A Major Cruise Line Is Threatening To Leave US Ports Over CDC Guidelines

Carnival Cruise Line is considering pulling its ships from ports in Maryland, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, California, Louisiana, , and Washington. 

The company released a statement on Tuesday saying it has cancelled more trips and extended its operational pause until June 30 in cooperation with guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Editor's Choice: The CDC Says Cruise Ships Will Not Be Able To Set Sail From The US This Summer

Unhappy with the CDC's guidelines, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy wrote in the statement the company "may have no choice" but to move ships outside of all of its US ports in order to resume operations.

"We know that this is very disappointing to our guests who continue to be eager to sail, and we remain committed to working with the Administration and the CDC to find a workable solution that best serves the interest of public health," said Duffy. 

The CDC's "Conditional Sailing Order," which remains in effect until November 1, 2021, now requires cruise lines to implement new testing routines of the ship's crew and passengers as well as new vaccination strategies in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19.