SAGA POSTPONES SHIP LAUNCH AND TOURING PROGRAMME UNTIL 2021

Spirit of Adventure had been due to take its first passengers this summer, but the inaugural sailing was first shifted to November and will now be on 5 February next year.

 

Sister ship Spirit of Discovery will not sail until 7 March next year and tours are postponed until 31 January 2021.

 

A Saga spokesperson said: “Over the past few months, we have worked hard to put in place detailed plans to safely return to cruising and have made fantastic progress with all this work.

 

“Sadly, however, with Covid-19 again on the increase and most countries still not accepting cruise ships, we have taken the decision to extend the suspension of our cruise operations to next year. This includes the postponement of the inaugural cruise of the Spirit of Adventure.

 

“We are in the process of contacting all our guests to discuss their options, which include rolling over their booking or receiving a full refund. We look forward to welcoming our guests onboard our ships and on our tours as soon as we are practicably able to do so.”

 

Saga said 2022 cruise bookings were “extremely strong” and showed pent-up demand. Covid precautions mean ship capacity will be limited to 800, with enhanced cleaning and upgraded air conditioning.

 

 

TUI CRUISES ISOLATES CREW AFTER COVID SCARE

Tui Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6 was the first cruise ship to dock in Greece since the pandemic. An initial dozen crewmembers tested positive but showed no symptoms. All were placed in isolation on board and re-tested, with the first six results proving negative.

 

Tui Cruises communications director Godja Sonnichsen said she expected all the second test results to be confirmed by Tuesday. She added all crewmembers were routinely tested before they boarded and entered 14 days self-isolation before starting work.

“On Monday morning we received positive test results from 12 crew members of Mein Schiff 6, currently sailing with guests in Greece, from an external laboratory.

“As a purely precautionary measure and in accordance with the strict procedures for resuming cruise operations, which have been agreed with the authorities in Greece, the persons concerned were immediately isolated on board.”

 

The ship, which was moored off the island of Milos with 922 passengers, was allowed to continue on its itinerary to Piraeus.

“Thanks to the extensive hygiene measures and clearance rules on board, there is no reason for neither guests nor crew to worry,” Sonnichsen said.

 

 

Enchanted Princess to sail in the Mediterranean next summer

Princess Cruises’ newest ship Enchanted Princess will sail in the Mediterranean next summer, bringing the number of Royal-class ships based in Europe to three.

Enchanted Princess is due to join the Princess fleet later this year, and will spend May to September operating a series of new round-trip seven and 14-night itineraries from Rome before sailing between Rome and Barcelona on a series of 11-night cruises.

Earlier this month, the line announced that new ship Sky Princess would replace Crown Princess in Southampton from April to September. The ship will sail eight and twelve-night British Isles cruises and a series of 12-night Scandinavia and Russia voyages.

Regal Princess will also be based in Southampton, sailing a number of itineraries ranging from four to 24 nights to destinations including Iceland and Norway, the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, the Baltic and Canada & New England.

All Europe 2021 voyages onboard Regal Princess and Baltic sailings on Sky Princess are now available to book. The new roundtrip Rome departures onboard Enchanted Princess and British Isles sailings on Sky Princess will be available to book in early October.

Tony Roberts, vice-president UK and Europe said: “Having three Royal-class ships sailing in Europe next year including two based in Southampton is testament to our commitment to offering UK holidaymakers an enhanced Medallion Class service, new onboard experiences and a wealth of holiday options without the need to travel too far from home. We truly are so excited for every guest to experience these voyages.”

He added: “The addition of the new itineraries gives UK guests the opportunity to visit more destinations from Southampton than ever before, as well as the ease of travelling roundtrip from Rome for those who prefer to take a short flight straight out to the sunshine.”

All voyages in the new line-up are included as part of Princess’ latest stateroom upgrade offer, meaning that all customers booking these voyages before November 23 can upgrade for free from an inside stateroom to a balcony.

Royal Caribbean Announces Sweeping Updates to 2021 Summer Cruises

Independence of the seas in Southampton photo credit Dave Jones

Royal Caribbean International has announced a number of upcoming changes in itineraries and homeports to its summer 2021 cruises. 

Highlights of the updated summer cruises for 2021 include new four- and five-night Mediterranean getaways from Barcelona, and more time in the Caribbean with ships sailing from additional  U.S. cruise ports next summer including Tampa, Fla. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

New Itineraries and Homeports

Europe
• Adventure of the Seas, which was previously scheduled to sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm, will head for Barcelona to sail a mix of new 4- and 5-night Mediterranean itineraries.
• Jewel of the Seas, originally planned to homeport in Amsterdam and Barcelona, will now sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm on 7-night cruises calling on Northern Europe’s ports.

The Caribbean
• Independence of the Seas, originally sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. offering 3- and 4-night cruises, will now make Miami her home for the summer season and offer a combination of 6- and 8-night cruises to the Southern and Western Caribbean.
• Vision of the Seas, which was previously planned to sail from Barcelona, will sail from San Juan, offering a new summer program. She will offer 7-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.
• Brilliance of the Seas will stay in Tampa for the summer offering a new drive to port for guests. She will sail 4-, 5- and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean.

