Norwegian Kicks Off Inaugural Prima Weekend

Norwegian Kicks Off Inaugural Prima Weekend

The Norwegian Prima celebrated the Art of Iceland at Reykjavik`s famed Harpa Concert Hall in a gala event as the new Norwegian Cruise Line ship prepares for its weekend christening.

Welcoming guests in attendance for the preliminary christening festivities was Richard Ambrose Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Cruise Programs at Norwegian Cruise Line who introduced the all-Icelandic performances.

Highlights included known pop singer Briet Isis, the Iceland Dance Company, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony`s Cello Ensemble. 

The salute to Iceland and its artists was an original production kicking off the Prima Christening that is to be celebrated on Saturday in Iceland.

The Godmother is Katy Perry who will be performing.

A conman has been jailed for six years for posing as a fake Carnival Cruise Line ship captain

Jody Oliver, 44, was said to have dressed as a cruise ship captain with a Carnival lanyard and lied to victims about discounted holidays.

 

Newport Crown Court reportedly heard he admitted stealing £320,315 through the scam. Oliver, of Bwlch, Powys, also created fake documents before cancelling or delaying the holidays, claiming it was a result of "security issues" or "ship problems".

 

According to the BBC, he also created fictitious Carnival staff to back up his story, forwarding victims fake emails.
 

Andrew Davis, prosecuting, reportedly said Oliver gave his name as Jonathan and said he was born in 1983 when he was first quizzed by police. He insisted he was a "master mariner" and had served as captain for Carnival for two years.

Concluding, Judge Richard Williams said: "You’ve devastated not only your immediate family but all those involved in this case and have left a lot of people significantly out of pocket and feeling betrayed.

 

"The motivating factor in your offending is your profound dishonesty and willingness to leech off those of your acquaintance."

 

He ordered an investigation into Oliver’s finances so proceeds of crime hearing can be held.

 

TTG has approached Carnival Corporation for comment.

Fred. Olsen Cancelling Some Winter Cruises Due to Lack of Demand

Fred. Olsen Cancelling Some Winter Cruises Due to Lack of Demand

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line announced it is cancelling four winter cruises on the Bolette due to a lack of bookings.

In addition, the next cruise on the Balmoral is cancelled due to a propeller issue and the company also noted that none of these challenges is due to the resignation of Chairman Fred. Olsen Jnr. decided to step down after spending 35 years in the cruise industry.

The company said it continues to be proud of its family-run business with both Fred. Olsen and Anette Olsen remain on the board.

"We got through the pandemic which was the most difficult time for the travel industry, and cruise lines in particular. During this time, we invested in our business by buying two beautiful new ships. Like every travel company, trying to get back to normal, we are still having to navigate some choppy seas along the way," said Peter Deer, managing director, in a prepared statement. "Our job during this is to look after our guests and crew and ensure we provide a wonderful experience. I sincerely apologise to all guests who are affected on cruises this winter. I hope you will give us the chance to put this right for you."

In regards to Bolette's cancellations, the company said:  "This is always a quieter period for cruising and this small number of sailings did not quite reach the guest numbers we were hoping for, especially in light of the current high fuel prices we are all facing. With most of our crew remaining onboard (and the remainder taking their planned leave), we will use this time to bring forward some routine technical work which we had planned to do in 2023 - it will also leave us with one of our ships in the north of the country and one in the south for most of the winter."

The company said that cancelling these cruises was not an easy decision its team has been speaking with affected guests to help them find an alternative cruise to look forward to.

The Bolette will return on December 21 2022 for her planned Christmas cruise to Norway.

The company also made the decision to move her full winter schedule from Tilbury to Dover and Southampton, and any guests who are affected by this have been contacted over the last couple of days.

Making matters worse, the company also said it had an issue with one of the propellers on the Balmoral this week.

"These things happen of course, but the timing really couldn’t be worse," the statement read. "As a result, she will need to go into a very short drydock in Newcastle which means we have been left with no alternative but to cancel her next cruise which was due to depart from Rosyth on Monday. We have been looking after these guests today, explaining their options. Balmoral will be sailing again from Southampton on 11th September and the rest of her schedule will remain unchanged."

