Richard Fain, chair and CEO of cruise operator Royal Caribbean, has revealed the US cruise industry is a step closer to resuming operations following a “constructive dialogue” with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fain, who spoke in a video address published on the official YouTube channel for Royal Caribbean International's trade loyalty programme, said that more than 400,000 people had taken cruise excursions for operators worldwide through the last year, with a potential resumption of operations as early as mid-July.
“That successful experience has not only given us comfort about the safety of cruising, but it has also given us data to discuss with the CDC and other health authorities,” he said. “Based on that data, over 30 countries have already granted permission for cruising, and we're optimistic that the CDC will too.”
Fain added that the voices of travel advisors and small businesses across America have demonstrated that there is a strong desire to see cruising return in the US under safe guidelines.
“That loud voice has been clear, and it seems to be being heard in Washington and Atlanta,” he said. “Based on the advances in science and the data provided by our experiences abroad, the CDC is engaging in a constructive dialogue with us in the industry to enable a return to service in a safe and healthy manner.”
Fain spoke about the potential July return for the US cruise sector, agreeing that the timeframe was reasonable in relation to existing data.
“We agree with that assessment, and we're more optimistic than ever that a realistic path forward can be achieved in that timeframe. That would enable a summer season in Alaska and elsewhere,” he said.
“The science today is clear, our willingness to do what it takes to protect our guests, our crew and the community we serve is strong, and the new leadership seems ready to have the kind of dialogue that could lead to a constructive outcome.”
Richard Fain, chair and CEO of cruise operator Royal Caribbean, has revealed the US cruise industry is a step closer to resuming operations following a “constructive dialogue” with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fain, who spoke in a video address published on the official YouTube channel for Royal Caribbean International's trade loyalty programme, said that more than 400,000 people had taken cruise excursions for operators worldwide through the last year, with a potential resumption of operations as early as mid-July.
“That successful experience has not only given us comfort about the safety of cruising, but it has also given us data to discuss with the CDC and other health authorities,” he said. “Based on that data, over 30 countries have already granted permission for cruising, and we're optimistic that the CDC will too.”
Fain added that the voices of travel advisors and small businesses across America have demonstrated that there is a strong desire to see cruising return in the US under safe guidelines.
“That loud voice has been clear, and it seems to be being heard in Washington and Atlanta,” he said. “Based on the advances in science and the data provided by our experiences abroad, the CDC is engaging in a constructive dialogue with us in the industry to enable a return to service in a safe and healthy manner.”
Fain spoke about the potential July return for the US cruise sector, agreeing that the timeframe was reasonable in relation to existing data.
“We agree with that assessment, and we're more optimistic than ever that a realistic path forward can be achieved in that timeframe. That would enable a summer season in Alaska and elsewhere,” he said.
“The science today is clear, our willingness to do what it takes to protect our guests, our crew and the community we serve is strong, and the new leadership seems ready to have the kind of dialogue that could lead to a constructive outcome.”
