NCL UNVEILS NORWEGIAN DAWN’S EX-UK PROGRAMME FOR 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line has released the programme of itineraries for Norwegian Dawn when the ship homeports in Southampton in 2023.

NCL will offer a range of eight to 14-day voyages on Norwegian Dawn from Southampton in 2023, as part of its partnership with Associated British Ports to open a new cruise terminal at the Hampshire port from 2021 onwards.

The 2023 itineraries on Dawn will include a 14-day transatlantic trip from New York to Southampton, departing on 20 April, and a series of 10 and 11-day cruises around the British Isles, as well as voyages to the Baltics and Northern Europe.

Eamonn Ferrin, NCL’s vice president and managing director in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “We’re seeing strong demand for closer to home sailings in 2021 and beyond. Looking ahead, British holidaymakers are excited to explore Europe, with endless destinations to suit all types of travellers.

“At NCL, we will expand our itineraries out of Southampton onboard Norwegian Dawn in 2023 and have some fantastic trips available across the British Isles, the Baltics and Northern Europe. We can’t wait to welcome guests onboard again.”

P&O Cruises and Cunard have “temporarily” stopped selling cruises

P&O Cruises and Cunard have “temporarily” stopped selling cruises due to depart before 21 June as the lines look to the government for greater clarity on when travel will be allowed to restart.

The date was laid out by prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday (22 February) as a potential milestone for when all Covid restrictions in England could be lifted.

 

Johnson said a relaunched Global Travel Taskforce would examine how and when international travel could be restarted through a newly commissioned report, due on 12 April – with travel not currently slated to resume until at least 17 May.

 

In a statement released on Friday (26 February), P&O and Cunard said sales for itineraries before 21 June had been halted as the lines “await more clarity on likely dates for domestic and international cruising”.

 

The brands said they were seeking “additional clarification to fully understand the requirements” announced by the prime minister earlier this week.

 

“These cruises have not been cancelled and there is no action required from any guests booked on these cruises,” a spokesperson said.

 

“Should it be necessary to extend our pause and cancel any more cruise dates then we will advise our guests as soon as possible.”

CDC Cruise Rules May Be Just Days Away; Volunteer Sailings Next?

"We're just literally waiting," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, of technical regulations expected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that will provide a clear path for cruise lines to operate again in the U.S.

Having issued the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order for Cruise Ships in late October, the CDC has yet to release referenced technical regulations which will define a return to service.

Those regulations now may just around the corner, according to Bayley, who said it could be coming in days, speaking on Royal Caribbean's year-end and fourth quarter business update call on Monday morning. 

The next step is then trial sailings with volunteers cruising, Bayley noted, adding the company had seen some 250,000 volunteer sign-ups. 

Bayley noted the communication and dialogue between the industry and the CDC have been productive, and it has been a relatively open process.

Royal Caribbean Shares Soar As Bookings Rise On Vaccination News

Port of the Bahamas

by Praveen Paramasivam  (Reuters) – Royal Caribbean Group said on Monday it was seeing an uptick in future bookings, following a disastrous year for the cruise operator, as travel enthusiasts look to sail again at a time governments globally have started mass vaccinations.

The company’s shares, down 44% last year, soared 9% in morning trading (and is up 24% in the past five trading days), as Royal Caribbean said it recorded a 30% increase in new bookings since the beginning of the year when compared to November and December.

Analysts have also tipped Royal Caribbean and its peers Carnival Corp and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd to resume voyages gradually in the back half of this year, after the pandemic-triggered months-long halt.

“Now after 11 months of the pandemic, I think we all know that COVID fatigue is real. People are clamouring for the opportunity to have experience outside their homes,” Chief Executive Officer Richard Fain said on an earnings call.

Royal Caribbean said bookings for the first half of 2022 were within historical ranges and at higher prices, with some on Reddit and Twitter saying they were itching to go on cruises again.

However, the operator of “Symphony of the Seas” cruise posted a net attributable loss of $1.37 billion for the quarter ended Dec. 31, taking its annual loss to $5.8 billion.

