Despite higher oil prices, airport delays, and travel disruption, travelers with a cruise booked are largely still planning to take their vacation.
So I asked cruise fans a simple question: Would any of this change your plans?
The answer was almost unanimous. They’re still going.
"Keeping all 9 of my bookings from now through November," posted Simone Amadee on Facebook when questioned if they were reconsidering travel because of recent global events.
Hundreds of others weighed in to say mostly the same thing: they're keeping their travel plans in place.
Long TSA lines, the Iran conflict, and increased airfares have been at the forefront of news in recent weeks, but going on a cruise doesn't seem to be changing in anyone's view yet.
Joline Tate posted, "Royal Caribbean will not take you where there's danger. If a port is dangerous, they will cancel; you won't have to."
Her sentiment was shared by many that life goes on, despite the travel anxiety some may be feeling.
"Unless the cruise line cancels it, I’m going"
The overwhelming response wasn’t hesitation. It was defiance. Despite scary headlines, most travelers are not canceling cruises.
We asked our readers on Facebook if they're feeling any concern about going on a cruise due to recent issues around the United States and abroad.
Over 200 comments were left, and the vast majority were positive and said they were definitely going on their cruise. In our unscientific poll, there were very limited outright cancellations.
The majority of the comments fell into the "I'm still going" category.
"I cruise at the end of July to the Caribbean. I'm making the final payment next week and hoping for the best," added Kelly D'Alessandro.
Many people shared they feel cruises feel insulated from global events. Moreover, Caribbean cruises are seen as low risk.
"I would absolutely go on a cruise if I had one booked and paid for. Probably the safest way to travel today," wrote Kat PS.
It also helps that cruises are booked months in advance, and most itineraries are far from conflict zones. Royal Caribbean doesn't offer any cruises in the Middle East, and their European cruise season is just about to begin.
Plus, there's a strong sense that cruises feel removed from the chaos on land. Once you're onboard, the outside world fades pretty quickly.
Some are concerned, but not canceling
Even though many aren't canceling their cruise, they are monitoring the situation to see if a change is needed.
Flights are probably the top concern among respondents.
- "Keeping all 9 of my bookings… a bit nervous about all of the flights"
- "A bit nervous about all of the flights I have to take but keeping the faith all will go well!"
- "My problem was the air fare was more than the cruise I was about to book"
People aren't canceling cruises, but they are worried about getting there. To that point, some people are pivoting to cruises they can drive to instead of relying on air travel.
A partial government shutdown has strained the Transportation Security Administration, contributing to longer security lines at airports across the country. This has lead to long lines at airports in some cases.
The concern of missing a flight over these delays is at the heart of why some are questioning going overseas for a trip. Both Americans traveling to Europe and Europeans coming to the States are where the comments started to vary.
"Staying in Europe this year, but we've booked most of our holidays at home in UK for the rest of the year," Sandra Harris wrote.
"Europe? Moved mine to next summer," added Ashley H.
People aren't canceling, but they are watching
The bottom line is most people with a cruise booked plan to go on it, but they aren't ignoring the world events either.
People are watching flight prices and airport situations, and they're thinking more carefully about future trips.
The cruise is still happening, it's just everything around it that feels a little uncertain.
