Carnival Corp. Shuffles Ships Between Cunard, P&O, and Holland America

Cunard's Queen Anne, soon to be transferred to P&O Cruises. Photo credit Spacejunkie2.

Cruise ships will be moving among three of Carnival Corporation’s brands as the company continues efforts to maximise the financial strength of its operations. Holland America Line and P&O Cruises will be increasing capacity by receiving newer ships, while Cunard will be giving up one ship, with the changes taking place in 20029.

The changes will begin in the spring of 2029 when Cunard’s Queen Anne will be transferred to P&O after completing her previously announced world cruise. The announcement says the ship will be “reimagined and renamed” before joining the UK-based operation in May 2029. 

P&O, however, will also be conducting a farewell season for its 20-plus-year-old cruise ship Arcadia, which will retire from the fleet on August 21, 2029. She will then transfer to Holland America Line as part of its ongoing fleet evolution. She will be refitted and renamed to join the US-based operation.

P&O Arcadia will be joining Holland America Line. Photo Credit SpaceJunkie2.

“These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our two cruise lines,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard, announcing the changes. “This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future.”

Queen Anne had been heralded with her launch in May 2024 as the first new ship added to Cunard since 2010, and the first time the venerated British brand would be operating four Queens. At 114,188 gross tons and 1,058 feet (323 meters) in length, the ship is based on the platform used for Holland America’s newest class of ships. She was a large addition for Cunard, with a 2,956-passenger capacity, but incorporated what the company calls “a bold and contemporary expression of Cunard,” which also drew criticism among the loyal clientele.

Ludlow said the changes would provide Cunard “a more closely unified fleet.” The ship will continue in service for the planned Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and then her final world cruise. Carnival Corporation is also investing in an upgrade and modernisation of Queen Mary 2 in April 2027, which will add suites and redo the wellness area, shops, and some public spaces.

They said Queen Anne’s style would give her a “natural affinity with the modern P&O.” She will also increase capacity by nearly 1,000 berths for the British brand, which currently operates seven cruise ships. P&O had been using Arcadia for adult-only cruising but recently announced she would accept children and multi-generational travel on some cruises.

Built by Fincantieri, the 83,781 gross ton cruise ship was originally planned for Cunard but reassigned during construction to P&O, which launched her as Arcadia in April 2005. She is 952 feet (290 meters) in length with a capacity for 2,094 passengers.

Holland America highlights that the ship is built on the same platform as its Vista-class cruise ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Westerdam. Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said the ship will be a natural fit for the fleet and an extension of the evolution program.

Westerdam Embarks on Cruise to Alaska and Arctic Circle

Westerdam Embarks on Cruise to Alaska and Arctic Circle

The Westerdam set sail from Seattle earlier this month for the second annual edition of Holland America Line’s “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” itinerary.

Cruising round-trip from the Pacific Northwest, the 28-night voyage will sail all the way to the Bering Strait while visiting 14 destinations in Alaska and Canada.

Described by the company as its most exclusive itinerary in the region, the month-long cruise sails to unique destinations, such as Nome and Dutch Harbor.

Other highlights of the itinerary include an overnight visit to Anchorage, as well as stops in Valdez and Kodiak.

Before returning to Seattle, the Westerdam is also scheduled to visit Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.

The voyage features scenic cruising as well, sailing across the Inside Passage, the Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park.

A similar summer solstice itinerary to the Arctic Circle is set to be offered by the Noordam in early June 2026.

Part of Holland America’s six-ship season in Alaska, the Westerdam is set to offer seven-night cruises from Seattle after completing its summer solstice voyage.

Offering the company’s “Alaska Explorer” itinerary, the vessel sails from its homeport every Sunday for cruises that visit Victoria, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Tracy Arm Fjord.

The 2004-built ship also offers a unique month-long cruise that combines visits to destinations in Alaska and Hawaii.

Offered in partnership with the History Channel, the “Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes” cruise is scheduled to sail round-trip from Seattle on August 31, 2025.

The 28-night cruise features four destinations in Hawaii, including Honolulu, where the ship is set to spend two days docked.

