P&O Cruises has dropped its Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements

P&O Britannia in the Caribbean, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

In a statement posted on its website, the line confirmed it is no longer mandatory for guests to show proof of full vaccination or a pre-departure test. 

 

However, cruise J301 – Arcadia’s World Cruise, Classic Southern Hemisphere Journeys or Exotic fly-cruises – will still require Covid measures. 

 

While vaccination is no longer required for the majority of the line’s cruises, it still "highly recommends" all guests are up-to-date with Covid vaccinations and boosters when eligible and where available.

 

"If you’re displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to your holiday, we highly recommend that you take a Covid-19 test before you travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative," P&O Cruises said.

 

"If you’re symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that you declare this to terminal or check-in staff."

NCL REINTRODUCES COVID-19 TESTS FOR GUESTS EMBARKING IN CHINA

Norwegian Star arriving in Liverpool photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Norwegian Cruise Line has reintroduced Covid-19 testing for all guests who have visited mainland China 10 days before embarkation as cases in the country continue to rise.

The move comes as a result of growing concerns regarding the virus in China, as well as recently implemented travel restrictions by countries including the UK and the US.

 

Between 5-31 January, guests who have visited mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau within 10 days prior to embarkation will be required to submit proof of a negative medically supervised PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the beginning of travel to the port.

 

This also applies to guests transiting through an airport in one of the countries within 10 days prior to embarkation.

Additionally, guests will be required to take a medically supervised PCR test at the port within eight hours of embarkation and will be required to test onboard the ship every 48 hours until 10 days have passed from their last time in China, Hong Kong, or Macau.

Passengers must also be fully vaccinated and boosted with a World Health Organization-approved vaccine prior to embarkation.

It comes after the EU recommended all passengers travelling from China to the EU should be required to provide evidence of a recent negative test for Covid-19.

 

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson this week said the restrictions being imposed on travellers from China "lacked scientific basis", adding the Chinese government would now consider reciprocal countermeasures.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Lifts COVID Restrictions for Cruise Passengers

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Lifts COVID Restrictions for Cruise Passengers

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has removed COVID protocols for cruise passengers for the 2022-23 season, according to a press release.

Carlos James, the tourism minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, made the announcement to stakeholders this week, during the 28th Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference in the Dominican Republic.

“In spite of the many challenges encountered in the last two cruise seasons, from a global health pandemic to the eruption of our country’s La Soufriere volcano, your strategic partnership allowed us to navigate those turbulent times,” commented James on the decision.

In addition, the tourism minister assured stakeholders and leaders in the cruise industry that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be risk-free and safe to visit during the 2022–2023 cruise season.

Following a period of low infections globally and low COVID-related admissions to the island's medical facilities, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has decided to relax its health protocols for arriving cruise passengers, claims the tourism minister.

The multi-island State put protocols in place to help cruise travellers during the most recent cruise season, including safe zones set up for vaccinated cruise travellers. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will replace these protocols with more relaxed health regulations for the upcoming 2022–2023 cruise season, allowing unvaccinated passengers to visit the area for the first time in two years.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drops COVID-19 Testing, Masking and More

Norwegian Cruise Line Drops COVID-19 Testing, Masking and More

Norwegian Jade Photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective on October 4, 2022.

Given the significant, positive progress in the public health environment, the Cruise Line updated its health and safety guidelines, which are now more aligned with other global travel organizations, the company said in a press release.

"Health and safety are always our first priority; in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic," said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. "Many travellers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return."

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

Transport Canada has announced that starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea, according to a statement.

Prior to this cruise guests were required to download and use the ArriveCAN app and provide proof of vaccination plus a negative COVID-19 test result. 

“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”

According to Transport Canada, a set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

Disney Cruise Drops Vaccination for the Under 12's

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean Lifts all Vaccination Requirements for European Sailings. 

Independence of the Seas in Southampton, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Royal Caribbean International will not require guests to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on certain sailings from next month.

From 5 September, passengers sailing on all European cruises and select US ports - Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans - will only be asked to disclose their vaccination status during check-in. Still, it will not be mandatory in order to board.

 

The line’s pre-cruise testing protocols will remain the same. 

 

Royal said it recommends all eligible guests are fully vaccinated and advised passengers to bring proof of vaccination with them should local authorities or businesses in specific destinations ask to see it.

 

In some destinations, guests will be required to prove their vaccination status in order to go ashore. In contrast, unvaccinated passengers and those not up to date with their vaccinations may need to undergo additional testing at their own expense to go ashore and disembark at the end of their cruise.

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.

CDC Ends COVID-19 Program For Cruise Ships

CDC Ends COVID-19 Program For Cruise Ships

Centres for Disease Control and Prevent

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevent on Monday ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships.

