Cruise Lines To Return To Fewer International Destination Options

In the travel industry, it is no secret that the cruise sector is aiming to get back to business as quickly as possible. Carnival Cruise Lines looks to be first among the major international cruise companies to return, with voyages already scheduled to begin on August 1. But the kind of cruise itineraries that travelers enjoyed just several months ago will likely not return soon, as many countries have instituted temporary moratoriums on cruise ships calling on their ports.

WashingtonPost.com reports that there is a growing list of countries that have declared no-sail orders for cruise ships including Canada, Australia, and the Cayman Islands. These announcements reflect a fact that many already intuitively knew: though cruise ships may return to the seas their destinations in the short term will be significantly limited.

Speaking about the hazards of allowing cruise travel during this delicate time, Rob Kwortnik, an associate professor at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, echoed authorities’ primary question: “Is it worth the risk of bringing in tourists, whether it’s cruise or not, bringing tourists in and potentially increasing that exposure?”

Several countries have decided that, for the time being, it’s not worth the risk. The Cayman Islands has extended its no sale order to September 1, Australia has extended its to September 17, and Canada has banned cruising through October 31.

One destination that is open for business is the Bahamas. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has announced that it will return to cruising the day after the current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) no-sail order expires on July 24.