 

Celebrity Cruises Announces New Protocols for Sailing

Celebrity Cruises Announces New Protocols for Sailing

Celebrity Cruises today announced new protocols for guests sailing from U.S. and European ports by dropping vaccination requirements and simplifying testing guidelines.

Beginning September 5, 2022, all guests, regardless of vaccination status, departing on most sailings from the U.S. and Europe can now cruise as long as they meet local testing requirements to board. Celebrity Cruises will also now accept any commercially available test, including unsupervised self-tests, in many destinations. 

“A new world is waiting and I’m thrilled to now more closely align our operations with the rest of the travel industry and open up opportunities for everyone to explore, once again,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Travel is making its grand comeback and we’re looking forward to the continued momentum from consumers around the world.” 

New pre-boarding testing requirements for the U.S. and Europe include:

• Fully vaccinated guests no longer need to test to board sailings from the U.S. that are nine nights or less (excluding sailings that visit Canada and Bermuda). 
• A negative test result from a simple, unsupervised and self-administered test will be accepted for all sailings (excluding sailings that visit Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Greece or New Zealand).
• Children under 5 years of age sailing from the U.S. and guests under 12 years of age sailing from Europe do not need to test prior to boarding. 

Requirements in Other Regions

While Celebrity Cruises has dropped vaccination requirements, sailings to and from ports in Canada, Australia and New Zealand require all guests ages 12 and up to be fully vaccinated to sail in keeping with country requirements. Galapagos cruises require guests ages 3 and older to be vaccinated.

Carnival Publishes Luminosa’s First Itineraries

Carnival Publishes Luminosa’s First Itineraries

Carnival Cruise Line just published the first itineraries of the Carnival Luminosa. Currently, in service for Costa Cruises in Europe, the vessel will join the fleet of the U.S.-based operator this November.

After a winter schedule in Australia, the 2009-built ship is set to cross the Pacific Ocean ahead of its first stateside deployment in Alaska.

According to Carnival’s website, the Luminosa is debuting on November 6, 2022. On that day, the ship embarks on a seven-night cruise departing from its new Australian homeport in Brisbane.

Sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, the itinerary includes visits to Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas. Before returning to Brisbane, the vessel also sails by Willis Island, where guests can enjoy scenic cruising.

Continuing its inaugural season in Australia, the Luminosa is offering additional weeklong cruises to the region, in addition to eight- to 11-night itineraries to New Zealand and the South Pacific. Among the visited destinations are Wellington, Port Chalmers, Mystery Island and Noumea.

The schedule also includes three- and four-night getaway cruises that feature stops in Airlie Beach, in addition to sea days.

On April 13, 2023, the Carnival Luminosa starts a transpacific cruise to Seattle. Also departing from Brisbane, the 22-night voyage sails to five destinations, including Papeete, in Tahiti; Suva, in Fiji; and Honolulu, in Hawaii.

Once in the U.S., the ship kicks off its inaugural season in Alaska and Canada, with a series of seven-night voyages.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itineraries will be operated through October and feature some of the region’s most popular destinations, such as Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and more.

All of the departures also feature scenic cruising in the Tracy Arm Fjord.

Bringing Carnival to the Far East, the Luminosa concludes its first Alaska season with a special 30-night sailing to Brisbane.

Visiting five ports in Japan and additional destinations in the United States, the Philippines and Indonesia, the cruise departs Seattle on September 14, 2023.

Between October 2023 and April 2024, the vessel is set to offer a second season in Australia, with varied itineraries sailing from Brisbane.

MSC Cruise will Deploy the MSC Virtuosa all year around 22/23 seasons.

MSC Virtuosa in Rotterdam photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

MSC Cruises has confirmed MSC Virtuosa will offer ex-UK cruises out of Southampton for winter 2022/23 and summer 2023.

This will be the first time the line has continuously operated one of its vessels from the UK year-round.

 

Virtuosa – which launched in 2021 and became the first ship to restart UK cruises in May of the same year – will now replace MSC Preziosa’s itineraries this winter offering the newly introduced Northern Pearls itinerary.

