More than a year after Covid-19 grounded cruise ships, there are strong indications that cruising might be making a comeback.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States signalled this month that cruises could reopen by mid-summer,with limits,in a development applauded by operators and cruise enthusiasts.
This comes after months of mounting pressure from the industry, which says it has been handled poorly as a result of coronavirus limitations, causing Carnival to consider relocating ships and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to sue.
Nonetheless, with government regulations and vaccine rollouts differing across the world, seafarers face many challenges. CNBC Global Traveler examined what to expect from cruises in 2021.
Why cruises are departing and where are they going?
Under CDC rules, the U.S. port departures are still prohibited, pending calls to resume operations by July 1. This includes huge cruise excursions to Alaska, where the governor is based. The Caribbean, on the other hand, is full speed ahead — as long as travellers leave the islands. Beginning in the Bahamas and Sint Maarten in June, Royal Caribbean will operate a series of routes in the country. Crystal Cruises will begin sailing from the Bahamas in June, while Norwegian will begin sailing from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic in August.
Europe, too, is on the move. Many operators are preparing routes with port calls across the Greek Isles this summer, including Norwegian and luxury liners Celebrity Cruises, Seaborn, and Ponant. MSC Cruises will also launch a series of European itineraries in May, with stops in Italy, Malta, France, Spain, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro.
MSC Cruises has routes that include Venice, but embarkation from the city’s historic port will likely be a thing of the past, as Italian authorities have suggested that cruise ships will be rerouted to a nearby industrial port under a recent environmental ruling.
However, some operators, such as MSC Cruises, only serve customers who live within the Schengen region of the European Union. Prior to booking, international travellers should be aware of any limitations on residency and travelling into the country of embarkation.
Meanwhile, the so-called “cruises to nowhere” continue unabated. They are seen as a low-risk choice for holidaymakers looking for an escape, since they are round trips with no ports of call and mandatory pre-departure testing.
Singapore’s destination-free vacations have proven so successful that cruisers from the city-state accounted for one-third of the industry’s overall travellers last month, prompting operators Royal Caribbean and Genting to stretch their seasons until October.
Companies in the United Kingdom are now getting on board with the concept. P&O, Princess Cruises, Disney, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean will all run across the British Isles beginning in June, with many making domestic port calls.
The cruise lines necessitate vaccinations?
Cruises will, for the most part, be open only to people who have been vaccinated.
Saga Cruises, a British company, made headlines in January, when it became the first cruise line to require mandatory vaccinations. However, businesses are now accepting it as the rule, according to Tom McAlpin, CEO and president of Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line.
Crystal Cruises, Norwegian, P&O, Viking, and Celebrity Cruises have also followed suit, requiring adult guests to have vaccines. Royal Caribbean has made vaccinations mandatory for certain roads, including the Caribbean, while Carnival has made vaccinations optional.
How would the aboard atmosphere be?
The emphasis on health and safety will also apply to the onboard experience. Buffets may be phased out, and entertainment will be reduced as cleanliness takes precedence.
“While historically, the act of keeping a ship clean will have been performed in the background ‘housekeeping theatre’ would be of greater customer interest, and hospitality brands would have their cleaning procedures front and centre,” said Elle Kross, director of strategy at digital marketing company Movable Ink.
Meanwhile, travellers should expect emerging technology to eliminate in-person interaction on board, such as automated lines and contactless payments, as well as thermal temperature tests and UV sanitization.
“Operators have worked hard using digital technologies, introducing innovative procedures, and educating staff to comply with new policies and guidelines,” said Vijay Achanti, principal of hospitality for North America at multinational consultancy company Capgemini.
Who is going on a cruise vacation?
Holidaymakers continue to be losing confidence as new policies are implemented and new routes are announced. Crystal Cruises reported the largest single-day bookings in its 30-year history last month, with 2021 bookings up.
The path ahead seems to be becoming smoother. According to Google data analysed by travel portal Trips to Discover, advanced U.S. cruise ticket prices for 2022 are far outpacing those seen in 2019 for the 2020 season, as travellers book new and rescheduled trips.
According to Movable Ink’s Kross, the rest of such bookings appear to come from repeat cruisers. Carnival announced last month that 55 percent of its 2021 bookings have come from “name loyalists.” However, newcomers are now starting to see cruises as a slice of “pre-Covid normalcy,” she added.
Nonetheless, many are proceeding with caution, according to Jeanie Johnson of Minnesota tour operator Jeanie’s Journey, who noted that most vacationers prefer suites and balconied cabins.
“Even if these cruisers are completely vaccinated and good to go, they are only a little wary,” she added. “They ought to be able to reach the outside just in case.”
