Believe it or not, there are actually a few cruise ships that are currently sailing. We have yet to see a major return to form for the industry, but some ships from around the world are staying active and offering itineraries. Let’s take a look at some of the ships out there as we wait for sailing to return worldwide!
World Dream and Explorer Dream
It has been theorized for months now that Asian cruising would see a boom. The pandemic has been more calm in some Asian nations compared to Western countries. This has allowed companies like Dream Cruises to step up and resume operations. They currently have two ships sailing: World Dream and Explorer Dream. These two ships are sailing very different itineraries. Explorer Dream is sailing short cruises to locations around Taiwan. World Dream, on the other hand, is running itineraries without any port stops. Cruises on World Dream are limited to Singaporeans.
MSC Grandiosa and MSC Magnifica
Both the MSC Grandiosa and MSC Magnifica are homeporting in Italy. MSC Magnifica is currently on a pause until February 14th, at which point it will begin sailing 10-night cruises around Italy and other nearby nations. MSC Grandiosa is currently sailing to various locations around Italy as well as Malta.
Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas is one of the only Royal Caribbean ships that is fully devoted to the Asian market, and it has been sailing since December 2020. Much like World Dream, cruises aboard Quantum of the Seas are only available to those who live in Singapore. It also is sailing without any port stops, and its itineraries are simply meant as scenic outings. All of its itineraries are currently either three- or four-night affairs.
Mein Schiff and Mein Schiff 2
TUI made headlines back in the summer of 2020 when their ship Mein Schiff 2 became the first major cruise vessel to sail since the onset of the pandemic. The Mein Schiff 1 is also currently sailing. Both of these ships are in Spain, and they both are running very similar itineraries. They are sailing to the Canary Islands, with Mein Schiff 2 trips being one to two weeks long while Mein Schiff 1 trips are two to three weeks long.
Europa 2
Europa 2, a ship owned by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is yet another vessel taking advantage of the relatively lax restrictions in the Mediterranean area. From its Spanish homeport, it is sailing to the Canary Islands.
It’s only a matter of time until we start to see some of the biggest cruise lines reintroduce their ships to the world. Anyone who is eager to see the cruise industry return should keep an eye on AIDA, as four of their ships will resume operations in early March.