 
Antonio Paradiso, managing director of UK and Ireland of MSC Cruises, said since Virtuosa first came to the UK, the feedback from the company’s guests has been "incredible" and the ship has been a "huge hit".

 

"The increased appetite for stress-free no-fly cruises out of the UK combined with the benefits of the new state-of-the-art Horizon Terminal has resulted in huge demand," he added.

 

"The continued deployment of one of our newest and most innovative ships out of the UK is just further proof of the continued importance of the UK market, which began with our first full ex-UK season back in 2018.

 

"Since then, we have gone from strength to strength and we are committed to offering the best possible experience for our guests from the UK and Ireland."

In summer 2023, Virtuosa will replace MSC Grandiosa offering a range of itineraries from mini cruises, and seven-night sailings to longer cruises. Further details of the full programme will be released soon.

Former Maasdam Potentially Sold to French Start-Up Cruise Line for $30 Million

Former Maasdam Potentially Sold to French Start-Up Cruise Line for $30 Million

The former Maasdam from Holland America Line has been sold, according to Masters Shipping, who confirmed it acted as the broker on the sale of the ship to a company known as CFC in an email sent to Cruise Industry News.

The ship has most recently been known as the Aegean Myth and has reportedly been sold to a French start-up cruise line for $30 million, according to a report from Crew Center.

Now heading to Piraeus, the vessel has been renamed the Renaissance. 

Originally launching as the Maasdam, the Fincantieri-built ship debuted in 1993 and sailed until the pandemic.

Carnival Corporation then sold the ship to Seajets, which is under the control of Greek businessman Marios Iliopoulos, who has assembled a fleet of laid-up cruise ships.

CFC, according to Crew Center, is new French start up Compagnie Francaise De Croisieres. No further details were available at press time.

Pacific Encounter Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise for P&O Australia

Pacific Encounter Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise for P&O Australia

Another cruise ship is resuming service in Australia today as the Pacific Encounter welcomes guests onboard for its maiden voyage for P&O Cruises Australia, a Carnival Corporation brand.

Formerly operated by Princess Cruises, the 2,600-guest vessel is kicking off its first sailing for P&O Cruises Australia in Brisbane.

A seven-day voyage, the “Barrier Reef Discovery” cruise features a visit to two different destinations in Northern Australia, including Cairns – where the Encounter is set for a long, 48-hour stop.

Before returning to Brisbane, the 109,000-ton ship will also sail by the remote Willis Island.

According to P&O, the scenic cruising around the uninhabited small islands and islets of the region allows guests to contemplate and marvel the nature and its sights.

Continuing its inaugural season, the Pacific Encounter will offer additional departures from Brisbane through December.

While several domestic ports are included in the itineraries over the next few months, the vessel will also offer international cruising starting in October, with cruises visiting Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and more.

Originally named Star Princess, the Pacific Encounter was built in 2002. Transferred to P&O Australia during the pandemic, the vessel was subjected to a major refurbishment before arriving in Australia.

According to its new operator, the work included important technical upgrades as well as other enhancements such as upgraded hotel facilities and interior furnishings.

During the refit, most of the public areas have also been redesigned, receiving what P&O calls a “stylish modern Australian décor with quirky features.”

Popular dining outlets have been added as well, including the Waterfront Restaurant, the Dragon Lady and Angelo’s – an Italian venue that sports iconic Sophia Loren artworks and beautiful drapery.

On the external side, the vessel received P&O’s iconic red, white and blue bow livery depicting the Southern Cross.

Following the Pacific Explorer, which welcomed guests in May, the Pacific Encounter became the second ship to resume service for P&O Australia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launching service on October 22, the Pacific Adventure will mark the restart of the company’s entire three-ship fleet.

Carnival Celebration Setting Sail in November with Relaxing Amenities

Carnival Celebration Setting Sail in November with Relaxing Amenities

In celebration of National Relaxation Day earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Line announced details about the new Carnival Celebration’s amenities, which include the Cloud 9 spa, Loft 19 and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

The new ship is coming to PortMiami this November and will make her debut from the redesigned Terminal F on November 21, according to a press release.

