Frank Cru Rio, chief executive of the Norwegian Cruise Line, said on Monday that he was confident the cruise line operator would be able to sail safely this summer for the first time in more than a year.
Earlier in the day, the company sent a proposal to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how Norwegian cruise ships could travel again in July. The proposed measures include requiring passengers and workers on board its ships to be vaccinated weeks before their entry and limiting the capacity on board to 60%. The capacity will be increased by 20% every 30 days thereafter.
“I challenge you to tell me about another place where these kinds of iron-plated health and safety protocols have been put in place … cruise ships will de facto become the safest place on earth,” Del Crio told CNBC’s Jim Cramer in ‘ “Mad Money” “interview.” We want to start in the safest way and that’s … everyone on board needs to be vaccinated. “
The company’s proposal and Del Rio’s comments come more than a year after the CDC placed a no-sail order on voyages due to Covid-19 outbreaks on several ships around the world.
Norwegian fell by 80% in 2020 when revenue increased the travel and holiday industry. Managers hope to resume their operations and eventually welcome more and more guests.
“It’s time to sail back,” Del Rio said. “I do not want to say that I dare the CDC to do anything, but I want to hear any feedback that indicates that this is not the best way to come back and sail again.”
Shares in Norwegian rose 7% to $ 29.71 a share on Monday.