In several areas of the world, cruise ships have been seeking a safe haven in which to layup.
For example, in the UK, three of Fred.Olsen’s fleet were anchored in the River Forth, while the fourth fleet member, ‘Braemar’ (pictured), left Mariel, Cuba, on 19th March having disembarked her passengers, bound for Southampton.
Other UK ports being or will be used to layup idle cruise ships include Dover, Southampton and Portland.
P&O’s newbuilding flag ship ‘Iona’ has left Meyer Werft’s yard in Papenburg and is now berthed at Bremerhaven.
It has been reported that her fitting out work has been suspended for the time being.
In addition, earlier this week, it was estimated that around 48 cruise ships were anchored or berthed in southern US ports and in the Caribbean with more to come.
Some are idle in Australia and other Pacific countries with the ‘MSC Orchestra’ lying at Durban.
CLIA said this week that were around 30 ships still at sea, some of which have been denied entry into ports, due to coronavirus fears.
‘The World’, Residences at Sea, the world’s only residential cruise ship, was taken out of service on17thMarch 17 to around30thMay, 2020.
According to a statement, the company said that all residents and guests has disembarked and crew manning will be reduced to a minimum.
The vessel is privately owned and home to around 150 families from 19 countries and has an average resident and guest occupancy of 150 to 200 people.
“This decision was not an easy one, however protecting the health and safety of our residents, guests and crew is our number one priority. We will continue to remain aggressive in our proactive approach and in maintaining our high standards,” the manager’s statement said.
Several cruise brands, especially those connected to the Carnival Group, have listed the current whereabouts of their fleets on their websites.