Royal Caribbean’s total revenue for the quarter was $34.1 million, compared with analysts’ estimates of $35.6 million, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

On an adjusted basis, the company lost $5.02 per share. Analysts had expected a loss of $5.20.

Miami-based Royal Caribbean forecast a net loss for its first quarter and the 2021 fiscal year.

Cruise Ship Drydock Lloyd Werft Could Close Down

Lloyd Werft may be shutting down at the end of the year, according to German news sources.

The shipyard, which is a key cruise ship drydock and has been involved in new buildings over the years, was acquired by Genting in 2015.

With the pandemic having a negative effect on the global cruise industry, the yard's workforce was informed on Friday that the yard may close at the end of the year due to a significant downturn in business.

Workers were also asked to enter into negotiations to help keep the yard open. German news reports also said that there is a prospective buyer for the yard.

Steel Cut for P&O Cruises’ Arvia

The first piece of steel has been cut for P&O Cruises’ latest ship Arvia. The 5,200-passenger sister ship to Iona is being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. It is the second LNG-powered Excel class ship to join the P&O Cruises fleet.

“The steel cutting marks an extraordinary milestone for the future of P&O Cruises,” P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said during the virtual ceremony, according to a press release.

“It is a future which will include two of the most environmentally innovative ships in the world today,” he added.

According to Ludlow, the Arvia is built to sail in the sun and its DNA is the same as the Iona’s despite having a “different look and feel.”

“It is one (DNA) which exemplifies design excellence, forward-thinking power generation and future-focused experiences. The hardware, technology and interior arrangement of spaces leave nothing lacking. Every sheet of metal, every control panel, every cabin, light fitting and chair has been designed and debated to ensure that it provides a pinnacle holiday for our guests and the foremost working and living experience for our crew,” he said.

According to the press release, the Arvia will be delivered in December 2022, and the holidays on it will go on sale in March.

Royal Caribbean Business Update Call Preview: What Matters

Royal Caribbean Group has scheduled a business update call for investors, as well as report 2020 fourth quarter and 2020 full-year earnings, on Monday, Feb. 22.

It's a key call for the investment community, with the company approaching the one-year mark without ships in service from U.S. ports, and only a small percentage of its fleet operating, with the Quantum of the Seas sailing from Singapore while TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have seen smaller restarts.

Company executives are expected to provide a 15 to 25-minute presentation and then will open it up to question from financial analysts. 

What to Listen For:

• Restart: When will ships actually start sailing in mass in the United States and Europe? Company executives will be pressed to answer or provide a realistic timeline. Previous remarks about restarting in 2020 did not pan out. 
• CDC: Will company executives provide an update regarding ongoing discussions with the CDC and its Conditional Sailing Order. Since being issued in late October there have been no further public updates nor promised technical regulations. 
• Biden Administration: After the industry had high-profile meetings with Vice President Mike Pence in 2020, as well as a teleconference in October, what has been the relationship with the new U.S. administration so far with President Joe Biden in office?
• Azamara: Company executives will need to comment on the sale of Azamara to a private equity company. Will other sales of ships or brands follow?
• Alaska: How will the Canada cruise ship ban impact the Alaska season and is the idea of a waiver to operate without calling on a foreign port realistic?
• Occupancy: When the ships do restart, what occupancy will they sail at, and what occupancy do they need to sail at to generate positive earnings?
• Deployment: Could 2021 and possibly 2022 lead to a seismic shift in deployment as cruise lines stay even closer to home and embrace short cruises?
• Cash Burn: Royal Caribbean Group opted not to provide an exact cash burn figure in its last earnings release, but offered a range that averaged out to $270 million a month. Investors will be looking for an update.
• Startup Costs: Among Wall Streets, key concerns will be the startup costs per vessel as well as the timeline to get a vessel ready to cruise with guests.
• Lay Up: Will the company elaborate on further cold lay-up scenarios for the vessels that may return to service last? 

