Are Any Cruise Lines Sailing in July 2020 Find Out Now

Most major cruise lines canceled all sailings through July 2020 due to the global pandemic, with only a few small operators and river cruises attempting limited, region-specific departures. Check directly with cruise lines or trusted travel advisories for the latest updates, as policies shifted rapidly and safety protocols were still evolving.

Key Takeaways

• Most cruise lines suspended operations in July 2020 due to COVID-19 safety concerns.
• Check official cruise line websites for real-time updates on sailing resumptions.
• Limited sailings may occur with enhanced health protocols and reduced capacity.
• Refund or credit options are available for canceled July 2020 cruises.
• Monitor travel advisories from CDC and WHO before booking.
• Consider flexible booking policies to secure future sailings risk-free.

The Cruise Industry in Crisis: Are Any Cruise Lines Sailing in July 2020?

The summer of 2020 was unlike any other in modern history. As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, industries across the board faced disruptions—none more visibly than the cruise sector. With ports closed, travel restrictions in place, and health concerns dominating public discourse, the question on every traveler’s mind was: Are any cruise lines sailing in July 2020?

For decades, July has been a peak month for cruising, with families, couples, and solo adventurers flocking to the seas for sun, sand, and unforgettable itineraries. But in 2020, the familiar hum of cruise ships docking in tropical ports had gone silent. The industry, which once carried over 30 million passengers annually, came to a near-total halt. Yet, as the months progressed, a few glimmers of hope emerged. While the vast majority of cruise lines suspended operations, a select few explored innovative ways to maintain a presence on the water. This article dives deep into the state of cruising in July 2020, exploring which lines, if any, were operating, the conditions under which they sailed, and what travelers could realistically expect.

The Global Shutdown: Why Most Cruise Lines Were Grounded

By July 2020, the cruise industry was in the throes of a historic pause. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States had issued a No Sail Order in March 2020, which was extended through July 2020. This order effectively grounded all U.S.-based cruise operations, impacting major players like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. The order was not arbitrary—it followed a series of high-profile outbreaks on ships like the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess, which became symbols of the virus’s rapid spread in confined environments.

CDC No Sail Order and Its Impact

The CDC’s No Sail Order was a critical factor in the industry’s shutdown. It required cruise lines to develop and implement comprehensive health and safety protocols before resuming operations. Key requirements included:

• Mandatory testing of all crew and passengers before boarding
• Enhanced sanitation and air filtration systems
• Strict quarantine and isolation protocols for suspected cases
• Reduced passenger capacity to allow for social distancing

These requirements were not only logistically complex but also financially burdensome. As a result, most major cruise lines opted for a full suspension of sailings through at least July 2020, with some extending cancellations into 2021.

International Travel Restrictions and Port Closures

Even beyond U.S. waters, global travel restrictions played a massive role in halting cruises. Countries like Canada, Australia, and many in the Caribbean and Mediterranean closed their ports to cruise ships. For example:

• Canada banned cruise ships until October 2020, affecting Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries.
• Mexico suspended port calls, disrupting popular Western Caribbean routes.
• Europe saw a patchwork of restrictions, with some nations allowing private charters but not mass-market cruises.

These closures meant that even if a cruise line wanted to sail, there were often no safe or legal destinations to visit. The result was a global standstill—a stark contrast to the bustling ports of July 2019.

Exceptions to the Rule: Cruise Lines That Sailed (With Caveats)

While the majority of the industry remained docked, a few cruise lines found ways to operate in July 2020—though not in the traditional sense. These exceptions were limited, highly regulated, and often involved private charters, repositioning voyages, or non-revenue cruises.

Private Charters and “Cruise to Nowhere” Concepts

One of the most notable exceptions came from Dream Cruises, a brand under Genting Hong Kong. In July 2020, the World Dream launched a series of “cruise to nowhere” voyages from Singapore. These were:

• Closed-loop cruises: Ships sailed without stopping at any ports.
• Limited to Singapore residents: Only citizens and permanent residents could book.
• Strict health protocols: Mandatory testing, reduced capacity, and contactless services.

