CRUISE UPDATE : No Cruising This Year. Why?

Editorial Summary

Gary Bembridge outlines six primary reasons why ocean cruising is unlikely to resume until 2021. He begins by noting that major cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, have already cancelled or postponed voyages globally and are seeking additional capital to sustain operations without revenue. A second major hurdle is the lack of finalized safety protocols agreed upon by health authorities like the CDC. Furthermore, the creator explains that mainstream cruising is hindered by the closure of many international ports and a growing resistance from countries to allow ships to move between borders. The difficulty of repatriating and mobilizing thousands of crew members due to travel restrictions also presents a significant logistical barrier. Additionally, health authorities currently view cruising as a high-risk environment for virus transmission due to the concentrated nature of passengers and crew. Finally, governments fear that any potential outbreak on a ship would overwhelm local medical resources that are already stretched thin. Bembridge concludes that these combined factors suggest a pessimistic outlook for the industry throughout the remainder of 2020.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.