ADULT VACCINATIONS NEEDED FOR DISNEY UK CRUISES

Adults wishing to sail onboard Disney Cruise Line’s Magic at Sea UK itineraries must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the line has confirmed.

Bookings for the summer voyages - departing from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tilbury - went on general sale Friday (30 April).

 

The line’s Disney Magic will sail mostly two and three-night voyages, as well as some four-night cruises, featuring “a treasure trove of activities” involving Mickey and Minnie Mouse and characters from Frozen and Marvel.

 

In an update to its protocols, Disney said it would implement “multiple layers of health and safety measures” including “full Covid-19 vaccination” for adults, Covid testing, health screenings, face coverings, reduced guest capacity, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning.

Disney Cruise Line president Thomas Mazloum said: “Our teams are bringing tremendous ingenuity and fun to these new cruises, tailoring them with care to the times we are living in, yet filling them with everything you’d expect from Disney, from great service and entertainment to immersive dining experiences and magic for the whole family."

 

The line announced on Thursday (29 April) that its newest ship, Disney Wish, will feature an onboard water ride which will “bring to life the adventures of ‘The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse’ animated shorts like never before".

 

The 4,000-guest vessel will launch in June 2022 with a season of three and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean: U.S. Cruise Service Start By July Realistic

“We believe we are now seeing a clear way forward to safe cruising in the near future,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, on Thursday's business update call.

Citing the letter that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released last night, modifying its requirements for the industry’s return to service, Fain said it represented a significant improvement in their dialogue with the CDC.

Added Michael Bayley, CEO and president of the Royal Caribbean International brand: “With what (CDC letter) we received last night July looks very realistic (for restarting cruises in North America).”

As for the Alaska season, Fain noted there are uncertainties and that service resumption may require a waiver from the Passenger Vessels Service Act as long as Canada will not allow ship calls. Alternatively, Canada could allow technical calls.

“Given the momentum, there is the reason for optimism,” he added.

“We have had a very constructive dialogue with the CDC and other government agencies over the past few weeks,” Fain continued. “Many elements of the CSO (Conditional Sail Order) were unrealistic. The letter was very encouraging with multiple corrections to the existing CSO, elements that were very challenging. Certainly, vaccinations were a major element of change.”

Fain also pointed out that the company’s brands in Asia and Europe have carried some 125,000 passengers since the shutdown with only 21 COVID-19 cases and that has been without the benefit of vaccinations.

“With cruise ships, we can control the environment and we have already demonstrated that we can do that," Fain said. 

There are still some uncertainties, however, and Bayley noted that he hopes to see further clarifications in the next few days and weeks.

According to the CDC, ships can reportedly bypass the simulated test voyages it had required before and move to sailings with paying passengers if 98 per cent of the crew and 95 per cent of passengers are fully vaccinated. It will also respond to applications for simulated voyages within five days rather than 60 days as previously suggested.

Commented Bayley: “As soon as we have port plans lined up, we can now apply to the CDC for permission to sail. The process has improved considerably."

The CDC also stated it will update its testing and quarantine requirements to align with its guidance for fully vaccinated people.

The CDC letter comes as pressure has been mounting on the agency through public opinion, legislative initiatives and lawsuits.

CDC Warms to the Idea of July Cruising

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be warming to the idea of the cruise industry restarting in July from the United States, according to a report by USA Today.

"We acknowledge that cruising will never be a zero-risk activity and that the goal of the CSO's (Framework for Conditional Sailing Order) phased approach is to resume passenger operations in a way that mitigates the risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard cruise ships and across port communities," said Aimee Treffiletti, head of the Maritime Unit for CDC’s COVID-19 response within its Global Mitigation Task Force for COVID-19, a letter obtained by USA Today.

The report went on to quote a spokesperson noting that cruise lines could begin sailing in mid-July, but also citing compliance with the CSO, which cruise lines have called unworkable. 

It is expected that the CDC will soon simplify the CSO, expediting timelines to approve restart plans.

The USA Today report noted that "ships can bypass the required simulated test voyages carrying volunteers and jump to sailings with paying passengers if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated."

