The coronavirus pandemic has placed big restrictions on our travel plans, with many people opting for staycations this year despite borders opening up in Europe and elsewhere.
However many folks are starting to plan ahead to the summer of 2021, when foreign travel might be an easier prospect once again – and some might also be thinking about taking to the water on a cruise.
Cruises hit the headlines at the start of the pandemic as ships including the Diamond Princess found themselves battling outbreaks of Covid-19 on board.
But with restrictions easing in some parts of the world is it possible to now book a cruise?
Can you book a cruise holiday now?
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While most cruises are currently suspended, most of the major operators are planning to resume operations later this year and are taking bookings.
They include the likes of P&O, who are scheduled to resume operations in October, Royal Caribbean, who plan to start up some of their cruises again on September 15, and Cunard, who are scheduled to start again in November.
Norwegian Cruises has also said they plan to resume operations on 1 October.
If you planned to travel on a specific cruise with another company, you should check their website for details of current or future operations, and whether they are currently taking bookings – many holiday companies, including cruise companies, are now taking bookings for next year.
You should also bear travel restrictions in mind – while bookings are being taken for 2021 holidays, these may be subject to how the pandemic progresses in the coming months, and whether or not there is a second wave.
Currently the Foreign Office is advising against all non-essential global travel, and the UK has a 14-day quarantine in place for all arrivals, including UK residents
While it’s been reported that this may be lifted for some countries, others may still be subject to restrictions – and restrictions could once again be tightened for countries which have a resurgence in cases.
So if you do plan to book a cruise it might be a good idea to check what the company’s policy is for cancellations, just in case you change your mind or it doesn’t go ahead.
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