MSC Reveals New Details on MSC Seashore

With just six months until the MSC Seashore launches in August in the Mediterranean and nine months until her arrival in the U.S. in Miami, MSC Cruises has revealed a number of new features on the first Seaside EVO-class ship.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises commented: “With each new ship we build, MSC Cruises continues to innovate and push design boundaries. MSC Seashore represents an evolution of the Seaside class as an extended and further enriched ship. 65 percent of the public areas have been reimagined to create something truly unique for our guests. The new aft design has allowed us to introduce a brand-new lounge, Cabaret Rouge, spanning two decks with panoramic views of the sea, offering new entertainment experiences. The specialty restaurant experience has been completely redesigned with the Chef’s Court on deck 8, making this a go-to destination for bars and restaurants. Each of the pools have been enhanced including an impressive double-deck extended magrodome pool and an incredible Infinity pool at the aft.

"We continue to innovate not only in terms of our design and guest experience but also with our use of cutting-edge technology. MSC Seashore will be the first cruise ship in the world to feature a new air sanitation system developed by Fincantieri. ‘Safe Air’, uses UV-C lamp technology eliminating 99% of viruses and bacteria to guarantee clean and safe air for guests and crew. As part of our ongoing commitment to the environment and our journey towards total decarbonization, MSC Seashore will also be equipped with the latest-generation environmental technology with improvements to energy efficiency, the latest systems to reduce air emissions, as well as an advanced waste water treatment system with purification standards that are higher than most wastewater treatment facilities ashore.”

At 339 meters the ship will become the longest ship in the fleet and will be the largest ship ever to be built in Italy by Fincantieri.

Stand-out design features include the glass-floored Bridge of Sighs located at the unique vantage point on deck 16, 72 ft. above the Infinity Pool on deck 8.

The pool experience on MSC Seashore is new with enhancements and new features for all six pools offering everything from thrills and adventure for younger guests through to stylish poolside relaxation for those looking to unwind on board.

The aft pool has been redesigned to create an Infinity Pool, which now extends right up to the very end of the aft, with a glass wall offering uninterrupted views of the ocean

The ship will also introduce a new location for the Chef’s Court that houses the five specialty restaurants, which will be moved to Deck 8. This new positioning of the specialty restaurants allows for the restaurants to have an improved sea view and MSC Cruises’ signature steakhouse, Butcher's Cut, will offer for the first-time outdoor seating and al fresco dining on the waterfront promenade.

Located on the coveted foredecks on the ships, spanning four decks and providing sweeping sea views, the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Seashore will become the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet.

Key Highlights:
• 13,000 sqm (≈139,930 sq. ft.) of outdoor space with a wide choice of outdoor bars and dining, pools and deck area for relaxing and sunbathing
• Six swimming pools with enlarged poolside areas including a spectacular new Infinity Pool and two new Infinity Whirlpools
• An expansive 540 meter-long (≈1,772 ft.-long) waterfront promenade close to the water.
• The largest and most luxurious MSC Yacht Club spanning 3,000 sqm (≈32,292 sq. ft.) over four decks with two palatial new Owners Suites
• 11 different types of staterooms and suites with balconies, including the coveted aft suites, 50 terraced suites with extended balconies offering up to 15 sqm (≈161 sq. ft.) of private terrace and 32 different suites with outdoor private whirlpools

Crystal Cruises to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for Guests

Crystal Cruises has confirmed it will now require all guests to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their Crystal cruise.

Guests will need to provide proof of vaccination before embarkation and must have received both doses of the vaccine if recommended by the manufacturer by that timeline, the company said.

“We are encouraged by the progress being made with the COVID-19 vaccines and what this means for our Crystal Family and the travel industry as a whole as we eagerly look forward to exploring the world again,” said Crystal’s interim president and CEO, Jack Anderson. “We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury; and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for all onboard. This sentiment is underscored by conversations with our guests and travel partners and a recent Cruise Critic survey of cruisers that revealed that more than 80 percent of respondents would cruise if a vaccine were required.”

