Jan115

Hi Karin and welcome. I can help with that: Go to your profile in the upper right corner of the screen and choose Settings, then on the left you'll see Email. You can change it there. See you around!

ROSTOCK, Germany, Aug. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AIDA Cruises is planning to resume its cruise operations with the first ships from German ports at the beginning of September 2020. The prerequisite for this was the approval of the flag state Italy for the restart concepts. The first trips from Kiel will start on September 6, 2020. The first cruises with AIDAperla to the Norwegian fjords start from Hamburg on September 12, 19 and 26, 2020. In the coming days, AIDA Cruises will review the specific details of this decision and will work closely with all responsible authorities of the flag state Italy and the classification society in order to carefully implement the new protocols and regulations in the sense of a responsible restart on board the AIDA ships. As the current development shows, unfortunately not in all European travel destinations the prerequisites for safe travel are given yet. Due to the current situation, the company must extend the pause of its cruise season until September 30, 2020, except for the above-mentioned departures from Kiel (starting from September 6, 2020) and Hamburg (starting from September 12, 2020). To AIDA Cruises it is important to provide all guests with this important information regarding their vacation. The company very much regrets that the other voyages cannot take place as planned. All guests whose cruise cannot be carried out will be informed immediately. The company publishes detailed information on the current pause of the cruise season at www.aida.de/reisehinweis. According to the motto "With certainty the most beautiful vacation", AIDA Cruises provides transparent and comprehensive information regarding the expanded measures to protect against COVID-19 at www.aida.de/sichererurlaub. SOURCE AIDA Cruises ____________________________ By prnewswire, (August 10, 2020); Photo Credit: AIDA Cruise Line Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

The cruise and travel news isn't pretty. Coronavirus has wreaked havoc on our vacations - yours and mine. The news isn't all bad, though. Cruising is a no-go at the moment, but if you don't mind a few precautions including 72-hour pre-testing, there are currently several destinations that are open to Americans needing a land-bound escape - and don't we all! In fact, an escape to an island in the tropics would look really good right about now. Most of the Caribbean Islands are welcoming flight-bound Americans, including Aruba, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten and the U.S. Virgin Islands. So are the Mexican states of Quintana Roo, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. But what if you're a cruise fanatic? You're no doubt having cruise withdrawal symptoms and feeling a little depressed. There hasn't been ship at sea in nearly six months (unless you're an unlucky crew member still trying to get home). Ocean journeys are now off limits until at least the end of November, with Princess Cruises cancelling all their sailings through mid-December. The exception to this new policy are some smaller-ship adventure cruise lines exempt from CDC/CLIA suspension policies, but even these have had rebounds, with Hurtigruten, Aida and UnCruise returning to port with new positive cases of Covid-19 shortly after re-starting operations. With U.S. states experiencing spikes in cases and a backlash of folks rebelling against mask-wearing and social distancing, I wonder how long it will really be before ships can safely take to the open water again. But what kind of cruise specialist would I be if I didn't live by example. Do I feel comfortable cruising for the remainder of 2020? No. Do I even believe there will be any cruising before the end of this year? I think not. That has not stopped me, though, from looking ahead to 2021 and 2022. I choose to think optimistically, and despite what the CDC and the average non-cruising Joe public thinks of cruising ("a floating Petri dish") and bad publicity in general, I choose to remain optimistic that cruising will come back from these dismal times. It will look much different when it does. New health and safety precautions and policies will be in place, and some risk may still be involved, and I will be ready. In line with this thinking, I've booked several of my own cruises for 2021 and 2022. Thinking that a smaller ship to one destination would be the safest bet, our first return to the ocean will be aboard Oceania Insignia to Bermuda in July of 2021. Our second ship of optimism is another smaller ocean vessel in May of 2022 aboard the Viking Sky to the Mediterranean, something we rescheduled from May of 2021 with the thinking that such a port-intensive itinerary would be more likely to actually take place two years from now. The third and final cruise added to our roster is a 10-day Iceland/Scotland/Norway scheduled for July of 2022, a re-booking of a much-wished-for 2020 cruise that was cut by the cruise line due to the suspension of operations, re-booked with the hope that the world will get it's act together by then. Will these cruises actually sail? Will they go forward without incident? Will the pandemic still figure into the equation? I have no idea. But I do know that I now have something to look forward to with the assurance that I can cancel should things start to go south. What about you? Are you an avid cruiser brave enough to take a leap? I think you are!

