MARCH 16: MSC Bellissima, a flagship of Switzerland-headquartered MSC Cruises, berths at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal before embarking on a journey on March 16, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Ji Haixin/VCG via Getty Images)
The demand for vacations going on a cruise remains high, despite recent outbreaks of multiple viruses reported aboard cruise ships this month.
Cruise industry experts are projecting a worldwide increase in the number of people taking to the ocean this year, breaking last year’s record, according to the Associated Press.
In a report released in April by the Cruise Lines International Association, it was estimated that 38.3 million people would be traveling on ships this year. That number is 4% higher than last year’s 37.2 million record-breaking number of passengers.
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival did not respond to the Associated Press questions regarding sales figures or potential impacts from the outbreaks.
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Recent outbreak of viruses
The backstory:
A deadly outbreak of hantavirus has claimed multiple lives in early may aboard an Antarctic cruise ship, prompting health authorities around the world to issue alerts to the public about dangers and potential contagions. Three people have died from the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to reports citing the World Health Organization, with another 11 confirmed or probable cases.
Days after the reports of the hantavirus surfaced, over 100 people were affected by a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess Cruise, according to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report. Norovirus, an extremely contagious stomach bug, thrives in crowded environments. The CDC requires ships to disclose whenever at least 3% of their passengers report symptoms.
RELATED: Highly contagious norovirus spreads on cruise ship, sickening over 100 passengers and crew
What they're saying:
Rob Kwortnik, an associate professor at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, said current news cycles rarely impact people’s decision to book cruises because they’re usually booked months in advance.
"People who are booking cruises tomorrow are thinking about the holidays," he said.
Even those embarking soon, who may be worried about recent news of outbreaks, are unlikely to get a refund, so it’s more likely to impact long term demand as opposed to short term, according to Andrew Coggins, a cruise industry analyst and professor at Pace University.
"I think if there’s any impact on demand, it would be in the long term. If you’re cruising in the next few months, you’re past the point at which you can get your money back," he said.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.