Are Cruise Ships Still Being Built?

By Alice Nichols

With the current pandemic situation, many industries have been affected, and the cruise industry is no exception. However, despite the challenges faced by this sector, cruise ships are still being built.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Cruise Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill, and the cruise industry has been hit hard. With travel restrictions and health concerns, cruise companies have had to suspend operations. This has led to significant financial losses for these companies.

According to a report by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a trade organization for the cruise industry, there was a 77% drop in worldwide cruise capacity in 2020 compared to 2019. Additionally, the industry lost an estimated $77 billion in economic activity in 2020.

Cruise Ship Construction During the Pandemic

Despite the challenges faced by the cruise industry due to COVID-19, ships are still being built. In fact, some cruise companies have taken advantage of this time to build new ships or renovate existing ones.

A notable example is Royal Caribbean International’s new ship, Odyssey of the Seas. The ship was delivered from its German shipyard in March 2021 and is set to make its debut in May 2021.

Similarly, Carnival Corporation announced that it is continuing construction on two new ships that are scheduled for delivery in 2022 and 2023. These ships will be part of their Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises brands.

The Future of Cruise Ship Construction

Despite ongoing challenges due to COVID-19 and its impact on travel demand, cruise companies remain optimistic about their future. Many companies have plans for new ship construction or renovation in the coming years.

For example, MSC Cruises has plans to launch four new ships between 2023 and 2025. Royal Caribbean International has also announced plans for six new ships by 2027.

Moreover, the cruise industry is working to adapt to the current situation by implementing new health and safety measures. These measures include enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing guidelines, and mandatory COVID-19 testing for passengers and crew members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the challenges faced by the cruise industry due to COVID-19, cruise ships are still being built. Cruise companies remain optimistic about their future and have plans for new ship construction or renovation in the coming years. While it may take some time for the industry to fully recover, the current situation has not stopped companies from investing in their fleets.