Cruises might completely change in the future – but is it for the better?

Although cruise holidays accounted for 25 percent of the total of the Dragonfly Traveller holiday business as of the end of 2019, the impact of the pandemic has already been felt.

“COVID-19 has had a dramatic effect on the industry as a recent survey done by SAGA shows – two-thirds of the over-50s have voiced reluctance to take a cruise due to the pandemic,” continued Mr Gower.

“The research also found that 62 percent of respondents were less likely to travel on a cruise. 44 percent more likely to delay booking future travel due to COVID-19.”

The wide diversity of cruises hitting the market in recent years is to thank for the industries strength, says Mr Gower.

He explains: “Cruise holidays now offer a wider audience a different holiday experience to the normal traditional holiday.

“Facilities and operations on cruise have broadened the appeal but the simple aspect of being able to visit different locations and take in this experience all in one holiday is a big attraction. “

However, will that be enough to help aid its recovery?

Mr Gower thinks there will have to be some big changes – some of which might overhaul the experience entirely.

“The cruise industry is far too popular and in-demand not to come out of this pandemic,” he said.” However, like a lot of travel at the moment, this is all about restoring customer confidence and building trust to convince people that cruise holidays are safe.

“It will come back, it is just a question of how long it will take and which cruise companies can survive the rebuild of the industry.

“Combined with this will be the cost of any new measures that will be introduced to regain confidence to cruise again.”