Cruise Industry Mourns Loss of Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen

Cruise Industry Mourns Loss of Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen

The cruise industry is mourning the loss of Seabourn’s former Captain Geir-Arne Thue-Nilsen.

His wife, Juvy Thue-Nilsen, announced the news via social media on June 22, 2025.

“With deep sorrow, I share that Geir Arne has passed away peacefully. He is remembered for his kind and gentle heart, his deep love for the sea and animals, and his passion for racing,” Juvy said in the post.

“He had a warm sense of humour, and as a captain, he was both knowledgeable and deeply committed — always looking after his crew with their well-being in mind.”

A friend of the Captain, Eric Goldring, responded to the news in a post that said: “My dear, dear friend and former Seabourn Captain Geir Arne Thue-Nilsen passed away yesterday.”

“He was a captain’s captain, a beloved mentor for those wanting a seaman’s life, a teacher, the kindest of human beings, and a renaissance man without knowing it. He taught me how it should be on a ship, not by lecture, but by example. We sailed from Turkey to the British Isles to Antarctica and more. I hope I continue to do him proud.”

Galveston to Support Cruise Growth with Updated Master Plan

Galveston to Support Cruise Growth with Updated Master Plan

The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees announced plans to fund an updated 20-year Strategic Master Plan and to continue to support the development of additional cruise infrastructure.

According to a press release, the plans were voted on Feb. 6, 2025, and come after a record year for cruise operations in 2024.

As the nation’s 4th-ranked cruise port, Galveston saw 3.4 million passenger movements through its three terminals last year.

The port is set to open a fourth cruise terminal in November, which will serve as a homeport for MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Galveston forecasts more than 400 sailings and almost 3.6 million passenger embarkations and debarkations will take place at the port this year.

The current master plan, adopted by the Wharves Board in 2019, includes plans to double the number of cruise terminals from two to four, to build an internal roadway to accommodate more port traffic and expand its cargo complex.

These major projects are either completed or in various stages of construction, the Galveston Wharves Board said.

“Our updated master plan will look at growth opportunities in all of our business lines – cruise, cargo and commercial,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.

“The board’s unanimous vote to support cruise infrastructure growth reflects the economic benefits that our cruise business provides and allows us to continue to invest in our cargo business,” he added.

The port’s cruise industry is a major economic engine for local and regional businesses, the Galveston Wharves Board said.

In 2023, cruise operations generated 4,547 jobs for Galveston area residents, $733 million in business revenues, $291 million in personal income and $25 million in state and local taxes.

“The updated master plan will evaluate all that we’ve accomplished to date and lay a foundation for continued growth based on new cruise and cargo forecasts and port and community goals,” Rees said.

“The master plan has served us well. It’s been our roadmap for major capital projects to grow our business and maximize port assets while managing potential community impacts.”

According to the Galveston Wharves Board, much has changed in the last five years, with the cruise business growing faster than forecast and construction costs continuing to rise.

“A big focus in the master plan update will be how we can continue to efficiently manage traffic on and around Harborside Drive as our cruise, cargo and commercial businesses grow. Our current master plan includes a 2.25-mile-long internal roadway, cueing lanes at cruise terminals and on-site parking garages,” Rees added.

The port also wants the updated plan to consider locations for the USS Texas, public areas on the waterfront and safely connecting the port’s waterfront commercial areas to downtown.

Several items in the current plan will be addressed, including dock and wharf improvements, development potential for port acreage on Pelican Island, drainage improvements and a public boardwalk, to name a few.

Master plan consultants from Bermello Ajamil and Partners Inc. will evaluate these projects, update cost estimates and identify new opportunities.

Consultants will hold workshops and public meetings to gather input from Wharves Board members, port partners and the community.

“Armed with this information, we’ll be prepared to continue to maximize our port assets and remain a strong community asset,” Rees said.