Crystal’s crew, who hail from dozens of countries around the world, will be expected to be vaccinated as well when the company resumes sailing, however, this may not be a viable option for all crew members given their age and/or the availability of vaccines in their home countries, the company said, in a statement. 

“As part of the company’s Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, crew members will be tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving their home location to join the ship and must receive a negative result. They also will take a COVID-19 test at embarkation; quarantine for seven days upon arrival; be tested again at the end of that seven-day period and must receive a negative result before beginning their duties,” Anderson noted. “When vaccines are widely available, they will be a requirement of employment for crew which must be completed at least 14 days prior to service.”

In addition to providing verified documentation of their COVID-19 vaccine at the time of boarding, guests will complete an online form acknowledging this requirement before their cruise tickets will be issued. Crystal has published a frequently asked questions document on the advisory alert section of its website for further reference.

P&O Cruises Names New Ship Arvia

P&O Cruises has revealed the name of its second LNG-powered Excel class ship. The ship, which will join the P&O Cruises UK six-ship fleet in December 2022, will be named Arvia.

According to a press release, the name means “from the seashore”

“The Arvia will join the Iona as an innovative and future-focused ship offering an outstanding, varied and contemporary holiday. The Arvia has been designed to travel to the sun year-round and to maximize views of the ocean and the seashore from everywhere on board, so it seemed a very fitting name and one which will reflect the experience for guests on board,” said P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow.

“The seashore is known for its relaxing properties and tranquillity and a holiday on the Arvia will, indeed, celebrate this and have relaxation at its heart. The rejuvenating and restorative qualities of a walk on the beach and invigorating sea air will be reflected in the experiences both onboard and onshore as well as the vast space onboard which has enabled us to include a number of new and extraordinary features,” he added.

The name of the 5,200-passenger ship was unveiled through a video reveal made up of outlining the letters in the name in various different locations, all relating to the beach and the seashore.

Holidays on the Arvia will go on sale in March and further details of the ship, its design and experiences onboard will be released over the coming months, P&O Cruises said.

Costa Restarts Cruises With New Program From March 27

Costa Cruises will be restarting service on the Costa Smeralda from March 27 and on the Costa Luminosa from May 2. This was announced by its parent company, Carnival Corporation, in a press release.

“The cruise ships of Costa Cruises … are ready to set sail again and offer guests holidays filled with leisure and relaxation, along with enhanced health and safety protocols,” the company said.

The Costa Smeralda program will consist of an unchanged itinerary across Italy for three- or four-day mini-cruises or, alternatively, a 7-day cruise, calling at Savona, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina and Cagliari.

On May 1, the Costa Smeralda will return to one-week cruises in the Western Mediterranean with visits to Italy (Savona, Civitavecchia and Palermo), France (Marseille) and Spain (Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca).

The Costa Luminosa will be departing from Trieste from May 2, and the following day from Bari, confirming its program of one-week cruises in Greece and Croatia, according to the press release.

“Costa is working with national and local authorities of the countries included in the itineraries of its ships outside Italy to define the details of the restart of cruise operations, with enhanced health and safety measures through the implementation of the Costa Safety Protocol,” Carnival Corporation wrote. “The protocol contains operational measures related to all aspects of the cruise experience, both onboard and ashore, which were implemented in the past months of cruise operations.”

All other cruises scheduled until the end of May, and not included in the program updated on Feb. 17, will be cancelled. Costa is in the process of informing travel agents and customers affected by changes.

MSC Cruises aims to restart Greece sailings by Easter

MSC Cruises aims to restart Greece sailings by Easter

MSC Magnifica take by Dave Jones

MSC Cruises has announced that it is working closely with the Greek Ministry of Tourism and other relevant authorities for the reopening of local tourist services in time to serve cruise passengers visiting Greece, starting with the upcoming Easter holiday period.

In related news, the Company also announced that it is cancelling all of MSC Magnifica’s scheduled cruises through to April 29. MSC Magnifica will thus be replaced for voyages to the Eastern Mediterranean, including Greece, during the Easter period and throughout the summer season. 

