Let's Cut the Cruise Lines Some Slack

Jan115 · June 24, 2020

The cruise industry was dealt another blow last week during the Covid-19 pandemic when CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) announced a voluntary suspension of its member lines' departures through September 15, resulting in yet another delay in boarding a ship for cruisers. This, despite the CDC’s plan to lift their ban on cruising on July 24. As a re-start date for cruising is pushed further and further away, the cruising public is becoming more and more impatient and madder than a swarm of hornets. They want their cruise, and they want it now, no matter the consequences.

While it’s understandable to be upset, venting personal attacks toward the cruise lines on social media and community forums is not helpful. Case in point: the “CDC Reopen Cruising” petition being circulated on change-dot-org, demanding that cruisers be allowed to board, citing that if restaurants, casinos and shopping malls can re-open, then “why can’t I eat, gamble or shop on a cruise ship?” Well, the reason is simple: because Covid-19 is still very much alive and present. Just look at the recent resurgence of the virus in several states presumably due to the public’s letting down their guard, gathering in crowds without masks with little or no social distancing.

Those who are in a hurry to resume life as usual seem to forget that an asymptomatic person boarding a ship can pass the temp check and medical screening with flying colors, but still has the potential to infect hundreds of fellow passengers - on a ship with 5,000 passengers, far from home, perhaps resulting in mandatory quarantine. The cruise lines - and their related travel partners - have lost so much already but, at the same time, have put health and safety preparations in place to be ready when it's time to set sail again. Another halt in cruise operations similar to what occurred earlier in the year would be a major setback, possibly resulting in cruise industry ruin.

The cruise lines have shouldered billion dollar losses over the last months, and it’s safe to say that they want to be back on the ocean as much as their guests do. However, the health and safety of their guests remain a high priority, as well as the ability to provide a positive vacation experience.

Until the CLIA member lines determine that it’s safe to welcome guests back, let’s try and be patient. Continue to find enjoyment in other things, wear our masks, gather in safe distances, and do our part to stop the spread of Covid-19. Most of all, remember that just because ships aren’t sailing now, doesn’t mean they aren’t taking reservations for the future. Think optimistically and plan now for a cruise in 2021 or 2022. Having a great cruise to look forward to later will ease the frustration you’re feeling now.

By Janice Neves (CruiseCrazies Member and Authorized Agent)

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

Image by Ed Judkins from Pixabay

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