The letter came after a cluster of COVID-19 cases emerged on SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream I, which is currently docked in Barbados after having to cut its first Caribbean voyage short due to the outbreak. “These multiple cases are only the first sign of a looming public health disaster,” Blumenthal said.

“In light of these disturbing reports, we feel strongly that you should reverse course on the recent decision by the (CDC) to take a phased approach to restarting cruise line operations in the United States,” Blumenthal and Matsui wrote. “Instead, we implore you to extend the prior no-sail order until a time when the health and safety of passengers and crew can be assured.”