Guests booked on MSC Magnifica through to April 29 will be offered the option to rebook their MSC Cruises holiday at sea on one of the line’s other ships due to call Greece or on its flagship MSC Grandiosa, which is currently at sea in the Western Mediterranean. Alternatively, guests will receive 125% Future Cruise Credit, valid for all sailings taking place on or before April 30, 2022. 

MSC Grandiosa is currently operating weekly cruises leaving every Sunday from Genoa, Italy and calling Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo/Cagliari in Italy as well as Valetta in Malta. Embarkation is available from each port in Italy.

www.msccruises.co.uk

Royal Caribbean Status Update

Thanks to https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/ 

Royal Caribbean International has seen a number of company adjustments, fleet changes and deployment moves since COVID-19 began, plus the resumption of cruising aboard the Quantum of the Seas from Singapore.

Here are the main moves that took place for the cruise line since the pandemic started:

Newbuilds Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas Delayed

In July, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the Odyssey of the Seas was not going to be delivered as initially planned.

Under construction in Germany, the Quantum-class ship was delayed six months and is now scheduled to join the fleet in April. 

A few weeks later, the company revealed that the Wonder of the Seas was also delayed. The China-bound Oasis-Class ship was previously scheduled for a mid-2021 delivery and is now expected in 2022.

In both cases, Royal Caribbean cited the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts as the main reason for the changes.

Royal Amplified Postponed Until Further Notice

When the pandemic started, Royal Caribbean was in the middle of a program of fleet modernization called Royal Amplified.

Two ships were scheduled to go trough the work in the second quarter of 2021, including the Allure of the Seas. The Oasis-Class vessel was set to undergo a 58-day, $165 million drydock, starting in March.

Now, all the work is suspended until further notice. While mandatory shipyard work was actually performed on some of the vessels, the major modifications were suspended.

Empress of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas Sold

In December, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the Majesty of the Seas and the Empress of the Seas were going to leave the fleet.

While the Empress was bought by a new Indian cruise line, the Majesty seems to have been acquired by Seajets, a Greek ferry operator.

Grandeur of the Seas Stays and Debuts a New Homeport

A few weeks after confirming the Majesty and Empress departures, Royal Caribbean announced that the Grandeur of the Seas will operate a new program from Barbados, starting in December.

Built in 1996, the ship was in limbo after the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros filed for insolvency last June. The sister company was set to receive the Grandeur early this year, which was announced back in 2019.

Healthy Sail Panel Launched in Partnership with Norwegian

In an effort to develop what it called “enhanced cruise health and safety standards in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic", the Royal Caribbean Group partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in July.

Putting together a group of experts, the companies formed the “Healthy Sail Panel”, which, in September, revealed a 65-plus-page report detailing 74 best practices to protect the public health and safety of guests, crew and the communities where cruise ships call. 

The new protocol is expected to be adopted by Royal Caribbean International when sailings are resumed globally.

Cruises Resumed in Singapore and Global Resumption Plans

With the approval from local authorities, Royal Caribbean started sailing from Singapore in early December. Sailing a program of short cruises to nowhere, the Quantum of the Seas became the first ship to resume service in the company's fleet. 

Globally, company cruises are cancelled until May 1, when the company may restart operations in some areas of the world. Some destinations, however, have different timelines. 

By the numbers:

Ships:

• Ships shed: 2
• Ships added: 0

Result: - 2 ships

Berths:

• Berths shed: - 3,961
• Berths added: 0

Result: - 3,961 berths

 

New Ship Preview: Holland America's Rotterdam

The Rotterdam will be the seventh ship in the history of the Holland America fleet to carry this name. The ship was originally named the Ryndam but Holland America changed it to Rotterdam following the sale of the previous Rotterdam to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2020.

The new Rotterdam is a sister to the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, part of Holland America's Pinnacle-class of ships.

