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.

Photo Dairy Story: Rotterdam Harbour Tour 

MSC Virtuosa.

The Photo header of the MSC Virtuosa is berthed outside the Rotterdam Cruise terminal with the bridge just on the Sturnside side (backside 🤣) and I took this image at the Harbour Cruise Tour ticketing counter. The Harbour tour cost £13pp but they only accept credit/debit card payments, so the dirty deed was done and tickets purchased.

With the bridge (Erasmusbrug), in the background, we sat on the open top deck which was a bit windy and chilly but the best for viewing and taking snapshots of the ships in the harbour.

When you move off check that bridge out behind you it's an amazing piece of engineering and it's within walking distance from the cruise terminal.

Before you enter the working part of the docks keep an eye on Rotterdam's wonderful architecture all around from the old windmills to the original port buildings including the original Holland America Line head office, where the 1908 steamship the SS Rotterdam is now berthed as a hotel and restaurant.,

When you cruise the industrial area of the docks you will see Massive floating dry docks, containerships being offloaded and loaded, bulk carriers and specialised craft, such as the WaveWalker 2 which has been used to repair the train station and promenade in Dawlish Devon.

The wave walker on the right and the MPI Resolution on the left which has 6 massive 70-ton legs and are used for the installation of wind turbines at sea.

On the return to the tour, dock check out the HAL head office a bit closer which is worth a visit, cruise past any ships in the cruise terminal and take in the wonderful bridge again before disembarking the 75-minute harbour tour.

We enjoyed this harbour tour and it gave us a good close-up and views of the ships on the dock, below are a few more harbour images taken by myself and Dawn my ever-loving Wife, I hope you have enjoyed this tour description and the photograph included.

Mein Schiff 3 ‘Saves’ Tourists Stranded on Spitsbergen

Mein Schiff 3 ‘Saves’ Tourists Stranded on Spitsbergen

Mein Schiff 3 entering the River Mersey Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2

TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 3 “saved” visitors stranded on Spitsbergen following the Scandinavian Airlines’ pilots' strike, according to Norwegian press reports.

Mein Schiff 3 carried more than 100 people as passengers sailing from Longyearbyen to Tromso in Northern Norway. The ship reportedly had available cabin space.

Scandinavian Airlines’ pilots went on strike on July 3, and with only Norwegian Air also flying regularly to the Arctic archipelago, there have not been enough air seats for tourists and locals to travel to the mainland or return to their country of origin. Thus, effectively stranding many expedition cruise guests in Longyearbyen.

This has also prevented many from being able to fly to Spitsbergen unless their expedition lines had reserved seats with Norwegian or arranged charter flights.

The Longyearbyen harbour master Kjetil Braaten was quoted saying that some expedition ships have sailed with hardly any passengers on board and that discounted sailings are offered to the local population.

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.

Silverseas Acquires Crystal Endeavour for $275 Million

Silversea Cruises has received court approval for the purchase of the ultra-luxury cruise ship Crystal Endeavor. 

Originally delivered to Crystal Cruises in 2021, the ship will be renamed Silver Endeavour when it officially joins the Royal Caribbean Group subsidiary later this month.

 

The purchase price for the vessel was $275 million and was fully financed through a 15-year unsecured term loan, guaranteed by the German export credit agency, Euler Hermes, with no amortization payments in the first two years.

 

The fifth expedition ship in Silversea’s fleet of 11, the vessel is scheduled to begin service in winter 2022/2023, spending its inaugural season in Antarctica starting November 2022.

 

"With Endeavour, we are seeking to grow our world-class fleet to meet the exceptional demand for ultra-luxury expedition cruising, while also enhancing our profitability profile and affirming Silversea’s position as the industry’s leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line," said Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, the ship can operate all of Silversea’s current expedition itineraries and is designed to take travellers to remote destinations, including both polar regions.

 

As part of the ongoing RCL Cares program, Royal Caribbean Group will protect the deposits of guests who were originally booked on Crystal Endeavor and make a new booking on one of its brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. 