“While every Carnival ship has places to relax, we took all of the fan favourites from across our fleet and brought them to Carnival Celebration to make her the ultimate space to unwind and enjoy your vacation. From our popular Cloud 9 Spa and adult-only areas to the new spaces designed just for relaxing, there will be nothing like feeling pampered while enjoying endless ocean views and vibes on Carnival Celebration,” said Christine Duffy, president, of Carnival Cruise Line.

The Cloud 9 spa is equipped with cardio and weight-training instruments, while the full-service salon features hair services and stations for manicures and pedicures. Loft 19 has been designed to serve as a retreat-style experience, and offers guests full bar service, a whirlpool, sun loungers, and spacious cabanas. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is exclusive to guests over 21 years of age, where they can grab a drink and dip in the pool, surrounded by a tranquil environment, according to the company.

Besides these amenities, the Carnival Celebration also offers a variety of pool areas, including the Havana, which is exclusive to guests who have booked Havana staterooms and suites.

Azamara Expands Atlas Bar Experience Across its Fleet

Azamara Expands Atlas Bar Experience Across its Fleet

Following the Azamara Onward's debut, Azamara is expanding the ship's exclusive Atlas Bar to the rest of its fleet this spring, starting in August 2022, according to a press release.

The Atlas Bar Experience, which is available in The Den lounge and features some of the speciality venue's most well-liked destination-inspired libations, is available to guests on any of Azamara's ships, according to the company.

This spring, the Atlas Bar debuted as a special addition to the Azamara Onward. The speciality venue serves inventive handmade cocktails inspired by Azamara ships' visits to a variety of interesting locales, which can be matched with an exotic premium menu of small meals served hot and cold.

“The response from our guests about Atlas Bar has been even more positive than we had anticipated. The designer created a beautiful space that really complements the cocktail and food menus that our food and beverage team worked so hard to perfect. I couldn’t be more proud of the team’s work here, and we wanted to be able to offer the experience on our other ships, even if we didn’t have the same physical space,” said Scott Daniels, assistant vice president of hotel operations for Azamara.

The offer will be available on the Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Quest. The Taste St. Tropez aboard the Azamara Journey's seven-night Med Springtime Voyage, Sip the Osaka Spice on the Azamara Quest's twelve-night Hong Kong to Tokyo Voyage and Have a glass of the Grand Bazaar on the Azamara Pursuit's twelve-night Black Sea Intensive Voyage are among the destination-inspired concoctions at Atlas Bar that are perfectly paired with upcoming Azamara voyages.

Virgin Voyages has secured $550 million in new capital to support its growth plans

Virgin Voyages has secured $550 million in new capital to support its growth plans

The new funding – which was led by BlackRock and includes new external financing and additional capital from existing investors including Bain Capital Private Equity and Virgin Group – will enable the line to continue its growth strategy and further strengthen its financial position as demand "continues to gain momentum".

 

Tom McAlpin, chief executive of Virgin Voyages, said the company has created an "incredible project" that investors and consumers "truly believe in".
 

"This additional capital comes at a time when we’re looking forward to exponential growth that will, in turn, help us achieve what we set out to accomplish," he added.

The investment comes as Virgin reports "exponential growth in bookings" in the last six months, with this year tipped to see a strong return across the industry as cruising heads toward pre-pandemic levels.

 

According to research carried out by the line, 96% of consumers are keen to cruise this year following two years of restrictions. 

Disney Cruise Drops Vaccination for the Under 12's

The vaccination requirement will still apply to guests aged 12 and over

From 2 September, the line’s requirement to be vaccinated will no longer apply to guests aged 5 to 11 for sailings out of US and Canadian ports. However, the company will still require guests over the age of 12 to be fully vaccinated.

Despite the line updating its website to reflect the changes, it still "highly recommends" guests aged 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing.

Covid-19 testing is also still required for all guests, with different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.

Fully vaccinated guests who provide a negative test result taken one to two days before sailing are exempt from testing at the cruise terminal.

St. Kitts and Nevis Lifts COVID Restrictions

St. Kitts and Nevis Lifts COVID Restrictions

St Kitts and Nevis port, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Guests travelling to St. Kitts and Nevis are no longer required to undergo entry testing, while they can enter the country without presenting proof of vaccination, according to a press release.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is now open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors who can travel without restriction. This transformation is being led by Prime Minister Terrance Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, according to a statement by the Federation.