The Biggest Cruise Brands By Capacity This Summer

MSC Cruises may be the biggest cruise brand based on confirmed resumption plans (as of late April 2021) and ships and berths back in service by August 31, using data from the 2021 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

On a corporate level, Carnival Corporation will have the most ships and berths back in service, with six brands set to operate 13 ships by late August at press time, and indications are that more announcements are forthcoming.

Top 5 Cruise Lines Back in Service by August 31:

MSC Cruises
Ships: Ten – MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Preziosa, MSC Splendida, MSC Magnifica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica    
Total Berths: 37,066
Regions: Europe – Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe  

After announcing a massive restart plan, MSC intends to have ten ships in service in Europe by August.

The restart fleet includes two newbuilds, the MSC Virtuosa, slated to offer cruises in the United Kingdom, and the MSC Seashore, poised to spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean International
Ships: Six – Odyssey of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Vision of the Seas
Total Berths: 19,500
Regions: North America, Mediterranean and Asia

Royal Caribbean International is one of the companies pioneering the cruise restart in North America. In March, the cruise line announced its intention to operate two ships in the region, with the Vision of the Seas sailing from Bermuda and the Adventure of the Seas sailing from the Bahamas.

By August, another four ships will also be in service, offering cruises in Europe and Asia.

Costa Cruises
Ships: Four – Costa Firenze, Costa Smeralda, Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa 
Total Berths: 13,976
Region: Europe – Western Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean 

Costa has big plans for the summer in the Mediterranean. The Italian brand recently announced its intention to cruise with four ships in the region, including the new Costa Firenze and the LNG-powered Costa Smeralda.

All vessels will be based in Italy, offering cruises to other Italian ports, as well as destinations in Greece, France and Span.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships: Three – Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade
Total Berths: 9,000
Regions: Caribbean and Mediterranean

While asking the CDC for permission to cruise from U.S. ports starting in July, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the restart of its operations elsewhere.

The company will resume service in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, with three ships.

Starting in August, the Norwegian Joy will sail from Jamaica, while the Norwegian Gem will sail from the Dominican Republic. In Europe, the Norwegian Jade will be based in Greece starting on July 25.

P&O Cruises
Ships: Two – Iona and Britannia 
Total Berths: 8,811
Region: Europe – United Kingdom

Carnival Corporation’s British cruise line, P&O Cruises, will resume service in June, with domestic sailings in the United Kingdom.

Sailing from Southampton, the company plans to use its two newest ships, the 5,200-guest Iona and the 3,611-guest Britannia.

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Numbers by Corporation

Carnival Corporation
Ships: 13
Brands in Service: 6 out of 9
Total Berths: 38,557

By Brand

Costa: 4 ships and 13,976 berths
AIDA: 2 ships and 5,424 berths
P&O: 2 ships and 8,811 berths
Princess: 2 ships and 7,200 ships
Cunard: 1 ship and 2,092 berths
Seabourn: 2 ships and 1,054 berths

MSC Cruises
Ships: 10
Brands in Service: 1 out of 1
Total Berths: 37,066

By Brand

MSC: 10 ships and 37,066 berths

Royal Caribbean Group
Ships: 15
Brands in Service: 5 out of 5
Total Berths: 36,982

By Brand

Royal Caribbean: 6 ships and 19,500 berths
Celebrity: 3 ships and 7,840 berths
TUI: 3 ships and 8,300 berths
Hapag-Lloyd: 2 ships and 746 berths
Silversea: 1 ship and 596 berths

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Ships: 1 out of 3
Brands in Service: 1 out of 3
Total Berths: 9,000

By brand

Norwegian: 3 ships and 9,000 berths

Genting Cruise Lines
Ships: 6
Brands in Service: 3 out of 3
Total Berths: 8,486

By Brand

Dream: 2 ships and 5,204 berths
Star: 1 ship and 1,090 berths
Crystal: 3 ships and 2,192 berths

Royal Caribbean CEO Fain Takes Home $12 Million for 2020

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain saw total compensation of just over $12 million for the fiscal year 2020, according to a company SEC filing.