After Norwegian Cruise Line reported dismal second-quarter earnings—with revenue plunging 99% from a year ago—CEO Frank Del Rio said that he was “astonished” that people are still booking cruises, while also expressing optimism the company has enough liquidity to weather a prolonged period of no sailing. KEY FACTS Norwegian on Thursday reported a net loss of $715 million in the second quarter, with revenue plunging to less than $17 million, down from $1.7 billion a year ago. Since its last earnings report, the company has extended its suspension of voyages three times, most recently doing so earlier this week until at least November, along with other major cruise operators in the Cruise Lines International Association. With that latest delay, that means major cruise operators like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival will not have set sail for over six months, resulting in massive financial losses. Despite Norwegian reporting a monthly cash burn rate of around $160 million amid the coronavirus pandemic, CEO Frank Del Rio admitted on the latest earnings call that he was “astonished how well bookings are coming in, given the fact the industry is suspended.” While Norwegian’s earnings numbers are bleak, Del Rio was optimistic that the cruise industry’s “very loyal customer base” would translate to “a lot of pent-up demand,” as the company has already reported $1.2 billion of advanced ticket sales as of June 30, 2020. What’s more, Norwegian raised a total of $1.5 billion in July to bolster liquidity and cover financial losses, “which we believe positions us to withstand a scenario of prolonged voyage suspensions,” Del Rio said. CRUCIAL QUOTE “If you had told me that we were going to be facing this set of circumstances, and your question is, ‘Frank, would you be taking any bookings?’ I would have laughed at you. I’ll say, ‘Of course, not, who would book? It’s crazy,’” Del Rio said in response to a question about forward bookings on Thursday. “But people are booking. People are confident that we’re going to come back. People do want to cruise. They miss it. . . . And so this is temporary. The question is how temporary is ‘temporary.’” SURPRISING FACT Of Norwegian’s $1.2 billion in advanced ticket sales, $800,000 comes from future cruise credits, which customers received instead of refunds for cancelled cruises. Across Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival, over 50% of guests are repeat cruisers, Del Rio pointed out during his company’s earnings call. “We’re going to lean on them heavily . . . they want to cruise again,” he said. “Depending on when you think the restart is, there’s going to be 15 million, 20 million people who were not allowed to cruise this year.” WHAT TO WATCH FOR Despite the company’s optimism that it can weather a no-revenue environment amid the pandemic, Norwegian did admit that coronavirus has had a “significant impact” on its financial position. If the temporary suspension of sailing is further extended (beyond October 31), that would likely lead to a further negative impact, Norwegian said in its earnings release. “It will take some time” for business to get back to normal, Del Rio said. KEY BACKGROUND While cruise stocks have rebounded somewhat since their March lows amid optimism about reopening the economy, shares of Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival are all still down between 60% and 75% so far this year. All three major operators have reported record financial losses as the industry remains paralyzed by the coronavirus pandemic for the foreseeable future. ________________________ By Forbes, Sergei Klebnikov (August 7, 2020); Photo Credit: Image by afmax from Pixabay Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Welcome to CruiseCrazies, Andrew. Tell us about your cruise experiences - the ships and the destinations. What was your favorite? If you're thinking about a first cruise, let us know what you're planning. Got questions? We've got answers! Stay safe!

Our Sky Princess cruise was canceled. I'm not very optimistic about yours. Let's hope I'm wrong!😎

Seattle, Wash., July 30, 2020 — In honor of some of the most memorable ships in Holland America Line’s nearly 150-year history, the premium cruise line is changing the name of its newbuild from Ryndam to Rotterdam and designating it the new flagship of the fleet. The seventh ship to bear this historic name, Rotterdam will be delivered one year to the date on July 30, 2021, pushed back slightly from its original delivery of May 2021 due to the global health situation. When Rotterdam is delivered from Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy, it will spend the summer exploring Northern Europe and the Baltic on roundtrip cruises from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Guests and travel advisors with clients who were booked on the ship’s Premiere Voyage in May and itineraries through July 30 are being contacted with rebooking options. “The first ship for Holland America Line was the original Rotterdam, the company was headquartered in the city of Rotterdam for many years, and the name has been a hallmark throughout our history since 1872 … so clearly the name is powerful and symbolic,” said Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line’s president. “With the current Rotterdam leaving the company, we knew we had a unique opportunity to embrace the name as our new flagship and carry on the tradition of having a Rotterdam in our fleet. Seven is a lucky number, and we know she’s going to bring a lot of joy to our guests as she travels across the globe.” The History of the Name Rotterdam Holland America Line’s first ship was Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York Oct. 15, 1872, and led to the founding of the company on April 18, 1873. Rotterdam II was built in 1878 for British Ship Owners Co. and purchased by Holland America Line in 1886. Rotterdam III came along in 1897 and was with the company until 1906. The fourth