 

Crew Advocate Pushes for Monthly Full Day Off

Crew Advocate Pushes for Monthly Full Day Off

Crew advocate Rinell Banda has called on cruise lines to implement a full day off for all crew members, according to a post from CrewCenter.

Founder of Buhay Sa Cruise Ship and a social media influencer with over 900,000 followers, Banda proposed the initiative after hearing concerns from thousands of cruise ship crew members on his platforms.

The initiative aims to help crew recharge, increase productivity and ultimately enhance the guest experience.

In a video shared on his page, Banda called for action, stating, “To all the amazing CEOs of the cruise ship industry, I have a suggestion that could transform the lives of our hard-working crew members and make our ships even more efficient and happier places to work: implementing a day off at least once a month for all crew members.”

Currently, most crew members only receive partial time off. Banda suggests a full day off each month to address these challenges.

“Think about it: Happy crew members lead to happy guests. It’s a win-win for everyone! So, to all the cruise ship CEOs out there: Let’s lead by example and set a new standard in the maritime industry. One day off a month can make all the difference. Your crew, your strength. Let’s give them the break they deserve,” concludes Banda.

Crew Center has supported the proposal, highlighting its potential benefits for crew members and the cruise industry as a whole.

 

After Record 2022, No Cruise Ships Have Been Scrapped in 2023

After Record 2022, No Cruise Ships Have Been Scrapped in 2023

Disney Dream photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr Photos)

After reaching record levels in 2022, the number of cruise ships being sold for scrapping has come to a halt.

According to the latest edition of the Cruise Ship Secondhand Market Report by Cruise Industry News, not a single cruise ship has been sold to the breaking yards in 2023.

With data dating back to 1977, the special report includes a list of key vessels withdrawn from the global market every year.

In 2022 a total of 18 cruise ships were dismantled. Following a trend that started in the early days of the pandemic, the year set a record for recycling yards.

The number of cruise ships being sold to the breakers saw a significant uptick during the health emergency that started in 2020.

While just a single ship had been scrapped in 2019, a total of 38 were demolished over the next three years.

According to the Cruise Ship Secondhand Market Report by Cruise Industry News, the ships dismantled during the period were also newer.

The average age of the ships that were scrapped between 2020 and 2022 was 37, compared to 43 between 2017 and 2019.

Carnival Cruise Line was one of the companies that sent more ships to the scrapyards during the pandemic, with a total of six ships dismantled between 2020 and 2022.

After ceasing operations in the period, Pullmantur Cruceros, Cruise & Maritime Voyages and Star Cruises also sent a total of eight ships for recycling.

Other companies that sold vessels to the ship-breaking yards include Seajets, New Century Cruise Lines, Marella Cruises, Peace Boat Organization and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

Updated in September, the Cruise Ship Secondhand Market Report by Cruise Industry News also includes all the latest vessel transactions, all based on fully independent research.

Greenock Ocean Terminal Gears up for Record Cruise Ship Year

Greenock Ocean Terminal Gears up for Record Cruise Ship Year

Scotland’s Greenock Ocean Terminal is preparing for the busiest year ever with 91 cruise ships scheduled to arrive throughout 2023.

According to a press release, this number represents a rise of over 25 per cent compared to last year. Greenock will welcome a total of 150,000 passengers and 38,000 crew members over the course of this year.

Jim McSporran, Clydeport port director at Peel Ports said: “We’re extremely proud to be announcing a record cruise year for Greenock Ocean Terminal.

“Welcoming cruise liners to Greenock is a hugely important aspect of our port offering and we’re delighted that we continue to attract and grow cruise numbers to the region.

“This increase in tourism will benefit visitor attractions and businesses across Inverclyde and central Scotland, and we look forward to welcoming these visitors across the season.”

“In an effort to showcase the port as the cruise gateway to the West Coast of Scotland, this year we are also investing in a promotional campaign to feature at the global cruise industry’s key annual gathering in the U.S.”

