The decision by the CDC to lift the no sail order out of US ports was a welcome one for all of us who have missed cruising. Although there is still a long way to go, we can take heart with the Chinese proverb, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.
A vision of how this will unfold can be seen in the recommendations found in the Healthy Sail Plan released back in September by the major cruise lines. If you would like to review the full plan please go to https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/healthy-sail-panel-full-recommendations.pdf.
One such recommendation is a requirement that passengers stick with ship-sponsored excursions while in port. Some folks have expressed concern about this restriction. Being independent, being able to choose what you want to see and do on your own schedule, are important considerations for many travelers. Being limited to only using ship excursions, however they will look, may be a reason for some to delay their return to the sea.
There is also evidence that the cruise lines are exacting about these restrictions as the news have covered many stories about travelers being denied re-boarding after breaking their ship excursion “bubble” and moving about the port on their own. Organized shore excursions allow the cruise line to control the environment with respect to cleanliness and sanitation, mask wearing and social distancing, predominately to avoid bringing the virus back on board.
Although this may seem restrictive there is precedent for this style of ship excursions. For example, expedition cruises that go to remote places only offer ship-organized excursions, usually for safety’s sake or to protect a fragile environment. These excursions are included in the fare. Other cruise lines offer shore excursions included in the fare in varying numbers based on your cabin selection, or offer a number of excursions for a flat fee. Many of the mass market lines are offering a discount for ship excursions as a perk for booking now.
In an effort to make the best of a “bad” situation we should reconsider why ship excursions are a viable and often popular option regardless of these restrictions. Back in January 2019 we published an article comparing the different options for visiting ports while on a cruise considering factors such as itinerary, cost and convenience. Here is a reminder of what was discussed;
Shore Excursions offered by the Cruise Line;
There is no doubt this is the most convenient way to go. You can book and pay for them in advance or while on the ship. You meet your group on the ship and move together to buses close by so little chance you will miss it or get lost. The cruise line offers a variety of itineraries that range from active to sedate depending on your capabilities, and adventuresome, historical or cultural depending on your interests. Sometimes you can get an “on your own” option that offers transportation to and from the destination. It is also guaranteed that the ship will wait for you if the excursion runs over time or you run into traffic or mechanical issues. These excursions are typically the most expensive option as the cruise line usually gets a cut from the tour companies. And, since it is a popular option, you will be with larger groups. I find them most effective when what I have come to see is far from the port or otherwise difficult to get to. It was also the best option when we visited a restricted port such as St. Petersburg since we did not want to go through the hassle or expense of getting a visa.
So much has changed as a result of this global pandemic and we have all had to adapt. Cruising will look different for a while, as has most other aspects of our daily lives, but it won’t last forever. Remember, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.