In Europe, the Odyssey of the Seas will join Anthem and Harmony of the Seas and make its debut in Rome to kick off its inaugural Europe season.

In Alaska, the region will see the cruise line’s biggest season yet with four ships, including the Quantum of the Seas.

The Caribbean also includes the Mariner and Navigator of the Seas sailing 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday itineraries to The Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Oasis of the Seas cruising from the New York area for the first time. In Asia, guests can sail aboard the region’s newest ship, the Spectrum of the Seas, offering 4- and 5-night sailings from Shanghai and visiting Japan.

BVI Reopens to Visitors on Dec. 1

The British Virgin Islands has announced its borders will be opened to visitors on December 1, according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.

He said that the government is optimistic and is vigorously preparing for the re-opening of the territory to welcome back tourists among others.

Premier Fahie said: “The territory has two full months to prepare and we as a people must get it right and we must get it done by all working together, both the Government and private sector.”

The Premier said that the government intends to reopen the territory in the safest way possible using science and technology as a guide.

“This next phase also comes with a risk factor, where if a case of COVID-19 gets into our Territory, then it can go through the whole community very quickly. That is why we must use technology,” he said. “The concentration must be to use the technology through a simulation prior, to demonstrate that the technology will complement the science to greatly assist us in re-opening in the safest way, humanly possible.

"Please note that we who are in the Virgin Islands must also play our part and play it well to ensure that we adhere to all approved social distancing measures. This will also reduce or eliminate any possible spread of the virus.”

A-Rosa releases video to highlight Covid health and hygiene measures

Agents are being encouraged to share a new video highlighting Coivid-19 health and hygiene measures introduced by A-Rosa River Cruises.

The film shows what life has been like onboard the German company’s ships since they restarted sailing in June.

The two and a half minute video covers various elements of the cruise experience including pre-departure, embarkation protocols, dining and excursions.

The river cruise line hopes agents will use it as a training tool for their staff, and to share with potential customers to give them confidence in booking a future river cruise.

UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe said: “We know how important it is for agents to understand exactly what life onboard our ships have been like since our restart in June, so they can sell it with confidence.

“This short video demonstrates how our ships are operating to keep our guests safe as they sail on Europe’s rivers.

“Our feedback from guests onboard has been really positive and we hope that visually showing agents just how we balance our health and hygiene concept, with all the reasons why our guests love to travel us, will give them the assurance they need to promote our river cruises going forward.”

The video is available at – https://bit.ly/2G0KnHa

Celebrity Apex makes a fleeting call into the UK

Celebrity Cruises new ship Celebrity Apex has made a fleeting visit to the UK before sailing to Florida for a rescheduled naming.

The vessel called into Southampton from its French shipyard ahead of a transatlantic crossing.

Celebrity Apex was originally due to be launched at the UK port in March before embarking on a mini-season of cruises but all had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Company boss Lisa Luoff-Perlo has pledged to bring the 2,900-passenger ship back to the UK when the time is right.

The ship’s naming is now due to take place in Fort Lauderdale next month by activist and author Reshma Saujani, head of non-profit organisation Girls Who Code.

Celebrity Apex was welcomed into Southampton by EMEA vide president and managing director Jo Rzymowska as the crew prepared for the Atlantic voyage.

Carnival Corp. Sells Two More Cruise Ships

Carnival Corporation's Princess Cruises has announced the sale of two of its ships, Sun Princess and Sea Princess, to undisclosed buyers.

The sale of these vessels is in line with parent company Carnival Corporation’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships from its fleet.

“Sun Princess and Sea Princess contributed to significant growth in Australian cruising,” said Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz. “Both ships defined the premium cruise experience with Australians and New Zealanders spending close to 14 million nights aboard these ships. While it is never easy to say goodbye to any ship in our fleet, this will allow us to deploy newer ships enhancing our offerings for Australia cruisers and focus on bringing into service exciting newbuilds like the upcoming delivery of Enchanted Princess.”

The first ship in the Sun Class, Sun Princess was introduced in 1995 debuting in the Caribbean and was among the largest ships in the world at the time.

The 2,000-guest Sun Princess also sailed in Alaska and Panama Canal, among other destinations, before being homeported in Australia in October 2007.

"The Sun Princess also helped us open the Japanese market in 2013 as the first foreign-flagged cruise ship to offer cruises designed specifically for the Japanese," the company said, in a statement.

The 2,000-guest Sea Princess meanwhile became synonymous with World Cruises, having completed six full world cruises since 2013. Prior to joining the Sun Princess in Australia, the Sea Princess sailed in Europe and Alaska as well as the Caribbean, including serving as a homeport ship in Barbados in the mid- to late-2000s.

Due to the imminent departure of these two ships from the fleet, Princess Cruises will cancel published itineraries which include:

• Sun Princess sailings from December 28, 2020, through August 14, 2021
• Sea Princess sailings from December 23, 2020, through November 9, 2021

Guests with bookings will be notified, and along with their travel advisors, will receive information on how to book another Princess Cruise when operations resume. Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated.