This year will be the second full season for the port since COVID-19 put a halt on the cruise industry. The port expects the completion of a new £19.2 million cruise ship visitor centre this year. The project is led by Inverclyde Council and is part of the £1 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the Scottish and UK governments.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The cruise sector here in Inverclyde continues to go from strength to strength and I’m delighted that this year is set to be the busiest yet with record numbers of ships and passengers, as well as a substantial number of crew visiting these shores.

“It’s timely that with 2023 shaping up to be a bumper year for cruise calls that the finishing touches are being put on our new state-of-the-art Greenock cruise ship visitor centre which will provide our guests from around the world with a first-class welcome to Inverclyde and the west coast of Scotland.

“While we can all look forward to seeing some of the largest and most luxurious ships grace these shores over the coming months, with upwards of 200,000 people expected onboard those vessels there are also economic opportunities there for local businesses as visitors look to discover Inverclyde and the many great things we have to offer.”

Last year, Clydeport welcomed 71 cruise calls, including. Among the ships to visit the port this year are the MSC Virtuosa, one of the biggest ships to dock at the terminal.

Costa and AIDA Eye Methanol With New Agreement

Costa and AIDA Eye Methanol With New Agreement

Costa Group and the leading methanol producer, Proman, have signed an MOU to drive further the implementation of methanol as a marine fuel for the cruise industry, according to a press release.

The partnership aims to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonization of the existing fleet for Costa and AIDA by enhancing the supply of sustainable methanol, paving the way for the retrofitting of existing vessels to operate on clean fuel, as well as investment in further methanol-fueled new builds.

“The technology to retrofit a vessel to accept methanol as a fuel is available today. Our methanol products can facilitate the transition to low-carbon intensity fuels. Methanol-powered vessels have a proven track record of reducing and eliminating major greenhouse gas emissions, delivering immediate air quality improvements around major ports and shipping lanes. We are excited to bring our expertise along the full methanol value chain to help deliver on Costa Group’s bold ambitions,” said Tim Cornelius, Proman’s Managing Director of Corporate Development.

“We are reducing the carbon footprint of our fleet while at the port and at sea, investing in advanced environmental technologies and partnering with companies such as Proman who share a passion for the sustainable energy transition. By enabling cruise ships to use methanol as a propulsion fuel, Costa follows the ambition to take the next big step towards GHG-neutral operations of our fleet by 2050,” added Dr Christoph Schladoer, VP of Decarbonization Costa Group.

The city of Liverpool turn to the Cruise Industry for floating hotels for the EuroVision 23

Celebrity Silhouette berthed in the city of Liverpool Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr) 

Cruise ships are being considered as alternative accommodation options for those travelling to Liverpool for Eurovision 2023 after the city’s hotels begin to sell out, according to reports in the national press.

Within minutes of the announcement, many of Liverpool’s hotels were reportedly fully booked on 13 May, including all of the city’s Premier Inns and Travelodge hotels.

 

According to ITV, some city-centre rooms and apartments were available on Booking.com, with the cost of a one-night stay ranging between £855 and £1,444.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: "I’m disappointed with some accommodation providers who have hiked prices.

 

"That’s normal, apparently after the initial announcement. We had planned for this and are looking at alternative arrangements including a cruise ship and campsites."

Speaking to BBC News, Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, said the city will release more accommodation options "soon".

 

"That could involve cruise ships or opportunities around a campsite, but we do have a pretty robust plan," he added.

 

"We will certainly be addressing [hotels who have hiked their prices] who we feel are put together, or behaving in a way that we would not say is in the spirit of the ethos of why Liverpool went for Eurovision."

Harry Sommer: Norwegian Prima Reimagines the Cruise Industry

Harry Sommer: Norwegian Prima Reimagines the Cruise Industry

The new Norwegian Prima is helping to reimagine the cruise industry, according to Harry Sommer, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, speaking on the ship in New York City on Thursday.

