Consumers who are planning to travel on a cruise may have experienced a setback during this time of the pandemic. With new developments emerging in our world today towards the normal, people can look forward to this fun activity again. Until then, it’s best to practice safety to prevent this pandemic from extending further.
The year 2020 has been one of the worst for the hospitality and tourism industries. Cruise companies have been some of the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic leading to a reimagining of how to board, travel, and embark on the cruises. While most cruises had stopped operations to contain the virus and adhere to health directives, some are returning to business but with new measures. How are things different? The passengers and crew are now following new standards and protocols when boarding the vessels, dining, and recreation to ensure all health guidelines are followed to the letter. Here are some ways the process of going on a cruise has changed.
1. The return of cruises
Not all cruises are back, but there are plans to enable all to return in some months to come. When things get back, processes won't be as usual. Most cruise companies have accepted that traveling won't be the same again and must change on many things. They are currently investing in health and safety measures as they wait for a notice from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Procedures requiring change include booking, boarding, travel, berth, and much more. The onboard experience will be the most affected, and passengers need to prepare for inconveniences involved with shows and buffets. Some of the things likely to get introduced include improved cleaning services, online restaurant bookings, and other measures to impose social distancing. Currently, cruise destinations are closed to international visitors, though some companies have tried a “cruise to nowhere” in places with relaxed regulations such as Australia.
2. Health screening and medical requirements
With the coronavirus pandemic on the loose, most cruise lines are practicing stricter health screenings to ensure passengers' health. Procedure on what happens if the passenger falls ill while onboard will also be updated. This travel insurance comparison service states: ''Most cruise lines advise their passengers to take out travel insurance covering medical expenses as if you board any foreign cruise boat docked in Australia, even if it's traveling domestically, you may have to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket''. All this is to ensure everyone stays safe and insured while on the trip. The cruise line association is on the front line in setting these instructions for embarking and staying on board, but they might vary from one company to another.
While on Board
Stringent health measures will continue once everyone has boarded. All guest rooms will get a thorough cleaning and get sanitized regularly to kill any germs and prevent them from spreading. Other changes to the cabin might include antimicrobial carpets, touch-free equipment, toilets with glass dividers, and much more. There are also reports that passengers will have to leave their clothes for cleaning and sanitization before embarking. All passengers will have to wash their hands regularly and sanitize them once they access a public area, including walkaways. There will also be restrictive measures for public places, especially when the ship docks at a station. There won't be free movements to limit the chance of infection.
The association is also considering having the following onboard: informational pamphlets, healthcare facilities, safety drills, frequent changes of bed sheets, better quarantine and emergency plans, and facemask rules.
3. Crews joining the ship
Passengers and crews are required to take the COVID-19 swab test before being allowed on board. The teams must complete the medical examination and might be required to take a full week of isolation to check on their situation. Specialised agencies will be tasked to inform the crews what's needed, procedures, and protocols to follow while on board. Secondly, all teams must use Travel Personal Protection Equipment as detailed by their agencies. The crews' room will be modified to accommodate at least two teams instead of four at any given time, and there might be vacant cabins to isolate anyone suspected to suffer from COVID-19.
4. Onboard services
There is evidence that germs spread fast in buffets, and some companies are doing away with them in onboard services. This situation will significantly affect the hospitality industry, and it might require more expensive measures to avoid contamination of food and other edibles. First, restaurants will limit guest numbers at dining halls, affecting many travelers' dining time. Other than this, everyone will be required to observe strict social distancing, which, to smaller ships, will be a challenge. Predictions are that buffets and self-service will be abolished, and table service will replace such services. Serving staff will have to wear gloves, face masks, and every booking must be online. Room service may also be expanded.
Image by MustangJoe from Pixabay
5. Changing entertainment
If you love food, drinks, and parties on cruise ships, things might change for the worse since new limitations to ensure social distancing will affect cinemas, clubs, and other indoor entertainment joints. Cruise companies will rearrange most of these places to create adequate space between users. These areas will also have sanitizing stations and health forms, and individuals will have to wear masks at all times. Companies will incorporate more measures from time to time to ensure viruses and germs won't spread among the revelers.
6. Medication
With cruise operators putting everything right to avoid spreading the virus, many more measures are being discussed to ensure no more outbreaks. There will be hospitals at every stop and more medical staff to attend to those affected. Companies are also working hard to expand facilities, and more rooms are being set for additional doctors and nurses.
Many changes are being undertaken in the travel industry. The most affected are the cruise companies, which have to do much work to ensure the crews' and passengers' health and safety are maintained for long periods of time. We hope these measures will sustain the industry to avoid prolonged periods of cancellation.
Consumers who are planning to travel on a cruise may have experienced a setback during this time of the pandemic. With new developments emerging to help us get back to normal, people can look forward to this fun activity again. Until then, it’s best to practice safety to prevent this pandemic from extending further.
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