Other ports of call set to be visited include Vancouver, Dutch Harbour and Kodiak, as well as Valdez and Anchorage.

In addition to the Westerdam, other Holland America Line ships sailing in Alaska in 2025 include the Eurodam, the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Noordam and the Zaandam.

Holland America Line 2024 Cruise Capacity Breakdown

Holland America Line 2024 Cruise Capacity Breakdown

HAL Westerdam in Glacia Bay Alaska photo credit Spacejunkie2 flickr images

According to the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, Holland America Line is offering a balanced deployment mix in 2024 across its 11-ship fleet.

Alaska continues to concentrate most of the company’s offerings, with a total of six ships sailing in the region this summer.

Offering seven-night cruises from Vancouver, the Koningsdam is Holland America’s largest vessel in Alaska this year.

Other ships sailing in the region include the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Eurodam, the Noordam, the Westerdam and the Zaandam.

Holland America Line is also building up its Caribbean offering in 2024, with roughly a 15 per cent increase in capacity compared to 2023.

Mostly sailing from Port Everglades, seven ships are set to offer week-long or longer cruises in the region this year.

The Caribbean deployment is highlighted by a 21-night cruise that sails roundtrip from the Port of Boston.

Scheduled for October, the unique itinerary sails onboard the Zuiderdam and features visits to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas and Bermuda.

After seeing a significant capacity increase in 2023,  Northern Europe completes the brand’s top three cruise capacity regions.

Other regions with significant cruise capacity from Holland America Line include the West Coast, the Mediterranean and Canada/New England.

With summer and fall programs onboard the Volendam and the Zuiderdam, the latter is seeing an 18 per cent capacity spike in 2024.

The Holland America fleet is also offering itineraries to South America, Australia, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Canaries, and the Asia/Pacific region, as well as a full world cruise and repositioning trans-Atlantic sailings.

Holland America to Offer 53-Day Cruise to Japan from Seattle

Holland America to Offer 53-Day Cruise to Japan from Seattle

Holland America Line is set to offer a new 53-day cruise to Japan in September 2024.

A first for the company, the itinerary sails roundtrip from Seattle onboard the Westerdam.

In addition to the Far East, the voyage also includes port calls in Alaska and Hawaii.

According to Holland America, the nearly two-month cruise, which is included in the company’s Legendary Voyages program, is highlighted by the opportunity to explore 13 Japanese port cities during the autumn season when temperatures are cooler.

“This cruise allows us to offer Japan ‘from your doorstep’ with no more than a domestic air flight to Seattle,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of Deployment and itinerary Planning at Holland America Line.

“Because we can linger on our way, we have chosen to visit some of the best ports in Alaska, including Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, before landing at Kushiro, Hokkaido as the first port of call in Japan”, he added.

Other noteworthy aspects of the itinerary include scenic cruises along Alaska’s Inside Passage and Stephen’s Passage, as well as visits to Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor.

Guests will also be able to visit sites important to World War II history during the voyage, Holland America said, including the Children’s Peace Monument and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Once in Japan, the Westerdam is set to make calls to Kushiro, Hakodate, Yokohama (Tokyo), Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kanmon Straight, Fukuoka (Hakata), Sakaiminato, Toyama, Kanazawa, Nagasaki, Ishigaki Island and Naha.

The 2004-built vessel is also set to offer scenic cruising around Iwo Jima and Midway Island before returning to the U.S. with stops in three destinations in Hawaii: Nawiliwili, Kauai and Honolulu.

Overnight stays are planned for Yokohama (Tokyo), Kobe and Honolulu.

“This cruise offers an immersive Japan experience, covering the northern and mountainous regions, the population centres of Kobe and Yokohama as well as the east coast of Japan where we steam as far north as Toyama,” Grigsby noted.

“Since it is a September cruise, there is the possibility of viewing the leaves beginning to turn in the high country around Mt. Tateyama near Toyama.”

Holland America’s Westerdam Returns to Japan for Spring Season

Holland America’s Westerdam Returns to Japan for Spring Season

The Westerdam is marking Holland America Line’s return to Japan today after a three-year gap.