 

To the extent the Crystal Endeavor guests do not receive their deposits back from Crystal or other sources, the Royal Caribbean Group will refund any amount paid on their new booking up to the number of their lost deposits from Crystal.

Norwegian Fleet Location and Status: All Ships in Service: July Update

Norwegian Fleet Location and Status: All Ships in Service: July Update

Nearly a year after first welcoming guests back, Norwegian Cruise Line completed its restart plans in early May.

With its entire 17-ship in service again, the brand is now getting ready to receive two new ships – the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva. 

Cruise Industry News tracked the location and status of every Norwegian ship as of July 15, 2022:

Norwegian Viva
Year Built: 2023
Capacity: 3,215 guests
Status: Under construction
Location: Marghera, Italy

As the second Prima Class vessel, the Norwegian Viva is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Set to debut in 2023, the vessel will spend its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before debuting in North America later that year.  

Norwegian Prima
Year Built: 2022
Capacity: 3,215 guests
Status: Under construction
Location: Marghera, Italy

Nearing the completion of its construction, the Norwegian Prima recently returned from the first set of sea trials. With its first cruise now scheduled in September, the vessel is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

Norwegian Encore
Year Built: 2019
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

The Norwegian Encore is currently sailing a summer program in Alaska. Based in Seattle, the vessel is offering weekly departures to Victoria, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay.

Norwegian Bliss
Year Built: 2018 
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

In Alaska for the summer, the Norwegian Bliss is offering week-long cruises departing from Seattle. The ship’s regular itinerary includes Victoria, Ketchikan, the Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

Norwegian Joy
Year Built: 2017 
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Bermuda

Based in New York City, the Norwegian Joy is offering a series of cruises to Bermuda. The seven-night itineraries include a visit to Norfolk and a three-day stop in King’s Wharf.   

Norwegian Escape
Year Built: 2015
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

The Norwegian Escape is currently sailing varied itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Departing from Italy, the seven- to 11-night cruises feature visits to ports in Greece, Croatia, Malta, Montenegro and more.

Norwegian Getaway
Year Built: 2014
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Caribbean

Returning to North America after a short season in the Baltic, the Norwegian Getaway recently kicked off a summer program in the Caribbean. Sailing from Port Canaveral, the vessel is offering seven-night cruises to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and the Dominican Republic.

Norwegian Breakaway
Year Built: 2013
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Western Caribbean

Based in Miami, the Norwegian Breakaway is sailing a rotating schedule of seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Norwegian Epic
Year Built: 2010
Capacity: 4,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Western Mediterranean

The Norwegian Epic is presently sailing in the Western Mediterranean. Visiting Spain, France and Italy, the 2010-built vessel is part of Norwegian’s eight-ship summer deployment in the region.

Norwegian Gem 
Year Built: 2007

Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

Another Norwegian ship in Europe, the Norwegian Gem is currently positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering cruises to ports such as Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Santorini.

Norwegian Jade
Year Built: 2006
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service  
Location: Eastern Mediterranean

The Norwegian Jade is currently based in Piraeus for a series of cruises to the Greek Islands and Turkey that includes visits to Istanbul, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and more.

Norwegian Pearl
Year Built: 2006
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: East Coast

Based in Boston, the Norwegian Pearl is offering week-long cruises to Bermuda and Maine.

Norwegian Jewel
Year Built: 2005
Capacity: 2,400 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

As part of Norwegian’s summer program in Alaska, the Norwegian Pearl is sailing a series of open-jaw cruises between Vancouver and Seward.

Pride of America
Year Built: 2005
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Hawaii

As the industry’s only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship, the Pride of America continues to offer its year-round schedule of Hawaii cruises. Sailing from Honolulu, the vessel’s regular itinerary includes visits to Kahului, Hilo, Kailua Kona and Nawiliwili.  

Norwegian Dawn
Year Built: 2002
Capacity: 2,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Northern Europe

The Norwegian Dawn is presently in Northern Europe for a series of Baltic cruises. Leaving from Stockholm and Copenhagen, the itineraries feature visits to Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and more.  

