What to Expect from Summer 2022 Cruises
As worldwide restrictions begin to ease from the global health pandemic, summer 2022 cruises are set to feel the most "normal" since the pre-COVID days. Cruise lines are returning entire fleets to service; cruises can now resume in Canadian, Australian and New Zealand waters; and a return to easier global travel looks and feels more like it once did -- and certainly more familiar than the odd (but welcomed) summer 2021 season.
However, it's not necessarily business as usual in cruise land. Supply chain issues are causing major headaches for lines with new ships under construction, crew shortages are keeping capacity artificially lowered on some vessels, and high airfare, war in the Ukraine and anxiety around COVID-19 testing is softening demand for some overseas destinations.
For those booked on a summer 2022 cruise -- or those just thinking of setting sail this year -- here are some things to consider.
Not Everything You Want Might Be Onboard
The supply chain doesn't just affect the construction of new ships. On Cruise Critic's sailings in 2022, we've found that certain supplies have just flat-out failed to reach the ship in time. That doesn't mean that your ship will depart without food or beverages (far from it), but rather there might be a limited number of certain items -- or select menu items might be unavailable throughout the cruise.
We've found this on past cruises primarily with alcohol. Looking for that tasty IPA on the beer menu? It might not be onboard. Prefer Hendricks over Tanqueray in your martini's? You might need to be a little more flexible. CLICK HERE to Continue Reading Blog Post.
If you are planning on taking a cruise you know how stressful it can be trying to pack all the things you and your family will need on the trip. To make it easier for you, here are a few excellent download printable packing lists for some of your favorite cruise lines. You'll never have to worry about unpacking on the cruise and realizing you forgot something!