What’s it like to go on a cruise now? Here’s how COVID-19 has changed the onboard experience
Hugo Martin
Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — The cruise industry suffered its biggest financial blow in decades when the COVID-19 pandemic halted most sailings for months and made nervous cruise fans think twice about booking an ocean voyage.
But cruising is back and all signs point to a turn of the tide for the industry: More cruises are scheduled to depart the Port of Los Angeles next year than in 2019.
Carnival Corp., the world’s largest cruise company, reported that bookings for the second half of 2022 already surpassed bookings for 2019. Royal Caribbean cruises for 2022 are nearly at 2019 levels, the company’s chief financial officer, Jason Liberty, said on a recent earnings calls.
Despite the shutdown, the world’s cruise lines have more than 100 new ships on order to set sail by 2027. The Majestic Princess, a ship designed to serve the Chinese market, made its maiden call from the Port of L.A. on Oct. 6. Some 200 cruises are scheduled to depart from there in 2022, up from 120 in 2019.
What are cruise lines requiring of passengers? How have boarding, dining and other activities on board changed? We gathered some information to answer common questions.
What’s it like to go on a cruise now? Here’s how COVID-19 has changed the onboard experience
A. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all passengers be fully vaccinated before boarding a cruise ship. The world’s largest cruise companies now require passengers leaving U.S. ports to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions. Vaccines are required for passengers on Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines.
You will usually be required to show proof of vaccination at the terminal before boarding. Some cruise lines will also require passengers — whether vaccinated or not — to show proof of a COVID-19 test taken within two days of boarding a vessel. Check the requirements and protocols of your particular cruise.
A. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all passengers be fully vaccinated before boarding a cruise ship. The world’s largest cruise companies now require passengers leaving U.S. ports to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions. Vaccines are required for passengers on Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines.
You will usually be required to show proof of vaccination at the terminal before boarding. Some cruise lines will also require passengers — whether vaccinated or not — to show proof of a COVID-19 test taken within two days of boarding a vessel. Check the requirements and protocols of your particular cruise.
What’s it like to go on a cruise now? Here’s how COVID-19 has changed the onboard experience
A. Most ships are sailing at less than full capacity, partly to encourage physical distancing. The Majestic Princess left on its maiden voyage from the Port of Los Angeles at about 60% capacity. The cruise lines plan to increase capacity over the next few months.
A. Most ships are sailing at less than full capacity, partly to encourage physical distancing. The Majestic Princess left on its maiden voyage from the Port of Los Angeles at about 60% capacity. The cruise lines plan to increase capacity over the next few months.
What’s it like to go on a cruise now? Here’s how COVID-19 has changed the onboard experience
A. You won’t be required to assemble at a designated spot on the ship to hear the pre-departure safety instruction, also known as the “safety muster drill.” Instead, passengers can watch parts of the safety drill on their stateroom televisions or on a cruise ship app.
Spas and gyms remain open, but some cruise lines limit them to only vaccinated guests. Hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout the ships.
A. You won’t be required to assemble at a designated spot on the ship to hear the pre-departure safety instruction, also known as the “safety muster drill.” Instead, passengers can watch parts of the safety drill on their stateroom televisions or on a cruise ship app.
Spas and gyms remain open, but some cruise lines limit them to only vaccinated guests. Hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout the ships.
What’s it like to go on a cruise now? Here’s how COVID-19 has changed the onboard experience
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line's new ship Mardi Gras made its debut last summer at Port Canaveral. Carnival, the world's largest cruise company, reported that bookings for the second half of 2022 already surpassed bookings for 2019. (Carnival Cruise Line/TNS)
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line's new ship Mardi Gras made its debut last summer at Port Canaveral. Carnival, the world's largest cruise company, reported that bookings for the second half of 2022 already surpassed bookings for 2019. (Carnival Cruise Line/TNS)
