Articles tagged “cruise lines”

Covid-19 caused disruption in the travel business. The industry was put on pause and is now returning in different ways. Companies that view post-pandemic recovery as something new and unique will have an advantage over those that expect to pick up right where they left off.

The world’s three largest cruise lines are desperate to stop their $60 billion financial bleed. Destinations have experienced life without megaships for more than year. Is this the end of mass cruising as we knew it or can cruise lines find a place in a more balanced and diversified tourism economy?

In travel news this week, Tripadvisor went to bat for an American expat reviewer who was tossed in jail for a review he wrote about a hotel in Thailand, JetBlue said it was seeking partner to help it launch into the short-term rentals business, and a vote by the citizens in Key West to ban big ships could be have ramifications in other port communities across the globe.

JetBlue has a strong brand and plans to curate the short-term rental inventory it offers with the backing of its own customer service abilities rather than relegating that to a partner. This expansion is worth a try, but will come with brand risks.

In an unprecedented citizen-led push against mass cruise tourism during a time of undertourism, Key West voters boldly chose to protect the environment and public health. It’s sparked hope for change across similarly challenged port communities, but at a time when destinations are desperate for tourism. What's for sure: the “reset” conversation is no longer just talk.

It's hard to predict an aviation rebound, so diversifying further into cruise and rail could help the tech business gradually recover, especially if pent-up demand for European travel materializes.

Cruise lines are suspending U.S. operations through Dec. 31 — but it will likely take a while longer, as ships must first meet the CDC's new conditional sailing requirements, including simulated voyages proving low Covid risk and crew protection measures.

"Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water" was the tag line for the movie Jaws 2. But the words may apply to the cruise industry now, given surging infections in cities worldwide. Yet, if you've spent any time with frequent cruise-goers, you know they'll be back booking as soon as it's safe.

The world’s primary cruise destination, the Caribbean, has been reeling from the prolonged absence of cruise lines. But there’s no going back to multiple big ships anytime soon — a silver lining for destinations pushed now to maximize quality over quantity with smaller scale, high-value and green tourism.

In Skift's top travel stories this week, travel industry leaders are outraged about the Congressional impasse over additional relief monies, Skift Research captured the impact of the pandemic in one GIF, hotels are partnering with co-working companies, and various companies are advocating for digital health passports.