人生の航海に似たクルーズ船の旅、冒険なくば得るものなし　　　　　　　　　　　　気ままなリライト８９

復活クルーズ、ダンスホールで音楽鑑賞　「密」を回避 - 日本経済新聞

Having been anchored in the vast dark sea of the pandemic, a fleet of cruise ships, eagerly-awaited by Japanese cruisers, have been setting sail again into the cerulean waters, much like life's voyage on the ship called Earth has gradually returned to normal, but with newly learned lessons. In the tightly woven global community, luxury and convenience often come at a steep price. Preparedness for potential worst-case scenarios is fueling an adventurous spirit, shaking off nervous hesitation. The blend of adventurousness and a passion of exploration is acting as the powerful engine, propelling the ship forward on its thrilling yet potentially perilous voyage.

The rebounding cruise ship tourism on large passenger vessels, designed for enjoyable voyages, has dispelled the sensationalized perception of ships being breeding grounds for contagious viruses. The air of anticipation and delight is underscoring the charm of a cruise ship journey, dramatically reducing concerns about viral health threats. Passengers and crew on those voyages have come to realize that their journey, much like life itself, is peppered with unexpected challenges and tempests, reminiscent of situations such as the infamous Diamond Princess case. Their continued cruising experiences on safer and more reliable vessels, bolstered by a revamped guide on managing infectious diseases, have taught them to view unforeseen occurrences not as threats, but as life’s unexpected surprises. The shift in perspective has turned the once feared image of a cruise ship into a tantalizing representation of a floating enviable hotel, complete with a wide range of entertainment and all-inclusive packages.

An expected surge in Japanese tourists’ appetite for cruising experience has magnetized international cruise lines from the United States, Italy and the United Kingdom. The much-anticipated MSC Bellissima, the second-largest vessel owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, made its maiden arrival at Yokohama Port, Kanagawa Prefecture in late April, after a hiatus of three years. The behemoth embarked on a nine-day tour with roughly 5,000 passengers, visiting destinations such as Kagoshima and Taiwan. Seizing on the rising cruise fervor in Japan, MSC Cruises intends to launch 25 voyages in 2023 and 16 voyages during period between January and March 2024, all commencing from Japan. Costa Cruises, an Italian cruise line is also venturing into the Asian market, setting its sights on Japanese tourists and launching tour services starting from June. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, an American cruise line, is aiming to appeal to affluent Japanese patrons with an intimate and luxurious experience aboard Seven Seas Explorer. Known as its impressive collection of Picasso’s art and opulent design, this ship boasts a stunning display of marble and crystal décor throughout. Each suite on this 750-passenger vessel is outfitted with high-end furnishings and a private balcony, designed to pamper the vanity of the guests, thereby making an onboarding experience unforgettable.

Japanese domestic cruise lines, Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line and NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha), are competing for a greater share of the Japanese market against international cruise lines. The Nippon Maru, a 500-passenger vessel operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line, and the Asuka II, under the stewardship of NYK Cruises, are gaining popularity among Japanese tourists who are remaining cautious about the threat of infectious diseases. Those cruise ships are navigating a tricky path, tasked with satisfying the contradictory needs of passengers, who are preferring to avoid a viral risk at socializing opportunities without giving up the chance of enjoying the thrill of adventure they seek. The ships are striving to fabricate an impression of safety, driving passengers to feel at ease while engaging fully in on-board activities and social events meticulously altered to minimize the risk of infection. Although the broad range of activities and entertainment options is maintained not to throw a wet blanket on the festive mood of mingling, their scale is diminished to dovetail with their safety protocols. Trained to delicately balance the adrenaline rush from the journey with necessary safeguards, crew members are offering guidance to avoid situations like dance parties where partners sway in an embrace close enough to catch the rhythmic throb of each other’s pulse. The underlying assumption being, in the passionate waltz of dancers, the resonating tempo of heartbeats could energize the silent tide of airborne disease transmission.