“When we sat down in 2017 to decide what we wanted the next class of ship to be, we surveyed the universe and started primarily with what NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) had in its offering at the time,” he said.

That offering ranged from 2,000-guest ships to the Jewel class at 2,400, then ships in the high 3,000-guest range and up.

“We thought there was a gap as we had nothing between the Jewel class at 2,400 and the Epic, Breakaway- and Breakaway-plus class ships. We thought this would be a perfect thing to fill out our portfolio,” Sommer said, noting the Prima was “97 per cent perfect” and the company would make some minor adjustments on the Viva when it debuts in 2023.

Of note, Sommer pointed to the largest bathrooms the company has ever put in its staterooms and the largest balcony cabins as well.

“Different ship class sizes can go to different ports. There are different customers in our base and we appeal to a wide range of guests … we also wanted to reimagine the cruise industry.”

Thus, working with President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Frank Del Rio, the idea was to build a ship that didn’t look like a cruise ship but was more similar to a high-end hotel.

“Part of that required us not to have those larger spaces, so we have smaller intimate spaces. There are no venues where you are with 500 or 600 people,” Sommer said.

“It was a little bit of a risk as all our competition keeps getting bigger and bigger. That is okay and there is a market for that too, but we did not want to create something that looked like a large indoor shopping mall.”

With the Norwegian Prima entering service in 2022, the Viva follows in 2023 and four more sister vessels are on order for Norwegian Cruise Line at Fincantieri through 2027.

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."

 

Virgin’s Scarlet Lady Completes First Year in Service

Virgin’s Scarlet Lady Completes First Year in Service

Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady. completes its first year in service today.

After being delivered in early 2020, the 2,770-guest vessel saw its debut season postponed by over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the entire cruise industry entering a global pause over the health emergency, the ship only received its first paying guests on August 6, 2021.

During the day, the Scarlet Lady departed Portsmouth, England, for a three-night ocean getaway.

Five additional UK sailings followed before the 140,000-ton vessel crossed the Atlantic for its inaugural season in the United States.

In September, the ship docked in New York City before arriving in Miami – its original homeport.

Over 18 months after the initial plans, the Scarlet Lady finally kicked off its inaugural voyage from PortMiami on October 6, 2021.

The vessel then started to offer a year-round program of four- and five-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with visits to Costa Maya, Amber Cove, Bimini and more.

Designed to reflect the sleek luxury of a yacht, the Scarlet Lady offers, according to Virgin, the intimate and elevated experience of a boutique hotel at sea.

An adults-only ship, it has over 20 dining venues, in addition to many entertainment options. One of the highlights is the vessel’s theatre, known as The Red Room.

Considered a transformational multi-form showroom, the area can be used with four different configurations - a traditional Proscenium stage, an alley stage used in fashion shows, a dance flat-floor configuration and a reverse stage setup.

Another unique feature is The Manor, a two-story, 1970s-style nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business.

Following the Scarlet Lady, a second cruise ship - the Valiant Lady - entered service for Virgin Voyages in March 2022.

Two additional vessels – the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady – are also set to debut for the brand in 2023.

Virgin Voyages has delayed the launch of its third ship Resilient Lady

The vessel had been scheduled to operate from Athens from mid-August

The vessel has been scheduled to operate from Athens from mid-August but will now not launch until the second quarter of 2023.

 

Virgin Voyages said the delay at the yard in Genoa “was not anticipated”, adding: “Resilient Lady will remain in Genoa getting onboard work completed, hitting the high seas next spring.”

 

It added: “Virgin Voyages did not land on this decision lightly, and despite making tremendous strides alongside the cruise industry as a whole, the brand is not immune to the global challenges the world is facing. 

 

“This includes supply chain obstacles, a level of regional uncertainty for international travellers in countries in Eastern Europe, crewing challenges based on government regulations and restrictive Covid entry requirements back into the US.” 

