SouthernWorldwide.com – Despite recent attention on outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus aboard cruise ships, travelers largely appear unfazed, with many not altering their vacation plans.
Experts in the cruise industry indicate that demand remains robust as the peak summer travel season approaches. This resilience in bookings persists even in the wake of reported illness cases on several vessels.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has projected a significant increase in cruise passengers for the current year. They anticipate over 38 million people globally will embark on ocean cruises, a rise from the record 37.2 million passengers recorded last year, according to The Associated Press.
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For many travelers, the health concerns are not a sufficient deterrent to booking future trips. This sentiment is shared by individuals who are passionate about cruise vacations.
“I have eight cruises booked, and I’ll absolutely be booking another,” shared cruise blogger Jenni Fielding in an interview with the AP.
Fielding further elaborated that cruise vacations maintain a comparable safety profile to other forms of travel. This is contingent upon passengers adhering to health guidelines and staying informed about official updates and recommendations.
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The sustained demand for cruises is notable, especially considering the recent incidents. These include the unfortunate deaths of three passengers aboard the MV Hondius, which were linked to a hantavirus outbreak following a stop in Argentina.
Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete, reported a substantial increase in bookings through his company. He stated that bookings rose by over 30% during the initial half of May when compared to the same period in the previous year.
“I can categorically say that we have not seen any drop in demand,” Levinstein affirmed, emphasizing the industry’s confidence.
Industry analysts suggest that norovirus cases often garner more attention due to specific reporting requirements. Cruise ships are mandated to publicly disclose illnesses that affect a certain percentage of their passengers, leading to increased scrutiny.
Furthermore, many cruise bookings are made many months in advance. This long lead time means that recent health concerns are less likely to have an immediate impact on established travel plans and reservations.
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Online forums, such as Reddit, have also shown a similar sentiment among cruise enthusiasts. Many users have indicated that they are not altering their travel arrangements due to the recent outbreaks.
“I’m leaving … next week. It hasn’t even occurred to me to be worried about the hantavirus,” one user commented, reflecting a common lack of concern.
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“Going to Alaska next month, not the least bit concerned,” another commenter added. “\[Norovirus] is more likely, and that risk is understood.” This comment highlights a pragmatic view of potential health risks.
“Never crosses my mind at all. Cruise on!” exclaimed another enthusiastic participant, encapsulating the prevailing positive outlook.
Industry experts also pointed out that while cruise lines implement voluntary passenger protection measures, the specifics of these policies can differ. These variations depend on the particular situation and the cruise operator involved.
