With COVID-19 restrictions relaxing, the cruise industry has responded by relaxing travel restrictions, including dropping capacity limits on cruise ships. This move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has amended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in the U.S.
Additionally, many of the major cruise lines are returning their entire fleet to service. The first of these cruise lines was Carnival Cruise Line, after they become the first major cruise line to do this in early May. Norwegian Cruise Line followed shortly after with their vessel the Norwegian Spirit. Royal Caribbean did the same with the launch of their vessel, Rhapsody of the Seas, at the end of May.
Many cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, have also dropped their mask mandates onboard their ships.
Celebrity Cruises is one of the major cruise lines dropping their occupancy limits, following guidance from the CDC and other health authorities in other countries. They do this at a time when the demand for cruise vacations has continued to rise.
Virgin Voyages has been sailing with 50 percent capacity limits for a significant amount of time, but they are set to open all their vessels to full capacity. They are also set to double their number of vessels in their fleet with the launch of two new ships, Resilient Lady, scheduled to debut in August 2022, and Brilliant Lady, scheduled to debut in 2023.
Royal Caribbean has been testing the waters by allowing select sailings at full capacity. This handful of vessels have mostly been sailing out of the Caribbean for short voyages. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class of ships have already been sailing at 80 percent capacity.
However, not all cruise travelers are ready for full capacity voyages. Many have become used to limited capacity voyages, enjoying the experience these voyages have offered. According to a recent Cruise Critic Reader poll, only 18 percent of those surveyed said they were ready for cruise vessels to return to full capacity. Of those surveyed, 77 percent said they did not think that it was the right time for ships to be at full capacity. Of this 77 percent, 56 percent said they feel that cruise lines should continue to be cautious in keeping their passengers safe in light of the fact that COVID-19 continues to be a problem and that uncertainty surrounds how it will be in the future.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault, or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement, pain, and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
