With the travel and cruise industries in a state of limbo because of the global COVID-19 health pandemic, one of cruising’s time-honored traditions is at risk of not happening next year.
World cruises are often seen as the pinnacle of all voyages. These massive, months-long journeys, which span multiple continents and visit ports both well-known and obscure, typically sell out years in advance, and are some of the costliest — and most comprehensive — journeys afloat. Expect to pay between $25,000 and $100,000 per passenger depending on the line and cabin category.
In the COVID era, world cruises for the 2021 season face an uncertain future. These voyages typically start in January and end in the springtime. With just a few months left in 2020 and continued border closures and restrictions around the world — not to mention most cruise lines in a voluntary pause from North American ports of call through at least October 31 — many Cruise Critic members are starting to wonder what will become of their future world cruise departures.
“I have now had three cruises cancel including December cruises on Crystal Serenity,” writes mpclaw on a thread discussing Crystal’s 2021 world cruise. “And supposedly all is well and good come January 5, 2021? Just does not add up that other countries and even ports in the US, like San Diego, and Oahu are going to allow a cruise ship to dock. And then on to Australia?”
“We currently hold reservations for 3 segments, LA-Tokyo,” ryndam writes on the same thread. “According to our latest documents, final payment is due 8/24/20. I’ve sent a note to our TA asking if this final payment date remains valid. IMHO, the chance of WC 2021 actually sailing is zero.”