Norwegian Star
Year Built: 2001
Capacity: 2,200 guests
Status: In service
Location: Northern Europe

Based in Reykjavik, the Norwegian Star is presently offering a series of cruises to Iceland and Greenland.

Norwegian Sun
Year Built: 2001
Capacity: 2,002 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

After hitting a growler in late June, the Norwegian Sun recently resumed its program of five- to nine-night cruises in Alaska.

Norwegian Spirit
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Alaska

As the last ship to resume service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Spirit welcomed guests back in May. Before arriving in Alaska - where it’s currently sailing - the 1999-built vessel offered itineraries to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

Norwegian Sky
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Status: In service
Location: Miami, Florida

The Norwegian Sky is in Miami today for yet another short cruise to the Bahamas. The three-night sailing includes visits to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian’s private island destination in the region.   

Star Pisces Beached for Scrapping in India

Star Pisces Beached for Scrapping in India

The Star Pisces was beached for scrapping in Alang, India, on July 12.

Formerly operated by Star Cruises, the 1991-built vessel will now be dismantled by one of the many local ship-breaking yards.  

During the process, its building materials, fixtures, engines and systems, are set to be sold off for repurposing or recycling.

Ending a 31-year sailing career, the Pisces was originally built for Viking Line as the cruise ferry Kalypso.

After being acquired by Star Cruises in 1993, the 40,000-ton ship spent the last three decades offering cruises catering to the Asian market.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the vessel used to offer one-night cruises to nowhere departing from Hong Kong.

More recently, in December, the 1,090-guest ship started what turned out to be its last operation, kicking off a series of short cruises in Malaysia.

Sailing from Penang, the program marked its return to service after a two-year operational pause.

With Genting filing for liquidation shortly after, however, the ship found itself out of service again in late January.

After spending four months laid-up in Southeast Asia along with other former Star Cruises vessels, the Pisces began its last voyage in early June.

With the Star Pisces now beached, a total of ten cruise ships have been sold to ship-breaking yards in 2022.

The list includes the SuperStar Libra, another cruise ship formerly operated by Star Cruises.

The 1988-built vessel arrived at Aliaga in May, following a four-year stint serving as a floating hotel at a Genting-owned shipyard.

After leaving Southeast Asia along with the Star Pisces, two additional ex-Star Cruises, the SuperStar Gemini and the SuperStar Aquarius were also expected to arrive at scrapyards soon.

The vessels, however, sailed to Sri Lanka, where, according to local news reports, they are set to spend a month in lay-up.

New Feature: My Photo Dairy Story.

Part 1 MSC Virtuosa.

MSC Virtuosa 

Welcome to my First attempt to explain the images I have taken and some feedback about the ships and locations I have travelled on and too, so here goes.

• MSC Virtuosa
• Built in 2021 by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France
• Meraviglia Plus ship
• Displacement 181,541 tons 
• Capacity 4842 double occupancies, (1704 crew)
• Length 331.43mtrs, Beam 50mtrs, Height 64.9mtrs 

MSC Virtuosa was launched and Christened during the Covid-19 Pandemic and her first voyages were around the UK coastline from Southampton, I took the above photo of her arriving in Southampton on the day we boarded her for a Baltic cruise in May 2022. Virtuosa's name was used to pay homage to the ship designers describing them as someone highly skilled in any field of activity.

This ship is huge with 16 decks including 3 main decks with the bars, lounges, casinos, shopping and that Amazing LCD screen running nearly 100 meters called the main Galleria Virtuosa, a 3-minute video can be viewed from the following - link https://youtu.be/3JuMc0v3VR8

Outside or the topside is the main pool deck with two main pools and 4 round
jacuzzies and 2 jacuzzis jutting out over the side of the ship, at the rear of the ship is an Adult only pool surrounded by sun loungers and bartenders. On deck 15/16 is the indoor Tropical pool with the main pool and 4 large Jacuzzies all themed as a tropical forest there's even a Monky and a Patriot in the palmtrees, this is a great area but can get a bit noisy when there are children around.

