Coronavirus: Cruise lines cancel and change itineraries amid mounting travel restrictions

Coronavirus: Cruise lines cancel and change itineraries amid mounting travel restrictions

Celebrity Millennium

Cruise lines have responded to a wave of travel and entry restrictions from countries across southeast Asia by cancelling and changing itineraries amid the coronavirus outbreak. Harry Kemble rounds up all the latest developments.

Celebrity Cruises has cancelled the final five sailings of Celebrity Millennium’s Asia season and will reposition the ship to the US earlier than planned.

Passengers affected will receive a full refund.

The line has also adjusted the next four Celebrity Constellation itineraries to avoid Singapore and Thailand.

Constellation will instead spend more time in Cochin, Goa and Mumbai.

Princess Cruises has pulled every departure on Diamond Princess, which is currently quarantined in Yokohama, Japan, until March 12.

The sailings were due to call at ports across Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam which all have travel and entry restrictions in place.

Each passenger for the February 13 voyage will receive a refund and 100% future cruise credit equal to the cruise fare paid for the voyage. Passengers booked on the February 23 voyage and beyond will receive a refund and 50% cruise credit.

Holland America Line (HAL) ship Westerdam was allowed to dock in Cambodia on Thursday after Japan, Taiwan, Guam, the Philippines and Thailand had all refused to accept the ship – despite having no sick passengers or crew on board.

Westerdam finally arrives in Cambodia after 5 ports refused entry.

Guests will transfer via charter flights to Phnom Penh for forwarding travel home. All flights will be paid for by the line along with a full cruise refund and 100% future cruise credit.

Future Westerdam voyage plans are still being finalised. The February 15 cruise scheduled to embark in Yokohama has been cancelled.

No cancellations for cruises with departure dates beyond February 15 have been announced.

“However, we are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later,” the line said in a statement. “We will communicate details as they become finalized in the next few days.”

Royal Caribbean International has cancelled two Quantum of the Seas sailings departing from Singapore on February 15 and February 24.

Affected passengers have been given full refunds, the line said.

Quantum of the Seas.

A Royal spokesperson added: “Royal Caribbean’s number one priority is ensuring the health and welfare of our guests and crew.

“We will continue to monitor conditions and will share other itinerary adjustments should they become necessary.

“The Singapore market remains of great importance to us and we look forward to returning there very soon.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises has lifted its ban on passport holders from China, Hong Kong and Macau after adopting the controversial policy last week.

A statement from Royal Caribbean Cruises, parent of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea confirmed the reversal on Tuesday.

Every passenger who has travelled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau 15 days prior to the departure date is still banned from boarding any of Royal’s vessels.

Norwegian Cruise Line has pulled its entire Asia programme for the newly refurbished ship, Norwegian Spirit.

All sailings between 15 and December 7 have been dropped and full refunds are being offered, along with 10% future cruise credit.

P&O Cruises is removing calls into Shanghai on March 5-6 and Hong Kong on March 9-10 as part of Arcadia’s world cruise and will announce alternative ports “as soon as possible”.

The UK line said: “We are very closely monitoring and assessing the impact of the latest developments and health advisories, as well as various travel and entry restrictions which are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel.

“We are actively seeking to mitigate these risks to our guests and crew, and are making appropriate adjustments to our operations to protect all onboard our ships.”

Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 is to miss several ports in southeast Asia and will sail direct to Fremantle, Australia, during its world cruise.

The vessel had been scheduled to call into Phuket, Thailand; Pulau Penang Island and Klang in Malaysia; Singapore; and Hong Kong.

Cunard said the “various travel and entry restrictions…are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel” across the world.

Virgin Takes Delivery of Scarlet Lady and Goes Carbon Neutral

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady.

Virgin Voyages announced today that the Scarlet Lady has officially reached completion as the new brand took delivery.

On the heels of this celebratory occasion, Virgin Voyages welcomes Scarlet Lady with an approach that takes immediate action to address climate change, according to a company statement.

Not only has the brand designed its fleet of ships to the latest energy-efficiency standards with state-of-the-art equipment, but Virgin Voyages is also offsetting its direct climate change emissions through the purchase of carbon offsets.

This commitment makes the brand the first cruise line to become carbon-neutral for its direct emissions footprint from its first day of commercial operation. The projects that will be supported by Scarlet Lady will meet high-quality, internationally-recognized verification standards, including The Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard.

“It’s wonderful to welcome Scarlet Lady today,” says Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. “I’m so proud that as we start this exciting journey, we also bring to life Virgin Voyages’ commitment to preserving the ocean and the first of many steps towards a net-zero carbon future.”

“The ocean is our home, and we are on a mission to protect it. The single biggest threat facing our ocean is climate change, and we want to be part of the solution,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages. “We are committed to pioneering new technologies onboard and working with our industry peers to advance research and development for zero-carbon fuels.”

Norwegian Spirit to Eastern Med for 2020 in Place of Asia

Norwegian Spirit with her new hull design.

In place of Asia, Norwegian Cruise Line announced the Spirit will now offer a season of seven-day voyages to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Israel through Nov. 8, 2020.

Open for sale on Feb. 15, 2020, the new destination-rich itineraries, many which boast extended port times, will explore seven or eight ports in seven days, calling to destinations including Rhodes, Mykonos; Santorini and Corfu, Greece; Kusadasi and Istanbul, Turkey; Ashdod and Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus as well as two new ports of call for the brand, Patmos and Volos, Greece.

The ship is fresh from a $100 million month-plus long drydock.

