Dreams Unlimited Travel Podcast: The Future of Cruising | 06/29/20

[WebmasterJackie]

In this episode, the panel discusses what they believe to be the future of the cruise industry, including changes to dining, cleaning, and other ship areas, along with the panel's feelings on cruising again in the future!

 

[hertamaniac]

I don't believe the CDC has extended the no sail order past July 24th. CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) has stated they will not have sailings through September 15th. CLIA includes almost, if not, all of the ocean cruise lines.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

@hertamaniac - you are correct. I misspoke - I meant CLIA and I said CDC by mistake.

 

[hertamaniac]

@hertamaniac - you are correct. I misspoke - I meant CLIA and I said CDC by mistake.

Understood. If you want to see what Virgin Voyages is doing with their new procedures, here is the link. It's quite impressive and might set a standard for the industry. They claim to have a new air filtration system that kills 99.9% viruses (COVID 19 as well). 1 page summary here: http://atmosair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020_AtmosAir_Coronavirus-Test_OnePager_v01-1.pdf

 

[hertamaniac]

The EU has started to get the cruise line ball rolling with some initial recommendations. It appears that the CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) has also supported these recommendations (the document is 49 pages in length). These are just recommendations at this time and are not binding.

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/eu-releases-guidance-for-resumption-of-cruising
European Union's Healthy Gateways working group released interim advice for the resumption of cruise ship operations. The group's recommendations are comprehensive, covering everything from voyage planning and infection prevention through public health response measures. They include:

- A gradual overall approach to restarting operations, with shorter voyages of 3-7 days and a limited number of port calls;
- A written outbreak management and contingency plan;
- Prior arrangements with ports of call for medical treatment, ambulance transport, quarantine, air evacuation and other services that might be required in the event of an onboard outbreak;
- Ensuring availability of access to repatriation flights in the event of a partial or complete ship evacuation. This would include at least one port on the itinerary with international flight service allowing passengers and crew to go home - a significant challenge in recent months;
- Pre-approved onshore quarantine arrangements for known close contacts of COVID-positive individuals;
- Shoreside isolation arrangements and facilities for people who test positive but do not have symptoms;
- Adequate testing capacity, either on board or by arrangement with a shoreside lab;
- Pre-departure lab testing for all crewmembers, followed by routine health monitoring and periodic surveillance testing;
- Regular tabletop exercises with cruise ship crews for contingency drills;
- Formal assurances and procedures for informing the next port of call about an onboard outbreak;
- Reducing capacity to allow for social distancing, including an allowance in berthing capacity to isolate individuals in single cabins;
- Reduced face-to-face contact between passengers and staff, including altered arrangements for booking and reception;
- Universal use of face masks in indoor areas by both passengers and crew;
- Continuous ventilation of all occupied spaces;
- Physical distancing of 1.5 meters in most indoor spaces and entertainment venues;
- and limits on the usage of pools and hot tubs, including the closure of indoor pools.

 

[hertamaniac]

A few more delays for the initial launches in the cruise industry. I think it's fair to say this was expected.

Enchanted Princess (Princess Cruise Lines/Royal ships) is now pushed out to her inaugural sailing into 2021 (no date given yet). This ship seems to fit our personal demographic based on balconies and top deck space.

Odyssey of the Seas (Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class Plus) is also pushed out to her inaugural sailing into April 2021. I have to admit the rumor of them using drones as part of the onboard theater shows on this ship are amazing.

So a delay, but once they resume sailings I get the sense it will be full bore in terms of bookings.

 

[hertamaniac]

I don't believe the CDC has extended the no sail order past July 24th. CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) has stated they will not have sailings through September 15th. CLIA includes almost, if not, all of the ocean cruise lines.

CDC has issued a no-sail order extended until October. My personal opinion/guess is that we won't see ocean cruise lines sailing from the U.S. until February 2021.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0716-cruise-ship-no-sail-order.html

 

[hertamaniac]

Royal Caribbean to release Muster 2.0 and think it's long overdue.

"Guests will review the safety drill information on their smartphone device or stateroom TV prior to setting sail, eliminating the need for large gatherings."

https://cruiseradio.net/cruise-lines-debuts-new-digital-safety-drill/

 

[hertamaniac]

CDC now surveys the public on what they would like to see for a return to cruising.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/cdc-coronavirus-cruise-no-sail-order-public-opinion
Personal opinion: With a deadline of the public inputs due by September 21st, I highly doubt they can compile all the information for the no-sail order to be lifted on October 1st. This points to a much longer no-sail order. The issue I have is why is the CDC looking to the public for guidance on how to safely re-open the cruise industry? The CDC and the cruise lines should be working together with industry experts to determine the protocols. I see this as another delay and that no other tourism sector was inquired from the CDC to the public on how to open safely.

Survey questions: https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...ng-and-infrastructure-resumption-of-passenger

Here is question #1:

1. Given the challenges of eliminating COVID-19 on board cruise ships while operating with reduced crew on board during the period of the April 15, 2020 No Sail Order Extension, what methods, strategies, and practices should cruise ship operators implement to prevent COVID-19 transmission when operating with passengers?

