Who was left aboard the “EMPTY” cruise ships during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Editorial Summary

The creator explains that cruise ships remained operational during the Covid-19 pandemic despite the absence of passengers. While many vessels were laid up or anchored, they were not truly empty. Most ships carried between 100 and 120 people, including a captain, a chief engineer, and various officers and crew members to meet legal manning requirements. The video details how the crew managed logistical challenges, such as the repatriation crisis caused by international border closures, which was eventually eased when seafarers were declared essential workers. During the shutdown, crew members often moved into passenger accommodations to gain more space and better ventilation. Their responsibilities shifted to maintaining the ships, which included conducting emergency drills, performing engine room maintenance, and even flushing toilets in empty cabins to maintain hygiene standards. The creator concludes by noting that cruise lines are currently working on the monumental task of re-crewing ships to prepare for a return to service.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.