Where is it safe to go cruising in 2021

More than a year after the Covid-19 stopped cruising, there are clear indications that the cruise could be returning.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted this month that cruises could resume in mid-summer (with restrictions), in a move encouraged by cruise operators and lovers.

This comes after months of increasing pressure from the industry, which claims it has been treated unfairly due to coronavirus restrictions, prompting Carnival to consider moving the ships and the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, demanded it.

Still, with government regulation and vaccination implementations varying around the world, seafarers have a lot to navigate. CNBC’s Global Traveler took a look at what to expect from cruises in 2021.

Currently, departures from U.S. ports remain banned under CDC guidelines, despite calls to resume on July 1st. This includes major cruise trips to Alaska, where Gov. Mike Dunleavy is threatening legal action.

The Caribbean, however, moves on, as long as passengers leave the islands.

Starting in June, Royal Caribbean will conduct a series of routes through the region from the Bahamas and St. Maarten. Crystal Cruises will start from the Bahamas in June, while the Norwegian will start in August, with departures from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Europe is also crossing.

Greece is the destination of choice for many operators, with Norwegian and luxury cruise ships Celebrity Cruises, Seaborn and Ponant planning flights with ports of call in the Greek islands this summer. MSC Cruises will also conduct a series of itineraries around Europe starting in May, with calls to locations in Italy, Malta, France, Spain, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro.

Venice is included in the MSC Cruises routes, although boarding from the city’s historic port will soon be a thing of the past, as Italian officials have indicated that cruises will be redirected to the nearby industrial port, according to a new rule environmental.

However, some operators, including MSC Cruises, only cater to passengers living in the Schengen area of ​​the European Union. International visitors should take note of any restrictions on residence and flight to the country of embarkation before booking.

Meanwhile, the so-called “nowhere cruises” continue to expand. As round trips without ports of call and mandatory pre-departure tests, they are considered a low-risk option for holidaymakers who want to escape.

Singapore’s holiday destinations have proven to be so popular that last month city-state cruises accounted for a third of the industry’s total passengers, with Royal Caribbean and Genting leading operators to extend their seasons to the end. ‘October.

In the UK, companies are also getting involved with the idea. Starting in June, P&O, Princess Cruises, Disney, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean will set sail for the British Isles, many with national stops.

For the most part, cruises will only be available to vaccinated people.

In January, British operator Saga Cruises was dismayed when it became the first cruise line to introduce mandatory vaccination. But now, companies recognize it as the norm, said Tom McAlpin, CEO and president of Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s adult-only cruise line.

“We know this is the future,” McAlpin said. “As an adult-only cruise line, we can offer a highly controlled and safe environment for everyone on board.”

Crystal Cruises, Norwegian, P&O, Viking and Celebrity Cruises have followed suit, introducing vaccine requirements for adult passengers. Royal Caribbean has forced vaccinations on some routes, including the Caribbean, while Carnival Cruises has not yet announced any such measures.

The emphasis on safety and health will also extend to the experience on board. Buffets will no longer be there and entertainment may be limited, as cleaning takes center stage.

“While traditionally, the act of keeping a boat clean would have been done in the background … the‘ cleaning theater ’will have a greater interest for consumers and hospitality brands will have their cleaning protocols in place. front and center, ”said Elle Kross, director of strategy at digital marketing firm Movable Ink.

Meanwhile, passengers can expect new technologies, from virtual queues and contactless payments to thermal temperature controls and UV sanitation, to reduce in-person contact on board.

“Operators have done a lot of work … leveraging modern technology, implementing new processes and empowering employees to work with new policies and guidelines,” said Vijay Achanti, North American hospitality director at global consulting firm Capgemini .

With new measures in place and announcing more routes, holidaymakers seem to be gaining confidence. Bookings for 2021 have risen, with Crystal Cruises last month recording its largest booking day in its 30-year history.

The route ahead seems even clearer. Advanced U.S. cruise ticket sales for 2022 so far exceed those seen in 2019 for the 2020 season, according to Google data analyzed by travel site Trips to Discover as travelers plan new trips and rescheduled.

Most of those bookings continue to come from regular cruises, said Kross of Movable Ink. Last month, Carnaval reported that 55% of its bookings up to 2021 so far come from “brand loyalists”. But newcomers are also beginning to see cruises as a portion of “pre-lived normalcy,” he said.

Still, many do so with caution, said Jeanie Johnson of Jeanie Johnson’s tour operator, Jeanie’s Journey, who noted that most holidaymakers opt for suites and cabins with balconies.

“While these cruises are fully vaccinated and ready to get started, they are a little wary,” he continued. “They want to be able to access the outside … just in case.”