Although the federal government's nearly eight-month cruise ban ended Oct. 31, Cruise Lines International Association announced Tuesday that it would voluntarily suspend U.S. operations through the end of the year.

CLIA's announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Oct. 30 release of 40 pages of safety measures that cruise companies must adopt. The "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order" is scheduled to remain in effect through Nov. 1, 2021.

Extending the suspension "will provide additional time to align the industry's extensive preparation of health protocols with the implementation requirements," CLIA said in a statement. "We recognize the devastating impact that the pandemic continues to have on the 421,000 Americans whose livelihoods are connected directly to cruise operations. We will work with urgency to advance a responsible return to cruising while maintaining a focus on effective, science-based measures to protect public health."

The association's members agreed to the voluntary suspension, according to the CLIA statement. Members include American Cruise Lines, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

"As we continue to plan for a gradual and highly controlled return of cruise operations in the U.S., CLIA members are committed to implementing stringent measures to address COVID-19 safety, including 100% testing of passengers and crew, expanded onboard medical capabilities, and trial sailings, among many others. We share a common goal with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect public health," according to the association's statement.

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