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As some of you know, my family is a huge fan of cruising. But after the coronavirus hit, I’ve been a little sour on the cruising industry. Covid-19 spread like wildfire on a few ships before the cruising industry was halted, and even now the virus is still affecting crew members stuck at sea.
My husband and I decided that we would not cruise until there is a vaccine and/or the cruise lines made some significant changes to combat the spread of the virus on board. We have a cruise scheduled for early next year that we will likely move out a year.
I have been waiting for the cruise lines to announce what changes they will make to ensure that sailing is safer. After all, the CDC won’t allow lines to port in the USA until they come up with some new safety plans.
Finally, a few days ago, the first cruise line stepped up. Norwegian Cruise Line announced six new safety protocols on their ships:
1.) All-new Air Filtration–NCL is installing medical-grade HEPA filters that will filter out 99.95% of airborne pathogens.
2.) Enhanced Screening Protocols–Additional health screenings will include temperature checks for guests and crew before embarking and at various points throughout the sailing.
3.) Increased Sanitation Measures–NCL will clean more frequently and add fogging to guest rooms and public areas. Beverage stations and buffets will now be served by crew members.
4.) Responsible Social Distancing–Guest boarding will be staggered, and onboard activities will operate at a reduced capacity.
5.) Enhanced Medical Resources--Each ship will have additional medical personnel on board as well as rapid Covid-19 testing availability.
6.) Extended Ship-to-Shore Safety–NCL will only visit safe, open ports and will change itineraries based on current local conditions.
The Magic Words
So what are the two magic words for me? HEPA filters! This is what I’ve been waiting to hear. Ever since I read about the way illnesses spread via air flow on cruise ships, I hoped it was just a matter of time before cruise ships added HEPA filters. Most planes already have these air filters.
As I mentioned a few months ago, I would still like to see cruise lines invest more in touchless technology (i.e. more automatic doors, touchless drink stations, etc.). But, these improvements by NCL are a good start.
I would bet that Carnival, Royal Caribbean and DCL will soon announce a similar list of health improvements and that HEPA filters will become the new standard.
Do these improvements make you feel safer about cruising? Or, will you still wait to cruise until after a vaccine is available?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Definitely waiting for a vaccine when it comes to cruises. For other types of travel, I would be willing to go, depending on circumstances. If there is a decent antibody treatment widely available, sure. But for cruises, no way. Too many variables. But to each his own. Still, I can’t believe people think you are being unreasonable!
I’m pretty much with the prior comments. A HEPA filter system is a nice addition but certainly no game changer. For me the two words that would make me consider cruising would be “vaccine available”.
@Christian Yep, a lot of people agree, but surprisingly a lot don’t care. I’m in a Facebook group for my next cruise (which we’re likely postponing) and when I asked if anyone else was thinking of postponing due to coronavirus concerns I was slammed.
Maybe I’m being thick here but do you mean slammed by a variety of comments or slammed by people who disagree?
@Christian I was slammed on FB with a barrage of people thinking I was crazy for postponing our cruise until a vaccine.
HEPA filters and better sanitation overall is definitely a good idea, but the most effective and most common mode of transmission of respiratory illnesses is human-to-human, so I don’t think HEPA filter are not magic words for anyone. No technology like this will ever supplant the need for actual reduction in the incidence of the disease itself.
@Naoyuki True, but after reading the study about the current air filtration system and people getting the flu through the air ducts, I’m still excited about the HEPA filters.
I like the last part in that they will only visit “safe” and “open” ports. Marketing folks are too funny. I also love cruising and I sell cruises as a side gig. Most of the cruise lines are already putting out protocols like this. Most ships are very clean already so anything they can do to add to the health safety is a win. I also think that the older ships, like old hotels are most prone to dirty and poorly designed ventilation systems so adding Hepa filters is a good start.
@DaninMCI Ha ha yes, “safe and open” ports are supposed to make us feel better. I’m more worried about being locked out of porting in the U.S. at the end of the cruise.
Doesn’t change my outlook on cruising in the COVID era at all. Until it’s under control I won’t be getting on a cruise ship, and I love cruising.
Aside from that, the HEPA filter addition is good news regardless of the pandemic.
@projectx I understand. My family is waiting for the vaccine, or for the virus to disappear completely on its own. A girl can dream, right?