Chris Zeiher – The TODAY Show
Sales & Marketing Director / Spokesperson, The Lonely Planet
What to expect from cruises
Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet says travellers can expect big changes from cruises moving forward.
“There will be mandatory health checks pre-sailing, there will probably need to be proof of a negative COVID test before you get on board, increased cleanliness,” Mr Zeiher explained.
“One thing Australians love is they love a smorgasbord and that’s kaput. It is gone. It will all be served at your table via a server.”
Despite the changes, Mr Zeiher said the influx of bookings proves how much Australians love cruises.
“Australians are booming with travel bookings for cruises. (It) shows the popularity for this mode of transport for Australians,” he said.
“A lot of people have credits for cruise lines for sales that have been credited and people are encouraged to take up those kind of bookings for 2022 and 2023.
“International borders are closed at the moment so if you wanted to take a cruise in 2021, you will need to be doing a domestic one and that’s where you are travelling — in Australian waters only.”