The impact of Covid-19 on the travel industry has been devastating with border closures, cruise disruptions, airline shutdowns, and so much more. The reality is that things remain uncertain, but we are finding new ways to deal with it. As cruise lines embark on adjusting to a new normal, the face of cruising may be different – but it could still be the best holiday choice you make in the post-pandemic world.

Greater Flexibility Than Ever Before

Most cruise lines have gone above and beyond to offer significant incentives, full refunds and flexible booking cancellations. Greater flexibility in future cruise credits for cancellations even up to the day of departure has become the new norm, so bookings are better protected and travellers have more peace of mind than ever before.

Some cruise lines are even offering enhanced value options like 125% cruise credit, increased on-board credit, complimentary drinks and Wi-Fi packages and so much more. This is a welcome change, making it easier for you to commit to a cruise holiday knowing you will not lose out in case of a cancellation.

Improved Health and Hygiene Standards

Health and hygiene will be given a considerable boost once cruising becomes a reality again. Strict medical protocols, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures, more hand sanitising stations, better monitoring and quarantine capabilities, improved air filtration systems and routine temperature checks could all become regular features in future cruises.

Global cruise lines have also committed to testing every crewmember and guest for Covid-19 before they board a ship. This makes it the first industry in travel and tourism to commit to worldwide passenger and crew testing. With so many health and hygiene improvements in the pipeline, cruise lines will be better positioned to protect travellers from the perils of on-board infections.

Wide Choice of Destinations Without Multiple Travel Options

Cruise lines give you a wide choice of destinations without having to use multiple travel options. For instance, you don’t have to get on to a plane and check in to a hotel every single time you visit a new destination. You can choose to holiday domestically, closer to home or explore new international destinations – it’s totally up to you.

A cruise holiday will take you to exciting new destinations without forcing you to pack and unpack every time – making sure you are well looked after while on board. This could potentially reduce your exposure and risk.

Better Food Handling Procedures

A cruise holiday is almost synonymous with the classic self-serve buffet. But that is likely to see a significant change with more crew deployed to look after the stations and handle the food with improved care and caution.

This means better food handling and sanitation, keeping everyone safer on board and reducing the risk of contamination. Reservation systems for dining could also be implemented to comply with stricter limits and enhanced safety protocols.

Plenty of Activities for Everyone

Cruising remains the only holiday option that has something for everyone. While this may look different post Covid-19, there will still be a raft of dining and entertainment options for all age groups, from casinos and shows for the adults to splash zones and play areas for the kids.

If you are planning a much-needed family getaway or reuniting with family members from other countries after lockdown, a cruise holiday is a perfect choice.

In conclusion, there has already been an increasing appetite to cruise in 2021 and 2022 onwards. Reservations are already up as travellers rally to plan their future getaways. For complete peace of mind on your next cruise holiday, call the specialists at Discerning Traveller and let us make the whole experience easy for you.

Disclaimer: Airline protocols are subject to change at any time. The information provided below is accurate as of Tuesday 8 September 2020.

The list of safety protocols currently being implemented by airlines is extensive, however below we’ve provided a short outline of what to expect when you travel with some of our partner airlines. For more information on travel health and safety protocols or to plan your next getaway, whether it be near or far, make sure to contact our specialist sales team.

FLYING DOMESTICALLY

QANTAS

• Contactless check in and use of the Self-Service bag drop counters is encouraged.
• Self-Service kiosks will be cleaned regularly and hygiene screens have been installed at customer service desks.
• Capacity limitations will be enforced in the Qantas Lounge and all food and beverages will be hosted.
• A ‘Fly Well’ pack will be provided prior to boarding including a face mask and sanitising wipes.
• Hospital-grade HEPA filters have already been installed on all Qantas operated and Qantas codeshare aircrafts, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses.
• Service on every flight has been temporarily simplified - the food and beverage offering has been reduced and all in-flight entertainment has been removed.

VIRGIN

• Online check-in and the use of self-service kiosks is encouraged to limit interaction at the airport.
• Boarding will be staggered into zones to maintain social distancing.
• All aircraft are fitted with hospital-grade HEPA filters, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses.
• Guests are encouraged to bring and use their own face masks and hand sanitiser for the duration of their journey, however both are also provided onboard.
• The frequency of cleaning has been increased using special long-lasting antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning agents.  Extra extra care will be given to high traffic areas.
• In-flight catering has been simplified to reduce unnecessary contact.  Complimentary water and a snack will be provided but additional food and beverage items are not able to be purchased onboard.

FLYING INTERNATIONALLY

Qantas/Jetstar

• Contactless check in and use of the Self-Service bag drop counters is encouraged.
• Self-Service kiosks will be cleaned regularly and hygiene screens have been installed at customer service desks.
• Capacity limitations will be enforced in the Qantas Lounge and all food and beverages will be hosted.
• A ‘Fly Well’ pack will be provided prior to boarding including a face mask and sanitising wipes.
• Hospital-grade HEPA filters have already been installed on all Qantas operated and Qantas codeshare aircrafts, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses.
• Service on every flight has been temporarily simplified - the food and beverage offering has been reduced and all in-flight entertainment has been removed.

AIR NEW ZEALAND

• Online check in is recommended to ensure limited interaction while at the airport.
• HEPA air filtration systems, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses, will be used to purify and recycle air throughout the flight.
• Hand sanitiser is available onboard each flight.
• Movement throughout the aircraft will be limited once onboard.
• The wearing of masks on international flights is strongly advised as an extra safety precaution.