Rotterdam joined the fleet in 1908 and also served as a troop carrier when World War I ended. Following the war it made regular cruises from New York to the Mediterranean. Rotterdam V, also known as “The Grande Dame,” set sail in 1959 and began sailing transatlantic crossings with two classes of service. It later converted to a one-class ship in 1969. She sailed with Holland America Line for 38 years until 1997, including several Grand World Voyages, and currently is a hotel and museum in the city of Rotterdam. Rotterdam VI, the most recent to cruise for Holland America Line, was introduced in 1997 and the first ship in the R Class. Inaugural Season to Explore Mediterranean, Baltic and Norway Cruising aboard Rotterdam VII begins Aug. 1 with the ship’s seven-day Premiere Voyage departing from Trieste, Italy, to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, with port calls throughout the Adriatic Sea and southern Italy. The ship sails Aug. 8 from Civitavecchia on a 14-day cruise through the western Mediterranean and on to Amsterdam. From Aug. 22 through Oct. 10, the ship will sail roundtrip from Amsterdam on three seven-day itineraries to Norway, one 14-day to the Baltic and one 14-day to Norway, Iceland and the British Isles. A trans-Atlantic completes the inaugural Europe season with a 14-day voyage from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. To accommodate guests booked on cancelled itineraries of Ryndam from May through July, Nieuw Statendam cruise itineraries also will see some changes to match up as much as possible with former Ryndam sailings. “Guests and travel advisors will be notified today of this news and coming changes to current itineraries,” added Antorcha. “We ask everyone, though, to please bear with us just a few weeks for all of the details as we rebuild itineraries and put the finishing touches on several desirable alternatives. We will follow up with specific details very soon so everyone knows their options.” Guests booked on the originally scheduled Premiere Voyage will be rebooked on the Premier Sailing for Rotterdam, departing August 1, and will receive a $100 per person shipboard credit. All other guests who were booked on impacted Ryndam or Nieuw Statendam cruises will be automatically rebooked to a similar future cruise date during the summer at the same fare paid. Guests will receive a $100 per person shipboard credit for cruises 10 days or less and $250 per person for itineraries of 12 days or more. Guests are asked to wait until they receive updated booking confirmations in the next several weeks before contacting Holland America Line for additional changes to the booking. About Rotterdam VII The third in the Pinnacle Class series, Rotterdam will carry 2,668 guests, measure 99,500 tons and feature highly successful amenities and innovations introduced with her sister ships, including the 270-degree surround screen World Stage, Rudi’s Sel de Mer and Grand Dutch Café. Delivering the best of everything, Rotterdam celebrates live music with an exclusive collection of world-class performances each night - from Lincoln Center Stage and B.B. King’s Blues Club to Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard. Throughout the ship, Rotterdam also will showcase Holland America Line hallmarks that drive one of the highest guest repeat rates in the industry: exquisite cuisine guided by eight of the world’s leading chefs; gracious, award-winning service; and superbly appointed staterooms and suites, including family and single accommodations. Rotterdam is the 17th ship constructed for Holland America Line by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, which most recently built Nieuw Statendam. Naming details have not been finalized and will be announced later. __________________________ By Holland America Line (Press Release, July 30, 2020); Photo Credit: Holland America Line Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Corp.'s flagship line, announced it will sell two of its ships, the Carnival Fantasy and the Carnival Inspiration, as a part of the company's overall fleet reduction. In addition to selling two ships – but not included in the overall reduction – the Carnival Fascination and the Carnival Imagination will move to a long-term layup status, meaning they will be out of operation but will remain in the fleet. There are no plans or dates determined to resume operation, according to a release provided by line representative Vance Gulliksen. The removal of the four ships from Carnival's rotation of ships means puzzle-like schedule shifts for many of Carnival's vessels that will be operating. Carnival Sensation will move to Mobile, Alabama, from Miami and will take on Carnival Fascination and Carnival Fantasy's previously scheduled itineraries. Guests scheduled to sail on those two ships are being accommodated on the Sensation. Carnival Sunrise will move to PortMiami from Port Everglades to assume Carnival Sensation's previously scheduled itineraries. Guests booked to sail on the Sunrise's four- and five-day itineraries will be automatically moved to sail from its new embarkation point in PortMiami. The Carnival Fascination itineraries leaving from San Juan and Barbados have been canceled for 2020 through 2021. The Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration itineraries from Long Beach have been canceled through April 19, 2021. Carnival Panorama will continue its seven-day itineraries from Long Beach, California, and Carnival Miracle will move to operate itineraries from San Diego to Baja Mexico. Carnival Radiance will move to Long Beach after its renovation is complete and is expected to arrive in April 2021 to begin Baja Mexico itineraries that had been run by Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration previously. Guests booked on Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration after April 22, 2021, will sail on Carnival Radiance. ________________________ By USA Today, Morgan Hines (July 25, 