Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three New Cruise Lines to Alaska in 2026

Three cruise lines are adding cruises to Alaska to their schedule in the summer of 2026: Azamara, MSC, and Virgin.

Returning to the destination after a seven-year hiatus, Azamara will offer a series of ten- to 13-night cruises in Alaska and Canada starting in May 2026.

Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.

According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.

The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.

MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.

The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.

In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.

Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.

From May to September, the Brilliant Lady offers 17 voyages to 12 destinations in Alaska, including Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.

According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.

As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Cruise ship management: ‘thriving’

V.Ships Leisure's recent contracts include Azamara Cruise

In 2022, Anglo-Eastern Univan Group acquired Cruise Management International (CMI) and CMI Leisure Management (CMIL) from shareholders, including SunStone Maritime Group.

CMIL president and chief executive Dietmar Wertanzl tell PST he is excited about the opportunities the acquisition is bringing. “We are now part of a much larger, stronger company and will have a significantly broader scope. Anglo-Eastern is one of the world’s leading ship managers and we are excited to have such a strong parent with more horsepower.” 

The takeover of CMI and CMIL allows Anglo-Eastern to enter the cruise industry, a new sector for the company. Mr Wertanzl says, “Anglo-Eastern primarily manages non-passenger vessels, but our two businesses share the same values and synergies we can each build upon, plus our hotel sector is a nice extension of its brand.”

Anglo-Eastern is the world’s largest provider of independent ship management services, with full management of more than 650 vessels, more than 1,800 shore-based staff, and 30,000 active seafarers.

Its acquisition by Anglo-Eastern is already proving beneficial for CMIL, which is creating a new digital platform for hiring crew and managing their experiences. CMIL is working with its new parent on the app. “They already have a template, and we are working to tie into that,” says Mr Wertanzl.

CMI and CMIL will continue to operate from Miami.

CMIL has 12 ships in operation this year and will provide the hotel management of Albatross Expeditions’ Ocean Albatross next year.

The ship management company is still seeing challenges after the pandemic. “We are still facing global issues. The logistical challenges have not gone away, though we hope they will, with fewer headwinds and more tailwinds. By Q3 and Q4 this year, it should improve. People are excited to travel again, and we are pleased to have 12 ships in operation to help them do just that and enjoy memorable experiences,” says Mr Wertanzl.

A big focus for CMIL is sustainability and accordingly it has launched its Green Initiative Programme 3.0. This takes the principles of recycling, reducing and reusing.

Mr Wertanzl says, “Sustainable practices are very important to us and take precedence at Anglo-Eastern, which is committed to shaping a better maritime future through carbon-neutral shore operations and decarbonising its managed fleet. Our programme dovetails nicely with this and is constantly evolving through the adoption of new best practices. Currently, we are looking at everything from chemicals to plastics and how to do better.” 

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.

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

Azamara to Drop Pre-Embarkation Testing

The line will ditch testing on Monday (25 July) in countries where the protocol is no longer legally required

The line will ditch testing on Monday (25 July) but will still require proof of vaccination prior to embarkation from all guests aged over 12.

 

Azamara said it recommends all guests departing from any port undergo testing before getting onboard – but results will not be needed to be shown in order to sail.

 

At ports where pre-cruise testing remains, guests must produce a negative Covid test before sailing.

 

Carol Cabezas, Azamara president, said the easing of the line’s testing policy “marks a step in the right direction towards a return to normalcy for the travel and cruising industry”.

 

“Cruising is one of the safest ways to travel, and our existing health and safety protocols onboard will ensure peace of mind for our guests and crew as we move forward,” she said.

Azamara’s Fleet Comes Under V.Ships Leisure’s Ship Management

Azamara’s four-ship luxury fleet is now under the ship management of V.Ships Leisure, which has assumed all technical oversight, crewing and port operations, according to Per Bjornsen, CEO, V.Ships Leisure.

After private equity firm, Sycamore Partners’ acquisition of Azamara from the Royal Caribbean Group earlier this year, the Azamara Onward entered V.Ships’ management following the ship’s acquisition, while the company brought the Quest into management on October 23, the Pursuit on October 28 and the Journey on October 31.

