PHOENIX — Carnival Cruise Line is planning to start offering cruises as early as August 1. That’s one week after a CDC “No-sail” order expires.
In the Valley, travel blogger, Michael DeVilbiss, has signed up to set sail.
DeVilbiss has more than 35 years experience in the hotel industry. He’s now a retired travel blogger, catering to the 55 and over crew.
“I’m going to be out there for the people," DeVilbiss said. "That’s why I’m sort of an adventurist.”
DeVilbiss says he’s paying attention to safety guidelines and has signed up for a Carnival Cruise on August 1, 2020. He says he’s planning to take his followers along with him virtually.
“I want to answer their questions, questions everybody has regarding what has changed," he said. "Same questions I have.”
Infectious disease physician Dr. Kevin Stephan, has been practicing for 25 years and says the tricky part about scheduling a future cruise now, is timing.
“The difficulty in knowing when it’s safe to resume activities like recreational cruising is that we don’t really know what the transmission of the Coronavirus is going to be at that point," Dr. Stephan said.
If the coronavirus is still very active closer to Aug. 1, Dr. Stephan recommends staying home.
“And if it hasn’t shown any signs of slowing and is re-surging again, my recommendation would be to just plain not go," Dr. Stephan said.
Even if the spread of the virus slows by August, Dr. Stephan says those planning to go on cruises should take extra precaution.
“At the very least, meticulous hand hygiene," Dr. Stephan says. "I would encourage you that if you’re still going to take the cruise in August under those circumstances, wear a mask in public.”
Carnival has health and sailing updates on their website, including ship cleaning standards and healthy cruising tips. DeVilbiss says he's paying attention to the updates.
“If it’s not safe, I’m not going to go," Devilbiss said. "If I do not feel it’s safe, I’m going to tell the people, 'no do not go.'”
And if all goes according to DeVilbiss current cruise travel plans, he's expecting to set sail.
“We’re going to have to get past this and continue to show that it’s a great industry to work in and be a part of," Devilbiss said.
Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian are other major cruise lines that have suspended travel on their ships because of COVID-19. For details on COVID-19 travel updates, click on each specific cruise line.
RELATED: Salt River Tubing reopening Saturday