After months in limbo with a virus that continues to tear down industries around the world, it appears the cruise business is sinking.
Turkey: Cruise Ship Demolition Derby
Photographs of a cruise ship being torn apart at Izmir, Turkey's Aliaga ship recycling port, triggered talk about just how significant an effect COVID-19 has had on the cruise lines.
This year has been busy for the Aliaga port. It saw a 30% jump in business compared with last year.
The photos showed ships being broken down for parts - putting into the limelight the many cruise operators that were forced to retire ships following restrictions on travel.
Despite the first cruise ship setting sail last month post-COVID, there are still doubts the industry will gain back the million-dollar losses the pandemic has brought.
Australia: Five Carnival Cruises Canceled
Australia was a favorite of cruise lines but the pandemic kicked off and the country has since seen many cancellations.
On Monday, Carnival Cruise Line canceled five cruises from the Carnival Splendor out of Sydney that were scheduled for early 2021 with the operator saying it will "resume cruising in Australia when the time is right."
Australia has struggled to control new outbreaks across Victoria, prompting government officials to allow bookings for residents only. Health minister Greg Hunt said in September cruise trips from outside the country would be banned through mid-December.
India: Jalesh Cruises Shuts Down
The second hardest-hit country in the world, India, has made it extra hard for the local and international cruise ship industry to recover as resumption of travel has yet to be announced.
Last week, Jalesh Cruises said in a statement that the MV Karnika can't operate owing to restrictions on cruise trips.
The company said it had asked the government for assistance to keep the MV Karnika in shape until COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
The company appealed to the High Court but has yet to get an update. Crew members still onboard the MV Karnika are "living in poor conditions."
Jalesh Cruises is waiting for the legal process before crews can disembark and go home.
Singapore: On A Cruise To Nowhere
Singapore will allow cruises to sail next month but with no destination. It said vessels won't be allowed to make stops.
Furthermore, the ships will be required to return to their port of origin and sailing will be open to Singapore residents only and with 50% capacity.
Singapore has been trying to revive its hospitality and tourism industry following restrictions. Many of those infected were work-permit holders.
Among the lines taking part in the program are Royal Caribbean International and Genting Cruise Lines.
England: Zaandam Joins 'Parked' Ships in Torbay
Holland America Lines' Zaandam is the latest cruise ship to join five other vessels temporarily "parked" off the coast of Torbay, England, as the industry struggles to stay afloat.
The ship is known for its expeditions during winter to Hawaii and Mexico and its summer escapades to New England and Canada.
The Zaandam is Holland America's third ship to be anchored at Torbay - joining the Volendam and the Westerdam. It also joins P&O Ferries' Ventura and Azura, as well as Cunard Line's Queen Mary Two.
P&O's sister ships have been anchored since August. They have skeleton crews to keep them seaworthy despite being placed in what cruise liners refer to as "warm storage."
In warm storage, crew members remain onboard to clean and keep engines working. Cold storage, on the other hand, is the anchoring of vessels with no staff or engineers.