 

Passengers and agents are due to be informed of refunds and compensation advice in the next few days.

 

This includes a 200% Future Voyage Credit (FVC) or a full refund of the amount paid, plus 25% FVC.

 

Those that choose the 200% FVC and rebook in 2022 will get the option of another free voyage, excluding taxes and fees. There will also be assisted with travel changes and penalties.

 

Agents will have their commission protected on funds already paid. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals NFT Collection

Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals NFT Collection

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced it will sail into the Metaverse with the launch of the cruise industry’s first collection of NFTs.

The company said it will open for auction and sale a collection of six NFTs to celebrate the launch of the company’s Norwegian Prima Class on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 9 a.m. ET on NCL’s soon to launch online NFT marketplace.

The NFT art pieces were created by Manuel Di Rita, widely known as "Peeta," the Italian artist who designed the hull art on the Norwegian Prima and her sister vessel Norwegian Viva.

The first of the six art pieces will be auctioned at the starting rate of $2,500, with the remaining NFTs sold for prices beginning at $250.

The winner of the auction will also be awarded a balcony stateroom on one of Norwegian Prima’s U.S. inaugural voyages, setting sail from the brand's new PortMiami terminal.

"We are so excited to partner with Peeta on this first for our brand and for the industry," said President and CEO Harry Sommer. "Peeta is a talented artist who has brought the magic and beauty of the ocean to our ships, so we are happy to share this with our guests and to donate the proceeds of this new venture to Teach For America, an organization and a cause very near and dear to our hearts."

The first piece in the NFT collection resembles the hull art of the Norwegian Prima and provides the buyer with an opportunity to own a piece of the Norwegian Prima for years to come.

The additional five NFT pieces showcase some of the innovative 3D designs often depicted in Peeta’s works and will be featured aboard Norwegian Prima including in the ship’s three-level Penrose Atrium.

"We strive to adopt the most cutting-edge technology at Norwegian Cruise Line and strongly believe that providing our guests the opportunity to own digital assets that connect them with an unforgettable cruise experience is an essential step forward," says Scott Piccolo, Chief Digital Experience Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). "We are incredibly proud to work with Peeta on the cruise industry’s first-ever NFT collection."

All proceeds from the NFT auction and sales will be donated to Teach For America. Teach For America finds, develops, and supports a network of leaders who expand opportunities for children from classrooms, schools, and every sector and field that shapes the broader systems in which schools operate. 

Senator Blumenthal Takes Aim at Cruise Industry

St. Kitts Britannia, Allure and Oasis of the seas in port. Photo credit Spacejunkie2

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal has taken aim at the cruise industry this week, posting on Twitter that "cruise are repeating history" again as operators deal with coronavirus issues aboard.

"Our warnings have proved sadly prescient & continuously compelling. Time for CDC & cruise lines to protect consumers & again pause—docking their ships.," the Senator said in a Twitter post. "Cruises are repeating recent history as Petri-dishes of COVID infection."

The Twitter post comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its cruise ship colour status tracker.

Eighty-six ships were reported in "yellow status" on Tuesday, meaning reported cases of COVID-19 aboard have met the threshold for CDC investigation.

Norwegian Dawn Met by Protesters in Key West

The Norwegian Dawn was met by a group of protesters when it called in Key West, Florida on Dec. 9.

The protesters are part of the Safer, Cleaner Ships (SCS) movement, which aims to uphold the wishes of the Key West locals who voted in favour of limiting persons disembarking from cruise ships to 1,500 persons per day.

63.34 per cent of voters indicated that desire during the 2020 election in the city, which also held a referendum on three cruise industry-related issues that day.

That was later essentially overturned by a Florida Senate transportation bill that declared “any local ballot initiative or referendum may not restrict maritime commerce.”

