I had a quick look for old times sake, couldnt find any of the scenic voyage details for QE. Quite surprised to see fly cruises to Germany for a 2 night trip. Cant think when l last saw any brochures but im clearly out of touch. None the less l still prefer the old Hard brochure.
The scenic cruising might just be a new way to go, or if your doing the ports then give the passengers longer time ashore. Some might prefer to dine ashore Besides who doesnt love a late night sailing or better an overnight in port Arrive at noon and depart late morning. Perhaps now is the time to think outside the ship and bring in new ideas. A short cruise , then carry your own luggage , it happens with airlines, bring in reservation meal times for breakfast lunch afternoon tea and Dinner , go formal meals in the restaurants or casual in the other bits. But by making reservations you can control the masses, we quite happily lined up at Asda at busy times, or had the wisdom to go when its was quietier. Make the mask wearing compulsory, and who wouldnt love to wear a black branded Cunard mask !
However i cant help but wonder how many people out there would love to spend a night onboard. a lovely dinner, sleep over, and disembark after breakfast. It might get a lot of newbies to try a ship out, bring a lot of the old ones back and more importantly bring in revenue, or maybe right now thats not so important. The marketing department could get their arse into gear and drum up some ideas, ok you might need to limit numbers and stagger embarkation times but could this idea work..??
The past few weekends iv done some travelling, not much, but what is surprising is just how busy it all is, there are people out there willing to spend money, to travel safely and wear masks quite happily. Most restaurants are doing what they can to abide by the rules, many have their one way of doing things, some good, some pretty bad and some quite innovative. But the secret is make the customer feel safe. A customer who feels safe will return. There are places out there right now l will never set foot in again, and places iv never tried till recently that l would gladly go back. Right now iv never seen London hotels so cheap .
But a night or even two aboard a ship while shes berthed , I would be up for that ! and if im honest lm surprised to be saying that. While Im not ready to eat humble pie just yet.
Might we now be seeing Cruising re-invented ?
But l must admit to see the cruises being suspended till March and beyond is a scary thought for everyone.