Question #28:

28. Should cruise ship operators be required to designate a responsible company official who will accept legal responsibility for failure to implement measures to protect public health?

I just can't imagine how the general public can answer these type of questions when I feel it is the core responsibility of the CDC working with the cruise lines.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I guess I’m gonna wait until there is a vaccine or it sputters out cause I’m not going to go on a vacation for a long period wearing a mask....but to each their own!

 

[hertamaniac]

36 crew test positive for virus on Norwegian cruise ship

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2020/0801/1156870-norway-cruise-coronavirus/
https://www.newsweek.com/norway-crusie-ship-covid-roald-amundsen-1522149
Personal opinion: This could easily stall the reopening of the Europe cruise industry. The passengers have already disembarked (~177) before the crew member(s) tested positive. There appears to be a scramble to get the contact tracing instituted and self-isolation recommendation/order. Early reports are that the procedures (masks, distancing, etc.) were in-place during the entire cruise.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

36 crew test positive for virus on Norwegian cruise ship

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2020/0801/1156870-norway-cruise-coronavirus/
https://www.newsweek.com/norway-crusie-ship-covid-roald-amundsen-1522149
Personal opinion: This could easily stall the reopening of the Europe cruise industry. The passengers have already disembarked (~177) before the crew member(s) tested positive. There appears to be a scramble to get the contact tracing instituted and self-isolation recommendation/order. Early reports are that the procedures (masks, distancing, etc.) were in-place during the entire cruise.

how is that even possible?

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

36 crew test positive for virus on Norwegian cruise ship

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2020/0801/1156870-norway-cruise-coronavirus/
https://www.newsweek.com/norway-crusie-ship-covid-roald-amundsen-1522149
Personal opinion: This could easily stall the reopening of the Europe cruise industry. The passengers have already disembarked (~177) before the crew member(s) tested positive. There appears to be a scramble to get the contact tracing instituted and self-isolation recommendation/order. Early reports are that the procedures (masks, distancing, etc.) were in-place during the entire cruise.

Thanks for sharing. I think much of the conversation online has been about adjusting passenger areas.

I think crew areas (both living and working) are equally or perhaps more problematic and harder to fix. Additional space there makes achieving profitability harder.

I think there had also been a history of familiarity among the crew born out of time together and necessity. One blog I watched mentioned the women trade and barter personal care items and also help each other with grooming like nails, brows, simple hair trims etc.

You have a little village living in tight quarters on those ships.

 

[hertamaniac]

Thanks for sharing. I think much of the conversation online has been about adjusting passenger areas.

I think crew areas (both living and working) are equally or perhaps more problematic and harder to fix. Additional space there makes achieving profitability harder.

I think there had also been a history of familiarity among the crew born out of time together and necessity. One blog I watched mentioned the women trade and barter personal care items and also help each other with grooming like nails, brows, simple hair trims etc.

You have a little village living in tight quarters on those ships.

If I understand correctly, there was a protocol that quarantines the crew members for X duration (pick a number between 10-14 days) before they embark on a ship. The logistics must be very costly and challenging if they were to truly enforce this (i.e. establish hotel rooms, food, etc.).

 

[hertamaniac]

Update on the Norwegian cruise ship situation:

It appears that at least 5 of the disembarked passengers have tested positive. Needless to say, contract tracing is in full force. As such, Norway has shut down it ports for cruise ships for at least 2 weeks.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/outbreak-hits-norway-cruise-ship-spread-coast-72142427

 

[hertamaniac]

CLIA extends no sailing through October 31st.

 

[hertamaniac]

This is getting a little tiresome.

Alaska cruise trip ended early due to positive test onboard.

"According to the press release, a passenger on the trip had previously been tested for COVID-19 prior to departing from their home. When they arrived at Juneau International Airport, however, a second test was administered. The passenger was not notified of the positive result until they were already on the boat."

https://www.uncruise.com/about-us/m...dventures-first-sailing-returns-to-port-early
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/alaskan-cruise-cut-short-coronavirus

 

[hertamaniac]

COVID insurance for MSC cruise line:

MSC is offering a unique insurance policy to help kick-start cruising. I think this might push the monetary confidence aspect of guests that might be "on the fence".

'We are strongly recommending they also purchase for €18 per person per weeklong cruise a special COVID insurance policy which we have put together with Europ Assistance covering ticket price refund, or an apportion, if tested positive either at embark or during the cruise.'

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/onorato-msc-cruises-could-be-and-operating-med-month

 

[hertamaniac]

Italy to reopen for cruise ships starting August 15th.

"Only passengers from the approved country list will be able to board and disembark the cruise ship at Italy ports."

https://www.traveloffpath.com/italy-reopening-for-cruise-ships-on-august-15/

 

[hertamaniac]

I would consider this a real test for cruising outside of N.A. since the shutdown(s).

"The MSC Grandiosa will operate at 70% of normal operations with approximately 2,500 passengers on board to ensure safety protocols."

https://www.ship-technology.com/news/msc-grandiosa-first-cruise-five-month-suspension/https://www.foxnews.com/travel/msc-grandiosa-mediterranean-cruise-first-pandemic