Following a short season in Southeast Asia, the 1,900-guest vessel arrived in Yokohama to kick off a spring program in the country.

Sailing roundtrip from the port – which is located near Japan’s capital city, Tokyo – the Westerdam is set to offer a series of 11- to 14-day cruises to different ports including Kobe/Osaka, Tokushima, Kagoshima and Shimizu.

For its first cruise in the region since early 2020, the ship is offering a 14-night itinerary named “Japan Explorer.”

The voyage features visits to a total of ten ports in the region, such as Hiroshima, Kochi and Sakaiminato.

Through April, the program also includes visits to Ishigaki, Naha and other destinations in Japan, as well as ports of call in Taiwan and South Korea.

After completing its Asia schedule, the ship offers a 14-day North Pacific Crossing to Seattle – its homeport for the upcoming summer season in Alaska.

Part of Holland America’s four-ship Vista Class, the Westerdam first entered service in 2004. Extensively refurbished over the years, the 82,000-ton ship underwent a drydock in January 2023 for routine maintenance and class work.

Offering a premium cruise product, the vessel was designed with an array of dining, entertainment and bar venues that include the Exploration’s Café – a lounge that provides travel resources and enrichment opportunities for guests.

Other features comprise the Billboard Onboard, where two pianists perform shows centred around facts and figures of the music industry, and the Lincoln Center Stage, which showcases a nightly ensemble of musicians performing chamber music.

The ship also offers an extensive dining lineup that includes Holland America Line’s signature venues, such as the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and the Italian Canaletto Restaurant.

Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Nieuw Amsterdam in Vancouver Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

HAL will deploy Westerdam to Japan early next year off the back of a stint in Australia and New Zealand; the ship will start its Asia season on 3rd February after a January dry dock in Singapore.

 

Japan lifted its curbs on cruising last month. Westerdam will sail roundtrip from Yokohama or Singapore, or between the two destinations.

 

Cruises range from 11 to 14 days and can be combined to create non-repeating Collectors’ Voyages. Across five itineraries, guests will be able to visit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, with overnight calls in Singapore, Kobe, Osaka and Phuket.

The season will conclude with a 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Yokohama to Seattle departing on 24th  April when Westerdam redeploys for its Alaska season.

"We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising," said HAL president Gus Antorcha.

"Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins."

HAL will provide details of any specific health protocols for each departure in advance via its voyage lookup tool.

Holland America Line Returns to Australia

Holland America Line Returns to Australia

After more than a two-year absence, Holland America Line returned to Australia. 

The Westerdam is Holland America Line's first ship back in the region and arrived at Cairns, Australia on Thursday, November 3.

The Westerdam embarked on the voyage on October 2, departing from Seattle, Washington and making calls in Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii, Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hawaii, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, Apia, Western Samoa, Suva, Fiji, Dravuni, Fiji, Lautoka, Fiji, Lifou, New Caledonia, Noumea, New Caledonia, and Alotau, Papua New Guinea before reaching Cairns, Australia. 

“After being away from Australia for far too long, we are excited to be back in this beautiful part of the world,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Despite just opening sales for Westerdam in Australia seven months ago, we’re already seeing some full cruises in the region. Thank you to all of the locals who welcomed our guests at Cairns today and embraced our return with open arms.”

The ship will make a few more stops at Australian destinations including Airlie Beach on November 4, Moreton Island on November 6, and Sydney on November 8 before moving on with its itinerary to New Zealand. The Westerdam will end its journey in Sydney, Australia on November 23. 

The Noordam will join the Westerdam in Australia, which will circle the Australian continent on its South Pacific and Australia Circumnavigation Collector journey, arriving at Sydney, Australia on November 5. 

This will be the first time that Holland America Line has positioned two of its ships cruising simultaneously around the region since 2016, according to a statement. 

On its Australian tour, the Noordam will make calls in Gladstone, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Port Lincoln, Exmouth, Geraldton, Fremantle, Albany, Adelaide, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and Melbourne.

