Cruise lines warned against ‘rushing to chase revenue’ after more coronavirus cases

Cruise operators have been accused of ‘ignoring the science’ in their rush to start sailing again following the global shutdown caused by coronavirus.

The warning comes from former President of Windstar Cruises, John Delaney, who said hasty actions would do more harm in the long run.

Delaney, who left the cruise line in March, posted on his LinkedIn page: "While I understand the economics, it is unfortunate that a few cruise lines appear to have ignored science in an attempt to resume service too quickly.

"These are the first revenue cruises to resume and already Covid and cruise ships are back in the news in the first week.

"Everyone wants cruises to come back, but rushing things to chase revenue and ignoring the science will continue to hurt our industry and make the road to recovery more difficult."

His comments followed news over recent days of an outbreak of Covid-19 on Hurtigruten’s ship, Roald Amundsen, and one case on luxury ship Paul Gauguin, currently sailing in the South Pacific.

In addition, Cruise Law News reports TUI Cruises has confirmed five crew members on Mein Schiff 1 have tested positive with Covid-19.

Thirty six crew and at least four passengers on board Roald Amundsen tested positive to the virus over the weekend. The tests were carried out after several members of crew reported feeling ill last week, although they did not show signs of the virus.

Hurtigruten had become one of the first in Europe to recommence sailings, after months of being unable to operate.

But it’s now reportedly being investigated by the Norwegian authorities for violating coronavirus safety rules.

Meanwhile, luxury ship Paul Gauguin has returned to Tahiti after a positive case of Covid-19 was discovered while it sailed between Bora Bora and Rangiroa. Passengers have been told to stay in their cabins, and will all be tested for coronavirus.  The ship only resumed international sailings last week.

Italian media reports three crew members on Costa Favolosa and Costa Deliziosa have also tested positive for coronavirus. The ships are moored in port at Civitavecchia, with crew, but no customers, on board.

Costa said: "The three are in isolation and in good health."

Delaney’s comments come as Crystal Cruises announced it has cancelled the remainder of its 2020 ocean, river and yacht sailings.

It said ‘constantly changing variables’ around international travel restrictions and uncertainty relating to Covid-19 ‘hinders the ability for all cruise lines to operate’.

NCL, owner of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has cancelled worldwide cruises until 31 October; Princess Cruises has cancelled departures until mid-December.

By contrast, Greece is encouraging cruise ships,which are now being allowed to dock in Greek ports, from 1 August, including Piraeus in Athens, Rhodos, Iraklio, Volos, Corfu and Katakolo.

Major cruise lines are working towards Covid-safe sailing practices. Carnival Corp & plc recently held a Covid science summit with the World Travel and Tourism Council, while Royal Caribbean and NCL have set up the Health Sail Panel.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) currently advises against ocean cruise ship travel, but clarified its guidance in mid-July to say the advice did not apply to river cruises.

By Lisa James, Deputy Editor (UK)