We look at the current state of the cruise industry through the lens of a CEO of one of the largest cruise lines. We end with an optimistic video, which was made almost a year ago, by their entertainment department .
Industry Update
As a professional travel advisor, part of my job is to stay informed, so that I can keep my guests updated with the latest information during these unprecedented times.
This morning I attended the 49th trade update presented by Royal Caribbean since the pandemic started. These weekly updates have been very beneficial to me and the rest of the trade industry. Thank you Royal Caribbean Group for your ongoing commitment and efforts during these times.
Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, was guest speaker for this session. This image captured his expressions during his various past appearances, with the latest one reflecting joy about the progress made in resuming operations safely.
In fact, Royal Caribbean Group has already had 100,000 guests onboard. With the new protocols in place, mainly testing and contract tracing, they have only had 10 positive cases of COVID-19 without any major disruption to other passengers or countries visited. This is mainly due to the ability to isolate anyone that is showing symptoms and identify anyone they were in contact with. The industry as a whole has had 350,000 guests sailing successfully since gradually resuming sailings.
We Control the Environment
You might be wondering why there has been such a low percentage of positive cases among these 100,000 passengers. Richard Fain explained that since they are in control of the environment, everyone is tested and contract tracing can identify any possible risk from exposure. He went on to say that the contract tracing technology being used is more effective that what is used on land. There you would be contacted by phone by someone and most likely you wouldn't even know who you had been in contact with. On the ship, they can determine who you were in contact with, and for how long, using the technology put in place. Impacted individuals can quickly be identified and isolated keeping the remaining guests safely protected and not impacting their vacations.
Time to Move On
The various Public Health agencies have detailed information about infectious illnesses and the cruise lines have the data about the cruise industry and protocols. Cooperation and dialog has been very valuable, as well as science and technology, in creating a revised plan to safely resume sailing.
Royal Caribbean has announced homeport changes which will allow them to continue their gradual return to sailing. The latest announcement has sailings embarking from Bermuda starting in June (more on that in another post).
Delivering Great Experience
As you can imagine there were many questions during this session. One agent asked how crew members were holding up. Mr. Fain acknowledged that it had been hard on everyone, especially in the beginning with flight restrictions preventing crew members from getting home. He said that "while the men and women that deliver the great cruise experience had it very difficult, their response was a joy to behold." Royal Caribbean recently had a survey and within 12 hours they had overwhelming responses with the crew anxious to return. He said "I often say that I have the best job in the world. I work with a team that really cares."
Passengers who are disembarking the cruises, that have begun, are giving Royal Caribbean high marks. The cruise experience that Royal is known for is still being delivered. Another technology item that is making a difference is Muster 2.0, which allows passengers to view the safety video at their leisure and checkin at the muster station during a pre-defined period of time. This eliminates social distancing issues while still maintaining the mandatory safety requirements.
Who is Cruising Now
There had been an assumption made that when cruising resumed, the majority of the cruisers would be well-seasoned veteran cruisers. In Singapore for example, 80% of the guests are first time cruisers. In Germany, first time cruisers are at or above the level they were at prior to COVID-19.
What Destinations
Several questions were asked about various cruise destinations. He indicated that there will be a Europe season this summer, but it won't be the same as usual. Royal Caribbean is still working through the various regulatory hurdles. He mentioned that MSC and Costa are currently operating in Europe and Royal Caribbean's Israel to Greece itinerary will be very popular.
Alaska's cruise season is still in question. There has been support by several members of Congress and others, mostly on behalf of businesses in Alaska. The cruise season is short, so you can't just postpone it for a few months. One issue is the it takes months to prepare a ship's sailing so getting timely permissions is crucial.
Royal Caribbean Entertainment
A year ago the world learned about Zoom meetings and soon they discovered you perform music as well. The Royal Caribbean Entertainment team produced this video with performers all over the world to share an inspirational message. The video ends with "We'll Be Back".
This is the last time this video will be seen in its current form. Royal Caribbean is Back (sailing again)!!
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