What Can You Expect From The 2021 Cruise Industry?
If you’re like us, you love setting sail for a relaxing cruise. It’s a fantastic way to travel and see lots of different destinations — and with a focus on sustainability, cruising becomes more and more popular every year.
In 2019 alone, cruises carried nearly 30 million passengers across the globe — but in 2020, sailings were halted due to the COVID-19 health crisis. As operations were suspended in the Spring of 2020, cruise lines scrambled to adjust. They spent months working with leading experts and government authorities to strengthen public health measures so that cruises could resume safely. So what does the future hold for the cruise line industry?
As of Summer 2020, some cruise lines have resumed sailings in Europe and other parts of the world with enhanced measures in place. These cruise lines continue to work with international and national health authorities for a phased reopening — and they’ve put mandatory protocols into place to maintain the health and safety of passengers, crew, and destinations.
Current protocols include mask mandates, social distancing, and extra air filtration and ventilation. They also rely on enhanced medical & public health communications, 100% passenger and crew testing, and strict rules for shore excursions. Over 200 sailings have embarked from July through December of 2020, proving that these protocols are working as designed.
Finally, it’s time for the good news! The industry is on a path to reopening in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and elsewhere in 2021. You’ll have to pack a protective face covering with your snorkel mask — but you’ll enjoy your cruise safely. Pack your bags and get ready to set sail — cruises are coming back!