2020) Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Cruise lines are scrambling for ways to re-introduce cruise travel to loyal repeat guests and new cruisers alike and to once again earn their trust. Besides beefing up existing health and safety precautions and introducing new ones, the cruise industry is brainstorming itineraries and destinations to reassure the public that cruising is still the safest means of vacation travel.One chief factor figuring into cruising’s re-launch are private island destinations, and these will be an important inclusion in the first itineraries once cruise lines are able to resume service from U.S. ports. In fact, some brief 3-5 day itineraries on early sailings might include only private island stops simply because safety and health protocols can be more easily monitored in a private island setting. Shorter sailings mean fewer worries about being stuck out at sea and allow less time for potential health issues to arise on board. Guests will be among the same group of passengers and crew who have undergone the same screening protocols. Chances of contracting a virus are reduced by eliminating opportunities for mingling with the locals. Finally, cruise lines can limit the number of ships in their private destination ports to ensure there is plenty of space for guests to spread out. A cruise featuring a relaxing day in a beach paradise is the perfect way to get back to sea. To help you choose, here is a list of various cruise line private island destinations from North American homeports: Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay in the Berry Islands, Bahamas, is Norwegian's private island paradise. The port is occasionally used by sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. Besides a beautiful beach, guests have opportunities for snorkeling, paddling, kayaking, zip lining, parasailing and, best of all, swimming with pigs. Guests can grab a bite at the new 8,500-square foot beach buffet which includes a central pizza making station, two grills, and hot and cold food stations. Another complimentary option is Abaco Taco, where you can craft your own delicious taco. In November 2019 Norwegian added a new feature, Siilver Cove, a resort-style area with its own lagoon and private beach. Guests who rent one of the 38 beachfront villas have use of the Manara Spa, Moet Bar and Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. The ship anchors at this port without the need for tendering ashore. Castaway Cay On Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay, visitors will find a wide variety of fun for the whole family including Disney character greetings. Amenities include beaches, lagoons, splash areas, walking trails, open-air complimentary BBQ dining, 2 shops featuring Disney gifts and souvenirs, free tram transportation around the island and more. A popular family activity is the exciting Lilo and Stitch Dance Party, but the standout feature of Castaway Cay is the option for parents to drop the kids off for fun at one of the age-appropriate island kids’ clubs at Scuttle Cove so they can enjoy some alone time at the adults-only Serenity Bay. Ships can dock right at the island pier. Half Moon Cay Voted the #1 private island by Porthole Cruise Magazine 17 years in a row, Holland America Line's island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, is also used by Holland America's sister brands in the Carnival Corp. family. A wide range of activities await guests including snorkeling, kayaks, catamarans, paddleboards, trail hikes through nature preserves, and more. Food choices consist of The Tropics Restaurant with shaded dining pavilions for a BBQ lunch and fresh-grilled lobster served at the Lobster Shack. Kids and families will have fun at the new children’s water park, but the most unique feature of Half Moon Cay is the availability of horseback riding on the beach and in the surf. Another exclusive feature on the island is a chapel for weddings or vow renewals. Guests can opt for a two-story colorful beach villa rental. Guests must tender to the island. Harvest Caye Opened in 2017 and owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Harvest Caye is the only private cruise destination in Belize. Sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas also include Harvest Caye on their Caribbean itineraries. The island makes for a perfect beach day and is loaded with activities for everyone. Besides the 7-acre beach, guests will find an expansive pool area with swim-up bar and cascading waterfall, a salt water lagoon for kayaking and paddle boarding, a ropes course, nature center, and a shopping village with local crafts. Beachside cabanas are available to rent and feature a concierge for food and beverage service. Zip lining can be found at the Flighthouse, 136 feet high above the beach. There is a large food and beverage area. Note: Unlike other private island calls, guests must pay for food and drinks, as the concessions are run by the Belizean locals. Harvest Caye is a quick ride to mainland Belize, and Norwegian’s shore excursion options from Harvest Caye will include Mayan ruins, spice farm, ecotours and rainforest river tubing. Ships dock directly at the pier, with no tendering required. Labadee Labadee, located on the northern coast of Haiti, is Royal Caribbean International's private destination. This little piece of paradise offers fun and relaxation spread out over five “neighborhoods”, Adrenaline Beach, Columbus Cove, Buccaneer’s Bay, Nellie’s Beach and the Town Square. Included in the fun are a zip line, Dragon’s Tail Coaster, Dragon’s Splash Waterslide and Arawak Aqua Park. For those looking for more relaxation, guests will find spectacular beaches, nature trails, shaded hammocks, secluded coves, open air dining, bars, and Haitian craft markets. Guests can also experience Haitian culture on a variety of shore excursions with a focus on cooking, music and history. Royal Caribbean’s sister brand Celebrity also makes calls in Labadee, and ships can dock directly at the pier. