(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Aug. 15, 2022 — Holland America Line is updating its “Travel Well” COVID-19 protocols and procedures, including requirements for vaccinations and pre-cruise testing that meet public health goals while recognizing the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation. These changes will go into effect for cruises departing on or after Sept. 6, 2022.
Under the simplified procedures, for most voyages up to 15 nights, vaccinated guests will no longer have to test before cruising and unvaccinated guests will be welcomed with a self-test within three days of sailing. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia and Greece. “Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.” (ROYAL CARIBBEAN)_Introducing “Making an Icon,” the online, monthly video series that’s an inside look at Royal Caribbean International’s journey to create the world’s greatest vacation – #IconoftheSeas. Industrial engineers, interior designers, architects, artists, innovators, teams across entertainment and food and beverage, and more take you behind the scenes to see all that goes into envisioning, designing and constructing the soon-to-be-revealed cruise ship. Watch Royal Caribbean’s drive and unparalleled innovation at work as experts from Miami, Turku, Finland; New York City, Germany and beyond come together on this iconic ride to make a bold, game-changing vision a reality. The stakes are high, and the aspirations are even greater when you’re creating the vacation to rival all vacations. Icon of the Seas arrives Fall 2023.
(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 12, 2022) – Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated.
Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test before boarding and only need to upload proof of vaccination while getting OceanReady. Unvaccinated guests, or those who do not provide proof of vaccination, on those itineraries will self-test within three days of sailing and upload proof of a negative test before boarding. These new guidelines apply to itineraries from all departure ports except where government regulations and protocols may vary like Canada, Greece and Australia. (PRESS RELEASE)_From Tuesday, September 6, 2022 self-testing prior to travel will change from "mandatory" to "highly recommended" for vaccinated guests on the vast majority of voyages. Only guests sailing on longer, more complex itineraries will be required to have an observed or in person antigen or PCR test with a fit to travel certificate prior to departure. These include a number of sailings of 16 nights or more and other specific voyages. These new guidelines apply to all Cunard itineraries sailing from Southampton, England, and all other departure points, with the exception of countries where government regulations and protocols may vary including Canada and Australia. The vaccination policy for Cunard guests remains the same and full details can be found at: Our assurance to you (cunard.com) "These updated protocols reflect the current environment across the world and while certain key elements have relaxed, our commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of all guests, crew and the communities we visit remains an ongoing and vital consideration," said Matt Gleaves, vice president, Commercial, North America and Australasia. "They also ensure that the ease of cruising remains at the fore and that all guests of all ages can enjoy a voyage with unrivalled dining, relaxation and exploration options and unmatched service levels at extraordinary value for money." Exact requirements will be communicated to all guests in due course with the latest updates on www.cunard.com from early September. All the updated guidelines and protocols are subject to local regulations of applicable homeports and destinations. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland – August 11, 2022 – MSC Cruises announced today that its entire fleet has achieved ISO 21070:2017 certification for marine environmental protection. This specifies procedures for the shipboard management of waste, including handling, collection, separation, marking, treatment, and storage. It also describes the ship-to-shore interface and the delivery of waste from the ship to port reception facilities. All future ships built for MSC Cruises will receive this certification as they enter service.
ISO 21070:2017 certification is complementary to the European Union Implementing Regulation 2022/91 of January 21, 2022, which defines criteria for determining that a ship produces reduced quantities of waste and manages waste in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner. ISO’s criteria provide additional information on waste management practices for port authorities to consider when calculating fee reductions for use of port reception facilities in accordance with EU Directive 2019/883. Minas Myrtidis, VP Environmental Operations & Compliance, said: “We are delighted that our entire fleet is now certified with ISO 21070:2017. As we work to solve the great sustainability challenges that our industry faces, we continue to deploy every tool available to accelerate this, including industry standards and certification. We are and will always remain committed to environmental protection.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland, August 11, 2022 – Explora Journeys announces their unique culinary and beverage `journey of discovery` across a total of 18 distinct venues when it welcomes guests on board EXPLORA I for its Inaugural Journey in May 2023. A celebration of global culinary talents, cultures, and passions, EXPLORA I has increased its offering and will showcase 11 culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, as well as 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor) and a chef`s kitchen where guests can discover and enjoy diverse flavors from around the world, inspired by the Ocean State of Mind. Whether in the elegant interiors, by a pool or on a suite’s private terrace, every venue will be distinct and created for memorable experiences. EXPLORA I offers a curated choice of restaurants, bars, and lounges, each of which blend vibrancy with privacy, in an effortless atmosphere. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Aug. 10, 2022) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a rich history of breaking boundaries, today announced its latest EMBARK with NCL Series, “The Evolution of Innovation,” a showcase of the history of cruising as well as the Company’s 55-year legacy of pioneering and defining vacation experiences at sea.
With just a few weeks away from the highly anticipated debut of Norwegian Prima, this three-part program chronicles the Company’s groundbreaking moments, and series of firsts, which revolutionized modern-day cruising, and prepared it for this next evolution of the brand. In this new episode of EMBARK, viewers are guided through NCL’s storied journey, from being the first cruise line to offer roundtrip voyages to the Caribbean in 1966 to the Company’s new Prima Class of ships, debuting in August 2022. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – August 9, 2022 – As its newest ship is just three months away from joining the fleet, Carnival Cruise Line today named the senior leadership team of Carnival Celebration, set to arrive to Carnival’s hometown homeport, PortMiami, this November. Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras, Chief Engineer Fabien Gervaise and Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri will lead more than 1,700 crew members on the new ship. Carnival Celebration is currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, and its new leadership team is there getting acquainted with the new ship as construction is completed. "We're proud to assemble this team of talented and knowledgeable maritime professionals to lead a dedicated crew on our next innovative Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration. We can't wait to welcome guests to vacation with all this ship has to offer, and this team will ensure a great onboard experience for our guests," said Carnival President Christine Duffy. Get to Know Carnival Celebration’s Senior Officers Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras: When Carnival Celebration completes its first week in service from Miami, Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras will also mark his 26th anniversary with Carnival Cruise Line. Starting in 1996, Capt. Alcaras, who is originally from Italy, worked on Carnival’s first Celebration iteration, the M.S. Celebration, as a second officer. He was promoted to first officer while on board M.S. Celebration and was then promoted to Safety Officer two years later. He first became captain in Sept. 2006 on Carnival Miracle. He’s worked on several ships throughout the fleet and he has been part of the inaugural team for newbuilds, overseeing the delivery of Carnival Breeze and Carnival Celebration’s Excel-class sister Mardi Gras. “I have a strong connection with Carnival Celebration, like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep,” said Alcaras. “There’s nothing like standing at the edge of the ocean, seeing its vastness on the horizon, and doing so will be all the more special for me from this ship as it holds a special piece of my own personal history with Carnival Cruise Line.” (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI & FAIRFAX, Va. – August 10, 2022 – One million Carnival Cruise Line guests have now utilized VeriFLY™ by Daon, a secure and free travel app allowing vaccinated guests to easily submit health screening information. “Helping one million people to simplify the process of starting their vacation is a great milestone to reach, but it’s no surprise the majority of our guests have taken to using VeriFLY so quickly. They see the benefit immediately as they save a significant amount of time at the port and get on board faster,” said Ron Dillehay, Carnival’s vice president of guest marketing and technology. |
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