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2020 was a nightmare for the travel industry, as people cancelled plans, capacity restrictions were put in place, many aspects were not able to operate and companies lost money. With the coronavirus vaccine rollout ramping up, and vaccinated people are looking to safely leave home, travel is poised to make a comeback, with some parts rebounding sooner than others.
With the cruise industry making headlines as the world saw just how serious Covid-19 is, and it taking a huge hit as a result of the press and forced cancellations, leaders are eager for ships to sail once again. Looking to take a family cruise this summer vacation? Get the latest here.
Cruising in 2021
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While travel in some capacity looks like a “do” for some individuals later this year, many major cruise lines are continuing to extend sailing suspensions into 2021 and 2022.
The cruise industry saw a period of slow and stalled growth after the CDC announced a firm “no-sail” order as virus cases surged. It has since been extended, but the organization posted a framework for what is needed to safely sail again back in October.
The future of cruising remains anyone’s guess. No U.S. ships will set sail until at least May, and many are choosing to continue to push dates back longer and longer.
Which Cruise Lines are Open?
No cruise lines are open as of March 24. See below for a list of major cruise lines and their current status.
Norwegian Cruise Lines: At the end of December, the cruise line announced the suspension would be lifted at the end of April, but that has since been moved to June 30.
Princess Cruises: The pause in sailing will last until at least June 14, an extension from the end of March.
Carnival Cruises: The full list of suspended trips is available online, but sailing is currently set to resume in early June. With the cruise line posting constant updates, stay tuned if you want to book with Carnival.
Royal Caribbean: All cruises are on an extended pause through May, with the exception of Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and Spectrum of the Seas in China. Some of the Celebrity Cruises are not scheduled to run until October, at the earliest.
Holland America: June 30 is the date that the cruise line has put out there regarding pauses.
Disney Cruise Line: All future sailings are on pause at least through May. Disney Magic Cruises in Europe are stopped through August 10 due to the likelihood that borders will still be closed and travel restrictions will remain in place.
MSC Cruises: Dates to resume travel vary. Some ships will sail after March 31, while others are waiting until early April to disembark once again. European ships currently do not have any sailings until after November 22.
P&O Cruises: Certain ship sailings have been paused through August, while others have been put on hold through September.
Costa Cruises: The delay on cruises will last through May due to European restrictions due to the virus.
What is Needed to Cruise
The CDC’s “Framework for Conditional Sailing Order” was last updated on October 30. It went into effect on November 4. It will remain, at the earliest, until the Secretary of Health and Human Services declares that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency, the CDC director makes changes on recommendations or it is November 1.
Until then, it is recommended that people who are interested in cruising keep the following in mind:
- Masks must currently be worn by all passengers travelling by boat, including cruise ships.
- Those flying into the U.S. from foreign countries must get tested for the virus. Proof of a negative test is required before boarding a return flight.
- Cruises are still at Level 4 “Very High Risk.”
- The CDC recommends that all people avoid cruises, including river cruises, at this time, due to the high rate of possible transmission. People with an increased risk of getting very ill from the virus are urged to avoid cruising
- Passengers who still decide to go should get tested 3-5 days leaving and stay home a full 7 days after returning, even if they test negative.
- If you do not get tested, stay home and isolate for 10 days.
- Be prepared with extra masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
- Assume and accept risks that come with cruising and choosing non-essential travel during this time.
- Stay up to date on the current health guidance and regulations, not only for cruising, but for travel and general COVID precautions as well.
- Do some research and pick ideal dates now. Many others may also want to travel once it returns. Book as soon as you can, but be aware of cancellation and rescheduling policies. Do not be disappointed if first choice destinations, dates and cruise lines fill.
- Have a plan of what will happen if you or someone in your household has symptoms.
- Be ready to reschedule your plans or wait to book until it is declared officially safe to cruise once again, not just because they are being offered.
- If you are eligible and your health allows it, get vaccinated. If you cannot, consider staying home to protect your health and that of others. Vaccines may very well be required to cruise in the future, so get it as soon as you can to be prepared.
As always, keep an eye on the latest news to keep up with all things cruising. If you decide to go, we hope you can make safe and smart decisions to keep yourself and others healthy and well. Get ready to mask up and have a blast, while keeping your distance, of course. Happy travels.
