Today Norwegian Cruise Line announced that cruises will return on July 4, but you have to be vaccinated. If you’re under 18, you have to have a negative COVID test. The cruises will also be at 60pct capacity.
Norwegian isn’t the only cruise company that will require proof of vaccination to board. Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises and Virgin Voyages have made similar announcements.
Is this a good idea for the cruise companies? To date, the USA has vaccinated over 160 million people with at least one dose of a vaccine so it doesn’t seem to limit their customer base a great deal.
What about from the customer perspective? I’ve been to 40 counties and I love experiencing other cultures and meeting new people but I’ve never taken a cruise. For me, if masks aren’t required while on board, I’m interested. I think I am like most in that I want a place to go that is like what we had before the pandemic. Maybe a cruise ship is that “normal” place to get away for a few days.
What do you think?