The main theatre called the Grand Theatre is where the ship's singers and dancers perform great shows, and where guest acts tread the boards, there is a huge LCD screen around the back and sides of the stage giving the performances an extra Wow factor and that to a wonderful sound system and the show go up another level. On decks 7 and 8 is the Carousel Lounge where they perform 2 Fantastic Cirque Soleil shows with once again a huge 40-meter LCD screen to add that extra Wow to an already amazing show.

This is the end of Part 1 I hope you enjoyed this section, on quite cruise news days I'll post a bit of a review and more of the photos I took around the ship, so stay tuned in.

Above is the Main Atrium with the Galleria displaying the British Union Flag.

Transcend Cruises Offering Unique Charter Model on European Rivers

Transcend Cruises Offering Unique Charter Model on European Rivers

Transcend Cruises has already sold $20 million of the charter products ahead of its 2024 launch, said Matthew Shollar, CEO and co-founder.

The company is building two highly-customized riverboats for debut in Europe that are solely targeted at the charter market.

With a background in full-ship charters, Shollar said he had identified an opening in the market to essentially customize a ship for full-ship charters for groups, alumni associations, corporate clients and more.

“The physical hardware of the ships (in the market) doesn’t optimize itself (for charters),” he said. “The process for chartering is not optimal, taking retail departures out of inventory, and the software is not that flexible to be customized for the groups.”

The company’s two newbuilds will feature convertible staterooms, meaning 60 rooms or 30 double rooms (or a mix), depending on client specification. That means the ships are also smaller, capacity-wise than most of the European riverboat fleet which holds about 200 guests. There’s also a wellness area which is absent from most riverboats.

“This has opened up spaces for group locations,” he said, noting five spaces on each ship the entire group can meet and 10 additional spaces for breakout groups. Customized lighting and screens can be tailored to the client. In addition are storage areas for materials, an office for the charter client and even a separate reception desk if a group needs one.

“We’re not in the FIT business, we have no retail pricing, and we will never re-market to the guests on board as we have nothing to sell them,” Shollar said. “We are 100 per cent focused on the full-ship charter market.”

The company plans to operate a season similar to the mainstream European riverboat brands, going from March through New Year. If available, clients can select specific dates with a three-night minimum. Itineraries, the onboard product and destination experiences are fully customizable. Clients can also plan their own shore programs without penalty.

“We will have a customization team that will cover all the different elements for a flat fee. No markups,” Shollar said.

Shollar said the booking window for charters is between 12 and 36 months. With a normal shipbuilding cycle of 14 months, it’s possible the company is able to grow organically by selling inventory and then ordering more capacity.

The ships are also expected to be shallower, saving about 10 centimetres on draft, which could come in handy with water level issues. Battery packs will be used for peak shaving and for close-in manoeuvring.

MSC Cruises Launches New Family Options For Seascape

MSC Cruises Launches New Family Options For Seascape

MSC Cruises today unveiled details of its MSC Seascape, which it said will elevate the family experience and provide children with endless options for onboard entertainment.

The ship will feature 98 hours of live entertainment per cruise, 700 square meters of dedicated kids’ space and cutting-edge amusement options when she launches in December 2022, offering seven-night cruises in the Caribbean following her New York christening. 

“We have invested heavily in the entertainment proposition for our youngest guests. We know they value the latest technology, trends and happenings more than any other group, and we lead the way in creating special holidays,” said MSC Cruises’ Global Head of Entertainment Steve Leatham. “The ship programming is full of innovations in hardware and software, and we have taken care to ensure that all age groups have exclusive access to all the amazing venues and spaces onboard this amazing ship. We are working with many partners and producing much of the content ourselves, ensuring everything is relevant and fits with our amazing ships.”

