The present status of the cruise industry is a big concern. As a matter of fact, it is a back breaker. All sectors of the world economies have partially returned in some form or the other. The big exception continues to be the cruise industry. It is worth noting that cruises support about 450,000 US jobs. In addition, it also contributes $55.5 billion annually to the US economy. The information came from the Cruise Line International Agency (C.L.I.A.). This means that the present cruise suspension is adversely affecting numerous persons.
Status of Cruise industry suspension
The status of the cruise industry depends on the Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.). The CDC implemented a “No Sail Order” in March 2020. As a result, cruise ship operators require to suspend all sailings. A new framework called “Conditional Sailing Order (C.S.O.) replaces the No Sail Order. This new order sets numerous parameters for cruise lines to operate. They must be cleared to resume sailing. The suspension covers all cruises departing from US ports. It appears that the order will remain in force until November. Unless the CDC reverses its decision.
C.L.I.A. and the American Society of Travel Agents (A.S.T.A.) has made numerous pleas on behalf of the cruise industry. They have requested a review of the C.S.O. In addition, they are also seeking clarification about the order.
Widespread Vaccination
The availability of several Covid-19 vaccines is a game changer. It is hoped that the status of the cruise industry will change as a record number of persons are vaccinated. As a matter of fact, it is expected that all adults should receive the vaccine by mid-April 2021. As a result, cruise sailing will resume soon. The cruising public is anxiously awaiting that news.
The importance of balconies
I think the balcony stateroom will be in high demand when cruising resumes. During the early stages of the pandemic. The experience of guests occupying inside staterooms was horrendous. People were confined to their rooms for extended periods. The inside and ocean view rooms were extremely uncomfortable. Being quarantined in a room and unable to see outside was a terrible experience. Whereas persons in balconies could leave their rooms and enjoy a different scenery. In addition, they were able to take advantage of the fresh ocean air. As a result, people will desire balconies as it offers more freedom and flexibility. This observation will be confirmed when cruise resume sailing. I am sure that passengers cannot wait for the status of the cruise industry to become favorable to sailing.
Need for a vaccination passport.
When the status of the cruise industry changes to sailing. There will be several new innovations that will be implemented. This is being done with a view to make sailing safer. In fact, several cruise lines have made vaccination mandatory for sailing. There is a mixed response to the idea. Further, some persons are calling for a vaccination passport. The idea of a vaccination passport is important. Personally, I think it is a great idea. A passport will give travelers confidence in traveling. In fact, some cruise lines require guests to be fully vaccinated as a condition for taking a cruise. This policy is not widespread among the major cruise lines.
The following cruise lines have vaccination requirements.
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
Tropical Destination Vacations will keep you updated as more cruise lines state their position on vaccinations.