Cruise Industry Covid-19 Response

Courtesy of CLIA (cruising.org)

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)  is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates, and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually.

They have assembled the latest industry facts and resources and summarizes the current state as follows:   (click here for the latest news and resources)

 As the world continues to address challenges regarding COVID-19, the top priority for the entire cruise community—including cruise lines, travel agents, ports, destinations, suppliers and beyond—continues to be the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities in the places we visit. 

CLIA and its member lines have invested in research, worked with global experts, and closely cooperated with national and regional health, transport and safety authorities in specific regions to develop world leading health and safety protocols. In fact, to date, we have put in place more than 75 science-led measures. 

The industry’s successful resumption in Europe, parts of Asia, the UK, and parts of North America demonstrate a promising example that a responsible return to cruising is possible with the right measures in place.   

Cruise Ships Singled Out

In all the hospitality and travel sectors, people gather in close contact to socialize and enjoy shared experiences.  Last year this time there was a perception that the incidents of  COVID-19 were higher on cruise ships than other sectors and industries.

Cruise Ships Differ From Other Sectors & Industries

CLIA member lines are required to have credentialed doctors and nurses onboard who are required to provide health declarations detailing illnesses of individuals onboard to port authorities around the globe prior to a ship’s entry. Neither airlines, hotels, nor any other travel and tourism sector is required to report the same information.

This lopsided reporting isn't new with COVID-19.  The media has always singed out incidents of Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, while similar events occurring elsewhere in the travel and hospitality sectors go unreported.  The following is not new:

How do CLIA member cruise lines promote public health? 

• CLIA ocean-going cruise ships are the only form of travel or passenger transportation that must be medically equipped to care for passengers or crew in the event of illness 
• medical facilities must meet the standards set forth by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 
• cruise ships must have an examination room, an intensive care room and equipment for processing labs, monitoring vital signs and administering medications 
• doctors and medical personnel MUST be available onboard 24/7 

We will take a closer look at some of the new technology and protocols that are currently in place to provide a safe and healthy environment for your vacation.   You will learn that since the cruise line controls their environment, a cruise vacation is one of the safest things you can do today.

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM Eastern for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Fall in Love With Cruising

(Updated 10/2/2021)

Why Cruise...now more than ever?

Cruising has been suspended for most of 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Cruisers are ready to go.  According to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) survey, as of June 2020, one out of three cruisers likely to cruise again, was willing to cruise within six months, thus the end of year, another 46% within a year.

There has been a misperception that incidence of COVID-19 is higher on cruise travel than other sectors and industries.  We will take a look at Cruise Industry COVID-19 facts and present highlights of the plan to resume cruise travel with additional measures in place.

Cruising has it all and then some

You can expect an all-inclusive experience on a cruise vacation. This means that almost everything is included at a fixed price that you are aware of in advance. Below is a list of amenities that are typically included in the cost of your cruise:

1. Full meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Special children's menus are also available.
   
2. Full buffet meals per day (breakfast, lunch and midnight)
   
3. 24-hour room service on many ships.
   
4. Access to all shipboard facilities, including casino, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, on-board lectures, card rooms, and an extensive array of interactive games, contests and more...
   
5. Supervised children's activities offered on a daily basis.
   
6. Spectacular entertainment including Broadway and Las Vegas-style shows, lounges, nightclubs, movies, dancing and so much more...
7. Up close and personal visits to some of the world's most amazing destinations
   
8. Unpack once - visit multiple countries on most cruises

On most cruise lines, gratuities (a suggested amount is $13.50 - $15.50 per day per person, or $94.50 -$108.50 per passenger per week for a 7-day cruise, paid at the end of the cruise) are not included. Additionally, port charges and government fees and shore excursions on a few ships require an additional cost.  

What's in Store for YOU from Cruise Lines this Month?

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) member lines have pulled out all the stops this month to introduce you to cruising.  Working with your CLIA certified travel professional (I'm a certified) Master Cruise Counselor) you can take advantage of the right offer for you and your traveling companions from among the 26+ member lines.

Watch this video to learn more about cruising.   Next we suggest that you explore our First Time Cruisers page to get answers to some of your burning questions.  We'd be happy to have a lengthy conversation with you as well.  We'd love to see you Fall in Love with Cruising. 

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Connect With Us On

    
    

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM Eastern for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat