The Caribbean cruise industry and COVID-19: what planned strategic options exist for recovery for small island countries?

The aim of the paper is to examine the impacts of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the Caribbean cruise industry and assess the post-pandemic prospects for recovery.

The study used a qualitative approach applied through personal interviews as well as data from secondary sources.

The prospects for the post-pandemic cruise industry reveal the need for long-term plans and strategies from Caribbean countries if the countries are to remain viable.

The research was limited to Jamaica, St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. The scope could have been broadened to include other Caribbean islands such as Barbados.

The study is practical and useful to tourism practitioners and governments seeking to create a balance between reaping the benefits of cruise tourism and safeguarding its citizens.

The pandemic has caused a re-examination of how people interact.

The study adds to the body of literature on the post-pandemic survival of the Caribbean cruise industry and provides a useful briefing for practitioners.