Spring Cruises Look Unlikely to Sail

With ocean-going departures from American ports suspended until at least April 11, here’s what those interested in spring cruises can expect. Last week, the global cruise line industry all but ground to a halt, with the biggest companies suspending operations, at least in the United States, for 30 days. The decision, announced by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department urged Americans to avoid cruise ships, and the United States banned most travel from Europe. Thirty-two million passengers were expected to embark on ocean cruises in 2020, according to CLIA, though that number will certainly drop given the coronavirus pandemic.

People over 60, an important cruise customer demographic, are especially at risk from the virus. When sailings begin again, travelers can expect increased passenger health and travel screenings and changes in cleaning and food service procedures; loosened trip cancellation and change policies may also stay in effect. Approximately 40 ships and 90,000 passengers were at sea at the time new sailings were suspended. Two of those ships, the Costa Luminosa and the Braemar, operated by the Fred Olsen Cruise line, are known to have had passengers or crew infected with the coronavirus and have had trouble finding ports that will accept them.

Cuba finally allowed the second ship to dock. Here’s what passengers can expect: All major cruise companies, including Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest, with 100 ships sailing under 10 brands; Norwegian Cruise Lines; MSC Cruises; and Royal Caribbean, are, at a minimum, suspending sailings from American ports until at least April 11. Virgin Voyages, a new cruise endeavor and part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, announced it would postpone the launch of its first ship, Scarlet Lady, from March to July. Mid-March through April is the time of year many United States-based ships typically head across the Atlantic to begin the European cruising season.

That season looks unlikely to go forward. The C. D. C.

has classified Europe as an area with “Widespread Sustained Transmission” of Covid-19 and has given it a Level 3 Warning, asking citizens to avoid nonessential travel. That is the same warning level applied to China, South Korea and Iran. The State Department has restricted all but United States citizens and legal permanent residents from returning from Europe.