"New guidance for cruise ships to mitigate and manage COVID-19 transmission will be available in the coming days," the CDC said in a statement on its website.

While no guidance was immediately available, this would point to cruise line's being able to set their own vaccination and testing rules for ships operating or calling in U.S. ports.

The CDC will also reportedly stop tracking COVID-19 cases on cruise ships, having launched a dashboard earlier this year.

The CDC's Program for Cruise Ships replaced the previous Conditional Sail Order, which went through multiple revisions that led to the industry's 2021 restart in North America. That Order had replaced the original No Sail Order that was issued in March 2020.

Carnival Brands to Relax Covid Mask Wearing Protocols.

Carnival Corporation has confirmed its cruise brands will opt into new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Covid protocols when operating in the US.

From 1 March, masks will be recommended but not mandatory onboard Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Princess Cruises voyages, although they may be needed for certain venues and events.

 

Carnival Cruise Line said it will continue to meet the standard of vaccinated cruises, but children under five would not be included in any vaccinated guest calculation and will not be required to receive an exemption to sail. The brand said it would also allow “additional flexibility” in pre-cruise testing requirements.

 

President Christine Duffy said: “The public health situation has continued to improve, providing confidence about these changes. Our protocols will evolve as we continue to remain dedicated to protecting the public health of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.”

Princess president John Padgett added: “Princess has proven cruise vacations are safe and healthy for our guests and teams. Going forward, Princess is prepared to adjust operating protocols to ensure our guests have amazing vacations while always protecting the safety of our guests, team members and destinations.

 

"We appreciate the ongoing collaboration among multiple government agencies as well as the support of Alaska officials and other delegations.”

NCL has cancelled cruises on seven ships

Cruise line NCL has cancelled cruises on seven ships over the next few weeks, due to ongoing travel restrictions implemented to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

The line said in a statement: “The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our number one priority. Due to ongoing travel restrictions, a select number of sailings across the fleet have been affected.”

NCL has announced that cruises on the following ships will be cancelled:

Norwegian Pearl - cruise departures up to and including 14 January 2022
Norwegian Sky - cruises up to and including 25 February 2022
Pride of America - cruises up to and including 26 February 2022
Norwegian Jade - cruises up to and including 3 March 2022
Norwegian Star - cruises up to and including 19 March 2022
Norwegian Sun - cruises up to and including 19 April 2022
Norwegian Spirit - cruises up to and including 23 April 2022

The line said that affected passengers would automatically receive a refund of their cruise fare.

They will also be given a future cruise credit (FCC) offering a 10% discount to be used on new bookings. This will be added to guests’ accounts from Friday (7 January) and can be used for bookings made up to 7 January 2023 for sailings through 31 May 2023.

NCL added that cruises on its other ships were currently going ahead as planned but warned some itineraries may have to be modified due to new Covid-19 rules and restrictions.

“As the global public health environment continues to rapidly evolve and destinations around the world modify their travel requirements or implement new travel restrictions, it is possible that itineraries may need to be modified,” advised the line.

COVID Outbreak Ends Voyage For Thousands Already Aboard Cruise Ship

The German operator of a cruise ship that has been stuck in Lisbon’s port due to an outbreak of the coronavirus among its crew pulled the plug on the voyage on Sunday after some passengers tested positive, port authorities said.

The AIDAnova, with 2,844 passengers and 1,353 crew onboard docked in Lisbon on Dec. 29 while en route to the island of Madeira for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but was unable to continue the journey after 52 cases of COVID-19 were detected among the fully-vaccinated crew.

It had been allowed to leave port and head to the Spanish island of Lanzarote on Sunday, but now another 12 people have tested positive, including four passengers, captain of the port Diogo Vieira Branco told TSF radio.

“The company’s protocol was immediately actioned, with those infected, who are asymptomatic or displaying light symptoms, immediately isolated on the ship … and the company decided to end the cruise and disembark the passengers,” he said.

The passengers would be transported home by air, he added, without specifying when.

The company, AIDA Cruises, which is a subsidiary of Carnival Corp, did not reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Reuters footage showed passengers still enjoying the afternoon sun on decks with their drinks, and local media said the disembarking would begin after 6 a.m. on Monday.

The crew who had tested positive between Wednesday and Friday were transferred to Lisbon hotels and were in isolation there.

On Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised people to avoid travelling on cruise ships regardless of their vaccination status.

The move delivered another blow to the industry that only returned to the seas in June after a months-long suspension of voyages caused by the pandemic.

P&O cruise changes its Vaccination rules.

P&O Cruises is changing its vaccination policy for all Caribbean holidays on Britannia and Azura with all passengers now needing to be fully vaccinated.

The line’s president Paul Ludlow said its Covid-19 protocols “needed to evolve to the changing public health situation” which had prompted the change in policy.

