The testimonies of passengers who have been stuck on cruise ships during the Covid-19 pandemic give us a pretty accurate idea of how terrible it would be to be in lockdown on a cruise liner. Even though cruise lines are still running in 2020, it’s unlikely that many people will return to cruising until serious changes are made to the industry. Keep reading to find out how cruising might be different after Corona.
The Health Screenings Will Be More Intense
Thanks to Covid-19, there are many parts of traditional cruising that will most likely be obsolete by 2030. One of the biggest changes to the typical cruising experience will be the healthcare measures, which are likely to be more intense. Travelers might expect to face more advanced health screenings that could take into account and pre-existing illnesses. It’s possible that anybody embarking on a cruise will have to provide a certificate from a doctor giving them a clean bill of health, in addition to submitting to a temperature test upon boarding.
Cruise ships were encouraging passengers to consistently sanitize their hands throughout the journey, but it is likely that those sanitation procedures will also be increased.
There Could Be Robots On Board
Robots onboard cruise ships sound like something you’d expect to find in a science-fiction novel. But we could be seeing this sooner than we thought. It’s possible that sterilization robots could be employed to clean cruise ships since they are already being used elsewhere in the travel industry. Already, some hotels use robots to provide premium sanitation.
Now that hygiene standards have been lifted due to the pandemic, it’s likely that technology will advance further to make it easier to achieve these standards. Don’t be surprised if you run into a cleaning robot on your next cruise!
Cruise Ship Design Could Change
Another consequence of Covid-19 on the travel industry is that cruise ship design could change for the long-term. There is no solid evidence to say what the future designs might look like, but USA Today reported that cruise lines will likely consult design experts to minimize the spread of infection. Any designs that do come to fruition would aim to ensure passenger safety.
It’s possible that cruise ships might take fewer passengers on board in the future and space out dining tables, pool chairs, and other amenities to maintain some level of social distancing. Areas purposely built for quarantine might also be implemented so it’s easier to contain diseases in the event of another viral outbreak.
Table Service Instead Of Buffets
Buffets are a quintessential part of the traditional cruising experience, with many foodies choosing to go on cruises just to enjoy several days of all-you-can-eat food. However, buffets are one of the quickest ways to spread harmful bacteria, so it’s possible that these will be replaced by table service in the future.
It’s also possible that buffets could remain however every serving station will be manned by crew members who will serve the food. It is unlikely that passengers will be allowed to have direct contact with any food that isn’t already on their plates in the interest of preventing the spread of infection.
Increased Demand For Smaller-Scale Cruising
Another way that Covid-19 could change cruise ship travel is by creating conditions that increase the demand for smaller-scale cruising. Due to social distancing and social gathering laws that might take some time to disappear, large cruise ships might be temporarily replaced with smaller expedition ships and river cruises. Cruise ships might also become more about the shore excursions that allow people to get out and be in the fresh air, rather than the experience of remaining for several days in a floating resort.