"Large cruise ships like Norwegian Dawn are just too big for our shallow channel and harbour. Every time one of these ships comes in, they drag the seafloor and leave a silt plume that runs from the reef to the harbour,” said Arlo Haskell, SCS treasurer.

“We have a lot of active boaters in Key West and everyone here knows this is way outside the bounds of responsible navigation. It is illegal propeller dredging and it violates water quality standards established under the US Clean Water Act and Florida law. Someone needs to step in and do something to stop these illegal acts. Until then, the protests will continue."

The 2,200-passenger Norwegian Dawn is operating a 12-night round Caribbean itinerary from/to Tampa.

Carnival Sunrise Makes First Cruise Call in Jamaica Since 2020

The Carnival Sunrise arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, today, marking the line’s first time back to Jamaica in 17 months, according to a press release. 

The arrival also represents the reopening of cruising in Jamaica as it is the first cruise ship to call on a Jamaican port since the cruise industry paused operations in March 2020.

Carnival Sunrise’s leadership team joined local officials for a ceremonial plaque exchange to commemorate their return. Ocho Rios is among the featured ports on the ship’s five-day Caribbean cruise that departed PortMiami on August 14.
“We are delighted to be the first cruise ship to return to Jamaica and to offer guests an opportunity to experience all of the country’s beauty,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “On behalf of Carnival, I would like to personally thank the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and our partners for working with us to bring safe cruising back to Jamaica.”

“I am very pleased to announce that Jamaica has finally seen the return of cruise today with the arrival of Carnival Sunrise. We welcome this resumption as we know that thousands of Jamaicans depend on the cruise shipping industry, and it will have a positive impact on our economy overall,” added Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

U.S. Court Rules for CDC in DeSantis Cruise Lawsuit

The U.S. Court of Appeals has voted to stay a judge’s decision ruling that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot enforce the Conditional Sail Order after July 18.

In short, it’s a win for the CDC and a loss for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who nearly prevailed in his lawsuit against the CDC’s treatment of the cruise industry in Florida. 

In June, DeSantis had appeared to have won his legal battle, at the time saying that "The CDC has been wrong all along, and they knew it. The CDC and the Biden Administration concocted a plan to sink the cruise industry, hiding behind bureaucratic delay and lawsuits. Today, we are securing this victory for Florida families, for the cruise industry, and for every state that wants to preserve its rights in the face of unprecedented federal overreach.”

The CDC appealed the decision, leading to the July 17 ruling. 

For now, the CDC’s Conditional Sail Order regulating the cruise industry and making it challenging to operate will remain in place.

The one-paragraph decision from a three-judge panel was reportedly issued late Saturday night, minutes before a July 18 deadline.

Florida Wins Court Case Against CDC to Lift Conditional Sail Order

Celebrity Edge entering Fort Lauderdale for the first time.

The State of Florida has prevailed in its injunction against the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lift the Conditional Sail Order (CSO) that has been restricting the cruise industry since October 2020.

A court essentially ruled in favour of Florida that the CSO exceeds the CDC's "statutory and regulatory authority."

Florida’s motion for a preliminary injunction is now granted and the CDC is now preliminarily enjoined from enforcing the CSO against a cruise ship arriving in, within, or departing from a port in Florida. The injunction stays until July 18, at which time the CSO will only stay as a non-binding consideration, recommendation or guideline.

The court also noted the CDC may propose a “narrower injunction” no later than July 2. Both parties are also being ordered back to the mediation table.

The case was brought forward by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

"Today’s ruling is a victory for Floridians whose livelihoods depend on the cruise industry," said Moody in a statement. "The federal government does not have the authority to single out and lockdown an entire industry indefinitely."

Florida Eyeing Legal Options to Restart Cruise Industry

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody are keeping all options open to restart the cruise industry in Florida, and are discussing legal strategies, said the Governor, speaking at Port Canaveral during a roundtable discussion on Friday.

“The Attorney General and I have been discussing what potential options we have on the legal side,” he said.

