Times have certainly been tough for the travel industry, as countries close their borders, airlines are forced to ground their fleet, and cruise lines took steps to cancel sailings. But it has not dampened their spirits.
Members of the industry have been taking to social media to show their heartfelt love and support to everyone.
Shining a ray of hope during these dark times, Princess Cruises beamed the message “We Will Be Back” from the balcony cabins of Sky Princess and also displayed a banner in the lobby conveying the same message. The line is also calling at Princess Cays for the crew to enjoy the private island. #PrincessProud
Carnival had the same message of hope. In Port Canaveral, the message, “We Will Be Back,” was spelled out in cabin lights on the Carnival Breeze. The entire fleet of Carnival ships lit up the night skies in North America and Australia with the special message for its crew, guests, travel advisors, port partners, and communities #WeWillBeBack
Brennan Koller, of Winter Garden, Florida said, “It felt amazing to see the lights because it gave us a sense of hope for the future. It also gave us a feeling of unity. It was important for Carnival to do this to show that we will come back from this stronger, together.”
Haifa Port created a heartfelt video message for its cruise industry friends around the world: “We love you and we miss you, and we hope to see your beautiful ships coming to the Holy Land really soon.’
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the brand, which includes Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea, is giving their hard-working crew an opportunity to experience spaces usually reserved for guests. On Celebrity Edge, Captain Kate McCue told the crew they would all be moving to balcony cabins. And some crew members were even upgraded to suites thanks to a random lottery.
Marella Cruises put a much-needed smile on our faces by having its ship Marella Discovery 2 literally trace a TUI smile in the ocean. The smile measures 12 nautical miles high and 16 nautical miles wide, a huge symbol of cheer and positivity for the cruise industry. “Myself, First Officer Cosmin and our bridge team worked together to trace the TUI smile as we wanted to do something that would make both our customers and teams smile as a thank you for supporting us during these unprecedented times. We’ll be ready and waiting to set sail with our customers soon” said Jason Ikiadis, Captain of Marella Discovery 2.
The crew of MSC Grandiosa lit up the side of the ship with the Italian words: Andra Tutto Bene – “Everything Will be Fine” #everythingwillbefine
British cruise line Fred Olsen has also been doing all they can to spread some cheer. The cruise line offered some comfort to its repatriated passengers, gifting them a best of British care package.
Each night at 7:30 p.m. ET, all of the ships anchored around Grand Bahama Island, including five Holland America ships are sounding their horns at the same time in solidarity, letting the world know that we are strong, safe and healthy on board, and we are thinking of everyone. #HopeFloats”
The officers and crew of MS Rotterdam came together to thank medical professionals and first responders who are working around the clock, taking care of our friends, neighbors, and communities. #weapplaud
This is an extraordinary time of challenge in the cruise industry and it’s important to remind everyone of the industry’s strength, unity and commitment. It’s an industry that creates a lifetime of wonderful memories as well as having a significant economic impact on communities around the world.
We are #tourismstrong