How Many Cruise Ships Are Currently at Sea?

By Alice Nichols

Currently, the cruise industry is facing a significant challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cruise ships have been stranded at sea or docked at ports for months, and the industry has come to a standstill.

How many cruise ships are currently at sea?

Despite the pandemic’s impact, several cruise ships are still operating and sailing worldwide, albeit with limited capacity. According to CruiseMapper, a website that tracks cruise ship locations in real-time, there are approximately 75 cruise ships currently at sea as of August 2021.

Which cruise lines are sailing?

Most major cruise lines have resumed operations in some capacity. Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line have begun sailing again with reduced capacity and new health protocols in place.

  • Royal Caribbean International – Currently has six ships sailing
  • Norwegian Cruise Line – Currently has four ships sailing
  • Carnival Cruise Line – Currently has four ships sailing

Other smaller niche cruise lines like Windstar Cruises and Ponant have also resumed operations. However, some countries have imposed restrictions on the number of passengers allowed on board or require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results before boarding.

What measures are being taken to ensure passenger safety?

To ensure passenger safety during the pandemic, cruise lines have implemented new health protocols and safety measures like:

  • Mandatory pre-boarding testing for all passengers and crew members
  • Masks requirements in public areas onboard
  • Social distancing policies and reduced capacity on board
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols throughout the ship
  • Improved air filtration systems for better ventilation

The future of cruising:

The cruise industry’s future remains uncertain as the pandemic continues to persist worldwide. However, cruise lines are optimistic about the future and have implemented new health protocols and safety measures to ensure passenger safety.

With many cruise ships still at sea, it’s essential to keep track of the latest developments and changes in the industry. As travel restrictions continue to evolve, it’s vital to check with individual cruise lines for any updates on their sailing schedules and health protocols.