WHAT ARE CRUISE LINES DOING TO MAKE CRUISING SAFE TO RETURN?

As a Cruise Consultant one of the big questions I am being asked is, what will cruising look like when it does return?

Just what are the cruise lines doing in preparation to keep everyone safe?

I am not always a fan of technology. It has its place but I don’t like too many gimmicks. However, Technology it seems is going to be the key to safe cruising practice.

The Royal Caribbean Group including Celebrity Cruises and other smaller lines in the Group have been working hard to accelerate some of the programs they were implementing anyway so they can be introduced sooner. One of the things they are looking at is re-vamping the much Loved/Hated Muster Drill. Instead of everyone crowding together in rooms, or on decks, this will be replaced with a much slicker one to one process that guests can complete in their own time. Royal advises. “With an aim to encourage higher levels of safety and health this was initially developed for guests to make the most of their holiday, but now has the capability to make it a powerful solution that can integrate today’s new crucial health and safety practices, such as physical distancing and minimising common touchpoints.”

Many of these innovations will revolve around the use of Mobile Apps

As well as the Muster Drill changes here are some of the other things that will help.

Staggering arrival times with strict time slots for checking in and boarding the ships will mean they can control the number of vehicles arriving at the ports and parking making it easier to Social distance. People can check-in online, upload Photo’s so they are done before you board which will then let you generate a boarding pass on your phone. Then a quick scan of a code and you can go through security and board without having to queue.

Digital Keys, Royal introduced smart bands a few years ago but this is set to be updated so you can open your stateroom with your smartphone on an App. The same App can then be used to control various in-room features like the TV, lighting, Curtains, Air Conditioning etc from your personal device.

Not really new but the Onboard Accounts will be revamped so you can view everything from your Stateroom without having to go queue at guest Services.

Book Shows, Dining Reservations and Excursions through an App, so again you don’t have to queue at a desk to do this.

These are just some of the innovations that will be introduced to keep you safe on board when Cruising is back.

There are a lot of common sense procedures which were already implemented on Cruise ships, despite many guests choosing not to adhere to them. Things like washing your hands before entering the restaurants, this I would imagine will be non-negotiable.

Have you cruised a lot? Maybe you have some ideas of your own that you think would help? If so I would love to hear from you.

I will keep you updated with other information as I get it.