October 30, 2020

Contact: Erika Richter
Pr@asta.org

American Society of Travel Advisors Responds to New Framework for Resuming Cruise Operations

Alexandria, VA, October 30, 2020 – The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) issues the following statement in response to the framework for the phased resumption of cruising announced today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“While it does not equate to cruises resuming immediately, the CDC’s replacement of the draconian ‘No-Sail Order’ with a framework for a phased resumption of cruise ship operations is a welcome development and a key milestone in the restart of the travel industry.

“We have petitioned the Administration and the CDC over the course of nearly six months. Our ask: guidance on how cruise lines and travelers can manage health risks while cruising.

“For too long, travel advisors, consumers and others in the industry have had to deal with the catastrophic economic consequences of the No Sail Order. ASTA views this as a positive first step and urges the CDC to work as expeditiously as possible with cruise lines, state and local public health authorities and other cruise community stakeholders to support the safe resumption of cruise operations from U.S. ports.”

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ABOUT ASTA
Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit ASTA.org. Consumers can connect with an ASTA travel advisor at TravelSense.org.