Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again?

By Michael Ferguson

After several months of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise industry is slowly starting to see a resurgence. As countries around the world begin to ease restrictions and vaccination rates increase, cruise lines are cautiously resuming operations.

Health and Safety Protocols

As expected, cruise lines have implemented strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members. These measures include mandatory COVID-19 testing prior to boarding, reduced capacity on ships, enhanced cleaning procedures, and mandatory mask-wearing in public areas. Additionally, some cruise lines have partnered with local healthcare providers to offer on-board medical facilities.

Cruise Line Updates

Here’s a look at some of the major cruise lines that have resumed operations:

Royal Caribbean International

  • Royal Caribbean has resumed sailings in parts of Asia and Europe.
  • All passengers over the age of 16 must be fully vaccinated.

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has resumed sailings in parts of Europe and the Caribbean.
  • All passengers and crew members must be fully vaccinated.

Carnival Cruise Line

  • Carnival Cruise Line has resumed sailings in parts of Europe and the Caribbean.
  • All passengers over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated.

The Future of Cruising

While cruising may never return to its pre-pandemic levels, it’s clear that there is still a strong demand for travel by sea. Many cruise lines have reported strong booking numbers for future sailings, indicating that people are eager to get back to cruising.

It’s important to note that the situation is constantly evolving, and cruise lines may adjust their health and safety protocols or suspend operations again if necessary. As with any travel plans during these uncertain times, it’s crucial to stay informed and flexible.

So, are cruise ships sailing again The answer is yes, but with caution and a renewed focus on health and safety measures. As more people get vaccinated and countries continue to reopen, we can expect to see more cruise lines resume operations in the coming months.