These voyages were not traditional vacations but more like floating resorts. Passengers enjoyed onboard amenities—pools, dining, entertainment—without the need to disembark. The concept was a test of post-pandemic cruising and a way to generate some revenue during a dry spell.

Repositioning Voyages and Crew Transfers

Another form of sailing in July 2020 was repositioning cruises. These were not marketed to passengers but were essential for moving ships between regions. For example:

• Carnival Corporation repositioned several ships from the Caribbean to Europe and Asia to prepare for future operations.
• Royal Caribbean moved vessels to dry docks for maintenance and upgrades.

While these voyages had no paying passengers, they kept crews employed and ships seaworthy. Some lines allowed crew members to bring family members onboard under strict quarantine rules, effectively creating small, controlled communities at sea.

River and Expedition Cruises with Limited Operations

A few niche cruise lines managed to operate in July 2020 by focusing on domestic or low-risk markets:

• AmaWaterways launched a few Danube River cruises in Germany and Austria, where travel restrictions were more relaxed.
• Hurtigruten, a Norwegian expedition line, resumed some coastal voyages along Norway’s fjords for local tourists.

These cruises were short, with small passenger loads and rigorous health checks. They were not open to international travelers but offered a glimpse of what post-lockdown cruising might look like.

Health and Safety: The New Normal for Sailing

For any cruise line that did sail in July 2020, health and safety were non-negotiable. The industry faced immense pressure to prove it could operate safely, and every decision was scrutinized by regulators and the public.

Pre-Boarding Protocols: Testing and Screening

The cornerstone of safe sailing was rigorous testing. Most lines that operated required:

• PCR tests within 72 hours of boarding
• Temperature checks and symptom questionnaires
• Health declarations and contact tracing apps

For example, World Dream mandated that all passengers and crew test negative before boarding. Those who tested positive were barred from sailing and offered refunds or future cruise credits.

Onboard Modifications: Social Distancing and Sanitation

Ships were transformed to meet new safety standards. Key changes included:

• Reduced capacity: Ships sailed at 30–50% of normal capacity to allow spacing.
• Staggered dining and entertainment: Reservations required for restaurants and shows.
• Enhanced cleaning: Electrostatic spraying of high-touch areas every few hours.
• Mask mandates: Required in indoor public spaces, though relaxed on open decks.

Some lines even installed hospital-grade air filtration systems and created onboard isolation rooms for suspected cases.

Post-Sailing Measures: Quarantine and Monitoring

After a cruise, passengers were often required to:

• Monitor symptoms for 14 days
• Report any illness to health authorities
• Undergo follow-up testing if exposed

These measures were critical in preventing outbreaks from spreading beyond the ship. In fact, the World Dream cruises reported zero cases during their July 2020 sailings—a testament to the effectiveness of their protocols.

Economic Realities: Why Most Lines Stayed Docked

Even if health and safety could be managed, the financial hurdles of sailing in July 2020 were enormous. Cruise lines faced a perfect storm of costs, risks, and uncertainties.

The Cost of Safety Upgrades

Implementing new health protocols was expensive. A single ship might need:

• Millions in HVAC upgrades for better air filtration
• Thousands of PPE kits for crew and passengers
• New technology for contactless services (e.g., mobile check-in, app-based dining)

For a line like Carnival, which operates over 100 ships, these costs could total hundreds of millions of dollars. With no revenue from sailings, most companies chose to wait rather than invest in short-term operations.

Insurance and Liability Risks

Insurance companies were hesitant to cover cruise lines during the pandemic. Many policies excluded pandemic-related claims, leaving lines exposed to massive liabilities if an outbreak occurred. Some lines had to self-insure, which was financially unsustainable.

Passenger Demand and Consumer Confidence

Even if ships could sail, would people book? Surveys in mid-2020 showed that:

• 60% of past cruisers were “not ready” to sail again
• Only 20% were “very likely” to book a 2020 cruise
• Families with children and older travelers were the most hesitant

Without demand, operating a cruise was a losing proposition. Lines prioritized refunds, future cruise credits, and marketing for 2021 instead of pushing for July sailings.

