An ongoing survey by Cruise Critic, a popular website for cruise enthusiasts, has revealed sharp differences over likely upcoming changes in what cruising will be like in the future as health and safety become prime considerations.
More than 5,300 readers responded, more than two-thirds of them veterans for more than ten cruises. In general, they are okay with guidelines from European regulators and the U.S. CDC that call for testing, wearing masks, keeping social distance and the like.
On the other hand, issues that cruisers said would cause them to drop cruising or consider doing that include shortened cruises (a week or less), elimination of indoor pools and hydro-therapy, reduced amenities and cabin service and more port-call restrictions, and elimination of self-service buffet stations.
Overall, a bit over 10% said the restrictions would cause them to stop, while 15% said they were in favor of all the proposed rules. About a quarter each said they were leaning against cruising, leaning toward accepting the changes, and undecided.
