Norwegian Cruise Line is ready to bring back its U.S. cruises on July 4.
The US-based company says it will require all passengers and staff to be fully vaccinated before setting sail, CNN reports.
Earlier this week, the company sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with its vaccine mandate proposal. Norwegian is the first American cruise line to announce plans for resuming cruises.
While many Americans continue to receive their vaccines in hopes the country will return to normal, there is no word yet on when the cruise ship business will hit the high seas again.
Related
Norwegian's plans would require proof of vaccinations for all passengers and crew at least two weeks before their scheduled departure.
In their proposal to the CDC, Norwegian indicated they would begin sailing on July 4 with limited capacity starting at 60%, increasing capacity by 20% every 30 days, USA Today reported.
"Vaccinations are the primary vehicle for Americans to get back to their everyday lives," Norwegian CEO Frank Del Rio said. "We believe that through a combination of 100% mandatory vaccinations for guests and crew and science-backed public health measures ... we can create a safe, 'bubble-like' environment."
Last week, the CDC released rules on how it expects to allow cruise lines to return. The CDC said it "recommends" rather than requires vaccinations for all aboard a ship. The agency also said it wanted to see "simulated (trial) voyages that will allow crew and port personnel to practice new Covid-19 operational procedures with volunteers before sailing with passengers."
Related
However, the CDC did not give a specific date when it would allow sailings in the United States to resume for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CDC said that it is working with cruise companies across the country to resume cruises.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram