Cruise360

The last few days I had the privilege of attending our cruise industries largest global conference Cruise360. To say that I write this with renewed inspiration and hope is putting it mildly. Hearing the Presidents of our cruise partners speak with so much emotion in their voices, was chilling. I can say that I heard the following phrases SEVERAL time, “We started sailing yesterday.” Or “We set sail first thing tomorrow.” Or “We just returned yesterday with no issues. 2 guests tested positive for COVID, and we immediately quarantined them. NO one else was effected.”

COVID for sure has changed life as we know it for all of us. Many lost their jobs or had jobs suspended for an indefinite time. The Travel Industry lost over 300,000 jobs worldwide. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, ground transportation and restaurants around the world that rely on people traveling suddenly had no business and stopped. Fast forward to the last few days and you can see why this was an emotional event for all that attended. We were back at an in person conference! Our hotel opened back up less than a month ago, but it was opened and ready to host us! And cruises are resuming with GREAT success!

The protocols placed on the cruise lines are many and strict. Most if not all had to install Hospital Grade filtration systems that cost them billions at a time when they were not bringing in revenue. They did it because they wanted to get back out on the ocean with their beloved guests. Other major changes are staff served and more plated choices at what was the buffet and more sanitizing stations as well as hand washing stations.  Many of the protocols are ‘behind the scenes’ such as working with EACH port of call their entire fleet visits to make sure the ports are in compliance with the cruise lines. And to ensure the cruise lines are in compliance with their governments.

This has been no small feat; they have had to jump through hoops. But they did it willingly because they could not wait to welcome their guests back on board! The stories, the photos, the strategies, and the emotion of what happened and where they are headed was enlightening and inspiring. Everyone was feeling it! It was AWESOME!

Over the next week or so, once I catch up and get organized, I will be sharing some new insights into our new world of cruising. I feel renewed and rejuvenated! After months of Zoom calls it was time to see and feel people again. I saw a few old friends and made some new ones. At the very end of the conference, we saw Odyssey of the Seas pulling into port. It was the perfect way to end Cruise360! I don’t know if Royal Caribbean staged it or not, but it could not have been anymore FANTASTIC! There is light at the end of this dark tunnel. And it is shining brighter and longer every day.