Travel news
The first cruise ships are starting to set sail – but what safety precautions have they put in the place?
Of all the industries decimated by coronavirus, cruise ships must be among the worst-hit. Enclosed, communal, and often isolated for long periods of time, there’s no doubt Covid can wreak havoc on a liner should it manage to sneak aboard.
Many analysts have found it difficult plotting a course for the industry through a post-Covid world, but recently the first cruise ships once more braved the waves – albeit on limited itineraries.
Plain sailing?
In Germany the TUI Cruises liner Mein Schiff 2 (literally, My Ship 2), was first out of the blocks, setting sail from Hamburg for a weekend voyage in the North Sea.
The ship did not stop at any ports, and was restricted to 60% occupancy – eventually welcoming 1,200 passengers out of a normal maximum of 2,900. Customers and crew filled out health questionnaires and had their temperatures taken before boarding. Masks were mandatory in communal areas, and passengers were banned from serving themselves at the ship’s buffet.
On the water
Seven time zones and and 9,000 kilometres away, another cruise company dipped in a toe with an island-hopping tour of Taiwan.
The Genting Hong Kong’s Explorer Dream ship received some 900 domestic holidaymakers (only a third of capacity).
The ship was equipped with 22 designated wards to isolate passengers if any fell ill, and a 21-day health screening process completed by the 500-strong crew before boarding. Dining tables are divided by screens, client-facing crew have been decked out with masks and gloves, and the on-board casino and spa have been closed.
What’s next?
Germany and Taiwan have both seen success in their efforts to curb the virus, and for both boats it’s so far so good, but the cruise industry will ultimately depend on consumer confidence.
It may take a good deal more healthy seafaring to convince swathes of the general public that it’s safe to go back on the water.