A special, 14-day Holiday Cruise will depart from Auckland, New Zealand, on December 20, and will arrive in Sydney, Australia on January 3. 

'Positive Signs' as Holland America Moving Six Ships Toward U.S.

Holland America Line is preparing for a gradual restart and is said to be moving six cruise ships toward the U.S. citing positive signs and a new conversation around the return to service.

The news came in a letter sent to crew from President Gus Antorcha, reported by Crew Center, and also obtained by Cruise Industry News.

"Following in-depth discussions with the CDC, other government agencies, and medical and science authorities, we have decided to start moving six Holland America Line ships toward U.S. waters over the next several weeks to begin completing the requirements for conditional sailing," Antorcha said in the letter sent to the crew.

The ships heading to U.S. waters are the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam, and Noordam. Holland America did not specify port information but the line has traditionally had a strong presence in the winter from Port Everglades and Tampa, which would pull from a large drive-to market.

“While there is still much to be done, this is an important first step toward our goal of resuming cruise operation," the letter said.

"Holland America Line will continue to work with the CDC on our eventual return to guest cruise operations. We are fully aligned with the CDC on our top priorities for compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety, and well-being of our guests, the people in communities we touch, our crew, and shoreside employees."

Holland America Line cancels cruises into 2021

Holland America Line cancels cruises into 2021

Holland America Line is extending its pause of cruise operations and cancelling additional departures from Vancouver this year.

Selected Hawaii itineraries for early 2021 are also affected.

The extension of cruise cancellations has been made due to “travel and port restrictions continuing for the near future due to global health concerns,” the Carnival Corporation brand said.

Future cruise credits are being offered to customers booked on the cancelled cruises and are valid for cruises until the end of 2022.

People wanting refunds must fill in a ‘cancellation preferences’ form by July 15.

Cruises operated by six ships have been cancelled:

Eurodam:
September 26, 2020, 22-day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Koningsdam:
September 26, 2020, seven-day Pacific Northwest cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, California.
January 16 and February 2, 2021, Circle Hawaii voyages from San Diego.

Maasdam:
September 21, 2020, 16-day Mexico and Sea of Cortez itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego.

Noordam:
September. 27, 2020, 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Vancouver to Yokohama, Japan.

Volendam:
September 30, October 3 and October 10, 2020, three- and seven-day Pacific Northwest and coastal cruises from Vancouver.

Westerdam:
September 20, 2020, 17-day Circle Hawaii cruise from Vancouver
October 7, 2020, 23-day Inca Discovery voyage from Vancouver to San Antonio (Santiago), Chile.

Westerdam arrives in Cambodia

Holland America Line's Westerdam has arrived in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, after being rejected by five other Asian countries.

The ship, with 1,455 passengers and 802 crew onboard, had been turned away the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Guam and most recently Thailand, over coronavirus concerns. There are no confirmed cases onboard.

"The Westerdam has arrived and local officials are aboard," Holland America said in a statement. The line expressed gratitude yesterday to the Cambodian authorities "for their support" and reiterated that "all guests onboard are healthy, and despite erroneous reports, there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have there ever been."

The ship will remain in port for several days for disembarkation, Holland America said, and guests will transfer via charter flights to Phnom Penh for forwarding travel home. The cruise line said it will arrange and pay for all flights home, in addition to the full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

The Westerdam is on a 14-day cruise that departed Hong Kong Feb. 1 and was previously scheduled to disembark Feb. 15 in Yokohama, Japan.

Holland American cancelled the Feb. 15 cruise scheduled to embark in Yokohama. The line said no further cancellations have been finalized and it is assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later.

Coronavirus: Cruise lines cancel and change itineraries amid mounting travel restrictions

Coronavirus: Cruise lines cancel and change itineraries amid mounting travel restrictions

Quantum of the Seas

Cruise lines have responded to a wave of travel and entry restrictions from countries across southeast Asia by cancelling and changing itineraries amid the coronavirus outbreak. Harry Kemble rounds up all the latest developments.