Detailed Way

“We’ve been through the plan in the most detailed way to ensure there is no change to the guest experience. That has been the core,” said Bjornsen, noting that while it is rare to decouple brands from a major cruise group, V.Ships has done it several times.

Taking over four sister ships, the crew will stay the same, but be managed by V.Ships, while other new systems have been put in place.

“We are moving toward more data-driven management for planned maintenance, for example,” Bjornsen told Cruise Industry News. “The data is being migrated to our platform, ShipSure, which is the digital platform in the centre of everything we do. There has been detailed planning with Azamara, Royal Caribbean Group and our team to make this smooth.”

“There has been thorough planning of crewing, the procurement hand over and customization of the safety management system – making sure there are no gaps compared to the service which was provided previously. However, we see this as a greenfield opportunity to do things smarter.”

Four Ships

“When you have the opportunity to have four sister ships, it’s quite interesting what you can do, comparing the fleet, how you operate and sharing best practices. There is a tremendous amount of data and if you use it cleverly you can move towards predictive maintenance,” Bjornsen explained.

Moving to V.Ships, Azamara has access to a global network of offices, purchasing power and redundancy of resources.

“It’s important that we share the same culture,” Bjornsen said of Azamara’s and Sycamore’s relationship with V.Ships. “Safety is the number one priority and we are going into this with a long-term horizon working together as partners.”

Premium Cruise Brands Accelerate Global Restart

A big Thank You to https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news for this Article.

With more cruise vessels sailing again, premium cruise brands are quickly resuming operations around the world.

Here are the latest plans from eight key brands:

Celebrity Cruises
First sailing: In service since June 5, 2021
Ships: Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Xploration
Regions: Caribbean, Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Galapagos and Alaska

As part of its phased restart plan, Celebrity Cruises currently has eight vessels back in service. After first resuming guest operations in the Caribbean and in the Mediterranean, the Royal Caribbean-owned brand welcomed the passengers back in the United Kingdom and in the Galapagos.

In June, Celebrity also pioneered the restart in the United States, with the Celebrity Edge becoming the first vessel to sail from the country with paying passengers in 15 months. Now, three Celebrity ships are sailing from U.S. ports, including the Celebrity Millennium, which relaunched service for the brand in Alaska.

A ninth vessel is set to welcome the guests back in September, as the Celebrity Xploration resumes its regular schedule of Galapagos expeditions.

Holland America Line
First sailing: In service since July 24, 2021

Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam 
Regions: Alaska, Mediterranean, Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii, Panama Canal and California

Holland America Line relaunched service in July, with a series of Seattle-based Alaska sailings. Now, the brand is expanding its restart to Europe, as the Eurodam sails a program of Mediterranean cruises from Greece.

The Carnival-owned brand also plans to welcome the guests back in the Caribbean, the West Coast and other destinations. Starting in September, six ships are set to sail from Port Everglades and San Diego, including the new Rotterdam.

The recently delivered newbuild is set to enter service in October, offering a transatlantic crossing before starting its inaugural season in the Caribbean.

Princess Cruises
First sailing: In service since July 25, 2021
Ships: Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess
Regions: Alaska, United Kingdom, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California 

Princess Cruises returned to guest operations in the United States, as the Majestic Princess kicked off a shortened Alaska season in July. Based in Seattle, the vessel remains in the region through late September, before repositioning to Los Angeles for a series of West Coast cruises.

The premium cruise line also resumed service in Europe, with two vessels offering a series of “Seacations” around the British Islands through the end of summer.

This fall, Princess is also welcoming the passengers back in San Francisco and Port Everglades. Between September and November, eight Princess vessels will once again offer cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and the California Coast.

Oceania Cruises
First sailing: August 29, 2021
Ships: Marina, Riviera, Insignia and Sirena
Regions: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean and World Cruise

Oceania Cruises plans to resume service in August, with the Marina welcoming the guests back for a Northern Europe season. The 1,250-guest vessel will resume her originally published voyage schedule, starting in Copenhagen.

A second ship, the Riviera, will restart operations in October, sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages, prior to a winter season in the Caribbean.