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Opened in December 2019, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is MSC’s private Bahamian island with a focus on marine conservation and coral restoration. Ocean Cay has the distinct feature of being the only cruise line with extended island stays into the evening, allowing opportunities for light shows, sunsets, fire pits, stargazing and a Bahamian Junkanoo "street parade”. Guests can unwind, relax and connect with the abundant beauty of the island. It is home to 8 world-class beaches, enchanting sea life, 8 massage huts on the beach, authentic Bahamian cuisine, tropical cocktails, a Bahamian shopping village and more, with an exclusive hideaway for MSC Yacht Club guests. Available family and children activities include the Family Lagoon Beach and Children’s Activity Pavilion. Optional tours are available for rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, family beach cabanas and more. Ships can dock at the island pier. Princess Cays, Private Island Resort Princess Cays is the private island for Princess Cruises and sits on the southern end of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Sister Carnival brands also call at Princess Cays. Princess Cays is the most laid-back of the private islands. While it doesn’t have giant water slides, zip lining or ropes courses, it does provide for a perfect relaxing day at the beach. Guests will enjoy a white-sand private beach situated on more than 40 acres. While carefully preserving this natural paradise, the resort boasts an observation tower, a complimentary beach barbecue, and activities such as snorkeling, fishing and a stingray encounter. Recreational activities abound. Enjoy volleyball and a full range of water sports, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the view in a shady lounger or in a clamshell available for rental. Unlike some cruise Bahamian private islands, Princess guests can experience local culture by visiting Eleurthera’s small villages like Rock Sound. Guests must tender to Princess Cays. Perfect Day at CocoCay In 2019 Royal Caribbean took it’s original Bahamian island of CocoCay and re-invented it as “Perfect Day at CocoCay”, spending a cool $250 million. Perfect Day now features a wide variety of theme park-style thrills - a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America and the most slides of any waterpark in the Caribbean; a helium balloon ride that rises to 450 feet above sea level; and a 28,000 gallon wave pool. For something more relaxing, guests can head to Chill Island, with its cabanas and daybeds, or spend the day at the beach. Never shying away from innovation, Royal Caribbean is proud to feature the exclusive Coco Beach Club with the first Floating Cabanas in the Bahamas. A unique feature to Perfect Day is the neighborhood layout, similar to that of a typical theme park, with names like Oasis Lagoon, Chill Island, Thrill Waterpark and South Beach. Ships can dock at the island's pier. Amber Cove The Dominican Republic had not had a cruise ship call to its shores in over 30 years, but thanks to Carnival Corp., which invested $85 million, Amber Cove has become a popular port stop, welcoming Carnival, Princess and Holland America. The port offers a combination of fun, history and culture on the Dominican Republic's northern coast. Cruisers can enjoy everything from ziplining and kayaking to shopping and swim-up bars. Available for rent are overwater cabanas that have their own deck and outdoor shower. Guests can also leave the private area and venture to nearby Puerto Plata for great shopping, authentic Dominican dining and a closer look at the first European settlement in the Americas. Look out for familiar scenes from the first Jurassic Park movie, part of which was filmed in Puerto Plata. (The fossilized amber can be found at the city's Amber Museum.) Grand Turk Cruise Center The Grand Turk Cruise Center is the only cruise port in the Turks and Caicos, and the 18-acre $50 million complex was opened by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2006. It’s highlight is the huge, lagoon-like swimming pool, where private pool-side cabanas with waiter service can be rented. The port is home to the Caribbean's largest Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville bar, restaurant and retail shop. There is a 45,000-square-foot shopping center offering duty-free shopping, jewelry stores and locally crafted souvenirs and gifts. The biggest feature is the Grand Turk FlowRider surfing simulator, which the port boasts is the only one of its kind located in a cruise facility. Grand Turk is one of the few destinations in the Caribbean where a great beach and snorkeling can be enjoyed directly off the cruise ships. ______________________________ By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent View full article

MIAMI, July 24, 2020 – Royal Caribbean Group is replacing one of the least-loved but most important parts of a cruise vacation – the safety drill – with Muster 2.0©, an entirely new approach to delivering safety information to guests. The innovative program, the first of its kind, reimagines a process originally designed for large groups of people into a faster, more personal approach that encourages higher levels of safety. With Muster 2.0, the key elements of the safety drill – including reviewing what to expect and where to go in case of an emergency, and instructions on how to properly use a life jacket – will be accessible to guests on an individual basis instead of a group approach that has been followed historically. New technology, eMuster©, will be used to help provide the information to guests via their mobile devices and interactive stateroom TVs. Travelers will be able to review the information at their own time prior to setting sail, eliminating the need for the traditional large group assemblies. The new approach also enables everyone on board