Royal Caribbean International has cancelled two Quantum of the Seas sailings departing from Singapore on February 15 and February 24.

Affected passengers have been given full refunds, the line said.

A Royal spokesperson added: “Royal Caribbean’s number one priority is ensuring the health and welfare of our guests and crew.

“We will continue to monitor conditions and will share other itinerary adjustments should they become necessary.

“The Singapore market remains of great importance to us and we look forward to returning there very soon.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises has lifted its ban on passport holders from China, Hong Kong and Macau after adopting the controversial policy last week.

A statement from Royal Caribbean Cruises, parent of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea confirmed the reversal on Tuesday.

Every passenger who has travelled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau 15 days prior to the departure date is still banned from boarding any of Royal’s vessels.

Norwegian Cruise Line has pulled its entire Asia programme for the newly refurbished ship, Norwegian Spirit.

Norwegian Spirit with its new hull design.

All sailings between 15 and December 7 have been dropped and full refunds are being offered, along with 10% future cruise credit.

The line also said it would cover up to $300 per person for any air change fees.

“While it is always our intention to maintain original itineraries, at times, unforeseen circumstances require us to make modifications,” the line said. “We appreciate our guests’ patience during this time.”

Celebrity Cruises has cancelled Celebrity Millennium’s sailing departing from Hong Kong on February 15 and altered two Celebrity Constellation itineraries to avoid Singapore and Thailand.

Constellation will spend more time in Cochin, Goa and Mumbai, instead of calling into Phuket, Thailand.

Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 is to miss several ports in southeast Asia and will sail direct to Fremantle, Australia, during its world cruise.

The vessel had been scheduled to call into Phuket, Thailand; Pulau Penang Island and Klang in Malaysia; Singapore; and Hong Kong.

Cunard said the “various travel and entry restrictions…are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel” across the world.

Holland America Line (HAL) ship Westerdam was stopped from docking in Laem Chabang, Thailand, a day after the ship had been diverted from Japan.

Holland American cruise ship Westerdam who got turned away from Thailand yesterday (Tuesday)

On Tuesday, HAL said: “We are actively working on this matter and will provide an update when we are able.”

Princess Cruises on Wednesday confirmed a further 39 passengers onboard Diamond Princess tested positive for coronavirus. The total has now risen to 174 confirmed cases out of 3,700 passengers and crew on board.

The ship is the largest centre of cases outside China.

P&O Cruises is removing calls into Shanghai on March 5-6 and Hong Kong on March 9-10 as part of Arcadia’s world cruise and will announce alternative ports “as soon as possible”.

The UK line said: “We are very closely monitoring and assessing the impact of the latest developments and health advisories, as well as various travel and entry restrictions which are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel.

“We are actively seeking to mitigate these risks to our guests and crew, and are making appropriate adjustments to our operations to protect all onboard our ships.”

Thailand turns Westerdam Away

Thailand turns Westerdam Away

Thailand becomes the latest country to turn away Westerdam cruise ship as it bars passengers from disembarking despite no cases of coronavirus on board

The Westerdam, pictured above, has also been turned away by the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan. Its owner Holland America Line says there are no coronavirus cases on-board.

There are more than 43,000 coronavirus cases declared in the world so far and 1,018 deaths

The chief of the Department of Disease Control Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said Tuesday that the Public Health Ministry had rejected a request from the crew of the MS Westerdam to dock at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chano-cha confirmed the ban but said Thailand was looking a way to give humanitarian assistance and will be able to provide the ship with necessities such as fuel and food.

The Westerdam began its cruise on January 16 in Singapore. Shipowner Holland America Line says there are no known cases of the virus on board.

Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakulhad indicated on his Facebook page several hours before the official announcement that the ship would be denied entry.

The Westerdam, shown by the yellow ship, is currently rounding the bottom of Vietnam and heading towards Thailand

He posted his declaration after Holland America announced it was sailing to Laem Chabang, where passengers would disembark on February 13 to take flights home from Bangkok. The announcement by the shipowner attracted much attention among Thai social media users.

