The Covid-19 Pandemic And The Future Of Cruising.
Even though the Cruise Lines are not the only companies being adversely affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic, there cannot be a better example of how an entire industry can be brought to its knees by a baffling and unseen force. What is unclear, however, is why so many mixed and confusing signals are are being given as to current and future status of cruising, leaving potential passengers weary and perplexed.
I want to point out that the public demand for cruise travel has not by any means been largely diminished with the advent of the Corivid-19 Pandemic. Travelers are still signing up in droves for future cruises or rebooking their canceled ones. Although this pause is creating havoc in the cruise industry, it by no means means the end of cruise travel – the demand and need for it is too great to keep it down for long.
However, due to the stop and start nature of the current pandemic, and the overall cloud it has raised over travel in general, it is not without concern that most of have come to greatly mistrust what we are being told by the cruise lines.
Why Does A Pandemic Like Covid-19 Affect The Cruise Industry So Severely?
Cruising, in most cases, revolves around the idea of moving passengers from port to port with the concept of providing the best travel experience for an affordable price. The passengers on cruise ships, tend to congregate in groups, usually in closed spaces on and off the ship making it easier for a virus like this to propagate.
Also as most cruise ships are foreign flagged, they are required to visit a foreign country even if emanating from the United States and passengers are required to complete the journey to the end. If a medical emergency occurs, it can be difficult for one to debark the ship and seek treatment. Also, as many cruises emanate from foreign countries, it does require overseas air travel.
As the pandemic has progressed, more and more countries have been denying foreign travelers: Map of coronavirus travel restrictions. It is the denial of access to other countries as such that is preventing the cruise lines from sailing. Until these restrictions are lifted, cruise ships will not be able to travel to these destinations.
How Are The Cruise Lines Handling The Pandemic?
At this stage, both travel vendors and guests themselves are being cautious. Cruise lines are canceling cruises, as needed, about two months or more prior to sailing and can be expected to do so until it is again safe to travel. As the destination countries open up, cruise lines will resume sailing.
In the meantime, the entire hospitality industry: cruise lines, airlines, hotels and restaurants are rethinking their design layouts, how to keep their guests further apart, readjusting flows and adding measures such as enhanced air filtration, cleaning procedures, screening guests and other provisions to better protect their passengers. Airports, planes, cruise ships, hotel rooms and anywhere that accommodates travelers will have both a new look and special procedures to deal with this type of virus.
Although it is unlikely for the major cruise lines to fold, due to the high demand of cruising in general, and the ability of the major suppliers to obtain funding to weather the storm, it is possible for some of the smaller players to go under. The last similar example of this was the fall of Renaissance Cruises after the 9/11 attacks: Renaissance First To Sink Among Listing Cruise Lines.
But I would not bet on it, the majority of travel vendors are taking measures to survive the long haul. But even if some go under, once this health risk is resolved, demand will be back, stronger than ever and the cruise ships and their crew will need to be ready to move forward, though maybe at reduced capacity with more environmental control.
Knowledge Is The Key To Dealing With The Travel Pause
What is important here is to try and gain a better understanding of the situation with the virus so that we can deal with its ebbs and flows and more accurately predict when and how we might be able to travel in the future. By managing our expectations and making informed decisions about our future travel, we will best be able to weather the storm.
As a travel agent, the safety and security of my clients is always a primary concern, even if it means dampening sales. Yes the pandemic is very serious, but it certainly does not have to stop all travel for the next several years.
Feel free to contact Ted directly, regarding any question your have: Contact Ted: 954-290-8626, Facebook Message Ted
First, be safe yourself and follow recent guidelines for containing the virus. Before considering travel, consult your doctor who will give you the latest information and let you know what precautions to take, read this article from the Centers For Disease Control: How to Prepare for Your Pre-Travel Appointment. Your doctor will be most qualified to advise you on when travel abroad is safe for you and what precautions you will need to take.
What Should I Do About My Future Travel Plans?