Fain saw his base salary cut by nearly 50 per cent, but made up for it with $11 million in stock awards.

Other company executives also had a good year, with CFO Jason Liberty seeing total compensation of $5.6 million, up from 2019.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley earned $7.4 million, also up from 2019.

The SEC filing noted that executives did forgo portions of their base salaries

The company said it wants to establish a mix of compensation components, including fixed and variable pay and short- and long-term incentives, that encourages "focus on both the short- and long-term interests of the company and its shareholders."

Of note, Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald took home $11 million and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio saw compensation of $36.4 million.

Royal Caribbean Group Compensation Table:

Name and Principal Position	Fiscal Year	Salary ($)	Stock Awards ($)	One-Time Stock Awards	Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation	Change in Pension Value and NQDC Earnings	All Other Compensation	Total ($)
Richard D. Fain Chairman/CEO	2020	$645,000	$11,171,146		$3,042,000*	$154,879	$112,478	$12,083,503*
	2019	$1,276,923	$8,699,024		$4,006,080	$189,347	$187,545	$14,358,919
	2018	$1,100,000	$7,664,567		$3,500,000		$157,949	$12,422,715
	2017	$1,100,000	$7,661,433		$4,327,400	$99,493	$155,087	$13,343,413
	2016	$1,092,308	$6,441,770		$2,740,222		$131,384	$10,405,684
	2015	$1,038,462	$5,803,644		$2,426,667		$119,796	$9,388,569
	2014	$1,000,000	$3,673,186	$4,923,759	$2,246,222	$56,611	$114,100	$12,013,878
	2013	$1,000,000	$3,371,587		$2,083,629	$250,089	$127,858	$6,833,163
Jason T. Liberty CFO	2020	$818,798	$3,228,563		$1,411,938	$89,503	$100,429	$5,649,231
	2019	$788,462	$2,621,510		$1,731,002	$91,472	$113,674	$5,424,004
	2018	$788,462	$2,136,947		$1,685,523		$140,932	$4,751,864
	2017	$692,308	$1,700,547	$2,792,203	$1,521,533	$57,849	$125,806	$6,890,246
	2016	$592,308	$1,127,080		$798,217	$21,980	$88,478	$2,628,062
	2015	$511,538	$765,923		$655.175		$66,801	$1,999,437
	2014	$444,231	$519,248	$716.111	$508.197	$6,393	$79,563	$2,273,743
	2013	$380,019	$373,728		$364.324	$25,741	$77,676	$1,221,488
Michael W. Bayley President/CEO RCI	2020	$866,346	$4,943,887		$1,435,000	$74,355	$116,244	$7,435,832
	2019	$941,923​	$4,061,696		$1,803,361	$110,1190	$140,711	$7,057,881
	2018	$870,769	$3,086,742		$1,577,143		$187,432	$5,722,086
	2017	$792,308	$2,834,275	$2,792,203	$1,519,461	$121,223	$135,123	$8,194,593
	2016	$696,154	$1,784,470		$938,428	$11,630	$107,334	$3,866,773
	2015	$675,000	$1,436,142		$986,229		$115,934	$3,213,305
	2014	$598,846	$944,096	$1,909,604	$861,000	$15,897	$79,207	$4,408,650
	2013	$575,00	$770,630		$658,891	$67,786	$101,625	$2,173,932
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo President/CEO Celebrity	2020	$710,558	$2,719,084		$1,092,650	$130,177	$96,854	$4,749,323
	2019	$770,769	$2,278,490		$1,098,258	$140,211	$142,114	$4,429,842
	2018	$688,462	$1,786,762		$1,228,438		$136,520	$3,840,202
	2017	$596,154	$1,558,865	$1,861,505	$1,072,083	$64,609	$123,701	$5,276,917
	2016	$546,154	$1,033,167		$639,532		$92,045	$2,310,898
Harri Kulovaara EVP Maritime	2020	$803,846	$1,483,167		$830,250	$81,764	$107,746	$3,606,773
	2019	$761,923	$1,139,243		$870,446	$98,382	$102,335	$3,422,329
	2018	$692,308	$893,480	$924,236	$764,728		$109,262	$3,844,014

*Declined Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation of $3,042,000

Disney Teases Details on New Disney Wish

The Disney Wish will introduce a brand-new, distinctly Disney design concept unlike anything at sea, the company said, ahead of bigger news coming on April 29. The ship will be delivered and start cruising in 2022. 

