Let’s face it, and not put our heads in the sand, what cruise life will be like post COVID-19 is anyone’s guess, and the actual aftermath is yet to be edged in stone.
This is a predicament that not only the cruise industry is determining, but additionally everyone who enjoys to regularly cruise, and as cruise lines roll out new rules and practices that will appease worldwide health organisations, and yet keep the cruise experience the fun, laid back experience it current was pre COVID-19.
Reports state that Carnival Corporation will be contemplating limiting the number of guests on its ships, according to Business Insider.
Two sources have informed the news site that Carnival Corporation that temperature checking before boarding will be the norm.
One of the radical modifications will be that some cabins would be inaccessible, and guests would only be permitted to book cabins and suites that gain access to fresh air, there is no information what this would mean for inside cabins as yet, but every second cabin would be left vacant.
But the light at the end of this dark tunnel we are all facing is that all these ideas are an improvement, and they are key to get us back on board, and cruise prices will be a big win for us – so look forward to some great deals.
But, as cruise lines carry fewer guests, do not expect the great deals to last long. In the end, cruising with these restrictions, put into pace for our safety will be more costly. It is still great value for money, and what price should one put safety, right?
What the future could look like?
With the aim of keep up social distancing that we are all accustomed to, it is being proposed that cruise ships sail on half the occupancy, for example: A cruise ship that carries 3,000 guests, might only carry half or as much as three quarters to guarantee enough of space in public areas.
Disembarkation and embarkation methods will be further staggered than they currently are. Guests with disability must declare their disability and have an accompanied letter from a medical professional.
If you’re one of the people that loathe the long lines throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the buffet, you can breathe a sigh of relief, as this may be a thing of the past, and we may even turn back to clock and see the return of dining times.
There will be limitations on the capacity of guests in public areas like the kids’ clubs, indoor and outdoor recreational areas, the spa, and the theatres.
In the Long Run, while waiting for a vaccination to be developed against COVID-19 (if they ever come up with one) brace yourself for additional restrictions within travel.
Genting Cruises, the Asian-based cruise company which owns Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and luxury line Crystal Cruises, have wasted no time taking steps to alleviation the threat of coronavirus outbreaks the moment cruising resumes.
Genting Cruises disclosed a widespread onboard health plan which will consist of medical certificates for guests over 70.
Embarkation and disembarkation will require guests to undergo a compulsory temperature screening. They are also required to complete a pre-boarding health declaration.
Guests will be required to check-in online, guaranteeing that they are assigned a certain boarding time to avert overcrowding in the terminal.
Genting has also said that they will be expanding cleaning protocols in staterooms and particularly in public areas.
Elevators will be cleaned every two hours, public areas will be cleaned up to 10 times each day, and the spa no less than twice a day.
Regular touch points like handrails, lift buttons, table-tops and door handles will be cleaned at best every hour. And throughout a variety of public areas, a crew will be positioned to give hand sanitisation.
And, there will be limited numbers of guests permitted in entertainment and leisure areas.
