The UK's ban on cruise shipping operations has to be lifted in January to allow the industry to prepare for a return by Easter. Large passenger shipping companies wrote to the UK government urging it to enable customers to book for the summer 2021 peak season.
According to the UK Chamber of Shipping and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), the restart would take up to 3 months, meaning that a signal is needed in January to allow the industry to get ready.
Ministers were told that ~35% of advance bookings were ordinarily made during December-January, underlining the need for a "clear statement in favour of reopening the cruise industry."
Government and cruise industry officials are expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss an eventual reopening.
The UK cruise industry annually generates an estimated GBP 10 billion (~EUR 11B / ~USD 13,5B) for the UK economy and supports 88,000+ jobs.