 

Hurtigruten Cancels Remaining 2020 Cruises

The MS Roald Amundsen ship, operated by Norway’s Hurtigruten line, is seen after its crew members were diagnosed with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at a port in Tromso, Norway.

OSLO, Sept 17 (Reuters) – Norway’s Hurtigruten has called off its remaining cruises this year due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Europe and the Americas, the company said on Thursday.
“Our goal is to resume operations in January 2021,” the company said in a statement.

The decision affects Hurtigruten’s so-called expedition cruises, which often take passengers into Arctic or Antarctic waters, though its business of shipping goods and people between ports along the Norwegian coast will continue.

The company was the first cruise operator worldwide to return an oceangoing cruise ship to service in mid-June, touting reduced passenger capacity, social distancing and strict rules on hygiene.

But dozens of crew and passengers onboard a Hurtigruten ship tested positive for the coronavirus following an Arctic cruise in July, triggering a police investigation into the circumstances. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik)

Fred. Olsen New Ship Bolette Arrives In Rosyth

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has completed its fleet by welcoming Bolette to Rosyth, Scotland, just two weeks after taking delivery of another new ship, the Borealis.

The ships are the former Amsterdam and Rotterdam from Holland America Line.

The Bolette arrived at Babcock’s Rosyth Facilities on Thursday sailing under the Forth and Queensferry bridges.

Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said:

“It is wonderful to have sister ships Bolette and Borealis together in the same place, joining the rest of our fleet.

“They have already had such a warm welcome from our guests who have been following our Virtual Cruising programme on Facebook and on our website. Now, we can get to work getting both ships ready, in true Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines style, for when our guests step aboard for the first time.

“This is a hugely exciting time for us, and taking ownership of these ships is a clear indication of our plans to bounce back stronger than ever, once the time is right to start sailing again.”

A More Profitable Carnival Corporation Expected To Emerge

A leaner, more profitable Carnival Corporation is likely to emerge following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Cruise Industry News’ calculations.

One important aspect will be what now seems like the overdue removal of 18 existing ships from the fleet.

When Carnival Corporation announced earlier this week that it expects to dispose of 18 ships, eight of which have already left the fleet, it also said that the ships represent 12 per cent of the company’s pre-pause capacity, but only 3 per cent of operating income in 2019.

That means that the 18 ships generated only approximately $98.3 million in operating income, compared to approximately $3.2 billion for the other 87 ships (Carnival listed its fleet at 105 ships for the end of its fiscal year 2019).

Assuming that the 18 ships represented their fair share of operating costs at 12 per cent, their removal prior to year’s end 2019 would have cut operating costs by approximately $2 billion, potentially resulting in operating income of approximately $5.4 billion.

Thus, according to Cruise Industry News estimates, Carnival’s operating income and net income could have been $2 billion more for 2019 if the 18 ships had left sooner, with net income of approximately $5 billion instead of $3 billion, or approximately $7.37 per share instead of $4.32 per share.

In addition, the disposed of ships will be replaced by larger and more efficient tonnage that will likely command higher ticket revenues and onboard spending while incurring lower operating costs.

VIDEO: MSC Cruises showcases health and safety protocols

MSC Cruises has produced a video to showcase new health and safety protocols introduced for its return to cruising.

The video was recorded on MSC Grandiosa, which is currently operating seven-night cruises with embarkations in the Italian ports of Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo, plus a calling at Valletta, Malta.

Due to Foreign Office advice against ocean cruising, British and Irish passengers are currently unable to join the sailings. However, the line said it was working closely with Clia to ensure protocols would be aligned when the guidance is lifted.

The planned return of MSC Magnifica has been delayed, with the ship now due to return to service from the October 19, operating 10-night cruises from Genoa and calling in Livorno for Florence and Pisa, Messina in Sicily, Valletta in Malta, Piraeus for Athens, Katakolon for Olympia in Greece and Civitavecchia for Rome.

P&O Cruises extends cancellation of sailings into 2021

All P&O Cruises sailings have been cancelled until early 2021, the line confirmed today.

All Caribbean cruises are cancelled until the end of January 2021 and departures from and to Southampton will not operate until February.

The ships Arcadia and Aurora have already seen cancellations through to the end of their spring world cruises.

Passengers with bookings on a cancelled cruise will be notified and automatically receive an enhanced 125% future cruise credit or a 100% refund by filling out a web form, according to the line.

P&O Cruises had extended its pause in operations until November 12 and cancelled two extended itineraries due to depart in January 2021.

The line’s previous pause was in June until October 15 due to Covid-19 restrictions on cruise operations.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “With evolving restrictions on travel from the UK, unfortunately, it is necessary to cancel these itineraries.

“These further cancellations vary according to ship as well as complexity and length of itineraries, advice and guidance regarding ports of call and current air availability for fly/cruises.

“We are continuing to monitor the overall situation closely and will certainly reintroduce cruises should the opportunity arise and it is feasible to do so.”