 MSC Seascape will offer one of the largest children’s areas in the fleet with 700 square meters of dedicated space featuring a fresh, futuristic design. New spaces include:

• TWO LEGO ROOMS: The cruise line will build on its partnership with LEGO, debuting two exclusively designed LEGO rooms that cater to different experience levels. One room will offer LEGO DUPLO for ages 3 to 6, and the other room will cater to Juniors ages 7 to 11 with LEGO bricks and the opportunity to earn a certificate for becoming a LEGO Master Builder.
• THREE NEW CONCEPT SPACES FOR TEENS: Guests aged 12 to 17 will enjoy three new concept spaces with varying themes to engage with other kids their age. The first space will centre around “Future” and features a technology area with the latest generation consoles, VR and screens. The “Chill Out” area will offer a place to teens to talk, exchange social media contacts and challenge each other to games of ping pong and foozeball. And the third space celebrates “Music” as a disco with light and sound effects, where kids will choose their own music late into the night.

Family entertainment will bring together people of all ages aboard MSC Seascape, with live interactive games incorporating the latest technology. New game shows launching on MSC Seascape include:

• BREAK THE WALL: During this new high-tech game, guests will stand in front of a giant technological wall that will determine which surprise tests must be performed on stage in front of a jury composed of the audience. Bringing an element of surprise and laughter, kids of all ages will be talking about this game for the entire trip.
• VIKINGS: For the first time on board an MSC Cruises ship, families can participate in an “edutaining” game that will teach participants about the history of Vikings while presenting them with a fun unprecedented challenge at sea.
• CABIN 12006 - THE SECRET GAME: Inspired by the MSC original “Cabin 12006” web series, this immersive experience combines music, videos, Tik Tok trials, memory games, and more as guests try their hand at solving mysteries on board.
• BEAT THE MUSIC: During this interactive and digital game show dedicated to music suitable for all ages, the whole family will be the star of the show. Guests can play the game through a dedicated app where parents will be challenged to know the latest music hits their kids are listening to and kids will have to guess the classics their parents love. With eliminations and prizes, the game is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of the cruise.

“With MSC Seascape, we want to surprise and leave Generation Z speechless. We've listened to the 350,000 young people who have travelled with us over the years and followed their trends and requests,” said MSC Cruises Corporate Kids Entertainment Manager Matteo Mancini. “We will offer even more space and new experiences for teenagers, have exclusive game shows for this age group and the first “edutainment” game show dedicated to the history, bringing in the concepts of new technology and social media.” 

Other activities and entertainment onboard:

• DOREMILAND, THE DOCUMENTARY: All cabins with children and teenagers will include an exclusive travel talk broadcast in the form of a documentary, immersing parents and kids in all the services and activities that await them during the cruise. This sensational behind-the-scenes documentary shows guests the secrets behind the creation of MSC's family product.
• MSC DANCE CREW: Developed in partnership with Fremantle, the production company behind the globally successful TV talent shows including Idols, The X Factor and Got Talent Series, this competition experience has teams of 10- to 17-year-olds battle to win the title of dance crew of the year.
• CABIN 12006-THE EXPERIENCE: MSC’s original web series, “Cabin 12006,” is now also a live entertainment experience consisting of seven different activities including a family game show and a casting session with performances.
• TEENS CLUB: This room entirely dedicated to teenagers includes endless options for entertainment including a PlayStation5, Xbox X Series, Nintendo Switch, foosball, VR, table tennis, and billiards.
• TLS TEENS LATE SHOW: Each week, teens will be the cast of a real “Late Show” live from the Teens Club that will focus on trends, music charts, guest stars, the most loved TV series, and games and prizes.
• MSC FOUNDATION JUNIOR AMBASSADORS: The MSC Foundation provides young guests with the tools for understanding projects such as marine conservation, making them the centre of dedicated activities involved in bettering the world.

Carnival Corporation Releases 2021 Sustainability Report

Carnival Corporation Releases 2021 Sustainability Report

Courtesy of cruiseindustrynews.com 

Carnival Corporation ash released its 12th annual sustainability report, detailing the key initiatives and progress made in 2021 toward its 2030 sustainability goals and 2050 aspirations.

