Cruise Executives Offer Some Insight On What We All Can Expect

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During our Cruise Planners Forum last week, executives from our treasured cruise line travel partners offering insight on what they know and are able to share with us.  

Each emphasized that very strict protocols and measures will be made on each cruise line to keep everyone (crew and passengers) safe and healthy.  They are working with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) to meet all the requirements and meet the CDC's expectations.   These are still being worked on, and we were informed that there was still a lot more work to be done before any will sail.  Many executives emphasized that they would not sail until they are "absolutely certain" that all is in order.

What can passengers expect once cruises resume?

Not all cruise ships and itineraries will begin sailing immediately.  It will be a staggered release.   Ships sailing short duration cruises of 3 or 4 nights will most likely be the first to depart and leaving from a specific U.S. departure port such as Miami.

Carnival stated that they will begin sailing the Carnival Horizon out of Miami first, and will then begin sailing from Port Canaveral and Galveston.   If all goes smoothly and without any major issues, the sailings will be expanded from there.  It was further stated that  to be in compliance with the current CDC's statement "Conditional Order To Sail", all sailings that were scheduled to sail that were 8 nights in duration or longer are on hold and cannot be booked at this time.

Proof of having had a Covid vaccine, and/or Covid testing may be required prior to initially boarding the ship.

Guests can expect to wear masks in the terminal at the time of check in and boarding.  It could also be required that a guest wear a mask in all public areas.  The pool area will be an exception.

Guests will have temperatures taken regularly.  Most especially when initially boarding the ship, and then possibly prior to leaving the ship at port of calls and upon returns from excursions. 

In order for guests to be able to get off the ship a passenger must have an excursion booked directly through the cruise line or approved vendor who will assist in keeping the infrastructure of "the bubble" in force.   Where buses are utilized.  Buses will be disinfected frequently, and the number of people on board will not be full capacity.  It is surmised that they would be operating at less than 50% capacity.

Social distancing will be enforced.  Pool loungers will be kept a minimum of six feet between parties traveling in the same cabin.  Same for tables in the dining room, and other seating instances throughout the ship such as the theater and lounges.

What are the cruise lines doing now?

Looking for more ways that the cruise lines can create a healthier and happier environment.   Many controls and measures have already been implemented, but they are working on more of the details.

The crew are being trained on what to do.  This goes beyond just keeping the ship clean.  They will be trained on what to do if they do have a Covid positive case on board and what the protocols will be and enforced, and more.

The cruise lines are preparing to or are currently conducting "test cruises".  These are cruises with actual passengers that can be family of the crew, or even regular passengers.  The cruise lines, namely "Royal Caribbean", have announced that they are looking for volunteers for these cruises.   It is said that they have to date over 100,000 volunteers.   If you have volunteered, be prepared, because it may not be the vacation that you may be expecting.  You may be required to be in quarantine in your cabin for a time until they are able to release the passengers and crew at a port of call or home port.  There may be more necessary inconveniences as they recreate possible scenarios.  As to who the cruise lines will actually use for the test runs have yet to be determined.  Other more necessary items need to be attended to first.

What is the outlook?  When do they hope to start sailing again?

The outlook is absolutely bright and positive.   They will sail soon.

The majority of the cruise lines said that they plan to resume sailing regular sailings in March 2021.   This is subject to change depending on how everything in preparation for sailing progresses.

The sailings that include a U.S. port of call that are longer than 7 nights are currently placed on hold for booking.   It is questionable whether any cruise of 8 nights or longer will begin sailing until  October or November 2021.  This is yet to be determined.

Should you book now?

Yes, you can.  However, if you book something in early 2021 through the Summer of 2021, be aware that there may be further suspensions or cancellations.  

It would be safest to book something that is sailing Fall of 2021 and onward.  Many cruise lines are now accepting booking through to the Fall of 2022!

There is so much pent up demand from avid cruisers that can't wait to get on board a ship.  Even a sailing on a cruise to no nowhere.  There are some outstanding deals to be had out there.  Some with inclusions that were seldom offered in the past. 

Let us know when you are ready, and we will see to it that your experience is as easy and pleasant as possible.

Happy Travels Ahead!