Ludlow confirmed that the Carnival Corporation company is working with several of the “most brilliant minds in science as well as government at the highest level” on approved and enhanced health protocols, which will be in place once the company resumes sailing.

He added: “Whilst adherence to the protocols on board and ongoing vigilance will be critical, this will always be coupled with providing the well-deserved and memorable holidays for which we are known, with all the standout moments on board and experiences onshore. This is what we have always done and will continue to do.

“We cannot wait for restrictions to ease, borders to open and for us to once again be able to set sail for a new beginning.”

AIDA Moves Restart Forward, Cruising from Italy In October

AIDA Cruises will expand its range of cruises this fall with new voyages visiting the highlights of Italy, starting on Oct. 17, 2020.

Carnival's German brand is thus moving up its restart from November to October.

The new seven-day itinerary departs from Civitavecchia near Rome and travels to Palermo and Catania in Sicily, Naples and La Spezia. In Rome, an overnight stay is planned. AIDA did not say what ship will be put into service first.

The voyages will be offered weekly until Nov. 28, 2020.

Bookings open Monday, Sept. 21.

AIDA had previously announced its fall and winter program for 2020 and 2021, sending the AIDAmar to the Canary Islands, starting Nov. 1, 2020, followed by the AIDAperla Nov. 7, taking over the program originally intended for the AIDAnova.

The AIDAmar will sail from Las Palmas, while the AIDAperla will use Tenerife in addition to Las Palmas for turnarounds.

AIDA also plans to launch service in the Western Mediterranean with the AIDAstella on Dec. 12, 2020, sailing seven day cruises from Palma, Mallorca.

 

Oil Billionaire Says It’s Time to Move Focus to Renewables

By Mikael Holter (Bloomberg) — Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke, who built most of his fortune on oil and gas, says the time has come to start investing more heavily in renewable energy.

The 61-year-old suggested that a tipping point had now been reached in the energy industry while underscoring his conviction that the world will continue to need fossil fuels for years to come.

“A good hunter is a patient hunter,” Rokke said during a webcast panel discussion. He also said that investors who started “too early” has “burned through cash.”

Rokke’s investment company Aker ASA took steps earlier this year to spin off clean-energy units, joining a whirlwind of change that’s sweeping the global oil industry. The new companies have since surged in line with other renewable stocks as investors flock around sustainable assets.

In a rare public appearance at Pareto Securities AS’s Energy Conference on Wednesday, Rokke said he had discussed the timing with Aker Chief Executive Oyvind Eriksen for years.

“The key thing for us is to listen, when you are wrong, admit it, and change direction,” Rokke said. “That’s something that has served us well in this extraordinary shift in the energy sector.”

Aker’s 40% stake in oil producer Aker BP ASA, where BP Plc owns 30%, still makes up more than half of the holding company’s value. Rokke dismissed “doomsday sayers” and said Norway shouldn’t stop producing oil and gas. But he also predicted that other businesses will rapidly rise to make up most of his empire.

In as little as five years, Aker’s exposure to digital solutions and IT, primarily through its majority stake in Cognite AS, could make up between half and two-thirds of the company’s value, Rokke predicted. “Quote me on that five years from now,” he said.

“What we’re doing in the green space is also exciting,” he said. “Less than 10% of offshore wind has been installed so far. We are in the infancy.”

Aker is also working on establishing a separate unit dedicated to hydrogen, Eriksen said in a presentation before Rokke spoke.

Carnival Imagination Beached in Turkey for Scrapping

The Carnival Imagination has arrived in Aliaga, Turkey, for her demolition.

The Imagination becomes the third Carnival Fantasy-class vessel to be retired following the company's pause in operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ship joins the Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Inspiration, Pullmantur Monarch and Pullmantur Sovereign at Turkey's ship-breaking yard, with more cruise ships expected to follow.

The Imagination was built at Kværner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, and launched into service in 1995.

Carnival Cruise Line to sell two more ships

Carnival Cruise Line to sell two more ships

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the sale of two more ships from its fleet.

Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, which had previously been put on long-term lay-up status and removed from published itineraries, will leave the fleet.

Fascination launched in 1994 and Imagination in 1995. Carnival said their sales were in line with the corporation’s plan to ‘accelerate the removal of less efficient ships’ from its fleet.

This follows the sale of Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration in July.

When it returns to operations, Carnival will operate four upgraded Fantasy-class ships – Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise – which are part of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement program.

“While we are sad to see Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination leave our fleet, it is a necessary move as it allows us to focus on ships that offer the greatest variety of features and stateroom accommodations for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival is also to delay the return to the sailing of four ships until after dry dock enhancements are completed in the first half of 2021.

The impacted ships and itineraries are:

Carnival Magic: itineraries operating from Miami will be cancelled until March 13, 2021

Carnival Paradise: itineraries operating from Tampa will be cancelled until March 19, 2021

Carnival Valor: itineraries operating from New Orleans will be cancelled until April 29, 2021 (including a transatlantic cruise from New Orleans on January 25, 2021, and the return from Barcelona on February 26, 2021)

Carnival Spirit: itineraries operating from Brisbane will be cancelled through May 16, 2021, with the first sailing being the Singapore to Brisbane voyage embarking on June 12, 2021.