to maintain better spacing as guests move about the ship, and it allows guests to enjoy more of their vacation with no interruption. After reviewing safety information individually, guests will complete the drill by visiting their assigned assembly station, where a crew member will verify that all steps have been completed and answer questions. Each of the steps will need to be completed prior to the ship’s departure, as required by international maritime law. “The health and safety of our guests and crew are our number one priority, and the development of this new muster process is an elegant solution to an outdated, unpopular process,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “The fact that this will also save guests time and allow the ship to operate without pause means that we can increase health, safety and guest satisfaction simultaneously.” “Muster 2.0 represents a natural extension of our mission to improve our guests’ vacation experiences by removing points of friction,” said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group’s senior vice president of digital. “In this instance, what’s most convenient for our guests is also the safest option in light of needing to reimagine social spaces in the wake of COVID-19.” This marks the first dramatic change to the safety drill process in a decade, since Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas moved the life jackets from guest staterooms to the muster stations, which improved the evacuation process and has been widely followed throughout the industry. More than a year in the making, Muster 2.0 is also an initiative that will be part of the comprehensive set of protocols and procedures Royal Caribbean Group is developing along with the Healthy Sail Panel that was recently assembled in collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “This new process represents the kind of innovation that the Healthy Sail Panel is focusing on as part of its mission to enhance the health and safety of cruising,” said former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, co-chair of the Healthy Sail Panel. “It shows that we can accomplish a lot if we try to think outside the box on safety.” “I'd like to extend my congratulations to Royal Caribbean Group on this innovative milestone. It's exactly what our industry needs during these unprecedented times and we appreciate the generous offer to participate in this innovation,” said Frank Del Rio, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “In this industry, we all work cooperatively to enhance health and safety, and this is an example of that.” The distributed muster for ocean-going vessels concept is patented in the United States and is patent-pending in major markets around the world, including the various cruise industry flag states. The company has also worked with international regulators, the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime and government authorities to ensure it meets all safety requirements. In addition to introducing the new process on the ships of its own cruise lines – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara – Royal Caribbean Group is offering to license the patented technology to interested cruise operators and will waive patent license fees during the time the world and industry battle the global pandemic. Patent licenses have already been granted to the company’s joint venture, TUI Cruises GmbH, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Muster 2.0 was first tested on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas in January 2020. Guests who took part in the mock process indicated a strong preference for the new approach and also reported better comprehension and retention of the safety information. __________________________ By Royal Caribbean Group (Press Release, July 24, 2020); Photo Credit: Talking Cruise Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

CALABASAS, CA – July 21, 2020 – Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways continues to lead the way in river cruising, announcing today it has resumed operations in Europe with a series of charter sailings onboard AmaKristina in Germany with local guests. As the first U.S.-based river cruise line to resume sailings, the company continues to pioneer innovation in river cruising, warmly welcoming guests while implementing the newly enhanced health and safety protocols on board its award-winning ships. “As the proud Godmother of our award-winning AmaKristina, I am honored that she was our very first river cruise ships to set sail in Europe this summer,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Although many countries continue to have travel restrictions in place, we have begun operating a series of sailings for European guests, in collaboration with an established German tour operator, e-hoi. With these sailings, we have been able to put into practice and perfect our enhanced health and safety protocols while demonstrating that travelers can enjoy our unforgettable river cruise vacations with peace of mind.” AmaWaterways’ new procedures reflect the in-depth recommendations contained within the EU Healthy Gateways guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), IG RiverCruise, and other official authorities. The health and safety protocols are aimed to protect guests’ and crew members’ wellbeing while delivering the warm and friendly experience for which AmaWaterways is known. Based on current regulations, pre-boarding health questionnaires are required, and guests and crew are both subject to daily temperature checks. The crew has received in-depth updated training and each ship will have a designated Public Health Officer overseeing the application of these specific protocols. While AmaWaterways’ state-of-the-art ships are spacious in their own right -- normally accommodating just 150 guests -- current regulations limit all river cruise ships to a maximum of 100 guests on board. Crews are required to wear face coverings