Clia developing 'unified set of processes' for lines to adopt

Speaking during a media update on Tuesday (21 July), Goldstein said the association’s “endgame” during its pause of operations amid the coronavirus crisis was to create “a unified set of processes” for its brands to use to restart sailings.

New Covid-related rules will be written into Clia’s compendium of industry policies, which each member’s boss agrees annually to follow on operational issues such as safety, security and public health protocols.

“We expect, and are optimistic, that eventually policies will emerge related to the pandemic that will be included going forward in the compendium,” Goldstein explained. “We expect they will be global in nature.”

Despite sharing Clia’s overall vision, Goldstein, former vice-chair of Royal Caribbean, stressed he was not yet able to give a more concrete timeline, saying: “we have a way to go yet before we can emerge in that unified policy we have in mind.”

Clia member lines extended their voluntary suspension of operations to 15 September, to coincide with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) No Sail Order – which is now in place until at least 30 September.

“That’s a marker that governs all of us,” said Goldstein, describing how, as well as working with Clia, lines were focused on creating new policies and enhancements through their own health and hygiene panels - such as the partnership announced by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.