The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the travel and tourism industry to a standstill. The cruise industry, in particular, was hit hard by the pandemic.
With millions of dollars lost due to canceled cruises and refunds, cruise companies have been eagerly waiting for the day when they can resume operations. So are cruise ships sailing now Let’s find out.
The Current Scenario
Cruise companies worldwide have been working closely with health experts and authorities to develop new health and safety protocols that meet or exceed guidelines issued by public health authorities. These protocols include enhanced sanitation measures, social distancing rules, mandatory mask-wearing policies, daily health screenings for guests and crew members, and improved ventilation systems.
US Cruise Industry
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order that outlines a phased approach for resuming cruise ship passenger operations. Under this framework, cruise companies must demonstrate their ability to mitigate COVID-19 risks before they can begin operating again.
As of March 2021, some small-scale sailings have resumed in US waters as part of a “conditional sailing order” from the CDC. However, large-scale cruises are still on hold until further notice.
European Cruise Industry
In Europe, several countries have allowed limited sailings under strict conditions. For example, Italy’s MSC Cruises resumed its Mediterranean voyages in August 2020 with enhanced safety measures in place. Similarly, Germany’s TUI Cruises resumed its Canary Islands voyages in November 2020.
Asian Cruise Industry
In Asia too, some cruise companies have resumed operations with limited capacity and stringent safety measures. For instance, Royal Caribbean International resumed operations in Singapore with its Quantum of the Seas vessel in December 2020.
The Future of Cruise Industry
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the cruise industry remains optimistic about its future. Cruise companies have been using this time to innovate and improve their services, with a focus on health and safety measures.
Cruise companies are also looking to introduce new destinations and experiences to attract travelers once sailing resumes at full capacity. For example, Royal Caribbean is planning to launch its new private island in The Bahamas called Perfect Day at Lelepa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some limited sailings have resumed in certain parts of the world, the cruise industry still has a long way to go before it can fully recover from the pandemic. However, with enhanced safety measures and innovative offerings on the horizon, there is hope that the cruise industry will bounce back stronger than ever.