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Major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC and Carnival Cruise Line have announced extensions of their sailing suspensions into the fall months. The extensions come on the heels of an announcement from industry group Cruise Lines International Association that member cruise lines have voluntarily extended the suspension of U.S. cruise operations until Sept. 15 amid coronavirus concerns. CLIA's member lines carry 95% of the world's ocean-going cruisers. The new order applies to all CLIA member ships that can carry 250 or more passengers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "no-sail order" is scheduled to expire on July 24, and Canada has issued a ban on cruises in the country's waters through Oct. 31. Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean announced it will extend its sailing suspension through Sept. 15 for most cruises, Jonathon Fishman, spokesperson for Royal Caribbean, told USA TODAY Tuesday. Exceptions include itineraries from China, which are canceled through the end of July and sailings to Bermuda, which are canceled through Oct. 31, according to the announcement. Previously, Royal Caribbean had suspended operations through July 31. MSC Cruises MSC Cruises also confirmed it would extend its sailing suspension of ships sailing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, effective until Sept. 15, according to a release provided to USA TODAY by MSC spokesperson Paige Rosenthal. Cruises to and from New York will also be canceled from Sept. 5 through Oct. 22, according the MSC website. The line had previously announced its sailing suspension through July 31, which remains intact for the other regions in which the company operates. MSC also announced its fall and winter itinerary for Nov. 2020 through March 2021. Carnival Cruise Line And Carnival Cruise Line will extend its suspension in North America through the end of September, the cruise line announced Monday. "During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials," Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy told cruisers and travel agents in a letter sent Monday announcing all cruises are canceled through Sept. 30. Roger Frizzell, spokesman for Carnival Corp., told USA TODAY on Thursday, that though health protocols and ship capacity levels have not yet been announced, "there is certainly some time to finalize that while we are at a pause." Cruisers who want to rebook for a later date will get a future cruise credit and either a $300 or $600 cruise credit or can receive a full refund. They have until May 31, 2021, to decide. Carnival Corp., the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and others announced last week it would take a phased approach to returning ships to sailing. "We are going to be patient in our approach and learn from the best available information we are going to have before we sail," Frizzell said. Carnival Cruise Line, which has a fleet of 27 ships, also noted in its announcement that the line is completing the repatriation of nearly 29,000 crew members to more than 100 countries. By J. Thompson, M. Hines-USA Today (June 22-23, 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 Image by postcardtrip from Pixabay View full article

The cruise industry was dealt another blow last week during the Covid-19 pandemic when CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) announced a voluntary suspension of its member lines' departures through September 15, resulting in yet another delay in boarding a ship for cruisers. This, despite the CDC’s plan to lift their ban on cruising on July 24. As a re-start date for cruising is pushed further and further away, the cruising public is becoming more and more impatient and madder than a swarm of hornets. They want their cruise, and they want it now, no matter the consequences. While it’s understandable to be upset, venting personal attacks toward the cruise lines on social media and community forums is not helpful. Case in point: the “CDC Reopen Cruising” petition being circulated on change-dot-org, demanding that cruisers be allowed to board, citing that if restaurants, casinos and shopping malls can re-open, then “why can’t I eat, gamble or shop on a cruise ship?” Well, the reason is simple: because Covid-19 is still very much alive and present. Just look at the recent resurgence of the virus in several states presumably due to the public’s letting down their guard, gathering in crowds without masks with little or no social distancing. Those who are in a hurry to resume life as usual seem to forget that an asymptomatic person boarding a ship can pass the temp check and medical screening with flying colors, but still has the potential to infect hundreds of fellow passengers - on a ship with 5,000 passengers, far from home, perhaps resulting in mandatory quarantine. The cruise lines - and their related travel partners - have lost so much already but, at the same time, have put health and safety preparations in place to be ready when it's time to set sail again. Another halt in cruise operations similar to what occurred earlier in the year would be a major setback, possibly resulting in cruise industry ruin. The cruise lines have shouldered billion dollar losses over the last months, and it’s safe to say that they want to be back on the ocean as much as their guests do. However, the health and safety of their guests remain a high priority, as well as the ability to provide a positive vacation experience. Until the CLIA member lines determine that it’s safe to welcome guests back, let’s try and be patient. Continue to find enjoyment in other things, wear our masks, gather in safe distances, and do our part to stop the spread of Covid-19. Most of all, remember that just because ships aren’t sailing now, doesn’t mean they aren’t taking reservations for the future. Think optimistically and plan now for a cruise in 2021 or 2022. Having a great cruise to look forward to later will ease the frustration you’re feeling now. By Janice Neves (CruiseCrazies Member and Authorized Agent) 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 Image by Ed Judkins from Pixabay View full article

Carnival Cruise Line today advised guests and travel agents that it has extended its operational pause in North America through Sept. 30, 2020. “During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy told booked guests and travel agents in a letter sent today. But she added that following the cruise industry’s announcement on Friday that it would voluntarily extend its pause in North America, Carnival Cruise Line is now cancelling all cruises through September 30. “We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business. Nevertheless, we apologize for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions,” Duffy said in the letter. Carnival initially announced a voluntary 30-day pause in operations on March 13, and has now extended that pause three times, reflecting the public health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is currently completing the repatriation of nearly 29,000 crew members to more than 100 nations who serve its fleet of 27 ships. As with previous pause announcements, Carnival is giving guests who wish to move their booking to a later date a rebooking offer that combines a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and either a $300 or $600 Onboard Credit (OBC) that has proven very popular with their guests. Guests, as always, have the option to receive a full refund. The process is fully automated so that guests can submit their preference online and they have until May 31, 2021 to make a selection. “We appreciate the patience and support of our loyal guests, and recognize how much they want to get back to cruising. When the time is right, our outstanding onboard team will be waiting to welcome them back and give them the great vacation that they deserve,” said Duffy. By Carnival Cruise Line (Press Release, June 22, 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 Image by gregorykirkjohnson from Pixabay View full article