“The removal of entry testing and vaccination requirements comes at a time when traveller confidence is on the rise. The combination of increasing demand and more seamless travel processes will make St. Kitts even more desirable to visitors abroad. We are pleased to communicate the removal of restrictions which would improve the destination’s travel experience,” commented Ellison Thompson, chief executive officer, St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

To support the local economy and encourage travellers to visit, the Caribbean country is running a "Sweet Side of Summer" promotion, which is valid through August 30 and includes up to three nights free at participating hotels.

Visitors can also partake in cultural, relaxing, culinary, and outdoor activities, with the annual St. Kitts Grill Fest taking place in November among the highlights.

Norwegian Cancels Six Additional Viva Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line is cancelling six additional cruises onboard the new Norwegian Viva, pushing the debut of the second Prima-Class vessel too late August.

Currently, under construction in Italy, the 142,500-ton ship’s inaugural cruise was originally scheduled for June.  

“Given the global supply chain constraints impacting industries worldwide, including the maritime industry, we must cancel Norwegian Viva’s sailings from July 3, 2023, through and including August 17, 2023,” Norwegian said in a statement sent to booked guests.

The cancelled departures included itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean – where the Norwegian Viva is set to spend most of its maiden season.

According to the company, the impacted passengers are being offered two different options.

At a 20 per cent discount on the voyage fare originally paid, they are able to sail a comparable itinerary onboard the Norwegian Getaway.

The new reservations for the cruises onboard the 2014-built ship will include an equivalent stateroom category, keeping all of the guest’s previously selected promotions. 

Those who opt to not transfer their cruise to the Getaway may also cancel the reservation and rebook at a later date, Norwegian said.

Guests choosing this option need to contact the cruise line, which will issue a full refund to the original form of payment.

Regardless of the option selected, all passengers are also receiving a 10 per cent discount on their next cruise.

According to the company, the offer can be combined with all available promotions at the time of the booking and must be used towards sailings from August 23, 2023, through December 3, 2024.

Previously, in June, Norwegian cancelled two cruises onboard the Norwegian Viva. At the time, the company also cited construction delays.

Second, in a series of six ships known as the Prima Class, the vessel will be a sister of the new Norwegian Prima – which is set to enter service in Iceland later this month.

Carnival Cruise Line Bookings Double After Relaxing Protocols

Carnival Cruise Line Bookings Double After Relaxing Protocols

Carnival Cruise Line said today that its booking activity for Monday, Aug. 15 was nearly double the level for the equivalent day in 2019, citing demand after announcing last Friday that it was revising pre-cruise vaccination and testing requirements will allow more guests to cruise.

Carnival announced simplified protocols last Friday that eliminated pre-cruise testing requirements for vaccinated guests and eliminated the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who now will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation – effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, or later on voyages less than 16 nights. 

"We have previously disclosed strong occupancy projections for the summer, and our bookings through the end of 2022 have also been very solid," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "With the further alignment of protocols to other vacation choices, our guests are booking the remaining 2022 inventory and getting a head start planning for 2023. Mid-August is typically not a busy month for cruise bookings. Still, it's clear that pent-up demand for Carnival has not been satisfied and guests are responding very favourably to our updated protocols."

Duffy reiterated in a press release that Carnival remains committed to the health and safety of guests, crew, and the communities it visits, and will continue to work with medical experts and public health officials to refine its protocols responsibly.

Ambassador Cruise Line Charters Ship to the Scottish Government

Ambassador Cruise Line Charters Ship to the Scottish Government

Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed it's chartering of the Ambition to the Scottish Government. Formerly known as AIDAmira, the 1,428-guest vessel will be used to house Ukrainian refugees in the country.

“We have agreed to a joint arrangement with the Scottish Government that means we can help the Scottish resettlement program for the Ukraine population, many of whom are fleeing the country,” the company said in a prepared statement.

Currently sailing to Scotland, the cruise ship is set to arrive in Glasgow at the beginning of September, Ambassador explained.

