Cruise line information and screening measures
Port Tampa Bay supports the decisions of Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International to suspend sailings. The decision was made in the interest of public safety. As a reminder, Holland American Line, Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises were not scheduled to sail from Port Tampa Bay until November of 2020.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued the following statement today to announce that the association’s ocean-going cruise line members will voluntarily extend the suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports until 15 September 2020.
“Due to the ongoing situation within the U.S. related to COVID-19, CLIA member cruise lines have decided to voluntarily extend the period of suspended passenger operations. The current No Sail Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will expire on 24 July, and although we had hoped that cruise activity could resume as soon as possible after that date, it is increasingly clear that more time will be needed to resolve barriers to resumption in the United States.
“Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crew members. We have therefore decided to further extend our suspension of operations from U.S. ports until 15 September. The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations.
“This voluntary suspension applies to all CLIA members to which the No Sail Order applied (vessels with capacity to carry 250 persons or more). CLIA member cruise lines will continually evaluate the evolving situation and make a determination as to whether a further extension is necessary.”
Cruise terminal cleaning, sanitation and preventative measures
We have rigorous cleaning and sanitation practices in place to maintain our cruise terminals, and we are now implementing an additional in-depth and cutting-edge process using an antimicrobial product, called mPact. This new process complements several other cleaning and sanitization efforts, including deep cleaning each terminal following a cruise sailing, regularly cleaning and sanitizing high-touch areas like railings, doorknobs, and countertops, and increasing hand sanitizer available to passengers, while in the terminal.
When the product mPact is applied (and allowed to dry), it leaves a thin bonded film that, at the nano level, resembles millions of sword-shaped road spikes – spikes that kill bacteria. It has been lab-tested and is proven to be 99.99% effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The antimicrobial is colorless, odorless, and can be applied to wood or steel framing, sheetrock, carpets, upholstery and painted surfaces. Once the product is sprayed on, it bonds to the surface and retains its effectiveness for a minimum of 30 days. In comparison, most household disinfectants have to be on a surface for 10 minutes or more to “disinfect” or kill all the germs on the surface, and once they are dry, germ buildup resumes.
mPact will be used to clean and provide a protective barrier to all surfaces at our cruise terminals moving forward, including each upholstered chair. The high-touch areas will be treated after every cruise, and each terminal will be treated every 30 days.
Port Tampa Bay
Published June 19th, 2020
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