Due to Covid 19 most cruise lines were shut down for the greater part of 2020, 2021 and are still on hold now into 2022. Major cruise lines are cautiously planning their re-opening cruises for sometime after June. Once cruising is rescheduled, there will be Covid restrictions in place. The rules may vary between cruise lines, but in general guests will need to show proof of their Covid vaccinations and may need to be tested as they board. Masks and social distancing may be required in some places and in some circumstances. It will pay to be cautious as cruising fun resumes.
Some smaller cruise lines have been offering “cruises to nowhere”. They embark from a home port, serve primarily local guests and offer no excursions or stops along the way. Guests can enjoy on-board living and dining and a getaway from the confines of long months of quarantine. Some of these cruise lines are: Royal Caribbean out of Singapore, Genting from Malang, Malaysia, Nicko from Tenerife to the Canary Islands, American Cruise Lines from Amelia Island to Charleston, South Carolina, and Coral Expeditions and True North for domestic cruises in Australia.
Good News
The good news is all the major cruise lines are booking trips now for late 2021 and 2022, and are offering some wonderful deals. Because of the uncertainty of Covid, most cruise lines are offering risk-free cancellation policies which mean you can cancel a certain number of days before a cruise and receive a full refund. If you cancel closer to your departure date you can apply your deposits to future cruise credit. Some lines offer cruise insurance packages in case you need to cancel.
Prices for lovely cruises are lower than before the pandemic and there are many specials to look for as you shop for your cruise package: some of these additional amenities are free open bars, free wifi, free gratuities, onboard credits and reduced excursion prices.You may also want to upgrade your cruise experience for smaller than usual fees and add guests to your party or add specialty dining opportunities to your package.
As you research your next cruise, look for 30 to 60% reductions in prices. The wonderful prices reflect the cruise lines’ desire to get their fleets back into action and offer you great deals as incentives to board.
For those who love the adventure and fun of cruising, the wait has been long. There may still be a few bumps in the road as we learn to deal with the ups and downs of a world-wide virus. Now, more than ever, it’s wise to buy a travel insurance plan to assure there are no unpleasant surprises during your cruise.
So make some plans, do your research and find those cruise bargains. Whether you’re interested in a family cruise, a romantic get-away, a sunny beach experience or a solo cruise—you can find the just-right cruising experience for you. In just a few short months the cruise lines will be back in full swing and now is the time to take advantage of the low prices and additional amenities to make your cruise super-special.
