Here’s When You Might Be Able To Take A Cruise Again

TOPLINE

The reeling cruise ship industry has taken one of the hardest economic hits from the restrictions on travel to battle the coronavirus pandemic, but with lockdowns starting to lift, several of the largest brands are planning to put ships back on the seas as early as this summer.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

Cruise ships at U.S. ports are currently under a “no sail order” which was originally enacted by the CDC on March 14 as the coronavirus began its rapid spread across the country.

Cruise ships were some of the earliest clusters for coronavirus transmission outside of China. Perhaps the most notable example is the Grand Princess, which spent several days off the coast of California in early March before it was finally allowed to dock in Oakland.

The cruise industry has taken a tremendous hit since coronavirus began to spread, with shares of cruise lines falling over 80%.

Americans seem eager to get back on the waters, though, if recently released data from a Florida-based travel booking agency are any indication. On May 4 — the day Carnival made the announcement it’d be resuming service — the Cruise Planners travel service reported Carnival bookings were up 600% compared to the same date in 2019.

CHIEF CRITICS

America’s top doctors warned early on that cruise ships were ripe for coronavirus transmission.

On March 9, when the U.S. case total was only around 500, Dr. Anthony Fauci offered advice to the elderly and those with preexisting conditions, saying on Meet The Press, “just don’t get on a cruise ship.” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams had similar thoughts then, telling CNN that “if you have medical conditions, or you’re older, now is the time to rethink” taking a cruise.

BIG NUMBER

$45 billion — That’s the value of the U.S. cruise industry.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Booking prices once ships hit the seas, which may not be as low as many are hoping for.

Del Rio told The Points Guy that Norwegian’s ships will likely operate at 50%-60% of normal capacity, with pricing for passengers remaining at normal rates in large part because the Norwegian fleet, like others, looks to come back incrementally.

FURTHER READING

In Coronavirus, $45-Billion Cruise Industry Faces A Big Challenge (New York Times)

The CDC hasn’t advised cruise lines yet about when they can resume travel (CNN)

Cruise bookings jump 600% after Carnival announces plans to resume sailings (WESH)

Why you shouldn’t expect bargain-basement cruise deals anytime soon (The Points Guy)