Will Cruising Feel the Same? 2021 and Beyond

The travel industry was deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Flights were canceled, countries closed borders, refunds were made. However, cruise lines may have been hurt more than any other. ALL CRUISE LINES canceled sails and dreams of eating and dancing while at sea were canceled too. Cruising is slated to return in Spring 2021. There are new guidelines for ships that plan to sail in US waters. Here are just a few ways cruising — when it comes back — will be different during the pandemic (and maybe beyond).

1. Length of Cruise. There will be a cap of days out at sea. Gone are the 14 days and more.  The new maximum number of days is seven. 
2. Temperature Checks. There will be temperature checks before almost everything. Getting on and off the ship, before meals and excursions will be met with a quick scan of the forehead. 
3. Social Distance. Cruises are great places to meet a lot of people in a short amount of time. That will not be encouraged. It will be suggested that you stay with your party. Cruise lines will have to show they will help guests maintain social distancing while having a blast on the ship.
4. RIP to the Buffet. One of the main attractions of a cruise is the all you can eat when you’re want to eat buffet style food. Now it may be pre-ordered or restaurant-style with a waiter.

Other changes will take place too but they will not affect the customers in a negative way. They will be more of an added layer of protection. Examples are crew members on standby to disinfect surfaces.   Pool decks will reflect new sitting arrangements to assist in social distancing and may have signed up to be there. While there are many changes, they are there to protect you and others. (It may turn out to be more intimate.) *If you do a cruise, it’s recommended to get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay home. If you’re don’t get tested, then stay home for 14 days after your return.