In 2020, the cruise industry was faced with challenges it had never experienced before. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cruiselines were forced to completely halt sailings for the majority of the year.
In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, the cruise industry took immediate and aggressive action to enforce safety protocols and procedures, working under the guidance of international and national health authorities every step of the way.
Now, heading into 2021, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, with announcements of vaccines that will soon be available to the public!
We’ve received word from our cruise line partners that the demand for cruises are at an all-time high, and sailing dates are booking well into the future. With all of the pent-up demand for cruising, now might be the best time to think about rebooking that cruise vacation you had to cancel in 2020 with your future cruise credit. Or if you’re hoping to cruise in the future and don’t have a future cruise credit, booking early will ensure you are able to still lock in your dream sailing amongst the surging demand.
Cruise lines are seeing an increase in demand for voyages setting sail in 2021 and beyond
The cruise industry has always enjoyed a dedicated, passionate following of cruise enthusiasts who fall in love with this method of travel and book cruises annually, if not more frequently.
With so many cruisers having to cancel their sailing plans in 2020, most cruise lines have offered Future Cruise Credits so travellers can still plan to sail again without losing their deposit or payment. Many cruise lines already have availability for 2022 and even 2023 sailings, and some even are offering sailings for later in 2021.
According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading trade organization for the cruise industry, a study they performed for the annual 2021 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook found that 74% of cruisers say they are “likely to cruise” in the next few years, and 50% say they will cruise within the year. 90% of cruisers said they would wear a mask.
Multiple major cruise companies and travel agencies receiving incoming bookings have shown that cruisers are still interested in sailing. This tells us that once travel restrictions are lifted, there will be a huge surge in demand for cruising.
We recommend to think about booking soon to avoid cruises selling out. In addition to ensuring you reserve space for your prefered sailing itinerary and date, booking early also makes it possible to get some great deals on your dream cruise!
Risk-Free Cruise Bookings – Free Changes and Cancellations
Many cruise lines have programs in place allowing guests to change or even cancel their voyage for free, receiving another future cruise credit, if there are government restrictions in place.
How to Book with a Future Cruise Credit
Contact your TierOne Travel consultant to redeem your Future Cruise Credit. We’re always here to help you plan your trip and answer your travel-related questions.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions to ask or are ready to book your next cruise vacation!
What will your Future Cruise Credit Cover?
A Future Cruise Credit can be applied to the base cruise fare on a new booking. However, it usually cannot be used to pay the initial deposit.
Future cruise credits are usually non-transferable, so they cannot be applied to cover the cost of someone else’s cruise.
Depending on the cruise line, the future cruise credit might not cover port taxes and fees, prepaid gratuities, and shore excursions.
Contact your TierOne Travel Consultant to learn more about the Future Cruise Credit you have received and how it can be applied to future bookings.
How is Cruising going to Change?
New Health and Hygiene Standards
Travelers should expect ships to look a little different. Cruise ships will have strict health and safety standards. Personal protective equipment is now a must-have amenity, and cleaning will be frequent and thorough in all public spaces.
Clean Air
One of the best ways to combat the spread of coronavirus is to make sure that the ventilation onboard can filter out any dangerous particles. Cruise lines are taking measures to upgrade their air filtration to the highest possible standards. Similar to the HEPA-filtered air on airplanes, air on cruise ships will become much safer.
Health Screening
Most cruise ships will now have enhanced medical centers that will be able to handle a potential outbreak. Passengers will have to fill out health screening questionnaires, making sure that they meet all regional requirements and guidelines. These screenings may be different, depending what destinations are part of the ship’s itinerary.
Passengers will undergo testing at least twice throughout the duration of their cruise. Guests will be tested before boarding the ship, and before getting off the ship at their destination. There may also be other times during the cruise when passengers may need to be tested. Boarding may take longer than previously experienced, as passengers will have to wait for a negative result before they can board their ship.
Face Masks
For the foreseeable future, it will be required that cruise passengers wear face masks while onboard the cruise ship in public scapes. And depending on the destinations, travellers may have to wear a mask during certain situations while off the ship.
Social Distancing
Cruise lines are changing venues to accommodate social distancing requirements. Cruisers will see plexiglass barriers and less tables and chairs in entertainment venues to ensure guests are safely distanced.
Onboard Entertainment
Travelers can look forward to entertainment while onboard but of course, changes designed to keep performers and audiences alike safe from COVID-19 will be coming to shipboard entertainment once cruising resumes.
New Approach to Dining
Guests will find themselves with plenty of options for dining onboard ships, but it will be modified to accommodate for safety and distance. Tables will be more spread out and there will be more grab-and-go items. Buffets haven’t been completely wiped out. On many cruise ships, there will still be a type of buffet experience, with crew members behind plexiglass serving guests the items they request.
GET PEACE OF MIND WITH TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before you travel, be sure you have enough coverage. Travel insurance will provide you with peace of mind on your vacation. Find out more about Manulife travel insurance here.
START PLANNING YOUR VACAY TODAY
When you’re ready to make your travel dreams come true, contact one of our TierOne Travel agents today! They have extensive experience in life-changing travel and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs.
One call; endless experiences!
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
