The global pandemic has forced the cruise industry to come to a halt earlier this year. As a result, many people have had to cancel their dream vacations.
However, with the holiday season around the corner, many are wondering if cruise ships will resume sailing in December. Here’s everything you need to know:
Current Status of Cruise Ships
As of November 2020, many cruise lines have suspended their operations, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a no-sail order for cruise ships in the United States until at least October 31st. The situation is constantly evolving as the industry works with governments and health authorities to establish new protocols for safe operations.
What Are Cruise Lines Doing
Cruise lines are working on implementing new health and safety protocols to ensure that passengers can have a safe experience onboard. These include measures such as mandatory mask-wearing in public areas, increased sanitation procedures, and social distancing practices. Additionally, some cruise lines are limiting the number of passengers onboard and requiring pre-boarding COVID-19 testing.
When Will Cruise Ships Sail Again
It’s challenging to predict when exactly cruise ships will resume sailing again as it depends on various factors such as government regulations and health conditions worldwide. Some cruise lines have announced plans to resume operations in December 2020 or early 2021, while others have canceled all sailings until later in 2021.
Cruise Lines That Plan To Sail In December
- MSC Cruises: The Italian-based company plans to resume sailings on MSC Grandiosa from December 20th onwards with enhanced safety protocols.
- Royal Caribbean: The cruise line has announced plans to resume sailings in December 2020 with Quantum of the Seas, departing from Singapore. The ship will operate at a reduced capacity and with added health protocols.
Cruise Lines That Have Canceled Sailings Until 2021
- Carnival: All North American sailings have been canceled through February 28th, 2021.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: All sailings have been canceled through December 31st, 2020.
- Disney Cruise Line: All sailings have been canceled through December 31st, 2020.
Should You Book a Cruise in December
Whether or not you should book a cruise in December depends on your personal preference and risk tolerance. While some people might feel comfortable sailing with enhanced safety protocols, others might prefer to wait until the situation stabilizes further. It’s essential to research the specific cruise line’s policies and safety measures before booking.
The Bottom Line
While some cruise lines plan to resume operations in December, the industry’s overall status remains uncertain. The global pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the travel industry, and it’s crucial to prioritize safety when making travel decisions.
We recommend keeping an eye on updates from government bodies and individual cruise lines before planning any trips.