CDC extends cruise ban through October, dealing another blow to Seattle's crippled industry

Eager cruise goers won't be flocking to Smith Cove any time soon: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended their no sail order for cruise ships in U.S. waters through the end of October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department reports that there have been 3,689 COVID-19 cases on cruise ships in U.S. waters, in addition to at least 41 reported deaths since the beginning or March when the outbreak started.

"Recent outbreaks on cruise ships overseas provide current evidence that cruise ship travel continues to transmit and amplify the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 — even when ships sail at reduced passenger capacities — and would likely spread the infection  into U.S. communities if passenger operations were to resume prematurely in the United States," the CDC wrote in its memo.

With cruise season to popular destinations like Alaska canceled, Seattle-based companies have faced drastic cuts and layoffs. Holland America laid off closed to 2,000 workers in May and cut 14 ships, which is 29% of its total fleet.

The loss of cruises has also dealt a blow to tourism dollars in the Emerald City. The Port of Seattle reports that cruises support over 5,500 jobs and each vessel visit generates $4.2 million in economic activity in the region.

Before the pandemic, over 230 cruise ships were expected to port in Seattle this year.

Nine international cruise companies have begun offering sailings, including stops in the Mediterranean, and have continued to see outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

"Recent passenger voyages in foreign countries continue to have outbreaks, despite cruise ship operators having extensive health and safety protocols to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on board and spread to communities where passengers disembark," the CDC said.

Canada has issued a similar ban on cruises that is in effect until the end of October.

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