Will Cruise Ship Holidays Survive Post-Coronavirus?

For now, it is unsafe for all companies to take the risk of operating cruise ships, as they are air-conditioned and the air recirculates heavily. This raises concerns about the future of cruise holidays.

However, it is unlikely that cruise ship holidays will become a thing of the past even after the coronavirus crisis ends. Several changes are expected due to the current situation. Firstly, cruise lines' image has been significantly damaged by recent events. While your line might have had no problems at all, bad press can still tarnish your reputation.

One of the biggest draws of cruising is visiting numerous countries. However, the current situation raises questions about whether these countries will allow cruise passengers to visit for a day. This could severely impact the number of passengers cruises can accommodate.

Operational Challenges and Business Models

Many cruise lines, particularly the larger ones, have been focusing on building larger ships and selling off the smaller ones. The chances are that smaller ships have a better chance of being occupied and profitable. Additionally, many cruise lines have shifted their business model to increase their quantity, sometimes lowering the overall quality, as seen in the elimination of 'silver service' for lower-priced tickets.

Higher-quality services for higher prices are likely to continue. However, some of the facilities, such as restaurants and theaters, may need to be redesigned. For example, theaters may need to re-think their seating arrangements to promote social distancing.

Travel Safety Amidst SARS-CoV-2 Concerns

While travel by ship may be safer than travel by plane, there are still many concerns. Ships provide more space and air circulation, and with places like hand sanitizers everywhere, the risks are lower. However, there is a risk that people might get infected on planes and then board ships, leading to misunderstandings and blame.

There have been significant impacts in the past from events like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which led to a sharp decline in the cruise ship industry. However, with the industry's ability to offer great discounts, it bounced back. With the lessons learned from the coronavirus, it is likely that cruise lines will adopt more safety measures such as temperature testing equipment and even isolation hospitals on board.

Additionally, cruise lines might promise that no passengers will be forced to stay in cabins smaller than most prison cells. To reinforce this, each liner would become a luxurious self-contained environment, with the exclusive use of one's cabin and no mandatory social confinement. Other innovative measures could also be implemented, such as having a helicopter on board to provide versatile transportation options.

Another key factor is the affordability of cruises. With the current economic situation, traveling by cruise might even be cheaper than hiring a cottage in some cases. This could make cruises a more attractive option again.

It is clear that cruise holidays will face significant changes in the post-coronavirus era, but it is unlikely that they will disappear completely. Safety measures, reputation rebuilding, and possibly some creative new measures could redefine the cruise travel experience for the future.