(PRESS RELEASE)_U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (June 11, 2021) – Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Albert Bryan Jr. has made a plea to his Florida colleague, Governor Ron DeSantis, to honor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and reconsider the state’s legislation, which could impact the health and wellbeing of millions of Caribbean residents when cruises to the region resume. As increasing numbers of Americans receive COVID-19 vaccinations, Governor Bryan believes that ensuring the cruise industry reopens with vaccinated passengers is essential to the tourism economies of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean. Congratulating the Florida governor for his commitment to health, civil liberties and economic revitalization, Governor Bryan called for an exception – one that would enable vaccination checks for outbound passengers on cruise ships, which do most of their business on the open seas and directly impact the multiple Caribbean islands they visit. “The bill you signed into law (which goes into effect July 1, 2021) may negatively impact the United States Virgin Islands and other port of call destinations in the Caribbean region,” said Governor Bryan, who highlighted CDC approvals for cruise ships to begin sailing this summer from U.S. ports with strict health and safety guidelines, such as the vaccination of 95% of passengers and crew members. With Florida serving as the nucleus and biggest embarkation point for cruises in the United States that dock in the U.S. Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean, the Governor indicated that “our ports … are in direct line of fire,” adding that while the two hospitals in the U.S. Virgin Islands are equipped to care for the Territory's residents, they lack the resources to address a potentially larger public health crisis. “The lack of infrastructure puts us at a disadvantage for any crisis – health or mother nature. This is true of not only the Virgin Islands but most of the countries in the region,” the Governor penned. With this reality, the governor expressed his concern for all citizens in the Caribbean region: “This is why I implore you to reconsider with a lens to the negative impact that your legislation may have on residents in the Caribbean … the cruise line and tourism employees, many of whom are of Caribbean descent, are now almost fully vaccinated and ready to get back to work.” “Please consider the exemption proposed above so ... Caribbean (destinations) can feel safe on arrival and disembarkation of cruise passengers and crew. This will be a big win for the people of the Caribbean and the Caribbean expatriates that live in your state. It is my hope that you can assist us in moving in the same direction while respecting regional health liberties,” he affirmed. Governor Bryan has also shared a communiqué with the leadership of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) inviting support from regional leaders to work with the USVI in finding an agreeable path forward to welcoming cruise ships and their passengers back to the islands in as safe a way as possible. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., June 10, 2021 — While Holland America Line continues to work with governments and port authorities in correlation with the phased resumption of cruising, it is canceling the remainder of the summer 2021 European sailings aboard two ships, Nieuw Statendam and Volendam. This affects cruises that were scheduled to depart from September through November, along with the Collectors’ Voyages (combined cruises) associated with those departures.
In addition, after an expected on-schedule delivery from the Fincantieri shipyard July 30, Rotterdam will remain in non-guest operations until its Sept. 26 cruise from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Plans for Rotterdam’s naming ceremony are being finalized. Guests Moved to a Europe Cruise in 2021 or 2022 Guests currently booked on canceled Nieuw Statendam and Volendam departures automatically will be moved to a 2021 cruise on Eurodam in the Mediterranean, beginning with the Aug. 15 cruise through the Oct. 30 transatlantic crossing, and receive a $100 Onboard Spending Credit per person. Nieuw Statendam and Volendam guests also can choose to move to an equivalent cruise in 2022 at the 2021 fare or receive a Future Cruise Credit of 110% of any cash paid that will be placed in the guest’s loyalty account. Guests currently booked on a canceled Rotterdam voyage may select an equivalent sailing in 2022 at the 2021 fare paid, or they can choose to receive a Future Cruise Credit of 110% of any cash paid. Any guest on a canceled voyage also can request a full refund of all monies paid to Holland America Line. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 10, 2021) -- Princess is introducing a new on-demand service that allows guests to call a crew member to their exact location to make an in-person request for assistance.