“This extended pause in our operations has also impacted shipyard availability, and we’ve had to reschedule required dry docks. As we continue to work through issues related to our eventual return to operations, we are committed to providing our guests and travel agent partners with certainty where we can, although we regret disappointing our guests.  We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our guests and hope to welcome them back on board soon,” Duffy said.

Viva Cruises plans resumption of Baltic coast sailings

Viva Cruises plans resumption of Baltic coast sailings

Viva Cruises is expanding its range in 2021 by resuming Baltic sailings following the restart of European itineraries post lockdown.

Revamped 123-passenger ship Swiss Diamond joins the fleet next year to resume the cruises along the Baltic coast.

Two itineraries from the German Baltic city of Stralsund will run from May to October 2021, with prices starting at €1,395 per person for seven nights all-inclusive in a two-bed cabin.

The German river cruise specialist will deploy MS Treasures and MS Inspire on four-night sailings along with the Main and Rhine next summer.

Other itineraries include Danube and Moselle river sailings and six-night departures over the Christmas period between Dusseldorf and Strasbourg.

The year-round sailings by the two ships start in March with cruise-only rates for four-nights starting at €495, rising to €2,695 for a 17-day Danube tour.

Chief operating officer Andrea Kruse said: “As the new four-night cruises introduced this summer worked out so well, we are very pleased to present these new 2021 itineraries onboard MS Treasures and MS Inspire.

“Featuring spacious suites of up to 30 square metres and Viva’s checklist – the health and safety measures introduced in light of Covid-19 – we are really looking forward to welcoming more of our beloved UK guests again.”

MSC pushes summer 2021 ex-UK sailings with an all-inclusive offer

MSC pushes summer 2021 ex-UK sailings with an all-inclusive offer

MSC Magnifica photo credit to Dave Jones

Summer 2021 ex-UK sailings are included in a new all-inclusive promotion launched by MSC Cruises.

The early booking promotion sees a premium drinks package included as part of the price on more than 1,000 departures between April and November 2021 from multiple embarkation ports across the world.

The initiative, which covers bookings made until December 2, includes all 22 MSC Magnifica sailings from Southampton on the ship’s second full ex-UK season as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean fly-cruises.

UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “After receiving feedback from our agents, as well as loyal customers, and taking into consideration the market landscape we’ve decided now is the right time to launch our latest promotion.

“We are seeing a definite appetite for booking holidays for 2021, however the feedback from the market has been that it has to be the right product at the right price.

“Our all-inclusive promotion is always incredibly popular, however now more than ever it’s important for guests to know that everything is taken care of.

“The all-inclusive price includes service charge and a premium drinks package so there really is nothing additional guests need to worry about.

“We understand the need from consumers to have a product that is great value, easy to understand and flexible which is why we think this promotion, combined with our stress-free cruising programme allowing flexible booking terms is the right promotion to stimulate bookings.”

He added: “We think this promotion provides a great opportunity for agents who we know are receiving enquiries from guests interested in a cruise to convert that initial interest into bookings, and ultimately to get their customers a great deal.”

Sailings from Southampton lead-in at £319 per person for a two-night mini-cruise.

A seven-night cruise on one of the flagship MSC Grandiosa starts at  £644pp. 

Blocks Arrive in Helsinki for First New Swan Hellenic Expedition Ship

Helsinki Shipyard is quickly progressing through the building stages for the first of two new expedition newbuilds for Swan Hellenic.

On Saturday the shipyard loaded the first blocks of the vessel in Klaipeda.

On Monday, the blocks arrived in Helsinki.

Swan Hellenic is building two state-of-the-art expedition ships are being built in Helsinki aimed at providing 152 guests with an elegant, intimate and personal onboard experience delivered by 120 warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff, according to a statement.

The first ship will set sail for Antarctica in November 2021, the second will be launched in April 2022.

New Royal Caribbean Ship Gets Updated Livery with Huge Name

The Odyssey of the Seas will debut an updated hull livery for Royal Caribbean International when she debuts into service next April.

The company has elected to debut a new look with a large name adorned on the hull of the Quantum-Ultra class vessel, with the O alone measuring 11.2 meters in height according to the shipbuilder, Meyer Werft. 

The ship name will run 87.4 meters down each side of the ship.

It's the second new look for Royal Caribbean in the last decade. The Quantum of the Seas, launched in 2014, debuted a new hull colour template for the company, with a light blue hull. 

Second MSC Cruises ship to return later with longer sailings

Second MSC Cruises ship to return later with longer sailings

MSC Magnifica photo credit Dave Jones

by Phil Davies
To view images of the MSC Magnifica visit MSC Magnifica images
A second MSC Cruises ship is to resume sailings with ten-night voyages in October rather than week-long departures from next week.

This is the second time MSC Magnifica has been delayed in restarting.  The 2,550-passenger ship was previously due to sail on September 26 after being delayed from August 29.