Phased restart dates for the balance of the fleet are in the plans, with two additional ships resuming service between December 2021 and January 2022.

Cunard Line
First sailing: August 13, 2021
Ships: Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2
Regions: United Kingdom, Transatlantic Crossings, Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and Caribbean

Before resuming international operations, Cunard is restarting service in the United Kingdom. Starting on August 13, the Queen Elizabeth offered a series of domestic scenic cruises around the British Islands, sailing from Southampton.

Following its local program, the vessel is offering new UK-based itineraries to Western Europe and the Atlantic Islands.

The Queen Mary 2, meanwhile, resumes service in November, offering transatlantic crossings before sailing new short breaks in Western Europe. Later in the year, the vessel is also sailing in the Caribbean with three new cruises.

Dream Cruises
First sailing: In service since July 26, 2020
Ships: Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream
Regions: Asia – Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong

Asia-based Dream Cruises is currently offering “Super Seacations” from two different homeports. In line with local government protocols, the World Dream is sailing short cruises to nowhere from Singapore, while the Genting Dream offers a similar product from Hong Kong.

The first vessel to resume service for the brand, the Explorer Dream had started to offer Taiwan island-hopping itineraries in July 2020. According to Dream's website, after a service suspension, the sailings are now set to resume on August 18, 2021.

Azamara
First sailing: August 28, 2021

Ship: Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey
Region: Mediterranean and Caribbean

Currently being prepared for its restart, the Azamara Quest will be the first vessel back in action for Azamara.

Now an independent brand, Azamara will relaunch operations on August 28, with a series of sailings in the Eastern Mediterranean.

After cancelling and replacing many sailings due to ongoing complexities of cruise operations in several regions of the world, the company is also planning a revised 2021-2022 season.

The new program has the Azamara Journey resuming service on October 13, with a series of Europe sailings that will be extended through the winter. The Azamara Questwill offer an expanded season in the Caribbean after the initial sailings in the Mediterranean.  

The Azamara Pursuit and the new Azamara Onward will resume cruising in 2022.  

Saga Cruises
First sailing: In service since June 27, 2021
Ship: Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure
Region: Europe - United Kingdom, Northern Europe and Mediterranean

After welcoming its passengers back on the Spirit of Discovery in June, Saga Cruises is currently offering domestic cruising in the United Kingdom with its two-ship fleet.

Now, the British brand plans to step up its restart with international cruises. Set to return later this month, the multi-country itineraries include sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and more from Dover, England.

Cabezas: ‘Azamara Sale is a Win-Win-Win’

The Chief Operating Officer of Azamara, Carol Cabezas, has explained the sale of Azamara to a private equity firm, Sycamore Partners, with increasing the value of the cruise line’s product and driving the brand forward.

“Sycamore Partners, which has invested in many upscale consumer brands, is known for identifying great brands that need flexible funding to grow and succeed,” Cabezas said in a video address published on the brand’s official website.

“Sycamore’s strategy is to partner with existing management to nurture companies for growth and invest in upscale companies. The priority is to increase the value of our product. So, it's a win-win-win,” she added.

This comes a couple of hours since Royal Caribbean Group announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners in an all-cash carve-out transaction for $201 million, “subject to certain adjustments and closing conditions.”

The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, Cabezas said, after the cruise line receives all the normal regulatory approvals.

The transition will take a couple of months with the help of the Royal Caribbean Group.

According to Cabezas, nothing is currently expected to change for Azamara’s customers.

“There is no impact on your current bookings, future cruise credits, refunds or the availability of your travel advisor. Also, our website and care centre agents remain open for business, and I encourage you to start planning your next cruise with us,” she said, before adding that that the entire team will stay with Azamara, including customer care staff and crew.

“We commit to keeping the brand elements that make us Azamara, your brand of choice with immersive experiences that elevate vacation to lifestyle and superior service throughout the journey. With Sycamore, we intend to rapidly expand these to offer more destinations and portfolio choices at every step along the way. We're only going to get better,” Cabezas stated.

