The cruise industry suffered its worst financial hit in decades when the COVID-19 outbreak delayed most sailings for months and prompted cautious cruise customers to reconsider booking an ocean journey. However, cruising is making a comeback, and all indications point to a sea change for the industry.

What do cruise lines expect from passengers? What changes have occurred in boarding, eating, and other onboard activities? We compiled some material to help answer some frequently asked queries.

Every cruise line has different rules

It is not required for every cruise company to follow the same standards; some may be instituting more stringent rules and procedures as a result of COVID-19, while others may be laxer on the rules. These rules often differ from ship to ship which can be confusing.

As a result, before booking, you should double-check what you're getting into and what you need to board the ship. Many cruise lines require a negative covid test, proof of vaccination and some may require proof of travel insurance.

Rules around masks onboard cruise ships vary too. Some cruise lines, particularly in Europe, are enforcing all passengers to wear masks at all times.

Lack of consistent rules onboard the ship

It's normal to get upset by all the restrictions when on a cruise, but what will bother you the most is the lack of consistency. You won't be permitted to sit close to each other in the ship's bars and restaurants, yet on onshore excursions, people will be sitting right next to one other, and even though this makes no sense yet, it happens for most of the voyage.

Lack of capacity in onboard venues

The cruise lines don't follow the 6 feet regulation and have two to three meters spacing between the seats in the theatre or other locations, making it impossible to find a seat. It is recommended to book all you can or arrive early to acquire a seat.

Positive testing onboard is a fact

There is no stopping you from testing positive on a cruise liner. People may experience symptoms before or during the cruise and choose not to disclose them, which is insane since they are putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. Still, they continue to do so because they are scared of losing their money and want to enjoy their holidays. Since late July, the CDC has identified six significant outbreaks with covid-19, including 49 hospitalizations and 38 medical evacuations from cruise ships. As a result, it is strongly advised to get tested before embarking on a cruise.

Shore excursions

It is highly recommended that you check to see whether you can off the ship on your own or have to book a cruise line shore excursion. Some ports let you leave the ship unaccompanied, but most do not.

Unvaccinated children or adults are sometimes not permitted to get off; in any event, you must verify ahead of time to avoid any complications.

Another thing to consider is that the shore excursions on cruise ships are pretty costly; things that used to cost $20 now cost up to $109, which is a significant difference. If you have to buy one of these excursions to leave the ship it can become very expensive.

More freedom for the vaccinated passengers

If you have been vaccinated, the requirements will be slightly less stringent for you; for example, certain cruise lines allow you to remove your mask if you have been vaccinated, but if you have not been vaccinated, you must wear a mask at all times. In certain nations, like the United States, there are distinct seating sections on cruise ships for the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. Vaccination documentation is becoming increasingly common, particularly when going overseas. Some cruise lines might not even let you on the ship unless you are vaccinated.

Cruise prices are falling

Prices appear to be much lower now than when cruise lines initially returned. When cruise companies returned after Covid-19, the rates were exceedingly expensive, but they are currently decreasing. The key reason for the price decline is that more ships are now sailing, and there appears to be a lot more competition in the market. Furthermore, several die-hard cruisers were racing to cruise initially, but they have gotten their dose, and the general public is not travelling. The wave season is also approaching, which means lower costs and more sails available, so now is a great time to book!

Some changes may be permanent

The first thing that springs to mind is how long these regulations will be in effect. We can't keep wearing masks forever, can we? In this regard, you should brace yourself since we believe that some of these restrictions will remain in effect indefinitely.

Extra cleaning of ships and chairs, for example, may become a permanent habit. Masks and social distancing may fade, but giving a health declaration form before boarding or testing, as well as vaccination passports, will undoubtedly endure. Some of these laws were already in place but were not severely enforced, but we can anticipate that restrictions will become stricter and more strictly enforced in the future.

How can I cruise more safely?

Suppose you are concerned about cruising during the Coronavirus. In that case, it may be good to wait till all of this is gone because the masks and all the restrictions would undoubtedly interfere with your enjoyment, especially if you are paying all of this money to go on holiday. Second, it is advised to sail exclusively with cruise lines that demand completely vaccinated passengers and require testing before boarding.

It's also a good idea to cruise inside your own country rather than internationally during this period since if you test positive when boarding, you may have a lot of difficulties returning home.