A new re-start date of October 19 has been set for MSC Magnifica with a series of seven cruises including an eight-night Christmas itinerary departing on December 18 from Genoa in Italy. 

The ship’s four proposed seven-night cruises from Bari, Italy between September 26 to October 24 have been cancelled as a result of the new scheduling

Passengers affected by the cancelled cruises will either be re-protected onto another cruise – in particular on MSC Grandiosa, which is currently sailing in the western Mediterranean – or will receive a future cruise credit valid until the end of 2021.

MSC Magnifica will follow the return to service of MSC Grandiosa, now on its fourth consecutive seven-night cruise.

MSC Grandiosa

The flagship resumed sailing in August for the first time since the suspension of cruises due to the Covid-19 pandemic following approval by authorities in Italy, Greece and Malta of the company’s new health and safety operating protocol, designed to protect passengers, crew and communities that the ship calls. 

MSC Grandiosa’s sailings have been extended through to the end of the year, including a Christmas cruise to depart from Genoa on December 20.

The vessel is running seven-night cruises with embarkation in the Italian ports of Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo, plus a calling at Valletta in Malta.

MSC Magnifica’s new programme covers both the west and the east Mediterranean from Genoa with calls at Livorno for Florence and Pisa, Messina in Sicily, Valletta in Malta, Piraeus for Athens and Katakolon for Olympia in Greece and Civitavecchia for Rome.

The ten-night itinerary is designed for passengers looking for longer voyages that offer more destinations and more time at sea.

The longer sailings are also expected to appeal to passengers flying from Schengen countries because of strong pan-European air links to both Rome and Genoa, which together with Messina, are two of the ship’s three embarkation ports.

The line also says ‘proximity cruising’ is proving to be popular with passengers who live both in Italy and in neighbouring countries. 

Longer sailings are seen by the company to also appeal to consumers who typically cruise during the autumn and winter and those looking for a longer alternative to the seven-night MSC Grandiosa sailings.

MSC Magnifica is due to set off on a world cruise in 2021, for the second consecutive year, following the completion of the updated Med itinerary.

Feedback from some of the thousands of passengers who have so far sailed on MSC Grandiosa has been positive, with many calling their experience one of the safest holiday options available, according to the company.

The hope of winter cruise return raised by the Canary Islands

The hope of winter cruise return raised by the Canary Islands

Hopes have been raised for a winter season of cruise ship visits to the Canary Islands.

Cruise lines will have to carry out Covid PCR tests on all travellers before arriving in the archipelago, according to the Canary Islands government.

UK government restrictions currently prevent ocean cruises from operating and lines still await renewed Foreign Office guidance.

On a media call after issuing its half-year results up to the end of July, Saga group chief executive Euan Sutherland said the firm was “ready to cruise again as soon as government guidelines are updated”.

He added: “We expect them to be in the next few days”.

The Spanish islands’ transport and health ministers believe safety rules can be agreed to allow a return of ships from as early as October.

The presidents of the port authorities of Las Palmas and Santa  Cruz de Tenerife have committed to communicating the government health protocol for cruise companies to adopt.

Cruise companies would be required to subscribe to an insurance that covers all the expenses of passengers that may be infected by Covid-19 in order to guarantee both safeties of the residents of the Islands and the ships’ passengers.

“This insurance would cover all the expenses derived from a coronavirus incidence among travellers, such as repatriation, medical expenses and quarantine stays,” a Canary Islands statement said.

All passengers will need to undertake a diagnostic test to show that they are negative for coronavirus.

Passengers must also fill out a form that includes all their movements in the last 15 days before arriving in the Canary Islands to monitor them in case of an incident.

Cruise companies must undertake that their ships do not exceed 60% or 70% of capacity and they expand their sanitary staff on board, with cleaning and disinfection of ships after each trip, to establish a protocol of tracking ships every time they dock in a port on the islands.

Tui is one of five European cruise companies to have shown interest in starting winter cruises.

“Only with this operating company, the Canarian ports would be receiving an average of 1,300 tourists every week, an amount that will increase considerably once the rest of the shipping companies that have already shown their interest in making the Canarian circuit join,” the islands’ government said.

Transport minister Sebastian Franquis said: “For the government of the Canary Islands it is essential to recover this type of tourism because it is a very necessary economic activity at the moment for the archipelago, and we want to recover it with all the health requirements.

“For the government, it is essential to recover winter tourism, not only in air transport but also in maritime transport and gradually recover the hotel plant.

“Therefore, we are making every effort to ensure that between October and November cruise tourism begins to recover normally within what we are experiencing and not to lose the winter tourist season.”

Princess Reveals Five Ship Lineup for Australia Season

Princess Cruises has unveiled a five-ship lineup for its 2021-2022 Australia season, including the debut of the Coral Princess and Royal Princess in the local market.

The premium brand will offer 95 different departure dates with homeport options in Brisbane and Sydney starting in late 2021. 

Brisbane will see the Coral Princess homeport and the Royal Princess and Emerald Princess will sail from Sydney. Other ships include the Sapphire Princess sailing from Melbourne and the Pacific Princess in Australia as well. 