Azamara will adopt the same health and safety protocols as the Royal Caribbean Group, Cabezas said in a statement. These were developed by a group of public health experts at the Healthy Sail Panel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean Group appoints a chief medical officer

Royal Caribbean Group appoints a chief medical officer

Royal Caribbean Group has named Dr Calvin Johnson as its global head of public health and chief medical officer.

In the newly-created role, he will lead the cruise giant’s global health and wellness policy across its brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea.

Johnson will manage the group’s public health and clinical practice, and determine its strategic plans and operations of its global healthcare organisation as well as collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel which also involves representatives of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, said: “Calvin’s extensive experience in public health and clinical care will help us raise the bar on protecting the health of our guests, crew and the communities we serve.”

Dr Johnson was most recently principal at Altre Strategic Solutions Group and has previously served as chief medical officer for of correctional health care provider Corizon Health and for Temple University Health System.

He was also secretary of health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2003-2008 and was medical director for the New York City Department of Health from 1998-1999.

Johnson has previously led response efforts during active infectious disease outbreaks and was responsible for ensuring all aspects of patient care while overseeing a clinical operation with 1,300 caregivers and more than 300,000 individuals.

He said: “Royal Caribbean Group is committed to going beyond requirements. I am excited to join the industry leader, who is clearly establishing the way forward in managing public health initiatives and protecting health and safety.

Johnson added: “The Healthy Sail Panel is doing critical work to help us develop enhanced standards, and achieve readiness for the return to service, and I am looking forward to being involved in that work.”

Royal Caribbean Group senior vice president for safety, security, environment, medical and public health, Jennifer Love, added: “Calvin will add critical expertise in our mission to elevate the quality of care. His appointment is a testament to our commitment to transforming healthcare for those we serve.”

Royal Caribbean takes complete ownership of Silversea Cruises

Royal Caribbean takes complete ownership of Silversea Cruises

Silver Muse

Royal Caribbean Group has taken complete ownership of Silversea Cruises, two years after acquiring a two-thirds share of the ultra-luxury line.

Royal Caribbean Group is the recently-introduced new name of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Silversea and other lines.

Richard Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, said; “Silversea has been a great fit for our company from the very first day. The cultures of the two organisations have proven to be harmonious, and guests have responded favourably to the combination.”

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who took over the company from his late father, will serve as chairman of Silversea. Roberto Martinoli will remain the brand’s president and chief executive.

Fain added: “Manfredi and Roberto have brought a fresh point of view to our company, as well as deep knowledge of their brand’s unique audience. Their skills – and Manfredi’s inimitable style – will continue to play an important role in growing Silversea into the future.”

Lefebvre said: “The combination of our companies has been everything I hoped for. The skills and resources of the Royal Caribbean Group have helped us grow and flourish. We share a vision about the bright future of cruising, and I look forward to being a shareholder in the broader Royal Caribbean Group.”

Martinoli added: “Thanks to the incredible resources and skills of Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea will grow and thrive. Today marks another key step in our drive to uncontested leadership in ultra-luxury and expedition cruising.”

The remaining stake in Silversea held by Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd was paid for in the form of 5.2 million shares of Royal Caribbean Group common stock, representing about 2.5% of its total common stock.

Healthy Sail Panel Hopes to Have Plan By August 31 for Royal and Norwegian

The Healthy Sail Panel created by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings hopes to have its initial recommendations back to each company by the end of August, according to Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, Royal Caribbean International.

Suggestions will then be vetted by each company and presented to the CDC.

Working together with a rival cruise corporation, Freed said: "When it comes to safety and security, there is no competition. We need to work collaboratively as a team, as an industry."

The 11-person panel is already hard at work and is looking at everything from a reduced capacity to staggered embarkation.

Of note, Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, Celebrity Cruises, said the CDC has been invited to participate in an observatory role.

Added Carol Cabezas, vice president and COO, Azamara: “The work of the panel will be open-sourced … available to anyone that needs it at no cost.”

She added the panel’s work may be helpful to land-based entities from spas to hotels and restaurants.