CrewCallTM service on demand is available on stateroom TVs as well as the MedallionClass app and leverages the innovative OceanMedallion wearable to guide a crew member to a guest’s exact location to be of service to the guest. The new capability is yet another example of how Princess is leveraging MedallionClass technology to increase high-touch and personalized service versus replacing it. The corresponding CrewCall Chat feature lets guests text their specific question or request using a smart device to be answered or actioned virtually by crew. “CrewCall significantly expands our MedallionClass service-on-demand capabilities allowing us to deliver high-touch, personalized service that doesn’t interrupt the vacation they are enjoying to find a crew member,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “It minimizes wait time at our guest services desk while simultaneously improving our responsiveness.” Both CrewCall features expand the OceanNow® digital experience guests use to place food, beverage, retail and amenity orders for delivery directly to their location. “Every minute a guest has to stand in line to wait for service or to have a simple question answered diminishes the value of their vacation,” added John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer, Carnival Corporation “OceanNow with CrewCall really delivers on the MedallionClass ‘service now’ philosophy and maximizes the vacation value for all Princess guests by responding in the moment to their wants, needs, and desires without any inconvenience.” CrewCall is part of a new array of TrulyTouchlessTM conveniences that will be available to guests when Princess returns to sailing starting July 25 aboard Majestic Princess in Alaska, and aboard Regal Princess and Sky Princess with “seacations” in the UK starting July 31. The feature is the latest of several enhancements recently added to the Princess MedallionClass experience to deliver an effortless and more personalized vacation. The award-winning OceanMedallionTM wearable elevates the guest experience by enabling touchless embarkation and disembarkation, frictionless commerce, and keyless stateroom entry, as well as additional contactless capabilities accessible using smart phones and tablets, including wayfinding; family and friends locator; first-run movies and live TV; an interactive events and activities planner; and interactive fun. (PRESS RELEASE)_U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (June 9, 2021) – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is interested in collaborating with its Caribbean neighbors on tourism-enhancing initiatives as the region’s bread-and-butter sector rebounds from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking in the wake of a recent visit to Jamaica to meet with public and private sector stakeholders, Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, reported successful talks with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and other private sector officials about the potential for regional economic revitalization with the unleashing of pent-up tourism demand. Part and parcel of the recovery Commissioner Boschulte affirmed will be embracing “coopetition”, a concept Minister Bartlett supports. “The Caribbean is the most desirable warm weather destination, and we know how to deliver world-class experiences for our discerning guests,” said the Commissioner, who believes it is important to connect the best brains across the region to advance Caribbean brand marketing in the global marketplace. Commissioner Boschulte and Minister Bartlett agreed about the need to leverage the strengths of regional destinations to overcome any weaknesses, and both observed trends that had emerged over the past 15 months, such as the loyalty and resilience of urban African American professionals who have been key to the travel recovery in both destinations. “Regional collaboration is important to our success and we must continue to share best practices, especially as they relate to public health safety protocols even as the traveling community becomes vaccinated,” Commissioner Boschulte said. The Commissioner added that “while we have made great strides curbing the spread of COVID-19, variant strains remain a cause for concern, and we must be vigilant on all fronts to keep our communities and travelers safe." Although summer bookings to the USVI are robust, the Department of Tourism continues to push forward on its marketing and promotional initiatives. “Even with this strong demand, we need to go to market and make the case that we can compete with the rest of the world any day, any week, any month of the year,” said the Commissioner. The tourism chief reported that the USVI is stepping up its marketing efforts this summer to remain top-of-mind among travelers, many of whom are already planning their fall and winter leisure and business trip (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL – June 8, 2021 – Crystal is offering $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits for all new guest bookings on Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural collection of voyages to Antarctica November 2021 through February 2022. The first ever “Made in Germany” Polar Class 6 (PC6) luxury expedition yacht will take guests on eight thrilling expedition voyages ranging from 11 to 19 nights departing round-trip from Ushuaia to explore the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica from towering ice cliffs to teeming penguin colonies. Following in the footsteps of bold explorers these immersive, expert-led expeditions showcase immense glaciers and icebergs and allow guests to experience rare encounters with penguins, seals, whales and sea birds in remote lands few people have ever seen. A one-night pre-cruise hotel in Buenos Aires is included in the cruise fare, as are round-trip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. All-inclusive fares for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural Antarctic voyages start at just $15,649 per guest, double occupancy, including up to $9,000 Book Now Savings per suite ($4,500 per guest) when booked by June 30, 2021, and now featuring a $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard spending credit per new guest booking. Guests will also enjoy reduced deposit of 15 percent (normally 25 percent) as well as relaxed final payment due 60 days prior to first date of service for 2021 voyages, and 120 days prior to first date of service for 2022 voyages. 