"The first of the cruises being offered is still a year away and two years for the last voyages in the season. We know that many of our guests wish to cruise again when the time is right and it is important that we have options available so that they can plan to resume holidaying at sea. Our new itineraries will give our Australian guests some holiday inspiration for the time when we will all be able to travel again,” said Stuart Allison, senior vice president Asia-Pacific for Princess Cruises.

Cruise Ship Fleet Headed to Auction Block

CMV Vasco da Gama built originally for Holland America Line.

Five ships from Cruise & Maritime Voyages will be auctioned off via CW Kellock & Co in October as five separate lots.

Up for Auction
- 1993-built Vasco Da Gama (Bid Deadline October 8)
- 1989-built Columbus (Bid Deadline October 12)
- 1985-built Magellan (Bid Deadline October 19)
- 1987-built Astor (Bid Deadline October 15)
- 1965-built Marco Polo (Bid Deadline October 22)

All ships are in Tilbury and can be inspected by arrangement, with the exception of the Marco Polo, which is tied up in Avonmouth and can also be inspected. 

In accordance with various court orders following the insolvency of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, each vessel is to be sold by separate sealed tender, "as is where is" at the time of sale, on the Admiralty Marshal’s Conditions of Sale, with a clean title and free of encumbrances.

"Offers may be submitted in sealed envelopes marked with vessel’s name, or by email, and should be received by the EXCLUSIVE BROKERS, CW Kellock & Co Ltd, latest by 1200 hours midday on the dates indicated above," said a statement from CW Kellock & Co.

Royal Caribbean Group updates mobile app to offer more Covid-secure features

Royal Caribbean Group updates mobile app to offer more Covid-secure features

Royal Caribbean Group has improved its mobile app to feature the on-board safety drill to avoid passengers having to meet in large groups at muster stations on its cruise ships.

The Muster 2.0 safety drill can now be completed in passengers’ own time in their cabins via the cruise line’s mobile app instead of going to a muster station with other passengers at a set time.

The app, first introduced in 2017, is available on many Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara ships.

Initially designed for passengers to make the most of their holiday, the mobile app is now being developed further to meet health and safety practices required as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It aims to help minimise common touchpoints and ensure physical distancing for passengers.

The app already has other features such as offering staggered arrival times for passengers to help avoid overcrowding at boarding and manage the car parks, drop-off areas and terminals to allow for social distancing.

Since 2018, customers have been able to check-in using the app, scan their passport information and upload a ‘selfie’ security photographs to speed up the boarding process and minimise time at check-in and security.

The app can also be used to unlock staterooms with a smartphone by downloading a digital key. In addition, customers can use their smartphone to control the TV, lighting, window shades and temperature in their cabins via the app.

Other features of the app include an onboard account where charges and credits can be viewed in real-time as well as details of onboard activities, entertainment, dining and shore excursions. These can all be booked through the app.

Cunard puts 2022 world cruise on sale

Cunard puts 2022 world cruise on sale

Cunard has confirmed plans for a 2022 world cruise by flagship Queen Mary 2.

The 104-night voyage departs from Southampton on January 10 and returns on April 24, 2022.

Calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal are planned with sailings through the Suez Canal on both the outbound and return legs.

Overnight stops in Haifa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore are included plus a late-night departure from Colombo.

The voyage has gone on sale today despite all ocean cruises currently being cancelled due to government travel restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prices for an inside cabin start at £11,499 per person.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “Our guests have told us they want memorable destinations which combine intrinsic glamour and heritage.

“This unique programme spans 16 countries, offering a combined 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which we hope will combine the perfect blend of exploration onshore and relaxation on board.”

Palethorpe added: “This 104-night voyage can be split into six sectors and booked individually, which is tailored to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Cunard experience for just a portion of the journey.

“It truly is the ultimate exploration of east meets west experienced from the magnificent setting of the world’s only ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2.

“Guests on board will be able to take advantage of a multitude of luxurious offerings whether they want to be entertained, learn something new, get active or simply relax, while the ambience throughout the ship is warm, friendly and inclusive.”

Those sailing the full World Voyage will enjoy a welcome onboard reception, services of a World Voyage Concierge and use of a private lounge, a gala event ashore and complimentary daily gratuities.

Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

The first two of start-up Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages’ four new coastal ships have taken to the water following construction delays due to Covid-19.

The twin launch of the 6,200-ton vessels took place at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey on Saturday.

But the first two ships will not be ready for the new year as originally planned as the coronavirus pandemic has affected the shipyard over the last six months.

Delivery may now take place during the first quarter of 2021,” based on current knowledge,” according to Havila Voyages’ chief executive Arild Myrvoll.

In anticipation of the new 179-cabin ships, the firm has received approval for two replacement vessels.

But demand for the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes is currently “very uncertain”, and the need for capacity at the start of the new contract on January 1 is under evaluation, the company disclosed.

The coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions are affecting the entire travel industry and are also making it difficult for Havila Voyages to be specific about what will happen next year.