“It is truly exciting to celebrate Norwegian Spirit’s sail out of drydock to incredible destinations following her significant renovation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Europe is the number one destination for international arrivals, and we are very proud to position Norwegian Spirit for her first post-drydock season in this high-demand region. Our brand has been recognized 12 times in a row by the World Travel Awards as ‘Europe’s Leading Cruise Line’ and we are thrilled to offer our guests even more great itineraries in the region, allowing them to explore multiple destinations while unpacking only once.”

Royal Caribbean To Sail Free Cruises for Crisis Responders with Displaced Tonnage

The spectrum of the Seas and Celebrity Millennium 

Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it will dedicate two ships to "humanitarian efforts in Australia and California" to support those affected by recent crises in both areas.

Both the Spectrum of the Seas and Celebrity Millennium, which is out of service due to the coronavirus outbreak, will redeploy for these sailings. 

The 2019-built Spectrum of the Seas will move Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, according to a statement.

The ship has been out of service since mid-January due to the coronavirus outbreak, with cruises cancelled through mid-March.

"When things go wrong, this is a company that wants to find a way to help," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises. "At Royal Caribbean, we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to use our ships in a positive way during difficult times."

"We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders," added Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality."

Fain said Royal Caribbean was working with its suppliers to deliver one million N-95 protective masks into China for government distribution into affected areas.

"We admire the all-out efforts of the Chinese government and people to address this crisis, and we want to bring our resources to bear to help their efforts," Fain said.

In addition, the Celebrity Millennium is moving to the West Coast of the U.S. earlier than previously scheduled ahead of her Alaska program and will offer a series of "Cruising for Heroes" voyages in support of California firefighters, other first responders and veterans. 

These voyages will run through March and April. A variety of three-, four- and five-night sailings have been added to the brand's offerings to travel the breathtaking Pacific Coast. The sailings will leave from Los Angeles and details will be announced soon.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, said, "While the circumstances have not been what any of us would have wanted, we now have the opportunity to show the State of California our stunning Celebrity Millennium and do some good in the process by honouring and helping our everyday heroes who do so much for so many. Celebrity Millennium is a beautifully appointed ship and was recently revolutionized. It's exciting to share it with this market and to honour the men and women who come to the aid of others every single day."

Royal Caribbean also announced it plans to dedicate a ship in China to a series of complimentary sailings to thank first responders and medical personnel when the outbreak is under control.

Guests on quarantined Diamond Princess allowed disembarking

Guests on quarantined Diamond Princess allowed disembarking

Guests on quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess will be allowed to disembark to stay in a shoreside facility.

Princess Cruises said Japanese health officials are planning voluntary disembarkation with the most medically vulnerable guests given priority.

The update came as another 44 cases of the virus were confirmed on Diamond Princess to bring the total up to 218.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: ”Princess Cruises has been informed that over the next several days, Japanese health officials are planning voluntary disembarkation of guests to complete their quarantine period at a shoreside facility.

“From the information available it is our understanding that this will be a phased approach, with the most medically vulnerable guests in the first phase, including older adults with pre-existing health conditions.

“According to officials, guests in the first group will be tested for the 2019 novel coronavirus. If the test is positive, they will be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and isolation. If the test is negative, they will be given the option to leave the ship and be transported to a quarantine housing facility.

“These are the details provided by health officials about the temporary facilities:

• The housing facility includes individual rooms and individual bathrooms

• There are no clinics at these facilities. Prescription medication will be provided, but medical care will require transport to a hospital or clinic.

• The food available will not accommodate dietary preferences but will accommodate certain medical conditions.  The meals provided will be Japanese bento-style boxes. No Western meals will be available.

“Princess Cruises confirmed that all guests on Diamond Princess remain welcome to stay on board through to the end of the quarantine period.

“Princess Cruises also confirms the announcement, from Japan health officials, of 44 new positive cases of Coronavirus onboard Diamond Princess.”

In a letter sent to the ship’s crew, Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said the line was “deeply grateful” and “incredibly proud” of staff on Diamond Princess.

She revealed that the crew would receive two months paid leave for “much-needed rest” once they had left the quarantined ship.

“We will also handle your flights to return home and your job will be protected to return for another contract,” she added.

Royal Caribbean latest to warn of coronavirus profit impact

Royal Caribbean latest to warn of coronavirus profit impact

The wonder of the Seas due for China deployment 2020

Royal Caribbean Cruises has joined larger rival Carnival Corporation in warning of the potential “material” financial impact of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The world’s second-largest cruise company has now cancelled a total of 18 sailings in south-east Asia and also modified several itineraries as a result of travel restrictions in place and “related circumstances.”

The number of cancelled cruises has risen from the eight out of China reported by the company last week.

RCC also reported “softer bookings” across the broader business, not just Asia.

It is in regular communications with global health authorities after China and other countries moved “aggressively” to contain the spread of the virus.

Like other cruise firms, the owner of brands such as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea and Azamara, has implemented measures to protect passengers and crew.

These include denying boarding to those that have travelled from, to or through mainland China or Hong Kong in the past 15 days and performing mandatory specialised health screenings on at-risk passengers and crew.

The company “is assessing the developments constantly and will update these measures as needed”.

RCC added: “Taken together, these measures have an estimated impact on the company’s financial performance for 2020 of approximately $0.65 per share.

“While not currently planned, if the company was to cancel all of its remaining sailings in Asia through the end of April, it would impact 2020 financial performance by an additional $0.55 per share.

“There are still too many variables and uncertainties to make a reasonable forecast for 2020.

“While the early impact due to concerns about the coronavirus is mainly related to Asia, recent bookings for our broader business have also been softer.

“If the travel restrictions and concerns over the outbreak continue for an extended period of time, they could materially impact the company’s overall financial performance.”

Chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “It is important that every organisation acts responsibly, and we have already taken aggressive steps to minimise risk through boarding restrictions and itinerary changes.

“Our shipboard and shoreside teams have been working tirelessly through these circumstances and I want to thank them for all of their extraordinary efforts. We appreciate our responsibility to our guests and to each other, and our focus on public health is unwavering.”

Carnival Corporation, owner of quarantined ship Diamond Princess in Japan after an outbreak of coronavirus on board, was the first to warn of a “material impact” on its financial results.

Westerdam arrives in Cambodia

Holland America Line's Westerdam has arrived in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after being rejected by five other Asian countries.

The ship, with 1,455 passengers and 802 crew onboard, had been turned away the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Guam and most recently Thailand, over coronavirus concerns. There are no confirmed cases onboard.

"The Westerdam has arrived and local officials are aboard," Holland America said in a statement. The line expressed gratitude yesterday to the Cambodian authorities "for their support" and reiterated that "all guests onboard are healthy, and despite erroneous reports, there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have there ever been."

The ship will remain in port for several days for disembarkation, Holland America said, and guests will transfer via charter flights to Phnom Penh for forwarding travel home. The cruise line said it will arrange and pay for all flights home, in addition to the full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

The Westerdam is on a 14-day cruise that departed Hong Kong Feb. 1 and was previously scheduled to disembark Feb. 15 in Yokohama, Japan.

Holland American cancelled the Feb. 15 cruise scheduled to embark in Yokohama. The line said no further cancellations have been finalized and it is assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later.

Carnival Corp. expects 2020 earnings to suffer due to coronavirus

Carnival Corp. expects 2020 earnings to suffer due to coronavirus

Carnival Corp. said today that the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus on bookings and cancelled cruises due to the outbreak would impact its 2020 earnings.

"Travel restrictions as a result of coronavirus necessitated the suspension of cruise operations from ports in China ... and are now resulting in the cancellation of voyages in other parts of Asia," the line said. "Significant events affecting travel typically have an impact on booking patterns, with the full extent of the impact generally determined by the length of time the event influences travel decisions. As a result of coronavirus, the company believes the impact on its global bookings and cancelled voyages will have a material impact on its financial results, which was not anticipated in the company's previous 2020 earnings guidance."

Carnival said that if it has to suspend all of its operations in Asia through the end of April, it would impact its fiscal 2020 financial performance by 55 to 65 cents per share, which includes guest compensation. In addition, the impact on global bookings will further affect the company's financial performance.

Carnival Corp. said it was evaluating contingency plans to mitigate the impact and would provide an update during its first-quarter 2020 earnings release in late March.

Carnival's stock price has fallen about 12% since mid-January.

Guests on quarantined Diamond Princess allowed to disembark.

Guests on quarantined Diamond Princess allowed to disembark.

Guests on quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess will be allowed to disembark to stay in a shoreside facility.

Princess Cruises said Japanese health officials are planning voluntary disembarkation with the most medically vulnerable guests given priority.

The update came as another 44 cases of the virus were confirmed on Diamond Princess to bring the total up to 218.

More: Coronavirus triggers Carnival Corporation profits warning

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said:” Princess Cruises has been informed that over the next several days, Japanese health officials are planning voluntary disembarkation of guests to complete their quarantine period at a shoreside facility.

“From the information available it is our understanding that this will be a phased approach, with the most medically vulnerable guests in the first phase, including older adults with pre-existing health conditions.

“According to officials, guests in the first group will be tested for the 2019 novel coronavirus. If the test is positive, they will be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and isolation. If the test is negative, they will be given the option to leave the ship and be transported to a quarantine housing facility.

“These are the details provided by health officials about the temporary facilities:

• The housing facility includes individual rooms and individual bathrooms

• There are no clinics at these facilities. Prescription medication will be provided, but medical care will require transport to a hospital or clinic.

• The food available will not accommodate dietary preferences but will accommodate certain medical conditions.  The meals provided will be Japanese bento-style boxes. No Western meals will be available.

“Princess Cruises confirmed that all guests on Diamond Princess remain welcome to stay on board through to the end of the quarantine period.

“Princess Cruises also confirms the announcement, from Japan health officials, of 44 new positive cases of Coronavirus onboard Diamond Princess.”

In a letter sent to the ship’s crew, Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said the line was “deeply grateful” and “incredibly proud” of staff on Diamond Princess.

She revealed that the crew would receive two months paid leave for “much-needed rest” once they had left the quarantined ship.

“We will also handle your flights to return home and your job will be protected to return for another contract,” she added.

More than 300 passengers fall ill with suspected norovirus on Caribbean Princess

More than 300 passengers fall ill with suspected norovirus on Caribbean Princess

At least 299 passengers and 22 crew members sailing on a Princess Cruises ship are believed to be suffering from suspected norovirus.

Caribbean Princess was refused entry to Trinidad & Tobago as a precautionary measure.

The ship was on a 14-day Caribbean sailing which departed on February 2.

It is now en route back to Port Everglades, Florida, and is scheduled to arrive Thursday morning.

The ship is carrying 4,196 guests and crew in total.

All guests are being offered a 50% refund and a future cruise credit.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the ship will undergo a “super sanitation cleaning” in port on February 16.

It will then depart from Port Everglades for a round-trip Circle Caribbean cruise.

The line is also dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus onboard Diamond Princess in Japan, where 136 passengers have been diagnosed with the virus.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Saga Cruises confirmed at least 89 passengers on board Spirit of Discovery were suffering from suspected norovirus with guests showing symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.

The authorities in Gibraltar refused the ship entry and it is now en route back to Southampton.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Caribbean Princess, which had been on a 14-day cruise in the Caribbean, has curtailed its current voyage due to guests reporting symptoms consistent with a mild case of gastrointestinal illness.

