Cruising

Over the years, we’ve been on two ocean cruises and a short river cruise (as part of a tour). These haven’t been “top of the range” cruises, but it has given us an insight into what’s involved with this form of travel.

Certainly the industry is conducting an email campaign to retain enthusiasm for cruising and to reassure the client base that it is taking the COVID-19 issues seriously.

Likewise, there have been lots of advertisements in the print media (such as the weekend “travel” pages), and there have been a few upbeat reports from industry sources about the enthusiasm for past cruisers to resume their travels.

I’m not sure how widespread this sentiment is, but I can imagine that within the “cruise demographic”, it may well have some currency.   In fact, a friend has tentatively booked not one but two cruises for future years!    Another friend is actively planning what they might do.  I’m told that the deposits are relatively modest and are a good insurance against the possibility that the cost of cruising is likely to rise, given that post-virus, passenger and crew densities are likely to have to be lower, and there are likely to be additional operating costs.   Just the same, although the mid-range cruise passenger is often looking for a “good deal” I suspect that if prices do generally increase across the board, then the cost of itself won’t be an issue for many of those that have been “regulars” in the past.