Disney said that the motif of enchantment is the architectural and thematic foundation of the ship’s design, weaving imagination, emotion and adventure into the very fabric of the vessel’s unique personality.

“Enchantment is about unlocking the wonder in everything we do and experience,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “For the Disney Wish, we are creating a signature design language that exudes this emotional magic like only Disney can, by infusing every inch of this enchanted ship with more Disney stories and characters than ever before. The Disney Wish will be a place where families really do get to wish upon a star.”

Inspired by nearly a century of Disney fairytales, Walt Disney Imagineers have captured the essence of enchantment through three design lenses, using:

• fairytale castles, emulating the classic storybook charm at the core of many enchanted tales;
• forests and animals, bringing to life fascinating natural worlds and the animals that inhabit them; and
• spirit of the sea, embodying the magic and mystery of the watery world below.

For the Disney Wish, the bow will feature Captain Minnie Mouse for the first time and the stern will boast a custom sculpture of the optimistic and adventurous Rapunzel. This artistic Disney Princess will appear to be “decorating” the exterior of the ship with her paintbrush and the help of her chameleon pal, Pascal, Disney said, in a statement. 

Also new, is the Grand Hall, a bright, airy and elegant space that will welcome guests as they first step on the ship. Disney said that this fairytale castle-inspired atrium is touched with Gothic, Baroque and French Rococo influences that will give life to the columns, carvings, trimmings and adornments. At the base of a grand staircase, beneath the glow of the wishing star, will stand the personification of wish fulfilment herself: Cinderella. 

Vaccinated travellers to Barbados will still have to quarantine

Vaccinated travellers to Barbados will still have to quarantine and be tested from next month, the island has said.

From 8 May, arrivals who are fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative PCR test three days before travel, carry a vaccination certificate and have another PCR test at Barbados airport or their approved accommodation.

 

Guests will use specially designated transportation to their accommodation and must stay there while they await their result. All fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine “for approximately one to two days” but will be allowed to move around within the accommodation’s boundaries.

 

The same rules apply to those who are not vaccinated fully or at all, but they must remain in their rooms until their arrival PCR test has been cleared and must take another test five days after arriving.

 

The rules add: “All unvaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for approximately five to seven days.”

 

Barbados Tourism Marketing said under 18s travelling with fully vaccinated adults could adhere to the fully vaccinated guidelines. It warned: “These protocols are likely to change.”

Saga Holidays Reports 127% Increase in Booking Inquiries

Saga Holidays has experienced a 127-per cent increase in the number of booking inquiries to its contact centres in the week after the UK government released a report suggesting that international travel can be resumed from May 17.

The increase was measured against the same period two weeks before, Saga said in a press release.

“We’d already received a surge in inquiries when the vaccine roll-out started and in the week since the Government’s announcement around international travel, we’ve seen another spike from travellers keen to secure holidays,” Nick Stace, CEO of Saga Travel, said.

“Our European river cruises are also experiencing high levels of demand, and we’re looking forward to launching our latest ship, the Spirit of the Rhine, later this year,” he added.

According to the press release, Saga’s website saw the largest spike in online searches on Saturday, Apr. 10 – up 43 per cent from the Saturday before.

Cruise searches have focused on the launch of the tour operator’s modern boutique ships the Spirit of Discovery and the brand new Spirit of Adventure in summer 2021, of which all but one are now sold out, Saga said.

The tour operator also said that it had already seen evidence that cruises are a popular option for travellers as bookings were up 20 per cent for 2021-22 and 2022-23 combined even before the government announcement.

The Global Travel Taskforce published its findings on the potential resumption of travel for UK residents from May 17 to April 9. The resumption would be done under a traffic light system.

