On July 16, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control announced its ban on cruises in U.S. waters until October 1, 2020. This comes after a steep increase in Coronavirus cases throughout the U.S. Florida is now considered the epicenter of the world for COVID-19 cases. All three of the largest cruises companies have headquarters in Florida, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
All mainstream cruise lines had ship operation pauses for U.S. departures until at least September 15, after the CLIA announced, their cruise line partners agreed to voluntary pause operations until mid-September.
The CDC statement is below:
"On July 16, 2020, CDC extended the No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation; Notice of Modification and Extension and Other Measures Related to Operations signed by the CDC Director on April 9, 2020—subject to the modifications and additional stipulated conditions as set forth in this Order. The Order is effective upon signature and will be published in the Federal Register.
This Order is in effect until one of the following occurs:
The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency,
The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
September 30, 2020."