Since COVID, cruises are hotter than ever, and travelers are returning to the open seas in record numbers for some much-needed relaxation and adventure. But if you haven’t cruised since the world changed, you might find that your next trip feels a bit different. The pandemic didn’t just hit pause on cruising—it transformed how cruise lines operate and how passengers experience their time on board. Some changes are minor and easy to overlook, while others could impact the very way you plan your next vacation at sea.
Cruise lines have used the downtime during the COVID pause to rethink and revamp many aspects of cruising life. What once involved crowded group activities and bustling buffets has been replaced with more streamlined, tech-driven experiences. There’s a greater emphasis on efficiency and safety, but with these improvements come some trade-offs that might surprise you. If you’ve been cruising for years, you may need to adjust your expectations a bit for what’s to come.
For starters, safety drills have been completely transformed. Gone are the days of crowding together in groups for lengthy briefings—now, many cruise lines have moved to a more modern and convenient way to handle these requirements. But while this might be a welcome change for some, it does raise questions about how these new procedures will play out in real emergencies. And that’s just one of the new protocols in place.
Technology is taking center stage on cruises like never before. From dining reservations to entertainment bookings and even keeping track of daily activities, everything seems to be shifting to your smartphone. Some cruise lines have embraced this digital approach so much that traditional paper schedules and menus are becoming a thing of the past. If you love convenience, this might be great news. But what if you prefer a more unplugged experience on your vacation? Will these tech changes enhance your cruise or leave you feeling overwhelmed?
Dining, one of the most beloved aspects of cruising, has also seen some interesting adjustments. You may notice a difference in what’s being offered and how it’s being presented. Is it a push towards sustainability and reducing waste, or are cruise lines simply finding ways to cut costs? Regular cruisers have mixed feelings about these changes, and it’s something to consider when you think about where—and what—you’ll eat onboard.
And then there’s the stateroom service. If you loved the twice-daily tidying up that came with your cabin, complete with a cozy evening turn-down service, you might be in for a surprise. Many lines have changed how they manage housekeeping, and this could affect that touch of luxury you’ve come to expect on your trips.
These are just a few of the shifts you might notice on your next cruise. Whether they improve or detract from your experience will depend on what you value most about cruising.
Want to get the full scoop on all the changes and what to expect on your next cruise? Dive deeper into my full article over on my cruise website, where I break down the top five ways cruising has changed since COVID.