Is the Man Upstairs Mad?

You might think that perhaps, a “higher power”, is mad at the travel industry.  First it was pirates and now Swine Flu.  From a cruiser’s standpoint the one advantage a ship has over other destinations is “portability”.  Ships can be moved but hotels, can’t.  For example, only a small handful of passenger vessels – generally the smaller upscale ones – ever come within 1000 miles of that paradise known as Somalia.  And the few that included this area on their itineraries have quickly modified ports and routes to avoid the area.

Now, Swine Flu is a little different story.  Because it is a somewhat more global issue, it affects quite a few  cruise ships,  mainly those that call on Mexican ports.  The cruise lines have been very diligent in their anti-viral procedures since the days of the Norovirus.  And while viruses do impact some passengers, the percentage of the nearly 11 million people who cruise every year is very small.  That being said however, the cruise lines are exercising prudent caution by intensifying their sanitation efforts and making itinerary changes.  Western Caribbean and Mexican Riviera cruises are most impacted.  The major lines have dropped ports like Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan from their schedules until further notice.   In some cases a full day at sea is being added but in the case of the “Mexican Riviera” cruises, entirely new itineraries are being substituted.  The best source for the latest information about a planned or booked voyage is your cruise specialist who can provide invaluable guidance and advice.  Keep in mind that the cruise lines have the safety and comfort of their guests as their first priority and make changes with that in mind.  You can still expect to enjoy all the great service, food and entertainment cruise ships deliver, regardless of where you make landfall.