How the Pandemic has Impacted the Cruise Industry

Abstract

The cruise industry was the most affected sector in the Hotel and Tourism by COVID-19. The study was conducted to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the cruise industry after the pandemic devastated nearly all sectors of the economy. An investigation into this issue can inform stakeholders in the industry of the measures that can be taken when a similar occurrence happens in the future. A literature review and theoretical modelling were used in the study to analyse literature from diverse sources such as peer-reviewed journals, scholarly reports, media articles, and other internet sources.

The selection of the theoretical modelling process is based on its competence in the provision of insights into the dynamic aspects of the cruise industry and evaluate the impacts of the pandemic on it. It was found that the occurrence of COVID-19 cases on ships led to the labelling of cruises as Petri dishes for the spread of the pandemic leading to a massive reduction of passengers. As such, cruise companies suffered huge financial losses prompting some of them to sell part of their fleet. It was concluded that the implementation of efficient health measures in cruise ships and improving the supply chain could accelerate the recovery process during the post-pandemic period and enable cruise Companies to return to their post-pandemic prosperity.