Business is finally starting to pick up for the hardest hit industry during covid.
For more than a year, many cruise lines suspended operations and the entire travel industry came to a standstill. Ships were docked in ports, while others sat idle at sea. The losses were staggering for the major cruise lines.
Even now, with an uptick in bookings, the biggest cruise lines are swimming in debt, including Carnival with losses of $35 billion, Royal Caribbean with a debt of $25 billion, and Norwegian owing $14 billion.
But Brian Adams, a cruise travel consultant based in North Augusta, sees brighter days ahead for folks who are once again ready to get out and explore the high seas and exotic locales.
“We’re getting bookings every day,” he said. “There are some great deals right now with no capacity restrictions. Pricing is competitive with cruise lines dropping prices to encourage travel.”
With hotels, flights, and gas at high prices, cruise ship travel seems particularly alluring right now. Travelers are making the most of the deals being offered with “the most requested destination being Alaska,” Adams said.
As one who loves traveling himself – Adams has been on about 70 cruises – safety is important to him as well. But even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that it’s time to move forward. And it’s backing that up with action: As of July 18, the CDC’s covid-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect.
“I’ve been vaccinated and double boosted,” Adams said. “Aside from that, being on a cruise ship is about being outdoors and enjoying the sea, the sky, and docking at beautiful locations. Cruise lines are also going above and beyond to make sure everything is cleaned constantly, which might allay some fears; after all, bookings are the lifeblood of their business Plus, you can always wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable.”
Still, it’s not all smooth sailing for the cruise industry. Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) estimates that the cruise sector needs 73,000 new people per year to fill jobs to accommodate current growth. Covid compounded the challenge as people that were on board or in an established crew pool found new jobs during the shutdown or might be hesitant to return to the sea.
“There were a couple of cruise lines, including Norwegian, that had to close some onboard venues because they didn’t have staff to work them, but they didn’t have cancellations because of that,” Adams said.
In the meantime, life goes on for travelers by land, air, and sea. After a long period of staycation, daily cooking, and cleaning, people are ready to “get back out there” and enjoy life to the fullest and let a crew wait on their daily needs.
If it makes you feel any better about booking a cruise, Adams is a veteran of the hospitality industry. He ran a bed and breakfast for 11 years in North Carolina, so he knows how to connect people who are looking for a great getaway. Additionally, his services come at no charge.
“Most people think that booking a trip through a travel service costs extra,” he said. “My services are free. I get paid a commission down the road by the 36 cruise lines I represent which helps me get the best pricing for customers. For me, it’s about people having fun and enjoying the experience.”
Besides, what could go wrong with a guy whose business is called Travel with PopPop, so called because of his nickname from his four grandchildren?
If you are ready to cruise, you can contact Adams by visiting his website or calling 803-522-5696.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
