Pullmantur is looking to restart cruise operations just months after the Spanish cruise line became the first victim to enter insolvency due to the impact of COVID-19.
Throughout September, the company has been asking for feedback from its Facebook followers on what customers would like to see if Pullmantur were to return.
One of those is how to improve safety. Pullmantur asked if cruisers would feel safer if the only excursions available were those offered by Pullmantur, to ensure strict protocols are followed ashore. Pullmantur also asked if guests would be happy paying 10-15% higher prices than previously offered, if it ensured a safer experience for everyone onboard.
In terms of onboard experience, Pullmantur is looking to offer full board and drinks with meals, and to introduce a bracelet for those wanting an All-Inclusive Drinks option. Previously, the cruise line offered all-inclusive drinks as standard.
“We have noted that you want a safe trip, with controlled capacity both at boarding and at meals, with more crew that can personally serve you in each of the spaces without causing queues and crowds.” one post said.
Despite ceasing all cruise operations in June 2020, Pullmantur’s website has remained live and still shows cruises for sale on the now scrapped vessels Sovereign and Monarch, as well as the laid-up Horizon.
Pullmantur said they are working together with the bankruptcy administration to introduce a new business plan that involves the return to operation and guarantees the viability of the company.
“Since the suspension of operations in mid-March due to the pandemic, Pullmantur Cruises’ main objective has always been and continues to be to return to cruises as soon as possible. This is a clear and firm goal,” the president and CEO of the company, Richard J. Vogel, said in an interview for Europa Press.
The cruise line says it is working on plans to return to operations. It is unclear what ships they would plan to use. Horizon remains in cold lay-up in Greece and the line’s former Zenith won’t be operated by Peace Boat as originally planned. Another alternative could be Empress of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas, which both are currently in warm lay-up in Greece. Empress of the Seas has previously sailed with Pullmantur, and Majesty of the Seas was due to transfer to the line, but was cancelled in 2015.