“The affected guests are being treated by the onboard medical team and there are no cases of coronavirus identified among guests or crew.

“The ship, with 4,196 guests and crew, is now sailing back to the Port of Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and is scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades at 7:00am on Thursday, February 13.

“This is a highly unusual development and we share the disappointment of our guests. However, the health and safety of our guests and crew is our top priority, and we have worked alongside the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make this decision.

“All guests will receive a 50% refund on their voyage and a future cruise credit valued at 50% of their cruise for this inconvenience.

“Caribbean Princess will resume its schedule with a February 16 departure from Port Everglades for a round-trip Circle Caribbean cruise.”

Coronavirus: Cruise lines cancel and change itineraries amid mounting travel restrictions

Coronavirus: Cruise lines cancel and change itineraries amid mounting travel restrictions

Quantum of the Seas

Cruise lines have responded to a wave of travel and entry restrictions from countries across southeast Asia by cancelling and changing itineraries amid the coronavirus outbreak. Harry Kemble rounds up all the latest developments.

Royal Caribbean International has cancelled two Quantum of the Seas sailings departing from Singapore on February 15 and February 24.

Affected passengers have been given full refunds, the line said.

A Royal spokesperson added: “Royal Caribbean’s number one priority is ensuring the health and welfare of our guests and crew.

“We will continue to monitor conditions and will share other itinerary adjustments should they become necessary.

“The Singapore market remains of great importance to us and we look forward to returning there very soon.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises has lifted its ban on passport holders from China, Hong Kong and Macau after adopting the controversial policy last week.

A statement from Royal Caribbean Cruises, parent of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea confirmed the reversal on Tuesday.

Every passenger who has travelled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau 15 days prior to the departure date is still banned from boarding any of Royal’s vessels.

Norwegian Cruise Line has pulled its entire Asia programme for the newly refurbished ship, Norwegian Spirit.

Norwegian Spirit with its new hull design.

All sailings between 15 and December 7 have been dropped and full refunds are being offered, along with 10% future cruise credit.

The line also said it would cover up to $300 per person for any air change fees.

“While it is always our intention to maintain original itineraries, at times, unforeseen circumstances require us to make modifications,” the line said. “We appreciate our guests’ patience during this time.”

Celebrity Cruises has cancelled Celebrity Millennium’s sailing departing from Hong Kong on February 15 and altered two Celebrity Constellation itineraries to avoid Singapore and Thailand.

Constellation will spend more time in Cochin, Goa and Mumbai, instead of calling into Phuket, Thailand.

Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 is to miss several ports in southeast Asia and will sail direct to Fremantle, Australia, during its world cruise.

The vessel had been scheduled to call into Phuket, Thailand; Pulau Penang Island and Klang in Malaysia; Singapore; and Hong Kong.

Cunard said the “various travel and entry restrictions…are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel” across the world.

Holland America Line (HAL) ship Westerdam was stopped from docking in Laem Chabang, Thailand, a day after the ship had been diverted from Japan.

Holland American cruise ship Westerdam who got turned away from Thailand yesterday (Tuesday)

On Tuesday, HAL said: “We are actively working on this matter and will provide an update when we are able.”

Princess Cruises on Wednesday confirmed a further 39 passengers onboard Diamond Princess tested positive for coronavirus. The total has now risen to 174 confirmed cases out of 3,700 passengers and crew on board.

The ship is the largest centre of cases outside China.

P&O Cruises is removing calls into Shanghai on March 5-6 and Hong Kong on March 9-10 as part of Arcadia’s world cruise and will announce alternative ports “as soon as possible”.

The UK line said: “We are very closely monitoring and assessing the impact of the latest developments and health advisories, as well as various travel and entry restrictions which are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel.

“We are actively seeking to mitigate these risks to our guests and crew, and are making appropriate adjustments to our operations to protect all onboard our ships.”

Thailand turns Westerdam Away

Thailand turns Westerdam Away

Thailand becomes the latest country to turn away Westerdam cruise ship as it bars passengers from disembarking despite no cases of coronavirus on board

The Westerdam, pictured above, has also been turned away by the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan. Its owner Holland America Line says there are no coronavirus cases on-board.

There are more than 43,000 coronavirus cases declared in the world so far and 1,018 deaths

The chief of the Department of Disease Control Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said Tuesday that the Public Health Ministry had rejected a request from the crew of the MS Westerdam to dock at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chano-cha confirmed the ban but said Thailand was looking a way to give humanitarian assistance and will be able to provide the ship with necessities such as fuel and food.

The Westerdam began its cruise on January 16 in Singapore. Shipowner Holland America Line says there are no known cases of the virus on board.

Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakulhad indicated on his Facebook page several hours before the official announcement that the ship would be denied entry.

The Westerdam, shown by the yellow ship, is currently rounding the bottom of Vietnam and heading towards Thailand

He posted his declaration after Holland America announced it was sailing to Laem Chabang, where passengers would disembark on February 13 to take flights home from Bangkok. The announcement by the shipowner attracted much attention among Thai social media users.

Holland America had already announced that passengers would receive a complete refund. It said a scheduled departure of the Westerdam on Feb. 15 from Yokohama had been cancelled and planned departures after Feb. 28 were being assessed.

Conservation, night stays set MSC’s private island apart

A view of the MSC Divina from atop the 115-foot lighthouse on Ocean Cay.

OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE  --  As guests return to MSC Cruises ships from the line’s recently opened private island here in the Bahamas, they’re likely to retain images of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, moonlight paddleboarding and sunset cocktails.

