By now you have likely read or seen stories concerning the Swine Flu. As someone who works every day with cruise guests, we wanted to take a moment to address this situation and let you know what the cruise industry is doing to respond so that you have information that might be useful to you and your customers.

While no cases of Swine Flu aboard cruise ships or in cruise ports have been reported, the cruise industry is consulting closely with public health officials and government agencies to monitor the situation and to ensure that our passengers and crew are protected. It is very important to us, and the health and well-being of our passengers and crew, that we stay in close contact with authorities to determine what further steps can be taken if necessary. As I write, there are no U.S. government travel restrictions, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are still actively monitoring the situation.

Our hard work and lessons learned over the past few years have allowed us to develop practices and procedures that are proven to be effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. While you already know this, let me reassure you that CLIA member cruise lines go to great lengths to maintain clean and sanitary environments aboard our vessels with the most comprehensive and proactive health and sanitation protocols in the travel and tourism industry. In fact, all cruise ships that visit U.S. ports are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

Furthermore, all of our cruise line members that engage in international voyages have well trained medical staff, expansive reporting and surveillance capabilities onboard. Further information on travel and the swine flu is attached or can also be found on the CDC Web site at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

If you or your clients have questions about specific cruise line itineraries, please contact the appropriate cruise line. As this is an evolving situation, CLIA will be updating its communications as necessary and will keep you apprised of any significant developments.

Thank you,

Terry Dale
President & CEO
CLIA