Unless your travel is cancelled by the travel vendor, you will, in most cases, still have a chance to get your money back or get a future cruise credit. If you are still considering future travel, I recommend keeping your travel alive as long as you can. Right now many future cruises are nearly sold out, if you cancel now, you may not be able to book later. If the cruise is canceled by the travel vendor, accept the future cruise credit if it is a reasonable offer.
Most cruise lines are offering a markup of credit towards a future cruise, so it would be of benefit to you to take it. By keeping your hard earned money with them you factually supporting the industry as a whole to help them survive the pandemic
If you have to request a refund, and frankly many are in a position where having the cash on hand is more important now than ever, then of course do so. Be mindful that for some vendors, it is taking weeks and sometimes months, to get the money returned. Please be patient.
Also, realize that future cruise credit vouchers are not always what they seem. Be sure to read the fine print prior to their acceptance. Read my blog: Before You Cancel Your Coronavirus Affected Travel, Read This First, for a full understanding of this process.
Should I Accept A Future Cruise Credit Or Take The Money, If Offered?
If you are accepting a Future Cruise Credit, rebooking or rescheduling a cruise, now is the time to reach out to us for advice and the opportunity to add additional perks such as cabin credit, private tours, free upgrades and more to your current reservation. Please read my blog: Already Booked? Now Is The Time To Reach Out To Ted For His Insider Advice And Extra Perks.
Do not hesitate to plan ahead and book cruises in the future, most cruise vendors are offering easy cancellations with a full refund of your money if the cruise cannot sail due to a situation like Covid-19. Once it is safe to travel again, unless you are already booked, it might be difficult to get the cabin at the price you want.
Most importantly, do not be fooled by agents or travel vendors giving their opinion on specific dates as to when the Covid-19 Pandemic will end. This should be left to experts. I recommend using Ted’s Travel Resources as your guide.
Yes, anything is possible, this whole problem could dissipate quickly, or, more likely, run its course for some unknown time. Until we have more answers and clear direction, why make a decision now when you can hold off and get the extra bonus from the future credit?
Regardless of when, how and with whom you plan to travel in the future, it is vital to understand and purchase the correct type of travel protection that fits your needs. Please read my blog: Covid-19 And Your Travel Protection
What Can I Do Right Now? Should I Have A Backup Plan?
In the meantime I am advising my clients to hold tight on what they have and make tentative plans for the future. Most all cruise lines are offering risk free deposits with lenient cancellation policies. Why not take advantage of any decent offer now and wait and see what happens even if it means making a final payment? Remember, once this goes away, it is more than likely you may not be able to get what you want later.
For the immediate future, I am asking that you consider a backup plan for future travel until this matter is fully resolved. While keeping an eye on travel abroad, consider domestic travel as an alternative. For example, if you live in the United States, there are many options to consider, even those well traveled, will find many interesting itineraries.
For those living in the USA, consider tour companies like Globus, Insight Vacations, Backroads, which are offering a wide range of affordable and interesting domestic land tours. Another vacation to consider is the Mississippi and other similar close to home river and ocean cruises. Cruise lines such as American Cruise Lines will be sailing with smaller ships with itineraires available on an immediate basis. Unlike larger cruise ships, their vessels have ships small enough to fall within the guidelines for safe travel, and, as they are US based, travelers may depart freely at any port if there is a difficulty. They are also one of the only cruise lines offering immediate passage to Alaska, as they do not have to travel to Canada which currently restricts US citizens.
If considering a cruise in the future, look for smaller ship ocean cruises lines, with fewer passengers, like Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar, Ponant; Regent Seven Seas, river cruise lines like: Amawaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, or lines that offer both river and small-ship-ocean cruises: Viking, and Crystal.
Work With A Travel Expert Who Can Advise You On Which Travel Suppliers Are Safe And Secure
As this pause continues, travel advisers such as myself continue to collect information on the status of current and future travel, including the current financial state of most travel vendors. Realize that as this break continues, a few smaller travel companies may become cash strapped and no longer able to offer refunds. Our company reviews this state of affairs, based on our insider information on available travel vendors so that we can direct our clients to safer waters.
Feel free to contact Ted directly, regarding any question your have: Contact Ted: 954-290-8626, Facebook Message Ted