"We have to think about the destinations as well, we are working very closely with governments and ports we visit all over the globe to establish plans and protocols for the safe resumption of cruising,” said Cabezas, adding that extends to tour operator partners to make sure a safe experience continues from ship to shore.

“The goal is to create an environment that mitigates risk to the greatest extent possible while the virus is (still) a threat.”

Royal Caribbean brands extend cruise suspensions

Royal Caribbean brands extend cruise suspensions

Three Royal Caribbean Group brands have confirmed an extension to their suspension of cruises until September 15.

The company’s Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara lines have pushed back their restart to the proposed date announced by Cruise Lines International Association last week.

The announcement excludes sailings from China, which are suspended to the end of July, and sailings to Bermuda, which are suspended through to October 31.

It also does not include the company’s luxury line Silversea, which announced its latest return plans last month.

A statement by the RCL Group said: “Given ongoing global public health circumstances, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has decided to extend the suspension of most sailings through September 15, 2020, excluding sailings from China, suspended through the end of July, and sailings to Bermuda, suspended through October 31, 2020.

“We are working with our guests and travel partners to address this disruption to their holidays and are genuinely sorry for their inconvenience.”

Celebrity Cruises

✔

@CelebrityCruise

 In alignment with the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) announcement, we've extended the suspension of all global sailings departing on-or-before 9/15/20. We know how important vacation is, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience https://bit.ly/3fRH1TK 

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd posts $1.4bn Q1 loss

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd posts $1.4bn Q1 loss

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has reported a net loss of US$1.4 billion for the first quarter of 2020.

The parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea paused all operations amid the global Covid-19 pandemic on March 13.

In a trading update today,  the company said the pandemic was expected to have hit production at shipyards, meaning delays to new-build Royal ships.

RCCL said the pandemic had led to the cancellation of 130 sailings, which equated to a 20% reduction on its planned sailings and was 17% down on last year’s programme.

The company posted a profit of $249.7 million in the first quarter of 2019 and said it expects to report an overall net loss in 2020.

RCCL withdrew its full-year trading guidance in March, and the update noted: “The magnitude, duration and speed of Covid-19 remain uncertain. As a consequence, the company cannot estimate the impact of Covid-19 on its business, financial condition or near or longer-term financial or operational results with reasonable certainty.”

It expects non-operating expenses of between $590 million and $610 million for the remainder of the year.

Bookings for the remainder of 2020 are “meaningfully lower” than 2019 with lower prices, RCCL reported but noted that before the pandemic took hold it was in “a strong booked position and at higher prices” than 2019.

Looking ahead, it said “the booked position for 2021 is within historical ranges when compared to the same time last year” with 2021 prices “up mid-single digits compared to 2020”. The company stressed it was “still early in the booking cycle”.

RCCL brands had offered customers booked on cancelled cruises either a cash refund or future cruise credit note and said that, as of April 30, 2020, approximately 45% of guests had requested cash refunds.

As of March 31, 2020, the company had $2.4 billion of cash in customer deposits.

RCCL estimates its cash burn to be, on average, in the range of approximately $250 million to $275 million per month while operations are suspended but noted it had “taken significant actions to enhance its liquidity, preserve cash and secure additional financing”. These included securing a $4 billion increase in financing and knocking $3 billion off its 2020 capital expenditure.

“We have taken swift and substantial actions to bolster our financial position by significantly reducing our operating and capital spend and leveraging our strong balance sheet to raise additional capital,” said Jason Liberty, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

As of April 30, 2020, the company had liquidity of approximately $2.3 billion all in the form of cash and cash equivalents, RCCL reported. And on May 19, 2020, it completed a $3.3 billion senior secured notes offering, improving its liquidity position by approximately $1 billion.

RCCL noted that as of May 19, 2020, the expected debt maturities for the remainder of 2020 and 2021, are $0.4 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively.

“Responding to the dramatic change in business conditions caused by COVID-19 has required focus, dedication, ingenuity and improvisation from all our people, and their efforts have been nonstop,” said chairman and chief executive Richard Fain. “We understand that when our ships return to service, they will be sailing in a changing world.  How well we anticipate and solve for this new environment will play a critical role in keeping our guests and crew safe and healthy, as well as position our business and that of our travel agent partners to return to growth.”

