Cruise After Covid19 But Who Will ?
The more I read the less I want to cruise after Covid19.
Various documents are flying around from a series of Government, political and cruise administration bodies.
And what I read makes me feel that cruise travel in particular is just not and will not be what it was even just six months ago.
Grenada in the West Indies before Covid19.
With the overall experience being killed off. If not the people themselves taking part too.
Just who are going to fill these ships now?
Cruise passengers getting ready for a day trip away from the ship before Covid19.
I cannot see how getting on even the most medically sterile ship in the world will appeal at all to most or any age group?
The clientele that normally populate these are generally the 55 plus market. Exactly the demographic most at risk from Covid19.
Triple Travel Insurance Fees For Over 70’s
Even before you get on the ship comes the vital consideration of insurance. One insurance company I checked out did have some positively priced policies covering the Covid19 risk.
However, when it came to the older age group then you had better sit down.
Finding you way around the ship after you have your insurance sorted of course from now on.
The amount with one company tripled!
A brand-new ship of over 3,660 capacity has just been made ready to enter the cruise sector. And as luxurious and appealing it is. Would you feel comfortable spending two weeks with the other 3,659?
This example Emerald Princess takes 3,000 passengers.
That is if the new cruise guidance allows as long as 14 days? As plans could be in place to restrict cruises to 3day to 7days. Certainly, in the early stages.
Other factors and regulations will affect travel. Currently if you are an American you will not be able to enter any EU states, because of the high infection rates in the USA.
Queen Mary 2 the Cunard flag ship at anchor with no passengers on it off the Dorset coast.
One possible ruling from the EU is recommending that passengers be organised into age groups. So perhaps passengers over 65 would find themselves in some form of age cohort. Being looked after by a special section of the crew.
Cunard’s Queen Victoria will want 2,000 passengers to fill her berths.
Add into the mix that face masks would be compulsory and all the normal landside regulations of screens and distancing would be added in too. Plus, a compulsory Covid19 screening test would be done prior to getting anywhere near to the ship.
It that really the cruise experience you spotted in the brochure last year?
Cruise After Covid19…Well Will You?
Cruise After Covid19 with numerous other ships in port at the same time?
Most popular ports of call often are not just visited by one ship at a time, but that could change. I can never in the near future see that Venice would allow what is shown in the picture above?
Now for the bad news from the UK. Well the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has re-issued today advice recommending against cruise travel for anyone over the age of 70!
Of course, those with health issues and underlying conditions are included in the advice as well.Their statement said “The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against cruise ship travel at this time.
After Covid19 you will have to add in social distancing and even in age cohorts too.
“This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.
“The government will continue to review its cruise ship travel advice based on the latest medical advice.”
The FCO added: “If you have future cruise travel plans, you should speak to your travel operator, or the travel company you booked with, for further advice.
P&O have many ships to fill with mainly British and Australian passengers.
Who Will Fill These Cruise Ships?
All in all, how will the cruise companies fill these ships? And not only their existing ships but the newer ones coming too.
Currently part of the Carnival fleet is anchored off the Dorset but for how long can they be kept there?
I just cannot see where these passengers will come from?
Aida also have many berths to fill if they want to keep sailing.
Personally, and I am no cruise expert although my recent posts may seem to indicate different.
However, even the land-lubbers are not exactly flocking back to hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.
Getting 2,000 or 3,000 passengers on any ship I think would need the services of the biggest ‘press gang’ in maritime history!
This Post Has 2 Comments
Firstly, the cruise market will bounce back people want to travel otherwise they wouldn’t be booking for next year. secondly a ship for 3,600 passengers wont operate at that capacity at first probably only 50 or 60% of that so around 2000 passengers which will greatly increase space and ability for passengers to distance. Yes it will take time but it will come back. Its a safe industry at least you can go outside and have fresh air more than an plane. If we are going along the lines of not travelling or feeling unsafe on a ship why are we allowed to fly, surely that has a greater risk? Food for thought. Finally last week a large document was released outlining how cruises can resume safely in Europe including no buffets, enhanced air filtration,etc read it as it may open your eyes up to whats going on. Personally i found this article very narrow sited (like the government on cruising) only saying whats bad with it instead of saying whats being done to help solve the problem. People obviously want to go on cruises as many smaller lines have started cruise (huntiguren fro example) and TUI and Aida are starting the next few weeks. Does that answer your question about if people want to go? I’m definitely ready for a Cunard voyage again.
Piece of advice, try being more open minded instead of getting narrow minded with one view that ships are bad it may make you look and more open person and not just some negative person believing every little piece of information about the wrongs of cruise ships. Yes they have problems but they are being solved. It may help you!
I think there will be many travellers prepared to board ships and cruise if companies provide people with outstanding deals. If those people remain in good health, because of good onboard hygiene and precautionary measures to minimise risk during excursions, then I think cruise companies will have a small army of willing ambassadors.
I think it’s important for the cruise industry to liaise with shore-based businesses to make excursions viable and enjoyable too.
Many people are predicting a slow recovery for the cruise industry but I hope positive experiences will help foster a rapid bounce back.