Ship: Rotterdam Cruise Line: Holland America

Capacity: 2,650 passengers Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy

Estimated Delivery Date: July 2021

Features and Design: The 297-meter ship has 12 decks and 1,340 cabins. The what seems like never-ending entertainment includes live music spaces like the Rolling Stone Rock Room, the Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard, World Stage, and B.B. King’s Blues Club; a BBC Earth in Concert, a Microsoft Studio for creating photo albums and travel videos; the Greenhouse Spa & Salon; a casino; children’s club; and more.

The Rotterdam will also offer 11 dining experiences: from burgers and pizza to sushi and seafood, as well as dedicated French, Asian, and Italian restaurants. It also offers 24-hour in-room dining for those who get peckish at less convenient hours.

Debut Season: The Rotterdam is scheduled to spend summer 2021 exploring Northern Europe and the Baltic on roundtrip cruises from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Following Itineraries: In autumn 2021, the Rotterdam is scheduled to embark on a couple of transatlantic voyages to and from the U.S., from where the vessel will change to Caribbean itineraries all the way until April 2022.

SWAN HELLENIC TO ENSURE ALL ONBOARD CREW ARE VACCINATED

Swan Hellenic will have rigorous Covid testing for its crews when it relaunches

Vaccinations will be carried out at recruitment centres or in the home countries of crew members “in accordance with approved medical protocols”.

 

Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito said: “We are totally committed to the health and peace of mind of our guests and crews, ensuring they can relax and focus entirely on the life-enriching opportunities we offer to see what others don’t.”

 

The relaunched line’s three new ships, the first of which is due to be delivered in November, will feature onboard air conditioning plants that use UV sanitisation.

 

During the pandemic, the brand offers cancellation up to 30 days before departure, providing a future cruise credit valid for two years.

Disney Considering a ‘Competing Port’ Ahead of Miami-Dade Meeting

Disney Cruise Line is considering “a competing port” to Miami for use with its expanding fleet.

This was reported in Miami-Dade County’s Memorandum ahead of the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 17.

“Disney has recently advised the Port that, prior to entering into a preferential berthing rights agreement with the County, it will conduct due diligence with a competing port regarding a long-term berthing agreement at that port,” the Memorandum reads.

Disney currently sails cruises seasonally from PortMiami, and is a key client at Port Canaveral, with a year-round presence.

However, by 2025, Disney’s fleet is expected to grow from four to seven – with the Disney Wish and two other unnamed ships entering the family.

If MSC Cruises signs a lease agreement with PortMiami for Berths 8, 9 and 10, Disney Cruise Line may share Berth 10 with MSC, getting preferential use rights over other cruise lines, according to the Memorandum.

It is not wholly clear which other port the cruise line is considering, although Port Everglades would be the closest major cruise port to Miami.

$11 Million of Cruise Ship Food is Heading to Auction

An estimated $11 million of cruise ship food inventory is heading to auction on Feb. 23. 

Tiger Group announced it is hosting an online auction of the remaining inventory from cruise industry supplier Kansas Marine Co.’s soon-to-close Miami distribution centre.

The offering features over 40 million pieces of consumable food items, including frozen products, canned goods, proteins, dry food products and bonded items, according to a press release. 

Bidding for the inventory from the 114,000-square-foot facility will commence on Feb. 16 at www.soldtiger.com and close at 10:30 a.m. (ET) on Feb. 23.

All bidders are required to register prior to the sale at www.soldtiger.com.

“Tiger is excited to bring to market an expansive inventory from one of North America’s largest food suppliers to the cruise industry. This auction provides a tremendous opportunity for cruise lines, hotels, restaurants, bars, institutional feeders, and food and beverage wholesalers/brokers to stock up on their inventories,” said Jonathan Holiday, Director Of Business Development for Tiger’s Commercial & Industrial division.

