Cruise & Cruise Line

Cruise Lines Continue Bringing Crew Members Back

Image: Cruise ships docked in Nassau, Bahamas. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
Image: Cruise ships docked in Nassau, Bahamas. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 3:35 PM ET, Thu October 29, 2020

Cruise lines continue to bring back employees to their ships as a return to sailing could come as soon as December.

According to CruiseRadio.net, Indonesian maritime staffing agency CTI announced on its Facebook page that several Carnival Cruise Line have departed Jakarta as they head to St. Maarten to board the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Pride and Mardi Gras.

Crew members brought back to Carnival's ships will be required to quarantine for 14 days before being permitted to begin their jobs. Many of the crew members in Indonesia have been out of work since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the cruise industry.

Earlier this month, CNBC reported Royal Caribbean International and other cruise lines had alerted employees they would be brought back and return to ships in the coming weeks as part of a phased relaunch for sailings.

Crew members from companies around the world have been posting to social media about being rehired or reporting that friends in the industry are going back to work. Even Royal Caribbean's Twitter account showed positive signs, as the company sent out a list of jobs it would be hiring for and how to apply:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first issued a Level 3 Warning on cruising on March 17, recommending against non-essential travel due to COVID-19. The no-sail order is set to expire on October 31.

The CDC provided its latest update on October 21:

"CDC recommends that travelers defer all cruise travel worldwide. Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on several cruise ships."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...
Watch Now!
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...