Customers that book a 2021 Saga holiday before the end of April are covered by a Reassurance Promise, which enables them to amend their travel plans for no fee if they wish to, the tour operator said.

Saga also offers a price promise, which means that should they ever reduce their prices or bring in a new special offer after a customer has booked, they will calculate the difference and pass the value of the saving back.

The tour operator is asking all guests to have both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14-days in advance of travel. Saga Holidays also said that it will monitor the COVID-specific requirements of each destination and is committed to communicating those details to customers ahead of departure.

“Our customers want something really special and trust Saga to look after them – they know their wellbeing and enjoyment are our top priorities. It’s why we require our customers to have received both doses of the vaccine, and that’s just one of a number of stringent measures in place to keep our guests safe,” Stace said.

CDC Halts J&J Vaccine Causing Cruise Stocks To Fall

Cruise Line stocks are under pressure today after the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control announced they will stop using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at federal sites and urge states to do so as well while they investigate safety issues.

The NY Times reports that the single-dose coronavirus vaccine is being pulled after six recipients in the United States developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination, officials briefed on the decision said. All six recipients were women between the ages of 18 and 48.

This is particularly bad news for the cruise lines that have been fighting the CDC over the current US cruise ban which some operators consider overly strict. Last week the state of Florida sued President Joe Biden’s administration in federal court seeking to block the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to prevent the U.S. cruise industry from immediately resuming operations which have been paused for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Shares of Norwegian Cruise Lines $NCLH, Carnival $CLL, and Royal Caribbean $RCL were all down a few per cent in the premarket this morning immediately after the news was announced.

AIDA Cruises To Sail in Greece From May 23

AIDA Cruises has announced that it will be offering new cruises in Greece from May 23, 2021, with seven-day cruises departing from Corfu and travelling through the Greek islands to Crete and Rhodes, as well as to Katakolon (Olympia) and Piraeus (Athens).

Guests will be able to enjoy the amenities onboard with multiple restaurants, bars, cultural activities and sports facilities, as well as organized shore excursions to explore the ports of call.

According to AIDA’s press release, Greece is one of the most popular vacation destinations for German travellers. From May 14, 2021, the Mediterranean country will reopen for tourism.

Booking starts on Apr. 20, 2021, with 23 dates to choose from between May 23 and October 24, 2021. The Greek cruises can also be booked as 14-day trips, AIDA said.

In addition to the new offering in Greece, the AIDAperla is sailing on seven-day voyages around the Canary Islands through June.

All cruises are carried out in compliance with AIDA's enhanced health and safety protocols, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

With a testing strategy for guests and crew members already utilized on several cruises, AIDA said it is its top priority for all guests to safely enjoy their vacation. The enhanced health and safety protocols -- tested by SGS Institut Fresenius and confirmed by the classification society DNV -- includes a mandatory PCR test for detecting viruses and bacteria before travelling, as well as regular health checks, social distancing and hygiene protocols, medical care including testing capacities onboard and other measures.

With the "AIDA promise," the cruise company offers guests more flexibility and security in planning. Generous booking options are part of AIDA's commitment to its guests, ranging from small down payments to free rebooking. The "AIDA promise" is included in the travel price for new bookings up to May 31, 2021, and applies to departures up to March. 31, 2022.

AIDA said that cruises in other destinations will not be possible at this time, with AIDA cancelling the remaining voyages of April through May.

Cruise Industry Execs Meet with Health Officials to Discuss Restart Plans

FILE PHOTO: Tourists enjoy a ride on a catamaran as cruise ship Carnival Magic is seen near the shores of Cozumel on October 17, 2014./File Photo

Cruise industry executives met with health experts and White House staff earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday, following criticism of its guidelines on restarting voyages.

The discussion, which centred around how the pandemic-battered industry could get back into business, comes after the CDC said passengers and crew would need COVID-19 vaccine shots and more frequent testing, but did not give a timeline on when it will lift its ban on cruises.

