Economist Podcasts

No port of call: coronavirus may sink the cruise industry

Apr 2, 2020

Charles Reid, a travel writer for The Economist, and Wendelin von Brido, the publication's Europe correspondent, dive into the catastrophic effects of COVID-19 on the cruise industry, highlighting stranded passengers and financial woes. They discuss Sweden's unique handling of the pandemic, showcasing its minimal restrictions and public trust in government. The conversation also touches on cultural attitudes reflected in the Dutch language, particularly its colorful swearing related to sickness, presenting a fascinating linguistic twist to the pandemic narrative.

21:43

Creator website

Episode guests

Wendelin von Brido

Charles Reid

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Cruise Industry Crisis Amid COVID-19

7min

Examining Global Responses to the Coronavirus Pandemic

2min

Sweden's COVID-19 Strategy: A Unique Approach

5min

Pandemic Policies and Cultural Language

4min

The Art of Swearing: Dutch Disease Curses

3min

Closing Remarks and Sponsor Highlights

2min

Cruise ships had been enjoying a golden era—until covid-19 came along. The pandemic has been a catastrophe for the industry. Stranded passengers have taken ill and even died, ships have been banned from ports, and revenue has collapsed. But lawmakers are unlikely to bail it out. In Sweden, daily life has been pretty normal, despite the coronavirus, but can that continue? And we report on Dutch disease—the language’s unusual affinity for poxy swear words.

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