“Let’s appeal to the CDC and let’s try to get the guidance without having to go down that road,” he said. “Obviously at some point, we need a way forward.”

DeSantis noted a strong effort in 2020 to lift the CDC’s No Sail Order, and admitted he thought they had a plan in place to have it lifted by the end of the year.

“The previous administration was supportive of doing it, but the CDC was not. I think what we’ve seen is a continuation of that,” said DeSantis.

"If you keep this No Sail Order in place, Americans are still going to be taking cruises, they are just going to be taking them from the Bahamas or Bermuda," he added.

CRUISE INDUSTRY REPORT GIVES UPBEAT OUTLOOK DESPITE PANDEMIC

Two-thirds of those who take cruises are willing to do so again within the next year, new Clia research has found.

The US-based association’s 2021 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook also found 58% of those who had never cruised were likely to “in the next few years”.

 

Clia members plan to debut 16 new ocean ships in 2021, resulting in a total of 270 Clia Cruise Line ocean ships in operation by the end of next year.

 

The report confirms North America as the biggest market, accounting for 15.4 million passengers cruising in 2019, out of a total of 29.7 million passengers worldwide.

 

“For the cruise community, there is no denying that 2020 was not the year we anticipated,” said Kelly Craighead, Clia president and chief executive.

 

The report highlighted the jobs impact of Covid-19. It estimates that in 2020, every 1% loss of cruisers resulted in a reduction of 9,100 industry-related jobs.

 

“Each day of the suspension caused direct and indirect industry losses of 2,500 jobs,” the report said.

 

The impact on destinations was also investigated, with passengers spending an average $385 in port cities before boarding a cruise and $100 in each port destination during a voyage.

P&O Australia Expecting 'Rebound' of Local Cruise Industry

P&O Cruises Australia earlier this week announced the next stage of its fleet transformation with both the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter (ahead of schedule), arriving in the first half of 2021 in a mark of confidence in the expected rebound of the local cruise industry, according to the company.

The ships are the current Golden and Star Princess. The Pacific Adventure will begin sailing from Sydney on April 30 next year and the delivery of Pacific Encounter is being brought forward by at least six months to ensure the local fleet is poised to drive the resurgence of cruising at the right time, the company said.

The Pacific Encounter is scheduled to call Brisbane home from May 7, 2021 – but additional voyages may be added even earlier, depending on the timing of the return of cruising in Australia.

“The arrival of these much-anticipated ships, Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, in the first half of next year represents a step-change for the fleet and a sign of confidence in the market,” P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said.

“This investment in our fleet is a demonstration that P&O Cruises Australia is ready to lead the industry in bouncing back when government and public health authorities agree it is appropriate to begin sailing again with protocols in place.

“It is also a mark of respect for our many loyal guests as well as crew, fresh food suppliers, entertainers and musicians, shore tour operators and port logistics partners who are looking to be a part of the resurgence of the Australian cruise sector over time.

“These have been challenging times for the entire community and, for our part, we have sought to use this operational pause to fast-track our planned fleet refresh. Our pathway to a return to cruising may be unclear but we wanted to give our guests confidence about our future fleet and our commitment to Australia and New Zealand,”  Myrmell said.

Key Takeaways: 

• The Pacific Adventure will call Sydney home. Her first voyage is a three-night Short Break scheduled for April 30, 2021.
• The Pacific Adventure was originally planned to debut in November this year but was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
• Brisbane’s new international cruise terminal will become the new homeport for the Pacific Encounter. At this stage, her first voyage is scheduled to depart Brisbane on May 7, 2021, and is a three-night Short Break. Additional voyages may be added earlier, the company said.
• The Pacific Explorer will be homeporting from Auckland, New Zealand from February 6, 2021, to her last voyage on April 25, 2021.

The company, citing COVID-19, also said the waterslides will be installed at a later date.