There is no doubt that the cruise industry is going to change. I remember after 9/11, the fear that changed how we viewed the world.
I see it happening again with the Coronavirus pandemic, but this time it’s a global crisis. There will be many changes regarding how the cruise lines handle the security and health for their passengers.
The good news is that Americans miss traveling! Two-thirds strongly agree that they miss traveling and are waiting to get out and travel again.
2021 cruise bookings have gone up 9% in the last 30 days, compared to the same time last year, despite the many cruise ships currently quarantined during the Coronavirus pandemic.
I know there will be changes. The way we work, travel, view government, and how we live daily will be different. We can all see the change taking place around us.
How will cruising change?
Increased Health Screenings:
The cruise industry has already announced they will be temperature checking all guests and crew members embarking on the ships using temporal scanning thermometers.
It is also possible that vaccinations will be recommended, depending on the destination.
More Stringent Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols:
Some public areas on ships may be closed more frequently to allow for deeper or more frequent cleaning, and there will likely be more hand sanitizer dispensers and hand washing stations available for passengers onboard.
Onboard Activity Changes:
There may be changes to onboard activities such as pools, spa facilities, children’s play areas and other public spaces for frequent cleaning and stronger restrictions about the number of people allowed to use the facilities at one time.
This could also apply to the capacity at nightclubs or dance clubs onboard.
Restaurant and Dining Venue Changes:
Because Coronavirus, and Norovirus, can easily be spread through close contact, cruise ships may adjust how their restaurant venues work in the future.
Buffet restaurants could be changed to serving stations where crew members dish up portions, or individual portions are available for self-service, rather than passengers using the same utensils to serve themselves from common dishes.
Times between set dining times in traditional restaurants could also be extended to allow for deeper cleaning and sanitizing between dining groups.
Ports of Call Adjustments:
As governments evaluate their own needs and take steps to safeguard their citizens, some popular ports of call may make changes to the cruise ship protocols.
This may mean changes to how long ships can be in port, how many ships can be docked at one time, or what the total passenger capacity may be for each port.
This could result in overall changes to cruise itineraries, when it comes to visiting the more popular ports of call.
Greater Demand for Travel Insurance:
With different cruise ships being forced to alter itineraries, cut voyages short, and disembark passengers in unexpected ports as the Coronavirus crisis began, it’s important for you to consider travel insurance for your future cruises
Travel insurance can help offset any costs associated with travel changes. However, you should compare policies carefully to ensure situations caused by epidemics or pandemics are covered, including extended stays in foreign locations if travel is completely restricted.
What will each cruise line do?
Each cruise line will make whatever changes are necessary to best serve their passengers, cruise members, and the destinations they visit. Not all lines will make the same changes.
While the ultimate scope of changes is unknown at this time, it is likely that any changes that are made will affect the cruise industry for years to come.