The full report is available on the company's sustainability website at www.CarnivalSustainability.com.

Following the achievement of its 2020 sustainability goals, Carnival Corporation introduced its sustainability goals for 2030 and aspirations for 2050, which incorporate six focus areas that align with the key United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, according to a press release.

These areas include climate action; circular economy; sustainable tourism; good health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and biodiversity and conservation.

The company has updated the baseline year for its 2030 carbon intensity reduction goals to 2019 from its initial 2008 baseline, measured in both grams of CO2e per ALB-km and kilograms of CO2e per ALBD. Both 2030 carbon intensity reduction goals now require a 20% improvement from 2019. With the updated baseline year, the company strengthened its goal measured in kilograms of CO2e per ALBD since the initial 2030 goal would only have required a further 15% reduction from 2019 levels. Its goal measured in grams of CO2e per ALB-km remains the same. This new baseline year will help the company better communicate recent progress against its climate goals to its investors and stakeholders as well as modernize its disclosures in alignment with developing best practices and reporting standards.

"Thanks to the dedication, support and proactive efforts of our entire global team, ship and shore, we continue to make strong progress in advancing our sustainability program across our six focus areas," said Arnold Donald, CEO and chief climate officer for Carnival Corporation. "This effort includes our deep commitment to climate action and sustaining positive momentum toward achieving our carbon reduction goals for 2030 while working to be part of the solution to establish a path to net carbon-neutral cruising over time."

Added Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation: "At Carnival Corporation, our highest responsibility and top priority is always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside personnel. This commitment has guided our sustainability journey and approach over time throughout all aspects of our global operations as we continue to progress our environmental, social and governance focus areas each year."

Climate Action

• Carbon Emission Goal: Carnival Corporation remains on track to achieve a 20% carbon intensity reduction by 2030 relative to its 2019 baseline, measured in both grams of CO2e per ALB-km and kilograms of CO2e per ALBD. To reaffirm and strengthen its initial carbon intensity reduction goals for 2030, the company has updated the baseline year for both goals to 2019 from a 2008 baseline.
• Shore Power: As of the end of 2021, 46% of the company's fleet was equipped with shore power capabilities, enabling ships to use shoreside electric power where available while in port.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): As part of its goal to expand its LNG program, the company introduced additional LNG ships to the fleet in 2021, for a total of six cruise ships currently in operation with the ability to be powered by LNG.
• Advanced Air Quality Systems (AAQS): As of the end of 2021, 90% of the fleet (excluding LNG ships) was equipped with AAQS, capable of removing nearly all sulfur from the exhaust, enabling cleaner air emissions at the port and at sea with no negative impact to the marine environment.
• New Technologies: The company is investing in a first-of-its-kind lithium-ion battery storage system, installing hull air lubrication systems, testing fuel cells powered by hydrogen derived from methanol, and exploring carbon capture and storage.

Circular Economy

• Reducing Single-Use Plastics: Achieved goal of reducing single-use plastic items by 50%, despite the pandemic and the need to continue using many of these types of items for public health and sanitation purposes.
• Food Waste Reduction: Achieved a 24% food waste reduction per person in 2021, making great progress toward its 2022 goal of a 30% food waste reduction per person and its 50% food waste reduction per person by 2030.
• Biodigesters: As of the end of 2021, the company completed the installation of over 500 biodigesters throughout its fleet, in support of ongoing food waste management efforts.
• Advanced Waste Water Treatment Systems (AWWTS): Carnival Corporation remains on track to achieve its goal of increasing AWWTS coverage to over 75% of its fleet capacity, with 59% coverage of its fleet capacity as of the end of 2021.

