After years of uncertainty, the cruise industry will make a strong recovery in 2023, according to a new AAA survey.
Over the past few years, the cruise industry suffered significant financial losses due to Covid-19 restrictions. Now, a new survey shows that the industry is expected to experience a strong recovery in 2023.
We expect a lot more people to book cruises in 2023 as several new ships have entered the market.
Paula Twidale, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel,
According to the AAA survey, 52% of U.S. adults are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation as they were prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s up from 45% a year ago.
Paula Twidale, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel, said that “cruising is back in a big way.” She added that her company forecasted that a lot more people will book a cruise vacation this year, as several new ships have entered the market.
November was already a record-breaking month for cruise bookings, and Black Friday marked the “single largest booking day in history” for several cruise companies, said Twidale.
According to Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Black Friday and Cyber Monday activity marked “an early start to a strong wave season ahead.” Also Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said that his company saw “strong demand for close-in sailings and accelerating demand for sailings in 2023.”Â
During the pandemic, cruise lines have imposed several restrictions to avoid the virus spreading onboard. As cases decreased and vaccination rates rose, major companies decided to relax the rules.
Cruise lines have undertaken extensive measures to promote health and safety onboard, so you can expect attention to detail and cleanliness. In the case of unexpected illness, they have protocols in place to isolate passengers as they recuperate.
Paula Twidale, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel
Twidale noted that cruise lines have adopted extensive safety and health measures to make travelers more comfortable. Additionally, the companies have protocols in place to isolate passengers in case of an unexpected infection.