The return of the prison hulk

This morning I am predicting the de facto return of the prison hulk ship, as known to readers of Victorian age writing.

It occurred to me in the early hours that the world is awash with giant cruise ships, built at some expense to service the growing market of older people with disposable cash and spare time.

Covid-19 has wrecked that model and I don't see it being jolted back to life through corporate CPR.

What, then, to do with all those ships, that have literally nowhere to go? Why not follow the lead being set by hotel chains and independent hotels up and down the UK and enter long-term contracts with the UK government to provide shelter to uninvited visitors, mooring them in the Thames and other major (or minor) rivers with limited egress for said visitors? 

Please note, I am not making a value judgment here as to whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. I am simply pointing out that a certain level of demand exists for accommodation in the UK, and a certain level of alternative supply exists, and suggesting that it is surely only a matter of time till one or two bright sparks in the government or civil service, and in the cruise ship offices, realises this.

When you hear the news, please remember that you heard it here first...