But what they did not see is perhaps what makes Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve most special: a four-year effort to transform this former sand-excavation site into a tropical paradise and a continuing commitment to making the island a hub for coral restoration and marine conservation.

Ocean Cay opened Dec. 5, adding MSC to the ranks of cruise lines with private destinations in the Bahamas.

A beach cabana on Ocean Cay. Photo Credit: Johanna Jainchill

While other private islands have made headlines recently with bells and whistles usually found on the ships themselves, MSC designed Ocean Cay to offer a “natural Bahamian island” experience.

The herculean effort to create what is essentially a model of marine restoration out of a treeless island with 1,500 tons of industrial waste on and around it guided that approach.

“We spent four years cleaning it up,” MSC COO Ken Muskat said. “They’d killed the marine life. We spent four years of regenerating marine life and bringing it back. We have watersports and volleyball and so much to do. But we want to keep the natural beauty of the island as the focus. That’s the point.”

To underscore that point, MSC is working to designate 64 square miles of the sea around the island a marine reserve and is investing in a major coral restoration project. It is also building a lab on the island for marine biologists and students to lead restoration efforts. Guests will be able to participate in projects such as planting coral back in the ocean.

“We’re not trying to build an amusement park on the water,” Muskat said.

A shop on Ocean Ca, that sells only products made in the Bahamas. Photo Credit: Johanna Jainchill

The 95-acre island, still a work in progress  --  MSC planted 77,000 trees and shrubs here, and it will soon be much lusher than it is now  --  has eight beaches: some wavy, ocean-facing ones, others surrounding a calm lagoon. Guests can kayak, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, play in beach volleyball tournaments, walk 165 steps to the top of the lighthouse or get a massage in a beach cabana.

There are plenty of bars (I counted 10) and several shops serving coffee, ice cream and goods, including one featuring only products made in the Bahamas.

There is one main buffet area serving Caribbean-style salads in addition to standard cruise ship fare, and complimentary food trucks have been spread out on the island serving a very limited burger and hot dog-focused menu. 

MSC plans to put more specialized menus on the trucks once a second buffet area opens later this year. As the waters around the island regenerate and start growing local catch like conch again, look for a Bahamian seafood truck serving conch fritters, lobster rolls and fish tacos using locally caught seafood.

Just as on the ships, MSC Yacht Club guests have their own part of the island with a private beach and restaurant.

Ocean Cay also stands out for being the only private island currently offering nighttime activities on every call, possibly because the island is only 65 miles from Miami, so ships can still arrive there the next morning.

I enjoyed sunset cocktails at the Lighthouse Bar while others had their feet in the sand along Sunset Beach. A Bahamian Junkanoo “street parade” wound along the island’s paths to Lighthouse Bay, where the beach was set up with chairs around fire pits. Twice a night, the 115-foot lighthouse puts on a light show. A DJ kicked off a dance party on the beach, while guests still on the ship watched from their balconies and the open decks.

Staying late also means unique excursions such as stargazing on the beach and nighttime stand-up paddleboarding on boards fitted with LEDs.

Muskat said the Ocean Cay experience fills what was a gap in the line’s offerings.

“This has helped fill that hole,” Muskat said. “Our aim is ... for people debating MSC or another vacation, they use Ocean Cay as a reason to book MSC Cruises.”

Ocean Cay has proven so popular, he said, that future cruise itineraries could visit twice.

“There’s a lot of demand from guests,” he said. “They say they just can’t do everything in one day.”

And with so many beaches and private cabanas throughout, unlike on the pool deck of most cruise ships on a sunny day, there was plenty of space.

“One of the greatest comments we get is nobody feels crowded because there are so many places to spread out,” Muskat said. “The other is they wish we were here longer because there’s so much they didn’t get to see.”

Sixty-six more passengers on Diamond Princess test positive for coronavirus

Sixty-six more passengers on Diamond Princess test positive for coronavirus

A further 66 passengers onboard Diamond Princess have contracted coronavirus, taking the total number of people infected to 136.

The Japanese health ministry confirmed the cases over the weekend and on Monday following further testing.

The ship is believed to be the largest centre of cases outside China.

The new cases are from Australia (four), Canada (one), UK (one), Japan (45), Philippines (three), Ukraine (one) and USA (eleven).

The ship, carrying 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew, has been placed under quarantine in Yokohama for 14 days with two cruises cancelled.

The line said it was “not unexpected that additional cases would be reported involving individuals who were exposed prior to the start of the quarantine”.

It said it was following guidance from the Japan Ministry of Health on plans for disembarkation to provide medical care for the new cases.

The quarantine end date is February 19 “unless there are any unforeseen developments”, the line added.

Separately, ten guests were taken off the ship for non-coronavirus related medical reasons over the weekend and transferred to local hospitals, the line said.

The line’s president Jan Swartz issued a video statement over the weekend and said the company was working with the Japanese authorities to distribute medication to guests not relating to coronavirus, based on medical priority.

Telephone counselling is also being offered to all guests.

The line said guests will receive a full refund for their cruise fare, including air travel, hotel, ground transportation, pre-paid shore excursions and gratuities.

They will also receive cruise credit to use on a future sailing.

Meanwhile, thousands of passengers who were kept on board the World Dream cruise ship in Hong Kong for four days have been allowed to disembark.

Around 3,600 passengers and crew on the ship were quarantined amid fears some staff could have contracted the virus on an earlier voyage but tests for coronavirus came back negative.

There have been more than 37,000 cases of the virus globally, mostly in China, where it originated, overtaking the Sars epidemic.

The number of people in the UK who have contracted coronavirus has doubled to eight.

On Monday the UK government declared coronavirus a “serious and imminent threat” to public health.