“We are proud to be supporting such an important humanitarian cause,” it added.

Acquired by Ambassador Cruise Line in January 2022, the Ambition was scheduled to launch a service for the brand in March 2023.

While the duration of the charter agreement has not been disclosed, no changes to the inaugural timeline have been confirmed so far.

“We are still finalizing the details with the various parties concerned, but we will be communicating with guests in due course to explain this agreement and we hope you are able to understand our wishes to help with this cause,” Ambassador noted.

Docked in Montenegro for the past four months, the Ambition has been out of service since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched in 1999 as the Mistral, the 48,200-ton vessel was built for Festival Cruises.

After the collapse of its original operators, the ship was acquired by Iberojet for further service in Europe as the Grand Mistral.

In 2007, it joined Carnival Corporation when the Spanish tour operator, along with its fleet, was acquired by the U.S.-based cruise conglomerate.

Before being sold to its current owners, the vessel also spent time sailing for Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises.

As the second ship of Ambassador, the Ambition is now set to provide departures from regional UK ports such as Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol and Falmouth.

Princess Cruises to Sponsor Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR

Princess Cruises to Sponsor Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR

Princess Cruises today announced a deal with Trackhouse Racing to sponsor driver Daniel Suárez in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

Princess will serve as the primary sponsor on Suárez's No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro at the Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International race on Aug. 21 and at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway on Oct. 23.

The partnership will also include Suárez's teammate Ross Chastain and expand beyond what race fans will see on Sunday. In the coming weeks, Princess Cruises and Trackhouse Racing will unveil a program that will enable NASCAR fans to travel its ships around the world.

"We are proud to partner with Trackhouse Racing and enter the NASCAR world," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "Trackhouse has been one of the most exciting and interesting teams, we appreciate and applaud Daniel and Ross's impressive success and we look forward to showing NASCAR fans the exceptional, vacations Princess Cruises offers. We have a lot of plans that we think NASCAR fans are going to really like."

Trackhouse Racing is in its second season in the Cup Series. Suárez and Chastain have visited victory lane three times in 2022 and are two of the favourites in the 16-driver playoffs that being Sept. 4 in Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

"I can't certainly tell you the type of trip I am going to go on this off-season if we win the championship," said Suárez who became the first driver from Mexico (Monterrey) to win in the Cup Series on June 12, 2022, at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. "I think everyone has heard of Princess Cruises and dreams of going on a trip somewhere special. I hope we can help a lot of people do that soon."

Trackhouse founder and team owner Justin Marks said the new partnership with Princess Cruises is another testament to the team as well as the sport of NASCAR.

"The biggest and most recognizable companies are seeing the value in Trackhouse Racing, our drivers and the sport of NASCAR," said Marks who brought in entertainer Pitbull as a team partner last year as part of its off-track effort to expand the sport's fan base beyond its normal demographic. "Princess Cruises is a powerful brand and the goal of this partnership is to expose our fans to the wonders of a Princess cruise vacation and provide NASCAR fans a very cool way to travel the globe."

Royal Caribbean Group Pandemic Exits: 10 Ships Have Now Left the Fleet

Royal Caribbean Group Pandemic Exits: 10 Ships Have Now Left the Fleet

The Royal Caribbean Group has sold a total of ten cruise ships since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the new Secondhand Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

While most of the exits are related to Pullmantur’s liquidation and Azamara’s sale, four ships have also left the fleet of Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises.   

Cruise Industry News looks into the vessels that left the fleet and their fates:

Ship: Monarch
Brand: Pullmantur Cruceros
Year Built: 1991
Original Cost: $300 million
Capacity: 2,390 guests
Tonnage: 73,941
Date: July 2020
Fate: Scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey

Ship: Sovereign
Brand: Pullmantur Cruceros
Year Built: 1988
Original Cost: $185 million
Capacity: 2,322 guests
Tonnage: 73,192
Date: July 2020
Fate: Scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey

Ship: Horizon
Brand: Pullmantur Cruceros
Year Built: 1990
Original Cost: $185 million
Capacity: 1,442 guests
Tonnage: 47,000
Date: July 2020
Fate: Laid up in Elefsis, Greece