at all times while guests must wear them only while moving around the ship. With capacity currently capped, the spacious Main restaurant and the included specialty restaurant, The Chef’s Table, easily accommodate the safe distances now required. New room service options have also been added. In addition, AmaWaterways has incorporated creative ways to accommodate social distancing not only in its lounge areas, with plexiglass dividers, but also with personal portable Quietvox commentary systems to allow guests to hear guides while social distancing during the included small-group shore excursions – many of which involve outdoor hiking and biking tours. Furthermore, AmaWaterways’ ships have been designed with fan coil individual air cooling and heating units, which eliminate any recirculation of air in staterooms or in public areas; and nearly all staterooms include fresh air balconies, letting guests relax there or on the ships’ spacious Sun Decks as they enjoy stunning views along the river. “Since we started AmaWaterways 18 years ago, we’ve been passionate about creating luxurious, authentic and inspiring river cruises for every traveler,” continued Karst. “The personal connections and warm service experienced during an AmaWaterways river cruise remain as important as ever to us, and the new health and safety protocols just add additional peace of mind for our guests while on board.” _________________________ By AmaWaterways (Press Release - July 21, 2020); Photo Credit: AmaWaterways Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

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Demand for small-ship and river cruises is surging amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a recent survey of nearly 500 travel agents conducted by Scenic Group. The survey found that more than 60 percent of travel advisors reported that river cruises account for 25-50 percent of all bookings while 75 percent see small-ship cruise bookings of 250 passengers or less growing to as much as 25 percent of their cruise business. While cruises and tours in North America lead the way for the rest of 2020, the survey finds a shift toward the Northern Europe and Arctic regions in 2021. Fifty-five percent of travel agents surveyed said their clients' top three concerns are related to safety concerns around COVID-19, including "needing to know the ship's response protocols for any onboard outbreak," "knowing the proactive safety measures the cruise line is taking to prevent outbreaks," and "how the onboard experience will change including food service." In addition, agents surveyed reported more than 34 percent of their clients wish to convert canceled or suspended vacation bookings to a small-ship cruise, followed by independent travel at 30 percent. The agents noted that clients are also looking for reassurance when it comes to flexibility in booking and when it will be safe to cruise again. The findings come as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday that it will extend its No Sail Order through September in response to the pandemic. According to the CDC's new order, there have been a total of 2,973 coronavirus cases, or coronavirus-like illnesses, and 34 deaths on cruise ships between March 1 and July 10. The order added that 80 percent of cruise ships in U.S. waters were affected by the coronavirus during that time period and that another nine cruise ships are dealing with or are resolving outbreaks on board. ____________________________ By Yahoo Finance (July 19, 2020); Photo Credit: Scenic USA Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

With the CDC's latest Covid-19 No-Sail order now extended through September 30, you're probably wondering if we'll ever enjoy a cruise again. It's difficult to believe it now, but ships will sail again, though it will most likely feel very different. Some smaller European cruise lines and those not under the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) umbrella, have already begun sailing with new policies in place. All other cruise lines - small, luxury, river and mainstream - are in the process of formulating new enhanced health and safety measures to earn the trust of their loyal customers when it's time to embark. The new protocols won't be the same across the board for every cruise line, but at least some will be common to all, and apply to both guests and crew members. Cruisers should contact their specific cruise line in advance for the exact measures being implemented. Otherwise, it's safe to say that guests can expect at least some of the following items in place when boarding a ship while the world deals with the pandemic and awaits development of a vaccine. Pre-Boarding Procedures The on-line checkin most of us are accustomed to may become mandatory in order to reduce in-person contact at the port. A health questionnaire will be given to guests to complete prior to arriving to the ship, certifying they are in good health. This may include providing the cruise line with proof of Covid-19 testing. Staggered port arrivals may be implemented to reduce crowds, and temperature checks and a health screening will re required as well as baggage sanitizing. Clients with flu-like symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 30 days would be denied boarding. Reduced Ship Capacity You most likely will find fewer passengers on board. In most cases, guest capacities will be reduced, at least temporarily, in order to reduce pockets of crowding and encourage social distancing. Some small-ship or luxury lines with a high space ratio will keep their passenger capacity as is, believing their present public spaces are wide open enough to support social distancing. Social Distancing Cruise lines have plans in place to encourage social distancing including spacing out dining tables and theater seating. This strategy may be easily accomplished on small luxury and adventure ships, and by reducing the number of passengers on much larger vessels, guests