Why We're Ready to Get Back on Board with Cruising
Very rarely does an entire industry grind to a halt for 15 months. Yet that's exactly what happened to cruising, with hundreds of ships docked worldwide as operators planned a robust comeback amid eager travelers. Now, with relaunches underway—featuring enhanced safety protocols, fresh onboard experiences, and innovative itineraries—excitement is palpable, and we're far from alone.
Oceania Cruises' 2023 world cruise sold out in just 24 hours upon release in January, sparking a wave of record bookings across the industry. This pent-up demand shone brightest at the first CDC-cleared U.S. departure post-pandemic: Celebrity Edge's June 26 sailing to Mexico and the Bahamas. It drew rocket-launch-level fanfare, with news crews at the port, onboard reporters, and a hero's welcome. Leading the cheers was Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to command a megaship—and a TikTok sensation with nearly three million followers.
Travelers wanted answers: What does cruising look like now? How much has changed? Is it safe—and fun? We've gathered insights from leading cruise lines below. But perhaps the most telling came from passenger Tina Carter of Washington, D.C., on that inaugural Celebrity Edge voyage: “I did cartwheels,” she told reporters, overjoyed.
A Global Reset
This buzz extends worldwide. Travelzoo's London-based Communications Director Cat Jordan experienced it firsthand, cruising the British Isles on the new MSC Virtuosa with her family. “Requiring tests, proof of vaccination, and masks made me feel confident,” she says. “We all relaxed and had an incredible trip.” Highlights included high ropes, theater shows, and Teppanyaki dining. Seeing Wales, Liverpool, and Ireland from the sea offered fresh perspectives.
Many seek the unfamiliar, and lines are delivering specialized itineraries. Reservations just opened for Crystal Serenity's 2024 Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples world cruise: 49 ports, 45 UNESCO sites, from Mumbai's Elephanta Caves to Oman's Land of Frankincense.
Silversea meets demand for extended voyages with 2023-2024 itineraries, including first Baltic Sea expeditions and grand voyages to Africa & the Arabian Peninsula and Eastern Mediterranean.
Hurtigruten pioneers West Africa exploration in 2023 aboard MS Spitsbergen, adding Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal—blending UNESCO sites, music, and wildlife.
Onboard Evolution
Equally transformative are onboard enhancements. Expect vaccination/testing, timed boarding, temperature checks, sanitation stations, virtual musters, deeper cleaning, reduced capacity, extra medical staff, and varying mask rules.
Passengers view these as reassuring, not restrictive—key to booking decisions. Vloggers Jordan Taylor and Jared Dailey of JJ Cruise, veterans of early sailings on Celebrity Edge and Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, praise enforced protocols for boosting enjoyment. Travelzoo's Jordan adds: “Bold, upfront messaging like 'this is how we protect you' makes it easy to say yes.”
Next-Level Experiences
Cruise lines are elevating experiences, from dining to excursions. Silversea's Silver Moon debuts S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste), led by food journalist Adam Sachs. It immerses guests in local cuisines via market tours, chef demos, and regional meals—plus a podcast, S.A.L.T. Lab Radio.
Foodies await Daniel Boulud's restaurant on Celebrity Beyond and Windstar's James Beard-themed cruises. Families love Disney Wish's Frozen Dining Adventure and Avengers: Quantum Encounter.
Wellness draws crowds: Disney Wish's alfresco Senses Spa; Goop programs on Celebrity; Viking's glass-backed infinity pool for 2023-2024 world cruises.
Crave celebration? AmaWaterways offers New Year's Eve market sailings in Vienna. The Broadway Cruise to Bermuda (Norwegian Gem, April 9-14, 2022) brings stars from NYC. Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady features Deck 6's Squid Ink tattoo parlor for memorable souvenirs.
It's a thrilling new era at sea.
