The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prolonged its US no-sail order to ensure cruising is not resumed too soon amid so many unknowns surrounding Covid-19.

Despite concerted sector outcry to recommence sailing, the CDC extended the order a third time to 31 October less than a week ago.

It did not return calls asking why it set the new date about a week after Cruise Lines International Association members and other cruise outfits delayed sailing to that time.