can be assured that social distancing will be possible across all dining and public venues on board their favorite mega ships, as well. Face Coverings Given that face masks are currently a hot debate between faithful wearers and those who refuse, it's not certain which way the cruise lines will go on this issue. As a result, some lines have either said masks will not be mandated onboard, they will be encouraged, or that they are waiting to make a final decision closer to relaunch. If masks are required in public settings, it will be interesting to see how many comply and the consequences for those who don't. It will also be interesting to learn how many people refuse to cruise with a mask mandate in place. In any event, it's likely that masks will be required when traveling to and from the ship or while on shore tours. Revised Dining The most noticeable change cruisers may find once on board will be the absence of self-service buffets. Food and beverages at all restaurants, lounges and bars will be served to guests by crew members wearing masks and disposable gloves. For the time being, at least across most cruise lines, there will be a greater emphasis placed on full-service food delivery including convenient options for room service. Sanitation and Filtration Upholding high standards of cleanliness is not new to cruise ships, especially in recent years while combating norovirus. Now, with Coronavirus, cruise lines are taking it up a notch with the addition of medical-grade fogging and UV light to scrub ships beyond increased disinfection of high-touch surfaces. Cruisers can also expect to hear more about air filtration, HEPA-style purification systems, chlorine-cleaned cooling coil drains and water purification. Naturally, guests must also do their part in thorough hygiene, so extra sanitizing stations and touch-less faucets are being added. As always, all guests will be strongly encouraged to engage in frequent hand-washing, including when entering food and beverage venues, and hand sanitizer will continue to be easily accessible throughout the ship. Quarantine Zones While the goal of these new health and safety measures is to prevent disease, cruise ships will nonetheless need to be prepared and will be increasing the availability of medical staff such as dedicated public health officers, equipment (including ventilators), treatments and facilities, as well as setting aside isolation cabins for quarantine as needed. This may include care and evacuation to a local facility and onboard risk analysis that may lead to making a decision on the progress of a specific cruise. Shore Excursions Plans are also being developed for going ashore, especially staggering the disembarkation and re-embarkation of guests on excursions, screening their temperature upon return and reducing the capacity of disinfected tour busses and launches by half. Post-Cruise Recognizing the importance of COVID-19 contact tracing, some cruise lines have plans to set up a post-voyage notification process through which passengers and crew can notify the cruise line if they become unwell within 14 days of disembarkation (the COVID-19 incubation period). _____________________________ By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent; Photo Credit (Unsplash Stock) View full article

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today the extension of a No Sail Order for cruise ships through September 30, 2020. This order continues to suspend passenger operations on cruise ships with the capacity to carry at least 250 passengers in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. CDC supports the June 19th decision by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to extend voluntarily the suspension of operations for passenger cruise ship travel until September 15, 2020. In line with CLIA’s announcement of voluntary suspension of operation by its member companies, CDC has extended its No Sail Order to ensure that passenger operations on cruise ships do not resume prematurely. Cumulative CDC data from March 1 through July 10, 2020, shows 2,973 COVID-19 or COVID-like illness cases on cruise ships, in addition to 34 deaths. These cases were part of 99 outbreaks on 123 different cruise ships. During this time frame, 80 percent of ships were affected by COVID-19. As of July 3, nine of the 49 ships under the No Sail Order have ongoing or resolving outbreaks. According to U.S. Coast Guard data, as of July 10, 2020, there are 67 ships with 14,702 crew onboard. This Order will remain in effect until the earliest of: - The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency, - The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or - September 30, 2020. On cruise ships, passengers and crew share spaces that are more crowded than most urban settings. Even when only essential crew are on board, ongoing spread of COVID-19 still occurs. If unrestricted cruise ship passenger operations were permitted to resume, passengers and crew on board would be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and those that work or travel on cruise ships would place substantial unnecessary risk on healthcare workers, port personnel and federal partners (i.e., Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard), and the communities they return to. Written comments can be submitted through the Federal Register notice, once published. CDC will continue to update its guidance and recommendations to specify basic safety standards and public health interventions based on the best scientific evidence available. For more information about COVID-19 and cruise ships, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/cruise-ship/what-cdc-is-doing.html. To view the No Sail Order, go to www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise ### CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world. _______________________ By CDC Press Release, CDC,gov (July 16, 2020) Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article