Cruise News: Top Stories From April
Cruise News: Top Stories From April
As destinations reopen to the cruise industry and the summer travel boom begins, more and more companies have been working to improve the passenger experience, including updating COVID-related requirements, announcing new ships and more.
From raising drink package prices and daily gratuities to record bookings, NFTs and cancellations, the last month has been a whirlwind for a cruise industry still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.
The cruise industry made major waves over the last month, and here are the top cruise stories from April.
Royal Caribbean Adds FlexPay Program
Royal Caribbean International announced an expanded partnership with its travel advisor partners that includes the launch of a FlexPay payment program. The cruise line’s Espresso booking system will allow up to 10 automatic payments that can be arranged by date and amount. The program gives travelers the chance to use more than one credit card for payments. The feature is only available for clients booking a cruise through a travel agent.
Australia’s Ban on Cruise Ships Expires
Australia’s two-year ban on cruise ships expired on April 17, with the country allowing vessels to visit again for the first time since March 2020, shortly after coronavirus was declared a global pandemic.
Cruise Ships Return to Maine
For the first time since 2019, cruise ships are returning to Maine, with the state expecting 360 cruise ships to dock this year. That’s down from 408 in 2019, and officials said they only expect about 60-65 percent capacity on those vessels.
Norwegian Celebrates Comeback in Hawaii
Norwegian Cruise Line has returned the only cruise ship to sail year-round in Hawaii, the Pride of America ship, back into service following the state’s end of the Safe Travels Program. The ship sails each week on seven-day, roundtrip itineraries from Honolulu, with overnight stays in Maui and Kauai. Travelers can book the itinerary through December 2025.
Cruising Returns to Canada
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam arrived at Vancouver Sunday, April 10, marking the first ship back in the port in more than two years. The day was filled with events including a pier-side celebratory ceremony and plaque exchange onboard to commemorate Koningsdam’s first-ever call at Vancouver.
NCL Launches Cruise Industry’s First Collection of NFTs
Norwegian Cruise Line sailed into the Metaverse with the launch of the cruise industry’s first collection of NFTs, adding to the brand’s legacy of pioneering firsts. The cruise line sold all of the pieces within 20 minutes of the launch of its new NFT Marketplace.
Cruise Lines Raising Drink Package Prices, Daily Gratuities
Carnival Cruise Line announced it would raise daily service gratuities and the price of its drink packages. Stating on May 1, Carnival’s CHEERS! drink package will cost $59.95 per person, per day if purchased before the voyage sets sail, and $64.95 per person, per day if purchased onboard. Both options require an 18 percent service charge.
Royal Caribbean Announces Historic Booking Day, Week
Royal Caribbean International announced that it set a pair of new records last week after recording its largest-ever single booking day and the highest volume booking week for the period between March 26 and April 1.
Celebrity Cancels 2022-23 Asia Season Due to ‘Uncertainty’
Celebrity Cruises is canceling the winter 2022-23 Asia season on Celebrity Solstice, which will now operate in the Mexican Riviera, taking over the September-through-December sailings that were scheduled for Celebrity Millennium, which will switch to the Caribbean.
World’s Largest Cruise Ship Will Be Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean announced the name of its sixth Oasis-Class cruise ship would be Utopia of the Seas. The cruise line trademarked the title in December of 2021 in addition to 23 other names that could be used for future vessels.
Carnival Corp. Announces New President and CEO
Carnival Corp. & plc announced that Chief Operations Officer Josh Weinstein, 48, will become President and CEO of the corporation, effective August 1. Current President and CEO Arnold Donald will become vice chair and member of the board of directors.
Alaska Tourism Officials Hoping for Strong Cruise Season
Alaska welcomed the first large cruise ship of a season that tourism officials expect will be more robust after two years of pandemic-related travel disruptions. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss arrived in Juneau, as Cruise Lines International Association Alaska spokesperson Lanie Downs said the group is looking for a “full season again, with hundreds of planned voyages.”
Virgin Voyages Names Fourth Ship
Virgin Voyages has named its fourth ship Brilliant Lady. Due out in late 2023, the vessel will follow Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, which are all scheduled to be sailing by summer’s end. The company said it was “extremely thoughtful when selecting a name that would boldly stand alongside her sister ships. We sought out a name that exemplifies our brand’s values and ethos, the truest representation of our mission to ‘Create an Epic Sea Change For All’.”