The Center for Disease Control (CDC) will not extend the cruise ship ban in the U.S. With the approval of health protocols, cruise lines can begin a phased-in return to cruising. Each cruise line will have to submit plans and present data to show their protocols should work. The CDC does still encourage all to defer cruise travel.
Even with the CDC ban lifted, this does not necessarily mean cruise lines allow their ships to set sail. After the cruise lines receive approval of protocols, each cruise line will decide to sail their ships. All major cruise brands have announced they will not set sail in the U.S. until December 2020. Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have plans to return to service on December 1, 2020. However, as to where ships will be allowed to port will be the question.
Cruises are coming back!