“But we are pleased to note that there is a lot of interest in Havila Voyages from travel agencies and tour operators. We are in great demand and are looking forward to getting going,” Myrvoll added.

The ships have been on land for longer than usual to expedite the construction process as much as possible, with several tasks streamlined.

Myrvoll added: “This means that the work on the ships that have been launched is well underway with regard to plumbing, machinery, electricity and fixtures and fittings.

“It will be good to start providing people living along the coast, and tourists, with safe transport and environmentally friendly sailing on the world’s most beautiful coastal voyage.”

Havila Castor and Havila Capella will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) supported by giant battery packs.

They will be the most environmentally friendly ships on the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021, the company claims.

The batteries will enable them to run for four hours without creating noise or emissions.

Havila Voyages has an agreement with the Norwegian transport ministry to operate four of the 11 ships that sail the coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021 to 2030. 

Tom Cruise & Mission Impossible Crew Rent Two Hurtigruten Cruise Ships

Tom Cruise & Mission Impossible Crew Rent Two Hurtigruten Cruise Ships

The Hollywood star and his production crew are reportedly anchored off the coast of Norway.

There’s no mission impossible for Tom Cruise and his crew, even filming a blockbuster movie during a pandemic…

Helping to get filming safely wrapped up, Hollywood star Cruise and the Mission Impossible production crew have reportedly hired two Hurtugrten cruise ships, MS Vesterålen and MS Fridtjof Nansen.

According to Norway Today, Hurtigruten’s new ship MS Fridtjof Nansen is acting as a hotel ship for the 400 crew members, who have been housed on the ships during filming in August and September.

The ship is said to be anchored off the coast of Hellesylt, a small village in Norway, allowing the crew to get on with filming and avoid any further delays to production. Production on the new Mission Impossible 7 movie was put on hold in February due to the pandemic but has now restarted.

While they didn’t confirm if Cruise himself was staying on the premium expedition ship, Hurtigruten did confirm the rental to Norway Today, revealing they rented the two ships out to the company Truenorth. Truenorth is currently working on the seventh Mission Impossible movie with Tom Cruise.

According to the Sun newspaper, Cruise himself picked up the bill for the rental for August and September, which came in at an impressive £500,000.

MS Fridtjof Nansen is currently docked at Hellesylt, with its use as a hotel ship confirmed by the Counsellor of Stranda municipality.

It is not known what MS Vesterålen is being used for, but there is speculation that the ship will even appear in the upcoming blockbuster.

Hurtigruten is currently operating a limited amount of cruise sailings due to Covid-19, allowing the ships to be used for private rental and filming.

MS Fridtjof Nansen was due to sail a handful of sailings around Iceland and the European Atlantic coast, but they have since been cancelled by the line.

Costa Ready to Restart Cruise Operations This Weekend

Costa Cruises is scheduled to restart sailing in Italy this Sunday, Sept. 6.

Carnival's Italian brand will be followed by Germany-based AIDA Cruises scheduled to resume on Nov. 1.

The brands will begin in a gradual, phased-in manner with six initial ships and limited itineraries, becoming the first two of Carnival's nine brands to resume operations.

"Our highest responsibilities and top priorities are always compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the communities we visit and our crew," said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. "We are engaged with a large number of medical experts and scientists around the world, and they are providing us with extremely valuable insight that we are using to develop new and enhanced protocols that are in the best interest of our guests, crew and overall public health. In areas of the world where community spread is largely mitigated and authorities are supportive of a gradual return to service over time, we look forward to again welcoming guests onboard.

The initial cruises will take place with adjusted passenger capacity and enhanced health protocols developed with government and health authorities to follow shoreside mitigation guidelines, the company said. 

Costa Cruises is restarting sailing with two initial ships departing from Italian ports beginning Sept. 6.

The Costa Deliziosa will offer weekly cruises from Trieste on Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, visiting five destinations in southern Italy, including Bari and Brindisi in Puglia, Corigliano-Rossano in Calabria, and Siracusa and Catania in Sicily.

The Costa Diadema will follow on Sept. 19 from Genoa, calling at Italian ports in the western Mediterranean, including Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Palermo, Cagliari and La Spezia.

The one-week itineraries are being reserved exclusively for Italian guests.

AIDA Cruises will resume its cruise operations with two of its ships, sailing from the Canary Islands in November 2020, followed by an additional two ships departing from the western Mediterranean and the United Arab Emirates beginning in December 2020.

The first of the brand's cruises are set to begin Nov. 1, with seven-day voyages to and departures from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, with AIDAmar, followed by sailings from Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife with AIDAperla on Nov. 7. In December, AIDA Cruises will resume sailing operations in the Western Mediterranean with AIDAstella departing on seven-day cruises from Palma, Mallorca, beginning Dec. 12. Additionally, AIDAprima will offer seven-day cruises from Dubai starting Dec. 11 and from Abu Dhabi beginning Dec. 15.

In working with global and national health authorities and medical experts, Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises have developed a comprehensive set of health and hygiene protocols to help facilitate a safe, healthy return to cruise vacations, according to a press release.