Buttigieg: Cruises can resume if safety standards are met
The chief of the US Transportation Department announced that cruising could resume by the summer if safety standards are met.
By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent
WASHINGTON — Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the cruise industry could resume operations if the industry meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) safety standards for a fresh restart.
“I certainly care a lot about seeing the cruise sector thrive,” said Buttigieg in a press briefing at the White House on April 9.
He did add that there are gates for cruise operators to get through to comply with standards outlined by the federal government.
Cruise ships were ordered to a no-sail order from the CDC on March 14, 2020. This was extended in October and then again renewed by the Biden administration a few weeks ago.
Florida also announced that the state sued the CDC to officially reopen the cruise industry.
“This is not reasonable. This is not rational,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis, announcing the state’s lawsuit during a news conference at PortMiami.
“We don’t believe the federal government has the right to mothball a major industry for over a year based on very little evidence and very little data.”
The cruise industry in the United States is said to be worth over $55 billion.
