While a cautious world slowly emerges from the pandemic, some sectors are still facing a long wait before the recovery reaches them. The cruise industry in the U.S. is one such sector.
Port Canaveral in Florida was once the world’s second-largest cruising port. Now it resembles a ghost town. Massive terminals sit empty, parking lots are full of unused shuttle buses while the surrounding hotels, restaurants, and bars are struggling to survive on a mere slither of their normal trade.
The entire maritime tourism industry in the U.S. was closed down at the very start of the pandemic, and now many in the industry fear they are about to lose a second summer of trade as it awaits a go-ahead to resume operations.
The U.S. has been slower to give the green light when compared to other countries. The U.K., Italy, and Singapore are amongst those that have already restarted cruises or set a clear date when they can resume.
According to the industry’s trade organization, over 400,000 people have already safely undertaken cruises since July 2020.
In the U.S., the decision is down to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC did lift its “no-sail” order in October 2020, replacing the order with a set of rules and criteria that the industry has criticized heavily.
The 40-page document of rules and regulations has been described as indecipherable and completely impractical. One regulation requires that cruise lines conduct practice cruises with volunteer passengers before they can offer normal service.
Port Canaveral’s Chief Executive Officer, captain John Murray, has called this measure ludicrous, saying – “I refer to it as the impossible to sail order, because no business could operate profitably.”
In response, the CDC has said that new guidance measures are in the pipeline. In a statement they say – “Future orders and technical instructions will address additional activities to help cruise lines prepare for and return to passenger operations in a manner that mitigates Covid-19 risk amongst passengers, crew members.” They said they would not comment any further on the matter. The White House also refused to comment.
In the meantime, the industry is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Time is rolling on and if they want to save anything from this year’s cruising season, they need guidance immediately. Safety measures will need to be implemented and crews gathered from around the world.
Already in the U.S., theme parks, airlines, and casinos are all operating with restrictions in place. The cruise companies say they can do the same.
Returning to normal operations is not the only worry cruise lines have. Other companies are stepping in to fill the vacuum. Genting Cruise Lines, a Hong Kong-based company, have already said that they intend to start cruises from a Bahama base in July, bypassing CDC regulations. Royal Caribbean Group have followed suit, announcing that they intent to cruise from Nassau starting in June.
Returning to normality after the pandemic was never going to be plain sailing, but for the cruise companies, the forecast is particularly stormy.