CLIA Commends Carnival, Health Officials On Smooth Return To Port Of Carnival Magic

Today Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) President and CEO, Christine Duffy, issued the following statement regarding the successful disembarkation of a passenger on the Carnival Magic who was under self-monitoring for potential exposure to Ebola.

She stated that “CLIA is very pleased that the passenger, who was asymptomatic, has tested negative for Ebola and was safely disembarked with her loved one at the Port of Galveston today, which is the homeport of Carnival Magic. We commend Carnival and the public health authorities for their effective and successful response in managing this situation professionally and with transparent and regular communication to everyone onboard the ship and to the public. We also congratulate all of the ship’s passengers and Crewmembers, who responded calmly and responsibly to the directions of the ship’s officers and public health authorities.

“CLIA and its member cruise lines have worked diligently and in conjunction with public health authorities to develop and distribute to all cruise line members strong protocols, and additional guidance, to reduce even further the already low risk of Ebola on a cruise ship.

These prevention measures apply to passengers, crew and visitors and include:

• Denial of boarding to anyone arriving from countries designated with a Level 3 Travel Health warning by CDC.
• Denial of boarding to anyone who traveled to, in or through those countries within 21 days before embarkation.
• “Contact screening,” in addition to travel history screening, and denial of boarding for anyone who had physical contact with, or helped care for, a person with Ebola within 21 days before embarkation.

“These measures are not static. CLIA and its member cruise lines are continually evaluating the situation with Ebola and are in regular contact with public health officials to assess the need to enhance the industry’s protocols. Out of an abundance of caution and care for the well-being of our guests and Crewmembers, our measures typically go beyond what is technically required.

“We are also actively engaged with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with other sectors of the travel industry, to assist the Federal government in quickly establishing a robust protocol for identifying any member of the traveling public designated by the CDC for monitoring.

““CLIA and its member cruise lines remain vigilant in our efforts to provide for the well-being of our guests and Crewmembers.”