Ship: Empress of the Seas
Brand: Royal Caribbean International
Year Built: 1990
Original Cost: $170 million
Capacity: 1,607 guests
Tonnage: 48,563
Date: December 2020
Fate: Sold to Cordelia Cruises; now sailing in India as the Empress

Ship: Majesty of the Seas
Brand: Royal Caribbean International
Year Built: 1992
Original Cost: $300 million
Capacity: 2,354 guests
Tonnage: 73,941
Date: December 2020
Fate: Laid up in Greece after being bought by Seajets, a Greek ferry operator 

 

Ship: Azamara Journey
Brand: Azamara
Year Built: 2000
Original Cost: $190 million
Capacity: 718 guests
Tonnage: 30,200
Date: January 2021
Fate: Sold to Sycamore Partners along with the Azamara brand

Ship: Azamara Quest
Brand: Azamara
Year Built: 2000
Original Cost: $150 million
Capacity: 710 guests
Tonnage: 30,200
Date: January 2021
Fate: Sold to Sycamore Partners along with the Azamara brand

 

Ship: Azamara Pursuit
Brand: Azamara
Year Built: 2001
Original Cost: $190 million
Capacity: 710 guests
Tonnage: 30,200
Date: January 2021
Fate: Sold to Sycamore Partners along with the Azamara brand

Ship: Silver Galapagos
Brand: Silversea Cruises
Year Built: 1990
Original Cost: $20 million
Capacity: 100 guests
Tonnage: 4,077
Date: June 2021
Fate: Replaced by a new build; laid up in Panama after being renamed Mantra

Ship: Silver Explorer
Brand: Silversea Cruises
Year Built: 1989
Capacity: 132 guests
Tonnage: 6,130
Date: January 2022
Fate: Sold to a startup named Exploris; leaving the fleet in September 2023

Royal Caribbean Upsizes Fundraising, $1.25 Billion at 11.625 Percent

Royal Caribbean Upsizes Fundraising, $1.25 Billion at 11.625 Percent

Independence of the Seas in Southampton View Independence photos click here, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr  

Royal Caribbean Group today announced that it has priced its private offering of $1,250,000,000 aggregate principal amount (up from the previously announced $1 billion) of 11.625% senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the "Notes").

The Notes will mature on August 15, 2027. The Notes are expected to be issued on or around August 18, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

According to a press release, the Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay principal payments on debt maturing in 2022 and/or 2023 (including to pay fees and expenses in connection with such repayments). Pending such uses, the Company may temporarily apply the proceeds to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facilities or other borrowings.

Carnival Removes Pre-Cruise Testing for Vaccinated Guests, More Changes Announced

Carnival Removes Pre-Cruise Testing for Vaccinated Guests, More Changes Announced

Carnival Cruise Line today announced protocol updates for COVID-19.

\With these changes, Carnival said is making it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines, including no testing for vaccinated guests on sailings less than 16 nights, and eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation.

All new guidelines are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, or later, and include:

• Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to embarkation. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia (per local guidelines), and on voyages 16 nights or longer.
• Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer.
• Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test was taken within three days of embarkation.
• All policies are subject to local destination regulations.

Guests under the age of five years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements from the United States and under the age of 12 from Australia, the company said.

Voyages 16 nights and longer will continue to have vaccination and testing requirements that are specific to the itinerary. Carnival's Have Fun offers requirements for long voyages and destination-specific protocols. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com

For guests who have a pending vaccine exemption application and are awaiting confirmation for cruises departing Sept. 6 or later, the booking is confirmed unless booked on a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia or if the voyage is 16 nights or longer.

“Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests, and these guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“We’ve got lots happening, with Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Celebration joining our fleet this November and more to come in 2023. Whatever the ship, homeport or itinerary that works for you, our great onboard team is ready to deliver a fun vacation – something we all look forward to even more nowadays!”

Duffy added that Carnival is in the process of updating its website, communications, and processes, and sharing more details with guests and travel advisor partners to reflect these new, simplified policies. “We appreciate the patience of our guests and travel advisor partners as we update all materials, but the end result is a very positive one for all who are looking forward to cruising with us,” she said.