Is This The Future of Cruises?

GG57 on 20/08/2020 - 16:14

This article gives a lot of detail into how one cruise ship operator plans to potentially start up again:
https://gcaptain.com/cruise-ship-covid-plans/?utm_campaign=t…

Putting aside the detrimental environmental impacts of cruises, if you were inclined to look at a cruise to Antarctica (as per the example provided), would you put yourself through the new processes and restrictions, put up with the loss of facilities, and probably cough up a price increase to cover the increased cruise operator costs, etc.?

To me, this article confirms my thoughts that the cruise industry is pretty much dead in the water for a long time to come.

Travel Cruise

Comments

  • Montassis on 20/08/2020 - 16:22
    +5

    You couldn't have paid me to get on one of these hell holes pre-covid.

    • GG57 on 20/08/2020 - 16:24
      +2

      So, no change in the likelihood that you would go

      • SupeNintendoChalmers on 20/08/2020 - 16:41

        I'm with you on this one, never seen the appeal of cruising, but then again I'm not a boomer.

        • 87percent on 20/08/2020 - 16:46

          It’s also a huge appeal for families.

          • modsec802 on 20/08/2020 - 17:40

            @87percent: Family of 5 man here and zero desire for a cruise pre or post COVID

        • onetwothreefour on 20/08/2020 - 16:53

          I haven't been on a cruise but was considering it. I'd like to go to some of the pacific islands but wouldn't go to each of them for a week's holiday, spending a day at each over a few days seems like a better option.

          • GG57 on 21/08/2020 - 10:23
            +1

            @onetwothreefour: I have had lots of experience of cruise ships visiting ports in the Pacific.
            You would spend more time on the ship than on land.
            At each port, you will most likely have only 8 - 12 hours at most, to have a quick look around, probably on a pre-arranged tour. If you try to do it yourself, you will be even less efficient in seeing anything of interest.
            Either way, you will have little opportunity to learn anything about the country's culture etc., apart from maybe haggling over a $10 tshirt to 'save' $1-$2.

            Rather, I would recommend a little research into each country and choose one that appeals the most, and go for a week (or more if you can).

    • BOGOF on 20/08/2020 - 16:25
      +1

      I agree. There's a reason they were called floating Petri dishes.

      Edit….Not interested in cruises per se, but thought about doing a transatlantic crossing. I won't be doing that either for a long while.

  • AustriaBargain on 20/08/2020 - 16:42

    I think a cruise as a fabulous idea before the invention of the plane. If you need to go to another country anyway, then why not travel by a relaxing cruise. But nowadays why not fly.

  • Hoju on 20/08/2020 - 17:38
    +8

    No buffet? NEVER!!!!

    In all seriousness I was snooty about cruises before giving up and doing one simply because it was so cheap

    It’s actually an outstandingly stress free way to travel with kids, and see places that are otherwise very difficult and expensive to get to. We stopped at islands and snorkelled in waters we’ve never been in the likes of before or since and saw cultures we never thought we would.

    Not to mention no cooking, cleaning or planning.

    It’s not something I’d do every holiday and it’s very destination dependent but don’t scoff til you’ve tried it…

    • Cluster on 20/08/2020 - 20:31
      +1

      That's probably the prime market: the young with children, and the old retirees who just want a peaceful holiday.

    • CMH on 21/08/2020 - 20:39
      +1

      I've been to a cruise a few years ago. It was the first time ever I've come back from a holiday being 100% relaxed and ready to return to the daily grind.

      At the time all it cost was $100 pp/day. Costs a little bit more now, but still very reasonable considering food/transport/entertainment was largely covered.

      Wouldn't recommend to people who can't sit still though.

  • jennkei on 21/08/2020 - 09:18
    +1

    Lindblad is in a good place to implement this, since their ships are small at only 126-person capacity.

    Tbh that this seems pretty well-thought-out. There are probably other passengers who would miss the more communal things shut down, but I'm a dining-room diner and not a pool user. (I got free hot tub access with my last cruise and only used it…because it was free…) However, this is also clearly a luxury ($1000/night..) expedition type cruise, even before covid. I'm not so sure that the more budget lines would do the same. That said, if they even just restrict travelers from a single state or country, like Lindblad is doing for only US travelers, that would help things. But I would probably not cough up a price increase.

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