EMIRATES

• All staff will wear full personal protective equipment (PPE).
• All guests must undertake a COVID-19 PCR test at a government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time.
• Masks are required to be worn at all times onboard with the exception of while you’re eating and drinking.
• Social areas onboard have been closed to mitigate contact
• Cabin air is constantly cleaned with hospital-grade HEPA air filters, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses.
• Bathrooms will be constantly disinfected and if your flight is longer than an hour and a half there will be an additional member of the crew dedicated to the constant sanitisation of the lavatories.
• When connecting in Dubai you will need to keep your mask on through the airport.  You’ll pass through a thermal scanner before entering the connections area.  All transfer desks have been fitted with antimicrobial screens while stickers on the floor will help everyone keep a safe distance in queues.

ETIHAD

• Introduction of onboard Wellness Ambassadors to provide guests with health and safety information as well as to ensure Etihad’s increased hygiene measures are being followed.
• All guests must undertake a COVID-19 PCR test at a government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time.
• Cabins have been refreshed with new seat covers and carpets and they are also equipped with HEPA air filters, which remove 99.9% of all particles including viruses.
• Face masks are required to be worn at all times during travel and Wellness Kits are provided onboard including a face mask, gloves and hand gel.
• Each aircraft is deep cleaned and sanitised at each destination.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

• Guests will be required to complete a health declaration prior to travel.
• A SIA Care Kit will be provided to all guests including face mask, hand sanitiser and disinfectant surface wipes.  All guests over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask for the duration of their flight.
• There will be designated seating zones onboard to separate transit passengers from non-transit passengers.
• As well as the use of HEPA air filters, the cabin will be thoroughly cleaned prior to embarkation with extra care taken to sanitise common surfaces.  Lavatories will also be cleaned more frequently during your flight.
• Headsets, headrest covers, pillow covers, bedsheets and blankets are replaced after every flight.

CATHAY PACIFIC

• Cathay Pacific are encouraging contactless check-in and boarding through the use of self-service facilities.
• All passengers will be temperature checked before boarding and are required to wear face coverings throughout the flight.
• All surfaces will be thoroughly sanitised between every flight and the meal and alcohol service has been modified to reduce guest contact with the crew.
• HEPA filters onboard each aircraft remove 99.9% of all airborne contaminants and recirculate air every two minutes.
• Cabin crew will be wearing masks, gloves and goggles and will follow strict layover guidelines including no contact with the local community and close medical surveillance.

QATAR AIRWAYS

• Online check in is recommended to reduce interactions at the airport.
• Protective kits including face mask, gloves and hand sanitiser will be distributed to all guests. Face coverings are required to be worn at all times and face shields will be provided for embarkation and disembarkation.  Economy guests are required to wear these shields at all times during the flight while Business Class guests are asked to use them at their discretion.
• Cabin crew will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in addition to masks, protective glasses and gloves.
• Every aircraft is thoroughly disinfected after every flight using products recommended by the International Air Transport Association and the World Health Organisation.
• HEPA air filtration systems are installed on all aircraft to provide the most effective protection against infection.

Need further assistance on airline health and safety?

For more information on travel health and safety protocols or to plan your next getaway, whether it be near or far, make sure to contact our specialist sales team.

We are sure, that like us, you cannot wait for the day when we will be free to travel again. But we cannot ignore the fact that we are still battling to control community-transmitted Covid-19 cases. Before you even think of your next holiday, you’re probably worried about the next Covid-19 outbreak. Even if we get it under control again, what if the virus resurges this summer or next winter? How do you protect your booking? Follow these simple, but smart tips and you will not only score a great travel deal, but you’ll also protect yourself with better peace of mind – when you’re ready to book your next holiday, of course.

Book flexible holidays

Lockdowns and travels restrictions across the world have unlocked two valuable benefits for travellers – discounted holiday deals and more flexible cancellation policies. Many travel providers are now combining exceptional savings with more flexibility, meaning you get a great price without having to worry about a hefty cancellation fee. You may only need to pay a small admin fee, which is a fraction of the cost of locking in a great holiday discount. Due to Covid-19, many airlines and hotels are also waiving change fees for new bookings, giving you even more flexibility.

Choose book now, pay later options

Some travel providers are offering options like book now (small deposit may apply) and pay the rest closer to your holiday. This is a great way to lock in some attractive travel savings without having to commit a huge sum of money upfront – especially when things still remain uncertain. If you need to change your booking in the current environment, there’s a good chance you will be able to reschedule your trip to a later date without any hassle.

Get travel insurance – even for domestic bookings

Travel insurance has historically been associated with international travel because of the high cost of medical assistance overseas. But it can also help protect you from unknown issues like travel delays, trip cancellations, hired car issues, and stolen or lost baggage – whether domestic or international. However, it’s important to know that most insurers are unlikely to cover pandemic related illnesses or cancellations once it becomes a known event. Research different companies to ensure you understand how policies will change for future travel. Don’t assume policies will remain the same. Always check the product disclosure statement (PDS) to know what is included and what isn’t.

Start with ‘closer to home’ trips

With Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands still relatively low in their cases compared to the rest of the world, it’s more than likely that domestic or Trans-Tasman travel will be on the cards well before the international borders reopen. From self-drive itineraries to flight and accommodation packages, it’s such a great way to discover unforgettable gems in your own backyard whether you choose to indulge in the magnificent splendor of Ayers Rock; take in the breathtaking scenery of the Kimberleys; or island-hop across idyllic Fiji.

Travel will look different on the other side of this pandemic. The good news is you should be able to score some amazing, flexible travel deals in the meantime. Contact your friendly Discerning Traveller consultants and get complete peace of mind when you’re ready to book your next holiday.

DISCLAIMER: Discerning Traveller offers no guarantees on refunds and travel insurance. This is at the discretion of the suppliers.