Holland America had already announced that passengers would receive a complete refund. It said a scheduled departure of the Westerdam on Feb. 15 from Yokohama had been cancelled and planned departures after Feb. 28 were being assessed.

Coronavirus: Holland America Line cuts short Westerdam cruise

Coronavirus: Holland America Line cuts short Westerdam cruise

Holland America Line (HAL) has taken the decision to cut short Westerdam’s current cruise due to port restrictions across Asia amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The ship is not in quarantine and the line said it had no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board.

Passengers will now disembark in Laem Chabang, Thailand, on Thursday rather than in Japanese city Yokohama on Saturday.

All 1,455 passengers on the current sailing will receive a 100% refund, plus 100% future cruise credit.

Complimentary internet and phone access are available for passengers and crew.

The line has cancelled the ship’s 14-day sailing due to depart from Yokohama on February 15.

The line said it is “assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia” on cruises departing on February 29 and beyond.

Currently, Westerdam’s roundtrip sailing, departing Yokohama on February 29 is scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Ports of call include Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa and Ishigaki all in Japan.

A HAL spokesperson said: “We sincerely thank our guests and the crew on Westerdam and their loved ones for their patience during this extraordinary time.

“We are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing February 29 or later. We will communicate details as they become finalised in the next few days.”

Is Another cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus?

Is Another cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus?

Is ANOTHER cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus? Japan blocks foreigners from disembarking from Holland America vessel with an infected passenger on board

Another cruise ship is facing a coronavirus lockdown after Japan today closed its doors to foreign passengers on a vessel carrying a virus patient. 

Japanese leader Shinzo Abe said no foreigners on board the MS Westerdam would be allowed to disembark in the country.

One passenger aboard the Holland America liner, which stopped in Hong Kong and is capable of carrying nearly 3,000 passengers and crew, is believed to have the deadly virus.

Japan is already holding one ship - the Diamond Princess - in quarantine in Yokohama with at least 20 passengers infected.

Passengers on the Westerdam say the ship has already been refused entry to the Philippines and Taiwan over the virus fears.

One tourist, Stephen Hansen, has voiced fears that the ship will endure the same two-week quarantine which Diamond Princess passengers are facing.

In its most recent update, the cruise operator said passengers would now be disembarking in Yokohama rather than in Shanghai as originally planned.

But Japan appears to have wrecked those plans today by announcing that it would use immigration laws to block entry to foreign passengers.

Holland America has also said it is 'closely monitoring the coronavirus situation' amid a growing worldwide health crisis.

'Our medical experts are coordinating closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement recommended screening, prevention and control measures for our ships,' said an earlier statement.

'Guests visiting our onboard medical centres for respiratory illness will be evaluated for coronavirus.

'Robust environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.'

More than 2,600 passengers are confined in their cabins onboard the Diamond Princess, which has been held off the coast of Yokohama since Monday night.

Japan quarantined the ship after an 80-year-old former passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong last month tested positive for the virus.

All the passengers and crew were screened for the virus and hundreds selected for further tests, some of them after showing possible symptoms.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told parliament on Thursday that results for 102 people had now come in, with 20 testings positive.

The quarantined ship has been shuttling between Yokohama Bay and the open sea, where it is collecting seawater to be converted for use in showers and drinking water.

British passenger David Abel has provided regular updates from his ninth-deck cabin with tourists facing another 12 days of quarantine.

Mr Abel yesterday described how luxury dinners had been replaced with rationed food delivered by staff in face masks.





Some passengers have shared pictures of their food including bread rolls with cheese and meat, plates of chicken with rice, and a chocolate dessert.

One cabin had a sign on its door with a request for English Breakfast teabags. 

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, 3,600 people were preparing to spend a second night confined aboard the World Dream after eight former passengers tested positive.

Port health official Leung Yiu Hong said yesterday that more than 30 crew members had symptoms such as fever, coughing or a sore throat.

City health officials in Hong Kong said passengers would only be allowed off the World Dream after tests were completed.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong authorities announced that anyone arriving from the Chinese mainland from Saturday would face a mandatory two-week quarantine.