 

“Given the long-haul destinations, the number of ports of call in different countries, combined with the current health protocols and entry requirements in the Caribbean, all guests of all ages will need to be fully vaccinated in order to travel on any Caribbean holiday up to and including 27 March 2022,” said Ludlow.

 

“This policy will also include our long Caribbean cruises on Ventura and Aurora leaving in January and February next year.

 

“As always, our priority is the health and well-being of all on board and we will contact those guests who may be affected by this change."

The change comes as P&O Cruises prepares to restart cruises on Ventura, which will become the brand’s third ship to resume international trips on Sunday (3 October).

 

Ventura is setting sail for the Canary Islands on its restart cruise as P&O sees more demand for international voyages. The ship joins Iona and Britannia, which sailed around the UK during the summer before restarting international itineraries last month.

 

P&O plans to have four ships in operation by the end of the year with Azura due to resume operations in December 2021 when it joins Britannia for the Caribbean winter season.

 

The brand has previously announced plans to operate its full fleet of six ships by spring 2022 when Arcadia and Aurora will begin sailing again.

 

“Ventura’s international restart is the result of guest confidence in cruising and is the very latest stage of P&O Cruises sailing resumption as we work towards the return of our full fleet in spring 2022,” added Ludlow.

 

“Due to demand and the resounding endorsement of the first international holidays on Iona and Britannia we’ve opened up increased capacity to holiday with us.

“We’re proud to have four ships sailing internationally this year giving our guests a greater choice of where and when they travel with P&O Cruises for winter sun."

Ventura is sailing on 12-night winter-sun trips to Spain and Portugal before a 35-night round-trip itinerary from Southampton to the Caribbean departing on 3 January 2022.

Crew Members Go Months Without Shore Leave During Pandemic

Some crew members working back onboard have not stepped a foot ashore for months, according to Cruise Industry News’ research.

Employees of AIDA, Norwegian Cruise Line and Marella Cruises, and other major cruise lines have said on the grounds of anonymity that they have largely not been allowed to leave the cruise ship they’re working on, with one crew member admitting that this left him feeling “pretty depressed.” Some crew interviewed asked not to identify their ships or employers. 

An employee working on the Norwegian Jade said that he and his fellow crew members have been on board for two months with only one shore leave – for vaccination purposes.

“We left the ship escorted with busses to get our vaccinations done where there were military police. Once vaccinations got done, we were escorted back to our bus to go straight back to the ship,” he said.

“Everyone was assigned to a group with a leader and counted before (boarding) the bus and on the bus,” he added.

However, according to him, Norwegian's no-shore-leave policy will be re-evaluated once the ship cruises with guests for two months.

“Shore leave might be discussed,” he said. “If a crew member is coming to travel, bring a long lens camera because right now it’s about staying healthy while supporting our families.”

A crew member with a major cruise line also said that he was not allowed to go onshore.

“Before the pandemic, crew shore leave was allowed whenever crew member was off duty, with shuttle buses organized more or less every 30 minutes, or you could go on your own,” he explained.

An employee working on a Marella cruise ship for the last two months said that he was lucky to be able to go ashore before shore leave was banned entirely.

“I have been ashore once for 30 mins, which was strictly to buy essentials and come straight back. Shortly after, shore leave was banned entirely by the company because they are restarting operations soon, and they worry that if a crew member brought COVID onboard they wouldn’t be able to have passengers,” he said.

“I’ll be on board for another few months but highly doubt I’ll be able to go ashore again,” he added.

According to him, prior to the pandemic, crew members could go ashore “more or less every day.” Not being able to leave the ship, as well as lack of socialization, is making crew members “pretty depressed,” he said.

However, other crew members were more optimistic.

“Shopping-wise, the cruise lines have brought the necessities onboard to purchase. They also have agreements with Amazon and port agents so that you can still purchase personal items online. Ships need to stay in the guidelines right now in order to keep us up and running,” one crew member said.

Disney Gets Approval for 'Test Cruise' with Volunteers

Disney Cruise Line will conduct a test and simulation cruise for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with volunteer guests aboard the 2010-built Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral for a two-night cruise.

Disney follows Royal Caribbean International as the second cruise line to get CDC approval for the test cruise option, which will lead to letting a ship operating with non-vaccinated passengers under health and safety protocols. 

For cruise lines opting to require 98 per cent of guests and 95 per cent of the crew to be vaccinated for COVID-19, there is no test cruise requirement and fewer regulations. However, some brands appear to be set to have some ships go through CDC certification to have more non-vaccinated guests to target family travel.

In a letter sent out Thomas Mazloum, President of Disney Signature Experiences announced the news in a letter.