Featured items include appetizers, Asian seafood, bagels, bar mixes, base cream, beans, lentils, beverages, bread, bread mix, cakes, cake mix, candy, cereal, cherries, cheese, chips, chocolate, coconut, coffee and tea, colouring, condiments, cookie dough, cookies, cooking wine, couscous, crackers, crème brulee, croissants, dairy, deserts, dessert macarons, donuts, dough, dressing, eggs, extract, fillings, flour, fruit color, fruits, glaze, grits, honey, ice cream, jams, jelly, kosher products, meats, milks, muffin and pancake mixes, mousse, nuts, oil, olives, pasta, paste, pastry. pastry cream, peanuts, pie, pizza, potatoes, poultry, puree, rice, salt, sauce, sausages, seafood, seasoning, soup base, spices, sugar, syrup, toppings, tortillas, vegan products, vegetables, vinegar, waffles, and more.

Interested buyers can preview the inventory, by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. (ET) on Feb, 22. To arrange an appointment or obtain additional information, contact: Jonathan Holiday, (805) 367-3893, jholiday@tigergroup.com. 

Virgin Voyages Giving Away 2,021 Free Cruises

Virgin Voyages today announced the launch of its new “Shipload of Love” commitment, giving away 2,021 cruises on the new Scarlet Lady.

Virgin said in a press release that this initiative is meant to pay tribute to "those who have impacted our lives in a meaningful way," with nominations set to open soon for those that may be deserving of a free trip. 

Entrants will be asked to submit a short video on the Shipload of Love website, sharing their personal nomination and demonstrating why their nominee should sail on the Shipload of Love. Virgin will open up the first 1,000 nominations this Sunday, Feb. 14.

A shipload of Love will formally launch on Valentine’s Day, also coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the delivery of the brand's first ship, the Scarlet Lady, which is slated to start service this coming May.

"No good deed is too small, and no individual is to be overlooked," the company said. "Love and beauty exist in the eye of the beholder, including our unsung heroes, who have shown us that their embrace makes the world a better place. To honour the personal heroes that exist in our lives in a multitude of ways, Virgin Voyages is giving away a real Shipload of Love, starting with an open call to nominate a person who has inspired you, cared for you and helped you to navigate this past year for the vacation of a lifetime."

Submissions will be accepted through March 16, 2021. In addition to submitting a video on the Virgin Voyages website, participants are also encouraged to share love across their social channels.

Virgin said it will soon have news on its third newbuild unveiling her name and new itineraries early in 2021 as well as news on the fleet Guardian and Spirit.

Canada pauses cruise shipping until 2022

North American cruise shipping took another beating after Canada extended its cruise shipping ban until 28 February 2022

Interim orders announced by Canada’s ministry for transport (Transport Canada) mean passenger vessels carrying more than 12 people are prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast. In addition, cruise vessels carrying more than 100 people are also prohibited from operating in Canadian waters.

While the order affects Canada, the extension of the ban is likely to affect Alaska and Seattle in the United States through a combination of geographical proximity and US maritime rules.

The Passenger Vessel Services Act requires that ships not flying the United States flag, and primarily America-operated, stop at a foreign port between US ports, which in this case includes Canadian ports.

Over the last two decades, Seattle’s cruise industry has grown, especially as a departure point for cruises to Alaska. The extension of Canada’s ‘no-sail’ order is another blow to Seattle’s US$7.8Bn tourism industry, of which cruise shipping rakes in US$900M.

Norwegian Bliss in the Port of Seattle

According to the Port of Seattle, which is also the US west coast’s largest cruise ship homeport, cruise shipping supports 5,000 people in the region and each homeported vessel brings in over US$4M to the regional economy, US$14.5M in statewide taxes, and generates nearly a billion dollars in business activity over the whole season.

Responding to the Canadian Government’s decision, the Port of Seattle said: “This impacts our homeported cruises which would stop at a Canadian port, per the Passenger Vessel Services Act, on their Alaska itineraries.”

Transport Canada said new prohibitions will allow public health authorities to continue focusing on “the most pressing issues, including the vaccine rollout and new Covid-19 variants.”

Canada’s Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said “Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our healthcare systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do.”

“Cruise vessels in Canadian waters pose a risk to our healthcare systems. The Government of Canada will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians. Should the Covid-19 pandemic sufficiently improve to allow the resumption of these activities, the Minister of Transport has the ability to rescind the Interim Orders” said Transport Canada.