Cruising and International Travel stopped abruptly in March. What was intimated was that it would only be a “Shelter in Place” for only a couple weeks (to be sure hospitals weren’t overrun – hmmmm) has become months. While Texas is opening up – too slowly, in my opinion – not all states are. Nor are all countries.
In April, I booked a very reduced rate cruise for mid-May. I thought, we’ll be able to sail by then – surely. However, the cruise lines keep setting dates and pushing them back. The same thing goes for other travel.
This isn’t their fault, since they are at the mercy of countries opening their borders (Canada has stopped all large ships from entering their waters through October 31 – say goodbye to Alaska cruises and the Fall Foliage cruises in the northeast) and the CDC is playing games, too.
Cruise ships have always been one of the safest ways to travel when it comes to cleanliness. Have you ever gone to a restaurant that told you you had to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before you entered? You will on a cruise ship – even before COVID-19.
Cruise ships that leave or stop at any US port are required to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships. There are surprise inspections, too. These guidelines are very strict, too. The cruise industry is the only one that has to meet these very high standards. If you want to know more about this, please download this file put out by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), of which Wayne and I are members (and I have a certification from them):
Put it this way, you are probably safer on a cruise ship than in the town you live, from cleanliness to crime.
If you have any questions or concerns about cruising, let us know and we’ll get the answers you need.