Are All the Cruise Ships Empty?

By Michael Ferguson

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the travel industry, particularly on cruise ships. With borders closed and travel restrictions in place, many people have found themselves wondering if all cruise ships are empty. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of the cruise industry and whether or not all ships are indeed empty.

Current State of the Cruise Industry

The cruise industry has undoubtedly been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a “no-sail” order for all cruise ships operating in U.S. waters. This order was later extended and is currently set to expire on September 30, 2021.

As a result of these restrictions, many cruise lines have suspended operations or canceled their itineraries altogether. This has left many cruise ships sitting idle in ports around the world.

Are All Cruise Ships Empty

The short answer is no, not all cruise ships are empty. While many have been taken out of service or placed into long-term storage, some continue to operate in limited capacities.

For example, some cruise lines have resumed operations in regions where restrictions have been relaxed or lifted entirely. These cruises typically operate at reduced capacity with enhanced health and safety protocols in place.

Additionally, some cruise ships have been repurposed to serve as quarantine facilities or as temporary housing for essential workers.

Cruise Ships Being Used as Quarantine Facilities

In some parts of the world where COVID-19 cases are high, cruise ships have been used as quarantine facilities for people who have tested positive for the virus or who may have been exposed to it. These ships offer an alternative to traditional quarantine facilities such as hotels or hospitals.

One notable example is the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined in Yokohama, Japan in February 2020 after several passengers tested positive for COVID-19. The ship was used as a quarantine facility for over 3,700 passengers and crew members.

Cruise Ships as Temporary Housing for Essential Workers

Another way that cruise ships are being used is as temporary housing for essential workers such as healthcare professionals or oil rig workers. This allows these workers to isolate themselves from the general population while still being able to perform their jobs.

For example, in Canada, the Atlantic Bubble project involved using two cruise ships to house offshore oil rig workers. The ships provided accommodation and dining facilities while allowing the workers to maintain social distancing measures.

Conclusion

While many cruise ships are indeed empty due to the ongoing pandemic, not all of them are. Some continue to operate in limited capacities, while others have been repurposed to serve other needs such as quarantine facilities or temporary housing for essential workers. As the world continues to navigate through these challenging times, it’s likely that we’ll see more creative uses of cruise ships in the future.