Having the ability to "roll with the punches" is a good thing when you're a travel specialist. That's been especially true this last week. And, yes, we (Mr. Makarma) are talking about the current swine flu outbreak.
Follow us, if you will......prior to last weekend, there was very little discussion anywhere about swine flu. It was over the two-day (April 25-26) period, however, that the story became the top news event. We went into the week knowing two things:
1) This will most definitely affect the travel industry; and,
2) We need to ensure we (and our customers) focus on the real story and not fall victim to the "hype" which inevitably will accompany it.
Air and sea travel into Mexico would be most immediately affected. Most airlines announced they would allow refunds for those not wishing to travel; this was followed by the short-term curtailment of flight schedules.
Cruises from the West Coast were an interesting challenge. Ships departing on Saturday and Sunday left, as-scheduled and, as can be expected. As of Monday, schedules for the week-long cruises remained intact. A four-night sailing also left for its cruise Monday, as planned.
Between Monday night and Tuesday mid-day, however, the story continued to increase in importance, as it appeared the flu was spreading. The major players in the cruise industry made the wise decision by mid-day Tuesday to shift course and head north.
Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas did make its scheduled stop in Cabo San Lucas prior to its diversion. Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Splendor, however, didn't have a scheduled port call until Wednesday so, no Mexico, just a quick U-turn. Both ships scheduled their next port call for San Francisco. First, however, the Carnival Splendor made a quick stop back in Long Beach to give those passengers who wanted to leave, the opportunity to do so. Some left, but the vast majority carried-on, knowing, correctly, that a cruise is what you make of it, and not just the ports you visit.
Anyway, both ships arrived in San Francisco, where some guests decided to end their Mariner of the Seas cruise. (People!!! What were you thinking???) The rugged warriors who stayed onboard made it back to their home ports safe-and-sound earlier today.
Carnival's plans for upcoming itineraries are being addressed on a week-to-week basis. As of now, an altered schedule is planned for those sailings through May 11. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has announced their interim itinerary will remain in effect through the June 14 sail date.
How did all this affect us? Well, we've kept really busy staying apprised of all the changes. We've held off in promoting a group cruise scheduled for later this year. (We have absolutely no doubt, however, that we will proceed with our original plans.) And our bookings? Well, we haven't booked any cruise at all since......today.
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