Cruise lines have a record number of new cruise ships on order and when shipyards had to close down earlier this year due to the global heath pandemic, it pushed back the completion dates for new vessels.
ResearhandMarkets.com is reporting that shipyards are beginning to bounce back.
The cruise ship construction industry is seeing some signs of recovery as Fincantieri and Meyer Werft became the first yards to deliver large cruise ships since March. Enchanted Princess, built by Fincantieri for Princess Cruises, is expected to arrive by December in time for planned winter cruises from Florida to the Caribbean.
Meyer Werft just delivered Iona to P&O Cruises, the cruise line’s largest ship yet. However, the cruise line expects its maiden voyage will be delayed until February 2021 due to travel restrictions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended a ban on cruises from U.S. ports until October 31. Cruise lines have taken it a step further and canceled cruises through November.
A few cruise lines have resumed cruises in Europe, the largest being MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises.
The cruise lines have resumed limited cruises using health and safety protocols that require all passengers and crew to be tested before embarking. Cruise line operators intend to adopt similar protocols when sailings can safely resume out of North America.