Sailing the high seas might be available over the summer
Posted May 11, 2020 9:47 pm.
Last Updated May 12, 2020 7:36 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (CITYNEWS) – Grounded planes may be keeping globe-trotters from travelling but the cruise industry is hoping to lure passengers to the high seas.
A couple of companies are accepting bookings for ships departing as early as August 1 and they are seeing a surge in interest.
“They need this to happen. They need the revenue,” said Lesley Keyter, The Travel Lady.
“I’m not surprised that there’s a very strong urge for the tourism industry to come back to some sense of normal,” said Joe Pavelka, a Professor at Mount Royal University.
Why cruises? They were some of the first indicators the world was facing a global pandemic.
An informal Twitter survey shows the vast majority aren’t planning on climbing aboard a big boat anytime soon.
“I think most of us would say, ‘wow, cruise ships were a bit of an epicentre for COVID-19 and it doesn’t make much sense,’ but I think what you have to understand is the cruise ship industry has a niche of very loyal guests who by and large will do a cruise and will not do much else,” added Pavelka.
For American’s who can drive to a port in Florida, it makes sense.
“For us in Canada, we have to take into account getting down there on the flight. And you know flying has its own challenges,” said Keyter.
“The greatest concern is being caught across the border during a pandemic,” Pavelka.
Carnival Cruise Lines explains while it has extended a pause in operations through August 31, “The itineraries of eight ships from three ports were not cancelled after August 1. These select number of voyages are not guaranteed to operate as a variety of contingencies must be in place in advance of any potential sailing.”
The company added no one would be left high and dry if the conditions don’t allow them to head out, offering a full refund or the option to sail at a later date.
It’s not just tourists and the cruise ship industry hoping to set sail, it’s a major economic force in Eastern and Western Canada.
“They desperately need this business. I think of all the little shops that thrive on tourism,” said Keyter.
“Everyone is hoping for a vaccine. And if that vaccine does not come soon enough, I think one of the things we will see in Vancouver and Halifax is a great investment in tourist medical facilities,” explained Pavelka.
