Cay ©Disney

Currently, all Disney Cruise Line departures through mid-December have been suspended, so even if the no-sail order is not extended, it seems we will likely not be able to board a Disney Cruise Line ship for a few months. But, if the no-sail order is allowed to expire, we could see Disney Cruise Line taking more action to gear up for sailings scheduled to depart after its current suspension period, and get more details from them regarding the new protocols that will be used on the ships. We’re on the lookout for more news about Disney Cruise Line and we’ll let you know when we spot any updates.

Do you have a Disney Cruise Line vacation scheduled for the future? Let us know in the comments! 

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