MADRID – June 22, 2020 (Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD) – Cruises Investment Holding and Royal Caribbean Group (“RCL”) said they have filed for the reorganization of their Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture (“Pullmantur”, “the Company”) under the terms of Spanish insolvency laws. Cruises Investment Holding owns 51 percent of the Spanish cruise line, while RCL owns the remaining 49 percent. Pullmantur’s board of directors determined that the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made the action necessary. Pullmantur management notified employees of the decision after filings were made with Spanish authorities. “Despite the great progress the Company made to achieve a turnaround in 2019 and its huge engagement and best efforts of its dedicated employees, the headwinds caused by the pandemic are too strong for Pullmantur to overcome without a reorganization,” the board stated. The Company canceled sailings through November 15, 2020. Royal Caribbean Group said that guests already booked to sail on Pullmantur will be offered the option to sail on other RCL brands including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Pullmantur noted that details of the offer will be shared with guests in the near future. Crew are staffed at minimum maintenance levels on Pullmantur’s three ships and the Company will take care of their safe return home. RCL noted that all of its assets related to the Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture had been included in the non-cash asset impairment charges reported in their first quarter of 2020 results. By Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD (Press Release 6/22/20) 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 Image by Bernhard Post from Pixabay View full article

Following CLIA’s announcement last week of a voluntary suspension of cruise operations from U.S. ports until Sept. 15, Disney Cruise Line announced an extension of their cruise suspension for Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings through the same date. In light of these cancellations, Disney Cruise Line is offering guests who have paid their reservation in full the choice of a 125 percent future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing prior to March 31, 2022, or a full refund. Also, Disney removed previously available July, August, September and one October sailing to prevent further bookings. The following cruises have officially been canceled. Disney Dream Cancelations: Friday, July 31, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; and Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. Disney Fantasy Cancelations: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, 7-Night, Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral; Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, 7-Night, Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral; Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, 7-Night, Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral; Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, 4-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral; Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, 5-Night, Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral; and Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, 7-Night, Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral. Noting that Disney Dream is scheduled for dry dock in October, the next bookable sailings are Disney Magic, Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, 5-Night, Bermuda Cruise from New York; Disney Wonder, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, 5-Night, Baja Cruise from San Diego; Disney Dream, Sunday, November 1, 2020, 7-Night, Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral; and Disney Fantasy, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, 3-Night, Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. By Alan Fine, Insider Travel Report, 6.22.20 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

Press Release from CLIA (Cruise Lines International) dated 6/19/20:

Hi Charlotte, and welcome to CruiseCrazies. You've come to the right place, as we all love cruising! There's no one right cruise and really depends on your travel style, personal preferences and what you're specifically looking for in a cruise. I have done most of the major cruise lines - Carnival, Royal, NCL, Princess and HAL. They all have their plusses and minuses. Some people find that a premium line, like Azamara or Viking Ocean, is a great value because they include many of the amenities you pay extra for on a mainstream line, or simply because they prefer smaller ships. I, too, like Norwegian for the freestyle cruising and find their mid-size ships, like the Gem and the Pearl, to be more manageable and prettier than the larger ones. I've been on the Epic twice, but not fond of the cabin design or the ship layout. Plus, the pools on their large ships are ridiculously small for the number of passengers on board. Princess, though, is my favorite because I consider them to be a step up in service. I love their mid-size ships, especially the Coral Princess, but find their larger ones, like the Regal and the Royal to be the best of all the large ships. In fact, a few of us here are cruising on the Sky Princess on November 5th to the Caribbean from NY (hopefully, if the health crisis allows), and you are more than welcome to come along. Check the Roll Call Board for the specifics. We cruised on Carnival when the kids were younger, and it was fine then, but we prefer a different kind of cruise now. Royal Caribbean's gargantuan cruises are popular with groups and families, but I'm not fond of the resort-at-sea concept. That's the beauty of cruising. There is a ship for everyone!

This is a great list, Jason. Thanks! I'll keep them in mind for a future trip to Barcelona.😎 I can't believe it's been nearly 2 years since this cruise. As much as I love the relaxation of the Caribbean, nothing compares to the culture and WOW factor you get in Europe!

No matter how grand a cruise ship casino, we usually end up poorer than before we sailed. 😄

One thing we do know is that cruise ships will never be cleaner or more sanitary when they do finally get back to the business of cruising. The challenge will be maintenance and prevention.

Whenever I think of all the guests (including myself) in despair over their lost cruise opportunities, I try and remember the crew who remain stranded at sea missing their families. How ironic that the thing we live for - spending time at sea - is the very thing that they are wishing would end - and soon.😐

Hoping for the best, as well. A lot will depend on what ports are open and the availability of crew.

I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on Royal Caribbean's Key Program, so I'll be interested to see how it goes for you. When are you cruising?

You're not alone. We all are feeling sad and lost over this. Have you had any cruises affected by the shutdown?