Cruise to nowhere, also known as a round trip cruise with no ports of call, has been a popular option for many travelers who want to experience the excitement of being on a ship without having to visit any destinations. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise industry has been severely impacted and has undergone significant changes.
So, are there still cruise to nowhere options available Let’s find out!
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Cruise Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a massive toll on the travel industry, and the cruise industry is no exception. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a no-sail order in March 2020, which was extended multiple times before being lifted in November 2020.
Even after this order was lifted, cruise lines had to follow strict guidelines and protocols set by the CDC to restart operations safely.
Cruise Lines’ Response to COVID-19
In response to the pandemic, many cruise lines have made significant changes in their operations. Some have canceled all sailings until a future date, while others have reduced capacity and implemented new health and safety protocols onboard.
New Health Protocols Implemented By Cruise Lines
- COVID-19 Testing: Most cruise lines require passengers and crew members to undergo COVID-19 testing before boarding.
- Social Distancing: Social distancing measures are enforced onboard with reduced capacity and spaced-out seating arrangements.
- Masks: Masks are mandatory in public areas onboard for both passengers and crew members.
- Enhanced Cleaning: Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented onboard, with frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.
Current Status of Cruise to Nowhere Options
As of now, cruise to nowhere options are not available in the United States. The CDC has issued guidelines stating that cruise lines must have a signed agreement with each port they intend to visit, which makes it impossible for cruise ships to operate without visiting any ports.
However, some countries like Singapore have started offering cruise to nowhere options with strict health protocols in place. Passengers are required to undergo COVID-19 testing before boarding and are not allowed to disembark at any ports.
These cruises are strictly limited in capacity and only open to residents of the country.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in the travel industry, including the cruise industry. Cruise lines have implemented new health and safety protocols, and some countries have started offering limited cruise to nowhere options.
However, as of now, these options are not available in the United States. We can only hope that as more people get vaccinated and the world recovers from this pandemic, we can start enjoying our favorite travel experiences again.