Where does cruising stand and whats in store?
Published Friday, December 11th 2020 - Updated Saturday, December 12th 2020Let me start this post by stating my opinion no way reflects the opinion of the cruise lines, port cities or cruiseplanners. My opinions are mine and mine alone. With that being said..
Cruising is the safest form of travel there is and it isn't even close. All one must do is look at the data and they will see youll never be safer than you are aboard a ship. Of course, things do happen from time to time, however, I put the blame of this on the traveler. Many times I have seen people leave the restroom without washing, go into the buffet without sanitizing. Wash your hands people, always! COVID or not, clean hands are essential to life! Sanitizing is great, but washing is essential. Yes, there are incidents on board, when 25 million people do something, from time to time there will be a crime or a fight or something the media can depict as horrific because it happened at sea.
I have been in the travel industry since 2009. Those years have taught me how fragile this industry is. As COVID has emerged, cruising has been put under a microscope more than ever. I am here to try and give you a good idea of what is happening and what could be happening over the course of the next 6-18 months in the industry.
As of today, most, if not all cruises are cancelled through March. Some lines have yet to make it official, however, I expect that in the next few days. What does that mean, exactly? At this time, its not clear. I have my doubts about an April startup. Its possible, however unlikely. What is more likely are test cruises. The cruise lines will begin to show the DHS and CDC that cruising is viable by doing short 3-5 night cruises in April that should prove the cruise lines are prepared to sail under the harshest of guidelines. Once the test cruises are proven successful, more and more cruises should come available that are open to the general public.
I am thinking mid May is a good timeframe to assume cruising will resume. However, with all the tyrannical guidelines the CDC and DHC have brought down on the industry, it could get complicated for the traveler. It may not be feasible for someone to travel to the cruise ship and home with the risk of the trip being cancelled, delayed or an unlikely extension due to a positive test on board. At this point, I would expect cruises to start in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, shorter cruises with a lot of 'sea days'
I am hoping so far in this article you have considered this good news. Here is some of the bad news I expect to drop over the next few weeks.
First off, don't expect any cruises longer than 7 nights. The CDC has plainly stated this will not be permitted. Who knows as to why. This is a non-sensical rule that benefits no one. It does not protect the health or safety of any traveler.
The next thing, expect a lot of visits to cruise line owned islands. Great Stirrup Cay, Half moon, Coco Cay. Learn those names, you'll be seeing a lot of them on cruises in 2021 and beyond.
Sadly, I expect the Alaska cruise season to be completely cancelled. Canada is one of the strictest countries as it pertains to travel. even prior to covid, entry can be denied for many reasons. I have read articles that quote the port authority of B.C. Canada saying they don't want ships "anytime soon" expect its ban to carry on into the late fall. With the Jones act in place, this will make an Alaska cruise logistically impossible.
Expect masks, social distancing and sadness. If you have been on a cruise, you know its a joy to meet new people and meet the cruise and see everyone smiling and happy. I expect masks and distancing to hamper this experience. Of course make the best of it, but sadly, people will have disputes. I predict mask shaming and compliance questioning from people and or staff.
Personally, I would go on a cruise tomorrow and feel completely safe and secure. I don't expect everyone to feel that way, however, I urge you to travel and cruise as much as you can. These are times we will never get back. If at all worried, please speak with your doctor and close family about feeling towards travel.
Thanks for reading. Hope to see you on a cruise!
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