Category: News

Here is where you can find the latest updates on news in the cruise & travel world.

CELEBRITY EDGE TO BE THE 1ST U.S. CRUISE IN 2021

“Someday is here.” That was the one-line tweet Celebrity Cruises CEO and President Lisa Lutoff-Perlo used to announce the news yesterday that on Saturday, June 26, the exquisite Celebrity Edge will be the first cruise ship to sail from US waters in more than a year. Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only American female Captain, will have the honor of leading the fleet and the industry back into operation.

Celebrity Edge will depart Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, setting sail on a seven-night cruise of the Caribbean in what promises to be a historic moment for the brand and the industry. Celebrity Edge was given the green light by the CDC to be the first ship back in the water, having met all new standards for providing a healthy cruise experience for its guests and crew.

Celebrity Cruises has been working closely with health and government authorities, in each country we sail from, to outline a clear path for cruising with new health and safety protocols. As we thoughtfully plan our return to service, we are evaluating all current itineraries and the status of travel conditions around the world.  

Celebrity Edge will sail with a vaccinated crew. US Guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. As of August 1, 2021, all US Guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.  Additional testing and protocols will be confirmed closer to the departure date in line with the most up to date recommendations from local government and health officials as well as our Healthy Sail Panel. These measures, including vaccination and testing requirements, will evolve along with public health standards.


CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE PRESIDENT CHRISTINE DUFFY TO SERVE ON SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION

Inspiring Female Executive to Present ‘Spirit of Carnival’ Award to Contestant Who Represents Company’s Values of Fun, Friendship, Diversity and Inclusion

MIAMI, May 13, 2021 – Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, will serve on the selection committee of the MISS UNIVERSE Competition which takes place this Sunday, May 16, in Hollywood, Fla., and airs live on A&E’s FYI broadcast channel and Telemundo.

As president of Carnival, Duffy oversees the overall operations of the company long known as “America’s cruise line” which operates from 14 U.S. homeports, as well as Australia, carrying nearly six million guests annually on relaxing vacations to beautiful destinations worldwide.

She will be part of an all-female panel of eight judges who will determine who among 90 international contestants will earn the coveted title of MISS UNIVERSE, a global, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds and empowers them to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success.

During the broadcast, Duffy will present a MISS UNIVERSE contestant with the “Spirit of Carnival” award for representing the company’s values of fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion. 

“Serving as a Miss Universe judge is not only a tremendous honor but a wonderful way to celebrate the accomplishments of so many smart and inspiring women from around the world.  There’s a synergy between Carnival and MISS UNIVERSE as our ships are filled with smiling, friendly faces from around the world,” said Duffy, who leads a diverse workforce of 40,000 shipboard and shoreside employees from more than 120 countries.  “It is also my privilege to present the ‘Spirit of Carnival’ award to a contestant who is a role model and shares our values of making others feel welcomed, valued and respected.”

An immensely global television event with an estimated audience of 500 million viewers, MISS UNIVERSE will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Sunday, May 16, at 8 p.m. EDT on A&E’s FYI broadcast channel and Telemundo. Carnival Cruise Line fans are encouraged to tune in to see Duffy present the “Spirit of Carnival” award.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES RED, WHITE, & BLUE NEW DESIGN ACROSS FLEET

With the popularity of the stunning red, white and blue livery adorning Mardi Gras, another Carnival Cruise Line ship will soon receive the dramatic hull design that will become a trademark feature across the fleet as Carnival, America’s Cruise Line, prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2022.

Carnival Magic will be the first ship to receive the new livery during its current dry dock in Marseilles, France. 

Paying homage to maritime tradition and patriotic colors, the eye-catching hull design is highlighted by a stately navy blue hull inspired by officers’ uniforms along with vibrant red and white accents running the entire length of the 1,004-foot-long ship.  Additional vessels will receive the new livery as they undergo scheduled dry docks.  Carnival Glory will be the second ship to receive the new hull design during a dry dock scheduled in June.   

“When we first saw the hull design for Mardi Gras, we knew it was something special and, particularly as we get ready to celebrate our 50th birthday, we’re delighted to incorporate this stunning livery as a signature exterior design element across our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “As we look to resume sailing in the U.S., we’re coming back with a signature new look as well!”

In addition to the new livery, Carnival Magic will emerge from its dry dock on May 24 with an expanded casino with an even greater variety of slots and other games, as well as a host of enhancements including freshening up the finishes for the Water Works aqua park and pools.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS TO SAIL FROM NASSAU IN JUNE 2021

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will begin sailing from Nassau, Bahamas in June 2021.  Offering week long getaways to Cozumel, Mexico, as well as an island hopping sampler of popular Bahamian ports, including Grand Bahama Island and two consecutive days at our very own private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

These exciting new itineraries will set sail June through August 2021, inviting fully vaccinated guests 18 years of age and older, as well as children under the age of 18 with proof of negative COVID-19 test results. According to Royal Caribbean, the well-being of our guests and crew remains a top-priority and they look forward to a gradual and safe return to cruising. Details on additional health and safety measures will be announced at a later time. 

Itineraries will be open to book as of March 24, 2021.


CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM ANNOUNCES REDEPLOYMENT AND WILL BEGIN SAILING FROM ST. MAARTEN IN JUNE 2021

Today March 19, 2021, Celebrity cruise Lines announced good news for some and bad news for others...

The bad news is that they have announced more cancellations. Celebrity has suspended all Alaska, Pacific Coastal, Canal, and Transatlantic sailings departing June through September 2021 on the celebrity Millennium.

The good news is, the determination has been made that they can safely sail in the Caribbean this summer and due to the high demand for the Caribbean cruise travel, the Celebrity Millennium will be relocating from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest to homeport in St. Maarten.

These 7-night sailings from St. Maarten will offer 2 different itineraries beginning June 5, 2021. One will port in Aruba, Curacao, and Barbados and the 2nd itinerary will make stops in Tortola, St. Lucia, and Barbados. These itineraries will open up to book beginning March 24, 2021.

Celebrity CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said that all restaurants, bars, and theaters will be open, and that, health and safety protocols aside, the “full experience” will be available.

According to Celebrity cruise Line press release, the ship will sail with vaccinated crew and will be available to vaccinated adult guests and children under the age of 18 with a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of embarkation.

CRUISE SHIPS BANNED IN CANADA THROUGH FEBRUARY 2022

As Canada’s travel restrictions were set to expire February 2021, today the Canadian Government issued a new order which will prohibit cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until February 28, 2022. 

With the current U.S. Jones Act this will affect the Alaska cruise season for foreign-flagged ships as well as other cruise seasons in the Great Lakes and Canada/New England for ships under foreign flag.

The new order stated, “Cruise vessels carrying 100 or more people are still prohibited from operating in Canadian waters,” as well as passenger vessels carrying more than 12 people are still prohibited from entering Arctic coastal waters, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and the Labrador Coast. 

The Honorable Omar Alghabra, minister of transport stated “As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe. Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do.

The Government of Canada is also continuing to advise Canadian citizens and permanent residents to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada until further notice to assist with the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

For further information regarding a 2021 Alaska sailing that you are booked on, continue to monitor the cruise lines website as well as watch for any email updates from the cruise line or your travel agent.