RCCL is due to complete its repatriation of crew members to their home countries, and said the company’s future focus now turns to four key principles:

• Ensuring the safety of guests and crew
• Proactively enhancing liquidity
• Protecting the Company’s brands, and
• Defining and preparing for a “new normal.”

Royal Caribbean Updates Measures Taken to Weather COVID-19 Pandemic

PHOTO: Anthem of the Seas' pool deck at sunset. (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) on May 8 provided a business update on how it is shoring up liquidity, reducing expenses, and upgrading cleaning and disinfection protocols amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These are unprecedented times for all of us. Travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders are important to slowing the spread of the virus, but they have severely impacted our operations,” said Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain. “We are taking decisive actions to prioritize the safety of our guests and crew while protecting our fleet and bolstering liquidity.”

RCCL brands – including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises – have suspended operations through at least June 11. The corporation said continued disruptions to travel and port operations may result in further suspensions.

“Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our guests and crew during the suspension period and when we resume operations," Fain said. “The company’s fleet is now either in port or at anchor and we have developed strict protocols to protect our crew that is still on board our ships.”

RCCL also has arranging to shore up its liquidity and, as of April 30, had liquidity of approximately $2.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. On May 4, the company increased the 364-day senior secured credit facility and drew $150 million, further enhancing the company’s liquidity profile.

“Since late January, we have undertaken several proactive measures to mitigate the financial and operational impacts of COVID-19,” said Jason T. Liberty, executive vice president and CFO. “Our focus is on bolstering liquidity through significant cost-cutting, capital spends reductions, and other cash conservation measures. In addition, the company is considering additional financing sources. We continue to evaluate all options available to us to further enhance liquidity.”

To reduce expenses, RCCL has significantly reduced ship operating expenses, including crew payroll, food, fuel, insurance and port charges.

The company reduced its workforce by about 26 per cent, eliminated or significantly reduced marketing and selling expenses for the remainder of 2020, and suspended travel and instituted a hiring freeze.

“The company estimates that its average ongoing ship operating expenses and administrative expenses is approximately $150 million to $170 million per month during the suspension of operations,” the business update said. “The company may seek to further reduce this average monthly requirement under a prolonged non-revenue scenario.”

The company also has identified approximately $3 billion and $1.4 billion of capital expenditure reductions or deferrals in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Shipyard operations have been impacted, so there will be delays of new ships previously planned for delivery in 2020 and 2021.

The company estimates its cash burn to be, on average, in the range of approximately $250 million to $275 million per month during a suspension of operations.

At the beginning of 2020, RCCL was looking at a strong booking pattern at higher prices than the previous year.

“Given the impact of Covid-19, booking volumes for the remainder of 2020 are meaningfully lower than the same time last year at prices that are down low-single digits,” the RCCL statement said. “Due to the suspension in sailings, booking trends reflect elevated cancellations for 2020 and more typical levels for 2021 and beyond. Although still early in the booking cycle, the booked position for 2021 is within historical ranges when compared to the same time last year with 2021 prices up mid-single digits compared to 2020.”

As of March 31, the company had $2.4 billion in customer deposits. This includes approximately $800 million of future cruise credits related to voyage cancellations through June 11. The company also continues to take future bookings for 2020, 2021 and 2022, and receive new customer deposits and final payments on these bookings.

The company previously withdrew its first-quarter and full-year 2020 guidance. “The magnitude, duration and speed of Covid-19 remain uncertain. As a consequence, we cannot estimate the impact of Covid-19 on our business, financial condition or near- or longer-term financial or operational results with reasonable certainty, but we expect to incur a net loss” for the first quarter and the 2020 fiscal year, “the extent of which will depend on the timing and extent of our return to service.”

Meanwhile, the company has been developing a plan to address the health challenges posed by Covid-19. It includes enhanced screening, upgraded cleaning and disinfection protocols, and plans for social distancing.

RCCL continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, global public health authorities, and national and local governments to enhance measures to protect the health, safety and security of guests, crew and the communities visited when operations resume.