The move is the city's strictest measure yet amid ongoing strikes calling for the border with mainland China to be completely sealed.

The city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, has suspended some links with the mainland and closed some border crossings but she has left three open.

The health scare comes after months of violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong sparked by fears that its autonomy was being eroded by Beijing. 

Some pro-democracy protesters have come out in support of the strike, with some demonstrations beginning to resemble the wider protests.

The outbreak has rekindled memories in Hong Kong of a 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), another coronavirus that began in China and killed nearly 300 people in the city.

Hong Kong health workers and members of other trade unions have demanded the border with the mainland be completely sealed.

Two dozen countries now have confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus that emerged from a Wuhan market selling exotic animals at the end of last year.

As of Thursday, China had 563 virus deaths and 28,018 confirmed cases on the mainland. Two other virus deaths occurred in Hong Kong and the Philippines.  

Cultural and Culinary Theme Cruises for 2018-19

PHOTO: America's Test Kitchen as seen on Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam. (photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

“America’s Test Kitchen” on Holland America Line

Holland America Line is already heavily featuring its new partnership with “America’s Test Kitchen” aboard its ships and the fleet is set to bring more culinary talent to 2018. A trio of special themed sailings will feature cooking shows and interactive workshops, as well as the opportunity to meet cast members from the television show.

Meet-and-greets will occur at a book signing and reception, while additional events will include a question-and-answer session, presentation on recipe development and kitchen knowledge trivia.

The first theme cruise is scheduled for May 6, 2018, aboard Westerdam’s seven-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary. Showcased on that departure will be Jack Bishop and Bryan Roof. Bishop is the CEO of “America’s Test Kitchen” as well as tasting lab expert and cookbook author. Roof is the executive food editor for “Cook’s Country” magazine and a televised test cook.

The second sailing will depart on July 7, 2018, aboard Zuiderdam’s 14-day Northern Isles circuit. Showcased on the ship will be Bridget Lancaster and Lisa McManus. Lancaster is the executive editor for new media, television, and radio at “America’s Test Kitchen” as well as the television host. McManus is an equipment-testing and ingredient-tasting executive editor at “Cook’s Illustrated” and “Cook’s Country” magazines as well as on-screen gadget expert.

The third voyage will leave on September 22, 2018, aboard Veendam’s seven-day Canada & New England Discovery route. Julia Collin Davison and Rebecca (Becky) Hays will be highlighted. Davison is executive editor for the book division of “America’s Test Kitchen” and television host. Hays is the deputy editor of “Cook’s Illustrated” and “Cook’s Country” magazines plus televised test cook.

Benovia Winery on AmaWaterways

Wine connoisseurs will want to take note that Benovia Winery Proprietors Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane and Wine Educator Peg Melnik will be hosting an AmaWaterways river cruise. From June 29 to July 6, 2018, AmaViola’s seven-night Melodies of the Danube Wine Cruise will set sail from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany.

The 84-stateroom vessel will float down the Danube while guests enjoy Wachau Valley wines as well as Benovia tastings onboard. Other wine experiences will include a "Welcome Aboard" reception, three seminars, social tasting on the Sun Deck and a Wine Dinner hosted by Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane.

The Miami Dolphins on MSC Cruises

On March 17, 2018, MSC Cruises will host the Dolphins Fan Cruise aboard its brand new MSC Seaside. Both Miami Dolphins players and cheerleaders will be on the ship for guests to interact with as part of the three-year partnership between the cruise line and NFL football team.

Onboard for autographs will be Kim Bokamper, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose and Patrick Surtain. Guests can pose and cheer with cheerleaders for photo-ops, while former players will be on hand for Q&A sessions. Cheer squad and mascot T.D. will also present special performances.

The themed fan cruise will be available annually over the three-year span of the collaboration. Also, on April 28, 2018, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will have their annual calendar shoot on the MSC Seaside at its port for guests to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the process and enjoy other hosted programming.