Carnival Corp, the industry’s largest player, had said the instructions were “unworkable” and threatened to shift the home ports of its cruise ships to other parts of the world if the United States did not allow it to start sailing.

Industry leaders showed their frustration with the guidelines relating to vaccination requirements and sought to set up a working group with industry and CDC, the agency said in a statement about the meeting that took place on Monday.

The CDC said it wanted to restart sailing in a phased approach but again did not provide a timeline.

The chief executives of Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group attended the Monday meeting, CNBC reported.

The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

The state of Florida, where the three companies are based, had earlier this month filed a lawsuit against the CDC, demanding cruise ships be allowed to resume sailing.

“We welcome the CDC’s expressed commitment to working with the cruise industry… to address the changes in the science, including the impact of vaccines, that will move us toward our shared goal of responsibly resuming operations this summer,” the Cruise Lines International Association said in a statement.

Fincantieri Delivers New Viking Venus

Fincantieri has delivered the new Viking Venus to Viking ahead of the ship's debut in the UK in May.

The 930-guest ship was delivered on Thursday in Ancona. 

It's the seventh in a series of up to 16 930-guest ships being built for the Torstein Hagen-led cruise company. 

The Viking Star was delivered in 2015 and was quickly followed by the Viking Sea, Sky, Sun, Orion and Jupiter, with another nine ships set to follow, plus two 378-guest expedition ships from Fincantieri-owned VARD.

Marella Announces UK Coastal Sailings From June 25

Marella Cruises has revealed details of its brand new itineraries sailing UK shores in summer 2021.

According to a press release, the Marella Explorer will set sail from Southampton on UK itineraries from June 25, 2021, sailing to new ports of call including, Belfast, Dublin and Liverpool.

The Marella Explorer 2, the cruise line's adult-only ship, will also offer UK sailings from Newcastle from July 10, 2021, with even more UK ports of call.

“After pausing our operations for more than a year, we are delighted to announce our UK summer program and welcome our wonderful customers back onboard our ships. The safety and well-being of both our crew and passengers remain our priority which is why we have vaccination and testing protocols for all sailings from UK ports this summer,” said the Managing Director of Cruise TUI UK & I, Chris Hackney.

“Domestic sailings are a great step for the cruise industry and has given us the opportunity to take our customers to new destinations full of culture and history whilst still being close to home. We’re looking forward to this new adventure on the British seas and are dedicated to making sure our customers have the most memorable and exciting cruise with us,” he added.

The Marella Explorer will sail seven new UK itineraries during the summer 2021 season, “perfect for those looking to explore via sea the history and culture of some amazing British cities and towns,” the cruise line said. All itineraries will have recommended excursions from our onboard destination services team to offer guests options to make the most of their time ashore.

Marella Discovery 2

According to Marella, Sail the South Coast itinerary is a “great taster and for those new to cruising with a three-night itinerary from Southampton, visiting Dover for Canterbury Cathedral and Portland for the beautiful Abbotsbury Swannery & Gardens.”

“Cruisers looking for a longer break can experience the new Sail the Irish Sea. Departing in August from Southampton, it will visit popular cities including Liverpool, Dublin and Cobh in the Republic of Ireland,” the cruise line wrote.

Marella is also offering a number of Scottish itineraries, including ‘British Sights and Seas’ which will visit five Scottish hotspots. The history-rich itinerary has a day at sea before exploring Invergordon, the old historic town of Kirkwall and the rich culture of Leith and a visit to Edinburgh Castle before heading to Newcastle and then back down to Southampton.

A Taste of the West Coast will also see Marella Explorer sail to Greenock, the capital of Northern Ireland - Belfast and Holyhead before finishing the itinerary in Portland.

Anyone aged 18 years and older will be required to have had both COVID-19 jabs at least seven days before travelling. All under 18 year-olds, excluding infants under the age of two who will not be able to sail as they are exempt from testing, will be asked to have a lateral flow test.

All itineraries, except for those with Newcastle as an embarkation point, go on sale on April 16, Marella said. Newcastle sailings are expected to go on sale by the end of April.

UK sailings are available only for UK residents with a permanent UK address and a valid passport.