The outbreak of COVID-19 has completely altered the way we travel as a society. Airlines, hotels, trains, and most importantly, cruise ships have taken a huge hit. Looking past the Coronavirus outbreak, it is likely that cruise travel will return with some changes. Cruise lines have always been a favorite form of traveler for vacationers, especially of those seeking to experience tropical, slow travel vacations. While it may not take the same exact form and capacity as previously, we can look forward to cruising again in the future. Read on to learn more about the cruise travel predictions in a post Coronavirus world.
Changing Ship Demographics
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, There will be a significant change in cruise ship demographics. Historically, with its extreme simplicity, leisure, and ease of travel cruise ships have been an incredibly popular choice amongst senior citizens. Unfortunately, senior citizens are one of the most susceptible to the infectious Coronavirus outbreak. With this being said, it is likely older demographics will hold off on cruise travel until the virus is completely eradicated. This may lead to the innovation of more family friendly vacations, or cruises themed for younger demographics. Again, depending on your perspective, this can either be an added bonus or consequence of cruise travel in a post COVID society.
Cruise Ship Capacity
Concerning the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we predict that you will see a significant change in the capacity of cruise ships. Traditionally, cruise ships have offered on a full capacity model. Major cruise lines offered the biggest, most modern, extensive fleets of ships. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, it is likely the size and capacity of cruise will change dramatically. It is possible that we will see significantly smaller ship designs. Of course, this will make it easier to disconnect on vacation.
Depending on your perspective, this could be considered a future benefit of cruise travel. With smaller ships, expect cruise travel to become more spacious, leisurely, and sustainable. In considering the implications of cruise travel on the post COVID world, consider the expected changes in cruise ship capacity.
Fluctuating Cruise Prices
Immediately following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, You will see a drastic impact in the cost of cruise travel. No matter what your perspective is, this one is a guaranteed bonus of cruise vacation, especially for value travelers. Cruises have historically been one of the most expensive ways to travel. Following COVID, it is likely that cruise prices will drop dramatically.
Cruise lines want your business back following the virus. Cruises will offer more incentives, packages, and lower prices in order to entice travelers to return. Some cruise lines may even begin traveling to new destinations at affordable prices in order to create new travel excitement around rising travel bubbles. Once the Coronavirus has been effectively dealt with in society, most likely we will see an impact on cruise costs.
Altered Cruise Amenities
Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, expect cruise ship amenities will dramatically change. Cruise ships have constantly prided themselves on detailed amenities. From luxury dining and entertainment options, these amenities have become a staple of cruise travel. However, many of these amenities take place in a large, shared social space. It is already predicted that options like food buffets and waterparks may not return on cruise ships. Cities like Miami have COVID travel restrictions and regulations to follow.
Likely, these drastic changes will impact many additional dining and leisure options offered throughout different cruise lines. Looking past the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we will see cruise ships return with some form of limited amenities.
Limited Destinations
Analyzing conditions following the COVID-19 outbreak, most cruise ships will limit their destinations in some form. During the Coronavirus, health and hygiene standards have been held to an extremely high level. With cruise ships being a multinational business, some of the countries they visit may be restricted. Therefore, it is unlikely to see the same cruise itineraries to luxurious French Polynesian Spas in Tahaa, Bora Bora, Moorea, and the Society Islands.
Some researchers even believe that many cruise lines will cease operations to countries with poor healthcare systems or standards. Through these policies, ships can look to develop itineraries around safe, hygienic travel locations. Once the Coronavirus has been eradicated from modern society, cruise ships will return with some form of limited destinations.
Stricter Health Screenings
As we prepare for the post-Coronavirus travel world, we will see strict health screenings on cruise ships. Enhanced health and safety standards will obviously be a top priority as cruise ships return to business. One major disadvantage of cruise ship is that passengers are constantly getting on and off in new, potentially hazardous destinations. This factor greatly amplifies the chances for the virus to be caught and transmitted amongst staff or passengers. Therefore, as cruise ships prepare to resume operations, extremely strict, stringent health precautions will become the new norm. At a minimum, cruise ships will begin taking passenger temperatures and performing simple health screenings prior to boarding. However, we can also expect to see the expansion of onboard medical centers and improve air filtration units.
New Technologies For Safety
Further, the cruise travel industry is changing after the coronavirus pandemic by integrating new technologies. Many cruise ships are implementing sterilization robots. These robotic technologies allow the ships to raise the level of hygiene. In fact, the cruise industry is moving towards hospital-like sanitation standards. This would lead to a safer, healthier cruise travel after COVID-19. With the rise of automated cleaning systems, cruise tourism will surely gain confidence with travelers.
The Coronavirus outbreak has completely altered the future of cruise vacations. As the virus continues to be researched and analyzed, it is likely it will impact cruise travel as a whole. First, the outbreak of the virus will have a detrimental impact on the capacity that cruise ships generally take. Expect passenger demographics will also change from older individuals to younger travelers and families. At the same time, the virus will have a serious impact on the prices charged by cruise ships. Many researchers even predict the virus will have a significant impact on the amenities offered by cruise lines.
Furthermore, with the outbreak of COVID-19, there is a chance that it will have an additional impact on the destinations traveled to by popular cruise lines. Consider the points mentioned above to learn more about the cruise travel predictions in a post Coronavirus world.
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