2021-2022 Crystal Endeavor Antarctica Voyages Expedition Antarctica, 11 Nights, Round-trip Ushuaia November 18, November 29, and December 10, 2021; January 5, and February 4, 2022 Ushuaia, Argentina; Crossing Drake Passage; South Shetland Islands; Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, South Shetland Islands. (PRESS RELEASE)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today (June 3) marked the long-awaited return of Grand Classica to its home port, the Port of Palm Beach. The ship has not sailed in over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned home today to begin formal preparations for the cruise line’s anticipated July restart. Ahead of the launch date, the main priority is to begin the vaccination process for its crew, which will begin tomorrow at the port. The ship was greeted by cruise line executives, as well as excited employees and partners, including members of the Port of Palm Beach team. An official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows: “This past year has been extremely difficult for the cruise industry and as a family-owned cruise line, we faced a number of obstacles that at times, seemed insurmountable. Our team worked tirelessly during the pandemic, making difficult decisions and working with an innovative, solutions-oriented mindset, to ensure the future safety and enjoyment of those who cruise with us. I am so proud of the collective effort that has brought us all here today. I want to specifically thank our partners at the Palm Beach Health Department and the Port of Palm Beach, for their support during some very trying times. I also want to thank each and every member of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line team, our dedicated crew, our travel advisor partners and the many others who have helped us navigate uncharted waters over the past year. To those who have been waiting so patiently for us in our home-away-from-home, Grand Bahama Island, please know how much we have missed you and how excited we are to see you again very soon. We are delighted to welcome Grand Classica home and cannot wait to welcome our guests back onboard in just a few weeks.” Port Executive Director, Manuel Almira added: “We couldn’t be more excited to see Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line prepare for the resumption of sailings from the Port of Palm Beach. Before the pandemic, the cruise line was credited for generating more than $100M in local and state revenue and supporting more than 1,300 cruise related jobs. It’s time to get crew members, cruise line support staff and parking attendants back to work.” Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is working closely with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure all guidelines are met prior to receiving passengers. Additional details regarding the cruise line’s restart will be shared in the coming days. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, June 4, 2021 – Travelers can once again mark their calendars and set their sights on a summer full of long-awaited cruise vacations. Building on the excitement of its upcoming return to Alaska, Royal Caribbean International has announced that six of its award-winning ships will begin sailing from major U.S. cruise ports in Florida and Texas in July and August. The cruise line’s comeback will kick off on July 2 in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, with Freedom of the Seas* embarking on a special Fourth of July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay. By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising once again across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. On the heels of the first cruise in Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated return to the U.S. will be the debut of the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas* on July 3. The game-changing ship will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on new 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, to soon be followed by Allure, Symphony, Independence* and Mariner of the Seas. In the coming weeks, the cruise line will announce its plans to reintroduce its full fleet around the globe by year’s end. The 2021 summer cruises are available to book today. “This is it. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone. I would like to sincerely thank our guests and travel partners for their incredible patience and understanding during this very difficult period. Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated. As of today, 90% of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We also thank Governor DeSantis of Florida, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Broward County Mayor Steve Geller and Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority board Wayne Justice and board commissioners for their steadfast support of our industry and for providing access to vaccines to the thousands of crew on our ships off the eastern seaboard. This act of understanding and humanity has been deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for their support, which is enabling the health and safety of our guests, crew members and the communities we visit.” Royal Caribbean’s newly revealed cruise vacations offer a range of itineraries that vary in length and destination, ease and flexibility in booking, and convenient departure ports across the U.S. Whether departing Florida on two of the world’s largest cruise ships, cruising from Texas to discover the best of the western Caribbean or venturing out to cooler temps to explore the wilds of Alaska, there is something for everyone. Royal Caribbean’s full summer lineup:
The new U.S and Europe cruises extend Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to return to sailing, which include Adventure of the Seas departing from The Bahamas on June 12 as well as Anthem of the Seas sailing out of the U.K. and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus in July. The complete list of Royal Caribbean’s 2021 cruises is available here. U.S. Health and Safety Measures Travelers can plan their cruise adventure with peace of mind knowing that all crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date. Other measures in place for travelers to cruise with Royal Caribbean include:
Royal Caribbean is continuing discussions with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and multiple state, local and port authorities in the U.S. and with various destination communities regarding the various requirements for the upcoming sailings. The current process requires each ship to complete a simulation cruise before receiving approval to resume sailing once again from U.S. ports. The applications for simulation cruises are under review and receiving approvals on a rolling basis. The progress made as a result of the ongoing collaboration with and support from the state, local and federal level continues to set the stage for Royal Caribbean to return to sailing this summer as planned. The cruise line will share updates on measures with guests and travel advisors before their departure dates. Cruises outside of those announced today will be cancelled through the end of August. Booked guests and travel partners impacted will be contacted with further details specific to their sailing, including the option to receive a full refund. For added reassurance, all vacationers who have booked by July 31 are covered by the Cruise with Confidence program. Royal Caribbean is grateful for the patience and loyalty of its guests. (PRESS RELEASE)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced it has received a green light from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct a simulated sailing.