"We now have the green light to conduct our two-night simulation cruise aboard the Disney Dream from June 29 to July 1, sailing from Port Canaveral. The ship will sail with volunteer passengers and test our newly developed health and safety protocols, which have been meticulously tailored to the current public health environment. All of these protocols are essential to cruising responsibly, and Disney Cruise Line couldn’t be more committed to making vacation dreams come true as it prioritizes the wellbeing of all who step aboard our ships," Mazloum wrote.

"Today, as we move closer to restarting our U.S. cruises, I want to spotlight the tremendous resilience and positivity of the team. Your collaboration and continued enthusiasm throughout the pandemic have been nothing short of amazing, as we’ve researched, drafted, revised and refined our comprehensive roadmap for cruising again. It has been no small feat – and I’m extremely proud of everyone."

CDC Significantly Relaxes Cruise Rules for Fully Vaccinated Passengers

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has significantly relaxed its cruise ship regulations for passengers and crew that have been vaccinated against COVID-19, paving the way for a quick U.S. restart.

No Masks and Buffet Can Return

The new update issued on Wednesday said that cruise lines may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required.

The CDC also updated wording, noting that for fully vaccinated passengers, a number of items are now just recommendations, including social distancing in the restaurants and bars, limited seating capacity and even self-service food and drinks, leading the way for the return of traditionally cruise ship buffets. 

In addition, for ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in any areas.

Latest Key Updates from CDC:

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask.
• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise crew who are fully vaccinated that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in areas of the ship that are inaccessible to passengers.
• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew ware masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos; bars; spas; entertainment venues; and dining areas, including self-serve buffets).
• For ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in any areas.

Now Just Recommendations:

• Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all customer parties remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart (such as removing tables, stools, and chairs or marking any that are not for use).
• Limit seating capacity to allow for the physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters).
• Discourage crowded waiting areas by using the phone app, text technology, or signs to alert patrons when their table is ready. Avoid using “buzzers” or other shared objects.
• Eliminate self-service food and drink options, such as self-service buffets, salad bars, and beverage stations.
• Provide eating utensils in a way that prevents handling by more than one person.
• Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions in areas where it is difficult for individuals to maintain a proper physical distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters), such as serving stations and food pick up areas.
• Provide physical guides, such as tape on decks and signage, to remind individuals to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) where food and beverages are served.
• Provide and encourage outdoor dining and bar/beverage service options.
• Provide and encourage in-room passenger dining service.
• Limit any sharing of food, tools, equipment, or supplies by food workers, to the extent practicable.
• Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high-touch materials (e.g., serving spoons) to the extent practicable; otherwise, limit the use of supplies and equipment by one group of food workers at a time and clean and disinfect between use.
• Avoid using or sharing items that are reusable, such as menus, condiments, and any other food containers. Instead, use disposable menus, digital menus that can be disinfected between each use, online menus that can be retrieved on diners’ personal cell phones, single-serving condiments, and no-touch trash cans and doors.

Norwegian CEO Frank Del Rio: ‘Let Us Cruise’

"Just let us cruise, CDC,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), on the company's Thursday earnings call, expressing his frustration with what he called ridiculous regulations and overreach by the agency.

“But is it not just the CDC (holding the industry back),” Del Rio added. “To be fair, the rest of the world has to open up as well – Europe, Asia and South America.

“How quickly we can return to normal will depend on travel restrictions being lifted and borders being opened.

“There are 50 million people who have not been able to cruise for the last year and a half and now want to cruise. There is pent up demand setting us up for a beautiful scenario to improve pricing.”

Forward bookings and pricing are up compared to 2019 which was a record year, Del Rio said. 

Part of Del Rio’s frustration comes from Norwegian submitting an “ironclad proposal” to the CDC on April 5 and has not yet received an answer, which also puts the mid-July return to service in jeopardy.

Among the impractical and onerous requirements, the CDC has released is that passengers must wear face masks onboard all the time, only lifting the mask to take a bite of food or a sip of a drink, according to Del Rio. He said he was hoping these requirements would not be applicable to fully vaccinated ships.

NCLH will require 100 per cent vaccinations of passengers and crew wherever the ships are sailing and do not plan to participate in the simulated sailing program of the CDC, Del Rio noted.

He said he was outraged that the cruise industry is being treated differently than airlines, casinos, etc. and said that cruise ships will be the safest place on earth.

“We will have 100 per cent vaccinated passengers and crew in addition to our SailSAFE program,” he said.

ADULT VACCINATIONS NEEDED FOR DISNEY UK CRUISES

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

The Biggest Cruise Brands By Capacity This Summer

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

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

Top 5 Cruise Lines Back in Service by August 31:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Numbers by Corporation

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

By Brand

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

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

By Brand

MSC: 10 ships and 37,066 berths

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

By Brand

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

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

By brand

Norwegian: 3 ships and 9,000 berths

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

By Brand

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