The Quintessential Collection on Ponant

Starting in May 2019, Ponant will offer its Quintessential Collection of themed cruises. “Designed to inspire travellers in destinations,” sailings will showcase onboard speakers and performances as well as shore excursions focused on regional cultures and themes.

—Green and Gentle Lands: Exploring Gardens and Historic Sites, May 14-22, 2019: Retired Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden and internationally recognized horticulturist, Holly Shimizu, will host conversations on the ship. Guests will explore Kew Gardens, Chelsea Physic Garden, and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh for a lunch.

—Sicilian Food and Wine Experience, June 28-July 6, 2019: Travel and food writer for The New York Times and the Financial Times, Mary Taylor Simeti, will lecture onboard. Passengers will discover Palmero and Greek temples, as well as enjoy Wine Spectator-selected wines and pairings with help from regional wine ambassador and educator, Marco Scapagnini.

—Treasures of the Mediterranean World: A Family Learning Adventure, July 15-22, 2019: Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati and Greek archaeology/mythology expert, Kathleen M. Lynch, and host of “Myths & Legends” podcast, Jason Weiser, will chat about local history, literature and culture. The Young Explorers children’s program will encompass photo workshops and a mock Olympics competition.

—History, Art, and Architecture along the North Sea, August 23-September 1, 2019: General Director of the Municipal Museum of Bruges, Till-Holger Borchert, will accompany the trip as guests check out the likes of the Louisiana Museum and Groninger Museum.

—A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean, September 18-27, 2019: Former principal flautist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Michael Parloff, will lead several private recitals featuring flautist Jasmine Choi, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and pianist and composer, Michael Brown. Guests will also see Delphi and the Ancient Theater in Taormina.

— World War II History – From Hong Kong to Japan’s Inland Sea, September 27-October 10, 2019: Expert World War II historian and son of John Bradley—who hoisted the flag on Iwo Jima—James Bradley, will be onboard. Travelers will follow the path of American General Douglas MacArthur and visit Okinawa’s beaches, Mount Fuji and the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

—World Affairs Cruise – Origins of Greek Civilizations, October 9-18. 2019: CNN host and “Washington Post” columnist, Fareed Zakaria, retired US Air Force general and former Director of the CIA, Michael V. Hayden, and internationally best-selling author and columnist for “Harper’s,” Daniel Mendelsohn, will be on hand while guests traverse Athens and Crete.

Seabourn Conversations on Seabourn

Luxury line Seabourn is preparing a series of fresh Seabourn Conversations to host on its upcoming new Seabourn Ovation beginning in May 2018. Included among the special speakers and departures are the following highlights:

—Sir Tim Rice, May 5 - 16: The English author and lyricist have won three each of the Oscars, Golden Globes and Tonys in addition to multiple Grammys. Following his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, he has brought his talents to Seabourn with the wonderful fleet-wide production show, “An Evening with Tim Rice.”

—Dr. Andrew Weil, May 5 - 16: Another contributor to Seabourn’s software is the world-renowned leader and pioneering doctor in the field of integrative medicine who established his "Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil" program onboard all the line’s ships. His holistic treatments can be found at The Onboard Spa by Steiner.

—Michael Teitelbaum, May 26 - June 9; November 14 - December 4: The demographer and historian at Harvard Law School have written more than 10 books as well as pieces for “Foreign Affairs,” “Science,” “The New York Times” and “The Atlantic.”

—Armando Manni, August 4 - 18: The "M" in K+M Extravirgin Chocolate who partnered with Seabourn-favorite Thomas Keller as the “K.” The gourmet and entrepreneur is known for MANNI Oil.

—Grant Harrold October 1-13: Harrold is a broadcaster, commentator, public speaker and butler trainer recognized as "The Royal Butler.”

—Warren Fahey, November 14 - December 4: Fahey is a cultural historian plus author, broadcaster and performer focused on "curious" folklore.

—Dean McFlicker December 4 - 22: McFlicker is an award-winning producer and director having worked on campaigns for “The Voice,” “This Is Us,” “Law and Order,” “America's Got Talent” and more.