Good Health & Well-Being

• Employee Outreach and Well-Being: Increased focus on employee outreach and wellness relates to the unique needs of shoreside and shipboard employees.
• Job Creation: Increased the number of employees on board a number of its ships from reduced levels during the pause in guest cruise operations, in addition to opening a significant number of shoreside positions.
• Company Culture Metrics: As part of its ongoing effort to establish a measurable company culture metrics and set annual improvement targets, in 2021 the company continued an employee survey program and introduced training sessions and internal communications designed to promote its "Culture Essentials" program focused on further strengthening corporate culture.
• CSMART Academy Training Update: In 2021, the CSMART Academy – officially the Center for Simulator Maritime Training Academy, part of the Arison Maritime Center – continued to provide online and onboard training to the fleet while also advancing preparations for the restart of onsite training in 2022. The CSMART team has made advances in developing and delivering online curricula through courses, tailored events such as remote ''newbuild training,'' and ongoing webinars.

Sustainable Tourism

• Disaster Relief: Supported disaster relief efforts to the victims of the La Soufrière volcano eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as communities in Barbados impacted by volcanic ash.
• Destination Partnerships: The company's Italy-based Costa Cruises kicked off its "Traditions in the Future" project, which supports the preservation of traditional arts and crafts to a new generation of artisans.
• Community Relationships: Carnival Corporation's P&O Cruises and Cunard brands partnered with Travelife, a leading certification initiative supporting tour operations and travel agencies toward sustainable tourism. Additionally, in 2021 the company's European brands donated over 20 tons of food items to address hunger throughout communities in need, in partnership with three regional initiatives, including the European Foodbank, UK Harvest and the Banco Alimentare.

Biodiversity & Conservation

• NGO Partnerships: In the first quarter of 2022, Carnival Corporation joined the Ocean 100 Dialogues, an initiative supported by the World Economic Forum that accelerates ocean stewardship with a focus on climate change, biodiversity and equity.
• Ports & Destinations: The company continued its efforts to support biodiversity and conservation, including creating a new mangrove nursery, planting trees and ornamental plants, and collecting waste through coastal cleanup initiatives in the ports it owns and operates.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Catalyst: Carnival Corporation continued to work with Catalyst, the leading U.S. nonprofit with the mission to expand opportunities for women in leadership.
• Awards & Recognitions: In 2021, the company received a series of recognitions for its companywide operations and dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, including honours from Forbes on the publication's annual listings of the World's Best Employers and World's Top Female-Friendly Companies. The company was also recognised as a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award Winner, honouring the best 100 U.S. places to work, and on Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, in addition to earning a fifth consecutive perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, designating the company as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

Princess Cruises Expands with Year-Round Sailings from Los Angeles

Princess Cruises Expands with Year-Round Sailings from Los Angeles

According to a press release, Princess Cruises has added a series of new summer season cruises sailing roundtrips from Los Angeles in 2023.

Between May and August of next year, Princess Cruises will mark year-round sailings from Los Angeles aboard the Emerald Princess, a MedallionClass ship, to Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast, with cruises ranging from five to 16 days.

Guests on the Emerald Princess can use their Medallion wearable device to enable contactless boarding, geolocation, and other services. At the same time, all bookings include onboard dining and entertainment, as well as a variety of shore excursions, according to Princess Cruises.

The company has also launched a deal that offers $1 deposits and $50 onboard spending money per person, for guests that complete their reservations by July 19, 2022.

Summer 2023 Itineraries:

Mexican Riviera with La Paz - 7 days - Stops in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Ensenada - Departure dates June 24, 2023, and July 29, 2023

Hawaiian Islands - 16 days - Stops in Hilo, Honolulu, Maui (Lahaina), Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Ensenada - Departure dates: May 4, 2023, June 1, 2023, July 6, 2023, and August 5, 2023

Classic California Coast - 7 days - Overnight in San Francisco - Stops in San Diego and Ensenada - Departure dates: May 20, 2023, June 17, 2023, and July 22, 2023

Cabo San Lucas Getaway – 5 days - Overnight in Cabo San Lucas - Departure date: May 27, 2023

West Coast Getaway with  - 5 days - Stops in San Francisco and Ensenada - Departure date: July 1, 2023