CRUISE SHIP NEWS

摘要

The Coronavirus Pandemic continues to ravage the Cruise industry and everyday life in general worldwide. Despite the arrival of further Covid waves, vaccine development gives cause for optimism and confidence for the future. The challenges are stark, both financially and operationally. The protracted uncertainty has been dominated by cancellations, extended pauses, potential restarts, relocations, delayed new buildings, disposal of older vessels, scrappage, repeated itinerary revisions, loan acquisitions, financial restructuring, share issues, and mounting debts. Meanwhile, cruise ships themselves are in port, at anchor or drifting in sheltered places around the world awaiting their next paying passengers. The current situation is particularly fluid. Government border closures and severe travel restrictions will first need to be addressed and industry wide testing, vaccine certification, and clean health protocols established and in place. Most major operators are in a state of preparation and readiness for the return of cruising as we know it. Cruise sales for 2022 are reported to be buoyant and give cause for an optimistic future for cruising.