CDC says US cruises can resume in mid-July, sending shares higher

Cruise lines could resume US operations by mid-July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, sending the industry’s stocks up on investor hope that a more than year-long suspension could be nearing its end.

Ships can begin limited sailings with passengers if 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent of its passengers are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC, which has met twice-weekly with cruise line reps over the past month to discuss how they can safely resume sailing from US ports. The CDC said it agreed to ease some requirements on testing and shorten the process through which cruise operators were required to apply for simulated sailings, which are required before passenger sailings under current CDC restrictions.