What Travelers Could Do: Alternatives and Planning Tips

For travelers eager to vacation in July 2020, the lack of cruise options was frustrating. But there were alternatives—and lessons for the future.

Alternative Vacation Ideas

With cruises off the table, many turned to:

• Road trips: Exploring national parks and coastal towns by car.
• Staycations: Booking local resorts or Airbnb rentals.
• Private yacht charters: Small-group sailing with strict health protocols (e.g., in Greece or Croatia).
• River cruises in Europe: Some countries allowed domestic river voyages with limited stops.

These options offered flexibility and lower risk than international travel.

How to Plan for Future Cruises

For those who still wanted to cruise, July 2020 was a time to plan, not book. Practical tips included:

• Monitor official sources: Follow the CDC, WHO, and cruise line websites for updates.
• Book refundable options: Choose lines with flexible cancellation policies.
• Consider 2021 sailings: Many lines offered incentives (e.g., onboard credits, free upgrades) for early bookings.
• Research health protocols: Compare lines’ safety measures before deciding.

Travel agents also played a crucial role, helping clients navigate cancellations, rebookings, and new policies.

Data Table: Cruise Line Status in July 2020

Cruise Line	Status in July 2020	Key Details	First Expected Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line	Suspended	All U.S. sailings canceled through July 31	August 2020 (later delayed)
Royal Caribbean	Suspended	Global cancellations; some repositioning voyages	September 2020 (later delayed)
Norwegian Cruise Line	Suspended	No sailings until at least August 2020	September 2020 (later delayed)
Dream Cruises (World Dream)	Operating	“Cruise to nowhere” from Singapore; strict protocols	July 2020 (ongoing)
AmaWaterways	Limited operations	Danube River cruises in Germany/Austria	July 2020 (ongoing)
Hurtigruten	Limited operations	Coastal Norway voyages for locals	July 2020 (ongoing)

The Road Ahead: Lessons from July 2020

The summer of 2020 was a wake-up call for the cruise industry. The question “Are any cruise lines sailing in July 2020?” had a nuanced answer: Yes, but not in the way we knew. The few lines that operated did so with extreme caution, limited scope, and a focus on proving that cruising could be safe.

The lessons were clear. First, health and safety must be prioritized over profits. Second, flexibility and adaptability are essential. Third, consumer confidence is fragile and must be rebuilt through transparency and action. By July 2020, the industry had begun laying the groundwork for a comeback—not with flashy promotions, but with quiet, methodical preparation.

For travelers, the pause offered time to reflect. Cruising, once taken for granted, was now seen as a privilege—one that required responsibility from both the industry and the passenger. As the world looked toward 2021 and beyond, the hope was that the lessons of 2020 would lead to a safer, more sustainable, and more resilient cruise experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any cruise lines sailing in July 2020?

Most major cruise lines suspended operations through July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a few niche operators and regional sailings (e.g., Hurtigruten in Norway) began limited departures with enhanced health protocols.

Which cruise lines are planning to resume sailings in July 2020?

As of July 2020, only select small-ship and domestic-focused lines like A-Rosa (Germany) and Celestyal Cruises (Greece) announced phased restarts. Mainstream lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean extended their pause on international voyages.

Are there any safe cruise options for July 2020?

Safety varied by operator, but sailings that resumed in July 2020 required pre-boarding testing, reduced capacity, and mandatory mask policies. Research each cruise line’s specific health measures before booking.

Has the CDC allowed cruise lines to sail in July 2020?

The U.S. CDC’s “No Sail Order” remained in effect for U.S.-based ships through July 2020, but international waters and non-U.S. flagged vessels operated under local regulations. Always check the latest government advisories.

Are any luxury cruise lines sailing in July 2020?

A few luxury lines like Silversea and Seabourn delayed restarts to late 2020, but smaller ultra-luxury operators (e.g., SeaDream Yacht Club) began private yacht-style sailings in the Caribbean with strict protocols.

What destinations are cruise lines offering in July 2020?

Available July 2020 itineraries were mostly short, domestic-focused trips (e.g., Baltic Sea, Norwegian fjords, or Greek Isles). Transatlantic and large-scale international voyages remained on hold.