Despite masks, coronavirus fears, Norwegian CEO predicts cruising will ‘bounce back very, very well’

Cruise ship passengers may have to don masks, see fewer tables in the dining room and, frankly, fewer fellow guests aboard when they eventually return to sea. 

And as for that old cruise-ship standard, the self-serve buffet?

“Likely not,” said Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, in an interview.

But make no mistake, he said. Even with changes still under development to make sure the coronavirus doesn’t show up on cruise ships again, guests will have as great a time as ever, Del Rio pledges.

“All the basic elements if cruising will always be there – the great value, the multiple destinations, the great dining,” Del Rio said. Most of the changes will be similar to those they are already encountering in daily life to cope with COVID-19.

More:Norwegian Cruise Line gets rescue package a day after it warns of financial doom

Del Rio spoke to USA TODAY during a tumultuous week in which the company warned it could face bankruptcy reorganization, then a day later announced it could stay solvent for at least a year by reeling in $2.2 billion in new capital. On Thursday, it announced stock deals that boosted its capital to 18 months’ worth, according to Del Rio.

“That’s a very long runway,” Del Rio said, and “a heck of an insurance policy.”

With the financial side of the business now under control, Del Rio can now focus on dealing with health precaution overhauls to lure back passengers after major cruise lines saw their business devastated by the virus. Passengers and crew became ill – some died at sea – and some countries turned ships away.