Coronavirus: Holland America Line cuts short Westerdam cruise

Coronavirus: Holland America Line cuts short Westerdam cruise

Holland America Line (HAL) has taken the decision to cut short Westerdam’s current cruise due to port restrictions across Asia amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The ship is not in quarantine and the line said it had no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board.

Passengers will now disembark in Laem Chabang, Thailand, on Thursday rather than in Japanese city Yokohama on Saturday.

All 1,455 passengers on the current sailing will receive a 100% refund, plus 100% future cruise credit.

Complimentary internet and phone access are available for passengers and crew.

The line has cancelled the ship’s 14-day sailing due to depart from Yokohama on February 15.

The line said it is “assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia” on cruises departing on February 29 and beyond.

Currently, Westerdam’s roundtrip sailing, departing Yokohama on February 29 is scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Ports of call include Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa and Ishigaki all in Japan.

A HAL spokesperson said: “We sincerely thank our guests and the crew on Westerdam and their loved ones for their patience during this extraordinary time.

“We are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing February 29 or later. We will communicate details as they become finalised in the next few days.”

Norwegian Spirit: Cruise company announce major renovations

Cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line announced that their ship called the Norwegian Spirit will get their 'most extensive ship renovation ever'. The renovation will consist of a modernisation of the whole ship as well as new bars.

Click the above image to view the modernisation.

Plea for Help: MSC Splendida Save Your Chinese Crew

Plea for Help: MSC Splendida Save Your Chinese Crew

With the outbreak of the Corona Virus in China the cruise ship MSC Splendida had to cancel the voyage for guests leaving the crew on board without work at this time. The ship has docked in Nagasaki for 3 days and with the quandary as related to no work for crew members at this time the company appears to have made some drastic decision as related to releasing their Chinese crew members who contracts appear to have been originally set until the end of February as the ship was set to sail to Europe in March of this year. With this, the same said crew members previously made arrangements for their return appropriately without considering the possibility of a nationwide outbreak of the Corona Virus. However, it appears that the ship authorities have informed the same crew members in a last-minute notice that they will be sent back to China with sign off dates earlier than expected and told that they need leave the ship in the following days.

The Chinese crew members and several of their concerned fellow colleagues sent messages to Crew Center with outcry and outrage as related to the disconcern, inappropriate arrangements and lack of empathy for the welfare and wellbeing of the Chinese crew members. Based on the messages received, concerns are related to the ability to utilize international airports, but the inability to assure travel arrangements to the more local destinations of the home hubs of the Chinese crew members. In other words, while the international airports are still functional with precaution measures, it is informed that the more local and national airports are not completely accessible leaving the Chinese crew members potentially stranded without resources and means to assure their return to their final destinations. Furthermore, as many of the Chinese crew members informed they have pleaded and requested to finish their contracts even if not receiving their normal pay in order to assure their health-related welfare and wellbeing as many of their family members and friends have informed of the outbreak affecting the more localized areas.

“Chinese crew feel very sad, feel like they are abandoned by the company now, all we need is just to have a safe place to stay we don't want to go to dangerous places, even if it's our country, our home. My father today just told me to try to request and stay on board, because here at home is dangerous. We still can work, even no salary, just keep us safe, enough I just heard from other departments, all the Chinese crew will be sent home.” says one Chinese crew member.

This brings us to the general question as to what is the responsibility of the cruise lines towards their crew members as related to the MSC Splendida in the event of any disaster whether natural, medical or otherwise. 

Does the responsibility lie in assuring the wellbeing and safety of the crew members? Absolutely! The responsibility of an employer is to safeguard and protect the employees. As the MSC Splendida is preparing to disembark the Chinese crew members fearing for save passage and travel, as well as their general health and medical wellbeing, the remaining nationalities aboard the ship will not be experiencing the same fear as they will be accompanying the ship back to Europe.

Other cruise lines are following in the lines of safeguarding and protecting their crew members regardless of the cost to the cruise company with a loss of revenue due to no paying guests. For instance, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Spectrum of the Seas which is also based in Asia for the duration of the outbreak has issued the following notice to its crew members: 

“Royal Caribbean Chinese crew members currently onboard due to disembark over the next few days will be offered to stay on board (extend their contracts).” 

With the outreach from crew members, from other cruise companies such as the previously mentioned RCCL ship, who empathize with the Chinese crew members aboard the MSC Splendida report that their experience has been nothing but supportive and positive as the company has taken steps to assure their medical and health wellbeing regardless of the revenue cost and report it as 

“Royal Caribbean is looking after its staff on Spectrum of the Seas and try to make the best of the current situation.” 

Unfortunately, this is not the experience of the Chinese crew members on the MSC Splendida who report that:

“There is an outbreak of Coronavirus in China and the company just throws us back to a dangerous place. Our home has been blocked we don’t know where we should go after the flight” and “our manager approached us this afternoon, he asked us if we have any airport to go to China. We all cried that we can’t go back since even we back by flight the transportation to home already stopped. Bad news all come that we had our tickets information one by one this evening. We have nowhere to go.”  says one Chinese crew member.

This also begs the question, if the MSC Splendida is ending the contracts prematurely are they also liable and responsible to assure the arrival of their Chinese crewmembers safely to their final destination, as well as what all that would entail? Without a question, the company should have this responsibility and in the event that the crew is prevented to access their final destinations, the company should have the responsibility to assure their lodging and food until able to return safely home. 

The Chinese crew aboard the MSC Splendida continue to inform that they feel abandoned by the company without any concern to their safe travel, ability to return to their final destinations and health-related wellbeing. Many reports that they will not be returning to their next contract since there is a great difference in treatment by the company in comparison to other companies. And while the MSC Splendida may be concerned about the loss of revenue due to cancelled cruises and cost that is associated with maintaining the Chinese crew members on board, the cost to the company may be greater as those trained Chinese crew members who have become proficient in working aboard ships with Asian destinations may consider their employment options to other cruise lines.

