After months of shutdown and no-sail orders and questions over new regulations, a clearer and brighter picture is beginning to emerge for the cruise industry and its loyal customers.
Most cruise lines, especially those operating in U.S. waters—the bulk of the industry—have repeatedly put off their restart dates, even when regulators have given conditiona approval, and few are selling cruises for any earlier than late spring. Many in the industry believe that the best bet is to wait until vaccination is widespread; a restart, even under stringent testing requirements could come undone quickly, as has happened with some early starters.
The good news for the industry, though, is that its fan-base can hardly wait to set sail, and bookings for the second half of 2021 are reported strong by most lines. And, in a study by the Cruise Lines International Association taken among past cruise customers, 73% indicated they plan to cruise again within the next couple of years, with 50% saying the expect to cruise within a year.
