CANCELLATION OF THE CRUISE THAT WOULD TRAVEL THE WORLD IN THREE YEARS

On November 23, 2023, cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions announced the cancellation of its three-year round-the-world cruise. The cruise, which cost $100,000 per person, was scheduled to begin in February 2024 and end in April 2027.

The cancellation was caused by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and inflation. The pandemic has reduced demand for cruises, as many people are reluctant to travel in a closed environment. The war in Ukraine has also had a negative impact on the cruise industry, as Russia is a major tourist destination. Inflation, for its part, has made cruise operating costs more expensive, making it more difficult for companies to offer competitive prices.

The cancellation of the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise is a setback for the cruise industry, which has been trying to recover from the pandemic. The cancellation is also a disappointment for passengers who had booked the trip, which offered the opportunity to visit some of the most remote places in the world.

Impact of the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most important factors contributing to the cancellation of the cruise. The pandemic has reduced demand for cruises, as many people are reluctant to travel in a closed environment.

In 2020, the cruise industry suffered one of its worst crises. Most cruise companies suspended operations for several months, and those that resumed operations did so at reduced capacity.

In 2021, the cruise industry began to recover, but demand remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, the number of passengers traveling on cruise ships was 28.2 million, up from 32.2 million in 2019.

Impact of the war in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has also had a negative impact on the cruise industry. Russia is a major tourist destination, and the war has caused many Western countries to impose sanctions on Russia.

In March 2022, the European Union banned Russian-flagged ships from entering its ports. This has had a negative impact on the cruise industry, as many cruise ships operate in European ports.

Impact of inflation

Inflation has also had a negative impact on the cruise industry. Inflation has made cruise operating costs more expensive, making it more difficult for companies to offer competitive prices.

In 2023, inflation in the United States peaked at 9.1. This has caused cruise operating costs to rise as companies must pay more for fuel, food and other supplies.

Outlook for the cruise industry

The cruise industry hopes to recover from the pandemic in the coming years. However, the industry is likely to remain vulnerable to external factors such as wars and inflation.

Some cruise companies are trying to diversify their operations to reduce their dependence on international travel. For example, some companies are increasing their operations in domestic markets, such as the United States and Europe.

Other companies are trying to develop new products and services to attract passengers. For example, some companies are offering shorter, more affordable cruises.

The cruise industry is likely to continue to evolve in the coming years. The industry will have to find ways to adapt to new challenges and opportunities that arise.