With the resumption of some cruises, the tourism sector is trying to revive in Italy as new health measures are introduced in the country.
The first large cruise ship to return to sea in the Mediterranean is expected to leave Genoa, Italy on Sunday evening, as the cruise industry hopes for better days after a devastating hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The departure of the MSC Grandiosa, operated by MSC Cruises, from the port of Genoa, Italy (north-west) at 19:30, represents a high-stakes test for the cruise industry, both in the key Mediterranean market and beyond. It is scheduled to call at the ports of Civitavecchia near Rome, Naples, Palermo, and Valletta, Malta, during this 7-day cruise.
“I couldn’t miss the first cruise after Covid.”
“I couldn’t miss the first cruise after Covid,” said Rosalba Scarrone, who was about to embark. “I’ve done 87 cruises, can you imagine how much I’ve suffered from not leaving since February? “added the 64-year-old cruise blogger.
The cruise industry has been hit hard by the economic crisis resulting from the health crisis, but also because of criticism of its management of the coronavirus on board ships at the beginning of the pandemic.
For its part, MSC Cruises’ competitor, Costa Croisières (a subsidiary of Carnival), chose to delay the partial resumption of its cruises until September. The cruise industry in Europe represents a turnover of 14.5 billion euros per year and almost 53,000 jobs according to the International Cruise Association (CLIA). The association estimates that the sector could lose up to €25.5 billion in revenue due to the interruption of cruises.
Slow reaction of cruise passengers to the spread of the virus
“The trip (…) represents a tangible sign of return for one of the fundamental economic sectors of our city,” said Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci. More than two million cruise passengers departed from the Ligurian capital last year.
The eyes of the cruise industry will be focused on the Grandiosa after a small Norwegian company, Hurtigruten, was forced to suspend cruises again earlier this month after dozens of passengers and crew members were infected with coronavirus.
World health authorities criticized the slow response of cruise lines to the spread of the virus before the ships were shut down completely in March. Buffets and gyms continued to operate and personal protective equipment was sorely lacking.
Screening for everyone and closed buffet
According to data from the Johns Hopkins University in the United States, provided by CLIA, there have been 3,047 cases and 73 deaths following contamination on board cruise ships affiliated to the association.
For its part, MSC Cruises claims that its new safety protocol exceeds national and industry standards. At the boarding terminal, before boarding, passengers and crew members will be tested on Covid-19 by taking a blood sample, and their temperature will be checked daily. The buffet will be closed and passengers will be served at table.
Source: 20 Minutes