If we take into consideration past events as related to natural and medical disasters, while operation aboard cruise ships may not be guest-related often major companies such as RCCL and CCL have taken alternative approaches instead of liquidating the crew and sending them to their homes. Case in point as related to the Katrina hurricane which whipped out not only the homes of people in Louisiana and Texas leaving people homeless but also reduced the revenue of RCCL and CCL which cruise ships were porting in those states. However, they yet again made the best of a bad situation by either relocating their crew members on other ships or maintaining them aboard to support local humanitarian forces by providing shelter to locals. And while this was all done in humanitarian efforts, this nonetheless has a similar connotation as related to calling out the MSC Splendida to consider a humanitarian effort as related to the Chinese crew members at this time. We are aware that companies are about money, numbers, revenues, stocks, and so on; however, when is it time for a company to reach into the humanitarian side and consider its crew members not just as numbers, but also as human beings.

Portsmouth to host new Saga ship naming

Portsmouth to host new Saga ship naming

Portsmouth is to host the official naming ceremony of Saga’s second new-build ship.

The event on August 19 will be the first time a cruise ship has been christened in the port.

Portsmouth was chosen for the city’s “dramatic harbour, maritime heritage, and wider regeneration plans for the port”.

The 999-passenger Spirit of Adventure will then set off on its 17-night inaugural cruise to the Baltic from Dover on August 21 with further itineraries for 2020 including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Norway.

Inside Saga Cruises’ new ship Spirit of Adventure

Spirit of Adventure will feature three speciality restaurants including the first Nepalese restaurant at sea.

The ship will also feature a 500sq metre spa, an outdoor swimming pool and a 444-seat theatre.

It will join the boutique sister vessel Spirit of Discovery, which entered service last year.

Saga Cruises managing director Nigel Blanks said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second new ship, Spirit of Adventure, will be named in Portsmouth.

“The city is steeped in British maritime history and it will be another first for Saga Cruises with Spirit of Adventure being the first-ever cruise ship to be named in this historic port.

“Whilst the ships are recognisably sisters, they are most certainly not twins. Spirit of Adventure will have a distinctly different identity to her sister ship, which is why we have chosen a different port for her naming ceremony.

“Alongside the port and the city’s partners, we are planning another utterly memorable event.

“Carrying just 999 guests, Saga’s unique boutique cruise ships have been designed specifically for the needs and tastes of the over-50s luxury market. This means there’s no casino, ice rink or climbing wall.

“Instead they boast the largest percentage of single cabins of any modern ship, a high crew to guest ratio, West End standard entertainment, five different dining options, balcony cabins for all guests and countless other features offering the latest in luxury, boutique cruising.

“The interior design for Spirit of Adventure is bold and striking.  Yet again we have risen to the challenge set us by our guests. They have told us that life for them is not ‘beige’ and they want to see something that showcases the best of British contemporary design.”

Portsmouth City Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson added: “Portsmouth’s dramatic harbour entrance is a stunning backdrop to showcase the ship and we will work closely with Saga to put on an event to match.

“It will also be a fantastic spectacle with the opportunity to welcome the ship as she arrives in Portsmouth and put on a firework display that will take place in the evening from Southsea Common.

“We’re looking forward to Saga’s new vessels becoming a familiar sight in our city. Our cruise transformation is already well underway with a significant berth extension plan, followed by a terminal transformation, which will be completed next year. This is a new cruise era for Portsmouth, and we can’t wait for leading brands like Saga to join us on our journey.”

More than 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Diamond Princess

More than 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Diamond Princess

An additional 41 people, including one from the UK onboard Diamond Princess, quarantined in Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus.

The number was confirmed to Princess Cruises on Thursday by the Japanese Ministry of Health.

This takes the total number of infected people on board up to 61.

The ship, carrying 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew, has been placed under quarantine in Yokohama for 14 days with two cruises cancelled.

The new cases on the Diamond Princess bring Japan’s number of confirmed with coronavirus up to 86, the second-highest figure after China.

A second cruise ship – World Dream, with 3,600 passengers and crew – is quarantined in Hong Kong with three cases on board.

The vessel, operated by Asian line Dream Cruises, is being held at Kai Tak terminal.

Latest figures show that 636 people have been killed by the virus with 31,161 infected in mainland China.

The centre of coronavirus is in the city of Wuhan, and most cases have been in the city and the surrounding province of Hubei.

It has spread overseas with confirmed infections in at least 25 nations, including three in the UK.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Princess Cruises can confirm a further 41 people have tested positive for coronavirus. They are from Argentina (one); Australia (five); Canada (five), Japan (21); United Kingdom (one) and United States (eight).

“The Japanese Ministry of Health has confirmed this is the last batch to be tested and the quarantine end date will be February 19, unless there are any other unforeseen developments.

“The Japanese government is providing our ship and team members with extra support.

“During the remainder of the time on board, guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone services.

“We have added additional live TV channels and a large selection of in-room movies available in multiple languages. Staff are delivering games, puzzles and trivia to guest staterooms.”

Is Another cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus?

Is Another cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus?

Is ANOTHER cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus? Japan blocks foreigners from disembarking from Holland America vessel with an infected passenger on board

Another cruise ship is facing a coronavirus lockdown after Japan today closed its doors to foreign passengers on a vessel carrying a virus patient. 

Japanese leader Shinzo Abe said no foreigners on board the MS Westerdam would be allowed to disembark in the country.