Following all requirements outlined in the CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, a closed-group test cruise will include a full evaluation of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s cleanliness and safety protocols. A small, private group of pre-selected, fully vaccinated passengers will join a group of fully vaccinated crew members onboard Grand Classica, departing June 25 for a two-night round-trip cruise from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island. The sailing will simulate all aspects of the onboard experience, including dining, entertainment, leisure activities and shore excursions. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line plans to resume sailing July 2, 2021 and is currently accepting bookings on its website. The family owned and operated boutique cruise line anticipates earning CDC approval to cruise on the July 2nd date following this month’s simulated sailing. For updated information, visit www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com/. Follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Facebook at Facebook.com/BPCruiseLine, Instagram @BahamasParadiseCruiseLine, and Twitter @BPCruiseLine. Please note the sailing is not open to the public. (PRESS RELEASE)_Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world leader in exploration travel, has unveiled an epic 93-day Pole to pole expedition cruise – exploring Alaska, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, South America, and Antarctica in one monumental voyage. August 8, 2022, marks the start of the epic 93-day adventure on board battery-hybrid powered MS Roald Amundsen. This is the first of two new pole-to-pole itineraries, with MS Fram setting sail for an epic 66-day expedition cruise from the Arctic to Antarctica a little over a month later. The two new itineraries will encompass several bucket list destinations and experiences, including some of the world’s most beautiful and remote places in Antarctica, Canada’s Northwest Passage, the Chilean Fjords, and Greenland, as well as crossing through the Panama Canal. The 93-day itinerary departs Vancouver on August 8, 2022 and will visit 11 countries – and Antarctica – before disembarking adventurous guests in Buenos Aires. The expedition cruise will be with the MS Roald Amundsen, which is not only the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship, but also fittingly named after the first explorer to successfully reach both the North and South poles, as well as the first person to navigate through the Northwest Passage, which he did in 1903. The vast voyage includes the rarely visited Aleutian Islands along the Alaskan Peninsula and the deserted St. Matthew Island, the most isolated place in Alaska, before crossing the Artic Circle and heading through the fabled Northwest Passage to Greenland and Baffin Island. Along the journey towards The South, unique stops include Belize and Nicaragua before the Panama Canal and exploring the majestic South American coastline. Full itinerary can be found here. The exclusive itinerary starts at $64,581 per person. Between the Poles: The Epic Global Expedition Cruise – The 66-day alternative Hurtigruten Expeditions is also offering a 66-day long expedition option that visits seven countries between Edmonton, Canada, and Santiago de Chile, departing September 22, 2022. The MS Fram will take guests through the Canadian Arctic to Greenland, before heading south, through the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, exploring the coast of South America, and do some of the first landings in Antarctica that season. Hurtigruten Expeditions’ MS Fram is named after the original explorer ship Fram, one of the mightiest expedition ships of all times and used on a series of expeditions between 1893 and 1912 – including Roald Amundsen’s 1911 Antarctica expedition where he reached the South Pole. Full itinerary can be found here. This unique trip starts at $50,143 per person. “These extraordinary expedition cruises will offer more bucket list destinations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences than we have ever before offered in one voyage. They will showcase some of the most spectacular nature and wildlife of our planet and offer authentic encounters with unique cultures. We proudly believe they represent the most epic voyages of modern-day expedition cruising,” said Asta Lassesen, CEO, Hurtigruten Expeditions. “Exploring some of the most remote and unique waters of the world for 93 or 66 days, some only accessible by small expedition ships like ours, make these guests true modern explorers. These are exceptional opportunities that only very, very few people get to experience,” said Captain Terje Johnny Willassen who is one of the two Masters who will be captaining MS Roald Amundsen from Pole to Pole in the fall of 2022. Additional pre and post tours are available, including other bucket list destinations such as Easter Island and Machu Picchu, which could be added to end of the trip. For more information or to book, please visit www.hurtigruten.com or contact your travel agent. |
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