Commissioner Sosa Calls For a Resumption of Cruise Sailing in the United States

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL – On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, County Commissioners unanimously adopted legislation sponsored by Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, urging President Biden and Congress to engage with involved agencies for the lifting or review of the conditional sailing order regarding passenger cruises in United States waters. The legislation also urges the United States Congress to enact S. 1105, H.R. 2554, the Careful Resumption Under Improved Safety Enhancements Act, or similar legislation. Additionally, Commissioner Sosa’s resolution urges the CDC, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget to reexamine whether the Conditional Sailing Order remains necessary given advancements made in the prevention of, screening for, and treatment of COVID-19 and, if restrictions on passenger cruises remain necessary, to provide updated reasoning and guidance on how to address those issues. 

“The cruise industry is an incredible creator of jobs and an economic force in our community,” said Commissioner Sosa. “We need to get the cruises running again to put people back to work. The cruise lines have all taken extraordinary steps to meet the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 and keep people safe. It is high time that the CDC and the government allow them to continue sailing.”