One passenger aboard the Holland America liner, which stopped in Hong Kong and is capable of carrying nearly 3,000 passengers and crew, is believed to have the deadly virus.

Japan is already holding one ship - the Diamond Princess - in quarantine in Yokohama with at least 20 passengers infected.

Passengers on the Westerdam say the ship has already been refused entry to the Philippines and Taiwan over the virus fears.

One tourist, Stephen Hansen, has voiced fears that the ship will endure the same two-week quarantine which Diamond Princess passengers are facing.

In its most recent update, the cruise operator said passengers would now be disembarking in Yokohama rather than in Shanghai as originally planned.

But Japan appears to have wrecked those plans today by announcing that it would use immigration laws to block entry to foreign passengers.

Holland America has also said it is 'closely monitoring the coronavirus situation' amid a growing worldwide health crisis.

'Our medical experts are coordinating closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement recommended screening, prevention and control measures for our ships,' said an earlier statement.

'Guests visiting our onboard medical centres for respiratory illness will be evaluated for coronavirus.

'Robust environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.'

More than 2,600 passengers are confined in their cabins onboard the Diamond Princess, which has been held off the coast of Yokohama since Monday night.

Japan quarantined the ship after an 80-year-old former passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong last month tested positive for the virus.

All the passengers and crew were screened for the virus and hundreds selected for further tests, some of them after showing possible symptoms.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told parliament on Thursday that results for 102 people had now come in, with 20 testings positive.

The quarantined ship has been shuttling between Yokohama Bay and the open sea, where it is collecting seawater to be converted for use in showers and drinking water.

British passenger David Abel has provided regular updates from his ninth-deck cabin with tourists facing another 12 days of quarantine.

Mr Abel yesterday described how luxury dinners had been replaced with rationed food delivered by staff in face masks.





Some passengers have shared pictures of their food including bread rolls with cheese and meat, plates of chicken with rice, and a chocolate dessert.

One cabin had a sign on its door with a request for English Breakfast teabags. 

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, 3,600 people were preparing to spend a second night confined aboard the World Dream after eight former passengers tested positive.

Port health official Leung Yiu Hong said yesterday that more than 30 crew members had symptoms such as fever, coughing or a sore throat.

City health officials in Hong Kong said passengers would only be allowed off the World Dream after tests were completed.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong authorities announced that anyone arriving from the Chinese mainland from Saturday would face a mandatory two-week quarantine.

The move is the city's strictest measure yet amid ongoing strikes calling for the border with mainland China to be completely sealed.

The city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, has suspended some links with the mainland and closed some border crossings but she has left three open.

The health scare comes after months of violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong sparked by fears that its autonomy was being eroded by Beijing. 

Some pro-democracy protesters have come out in support of the strike, with some demonstrations beginning to resemble the wider protests.

The outbreak has rekindled memories in Hong Kong of a 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), another coronavirus that began in China and killed nearly 300 people in the city.

Hong Kong health workers and members of other trade unions have demanded the border with the mainland be completely sealed.

Two dozen countries now have confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus that emerged from a Wuhan market selling exotic animals at the end of last year.

As of Thursday, China had 563 virus deaths and 28,018 confirmed cases on the mainland. Two other virus deaths occurred in Hong Kong and the Philippines.  

Coronavirus: Ten more cases confirmed on Princess Cruises ship

Coronavirus: Ten more cases confirmed on Princess Cruises ship

A further 10 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on Diamond Princess in Yokohama taking the total number of passengers infected to 20.

Diamond Princess is being detained in Yokohama and guests confined to their cabins after a previous passenger was found to have the virus after disembarking.

On Wednesday the line confirmed ten people had tested positive for the virus and the ship was being quarantined for two weeks.

A tweet from Princess Cruises on Thursday said: “We can confirm that among the second set of samples that have completed testing, ten additional people have tested positive for coronavirus.

“Local public health authorities will disembark those guests for transport to local hospitals immediately.”

In further tweets the cruise line said: “While we know this is a challenging time for our #DiamondPrincess guests and crew in Japan, and their loved ones, we want to acknowledge the support and commitment of all on board.

“Thank you to our guests, who have dealt with a tough situation with grace and understanding.

“Thank you to our crew, who continue to diligently provide for all onboard needs. And thank you to all who have sent messages of support & love as we continue to ensure the safety & well-being of our guests, crew, and places we visit.”

Princess Cruises Tweet

@PrincessCruises
 We can confirm that among the second set of samples that have completed testing,10 additional people have tested positive for Coronavirus. Local public health authorities will disembark those guests for transport to local hospitals immediately.

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5:17 AM - Feb 6, 2020

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The first 10 people diagnosed have been transferred to shore to receive treatment.

Of those 10, one is from the US, two are from Australia, three from Japan, three from Hong Kong and the tenth is a Filipino crew member.

Princess Cruises is providing guests with complimentary internet and phone service.

The ship will remain at sea to “perform normal marine operations” before taking on more provisions in Yokohama, Princess Cruises said.

The next two Diamond Princess cruises that were due to depart from Yokohama have been cancelled.

Among the passengers trapped on the ship are British couple David Abel and his wife Sally who have been featured on news outlets explaining their situation via video.

David Abel described the situation as being in jail for two weeks and said the ship was like a “ghost town”.

Images posted online have shown Princess Cruises crew delivering meals staterooms wearing protective clothing and the ship undergoing a deep clean.

Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises’ vice president UK & Europe, said: “We would like to thank the trade for their support during this challenging time.

“We are continuing to work alongside agents to secure the best outcome for everyone concerned. When guests face significant issues we are fortunate we can rely on our trade partners, who always go above and beyond to provide help and assistance.”