Cruise News: Top Stories From November
Cruise News: Top Industry Stories From November
As the temperatures continue to drop and the winter weather envelops the United States, cruises to warm-weather destinations are more appealing than ever.
With cruise lines updating coronavirus-related protocols, Disney adding a new ship and characters, new terminals opening and Black Friday sales as far as the eye can see, t was a largely positive month for an industry still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
Add in the fact that the 2022 Travvy Awards celebrated the industry earlier this month, companies are bringing back pre-pandemic events and cruise lines are bolstering fleets, and now is a great time to book a cruise adventure.
Cruise lines made major waves over the last month, and here are the top cruise stories from November.
Cruise Lines Updates COVID-19 Policies
Disney Cruise Line, Seabourn, Royal Caribbean and several other cruise lines have announced updates to their COVID-related health and safety protocols. Travelers should keep in mind that select itineraries to certain regions and countries with specific requirements will still require enhanced health protocols and testing.
Carnival Reinstates Priority Check-In, Increases Food Prices
Carnival Cruise Line revealed recent updates regarding the company’s priority check-in options, price increases for certain dining options and new food-waste initiatives. For Diamond and Platinum VIFP guests, priority check-in and boarding has officially been reinstated across all of its homeports and ships departing from North America and Europe.
Disney Adds New Characters, Entertainment to Marvel Day at Sea
Disney Cruise Line has announced the addition of new characters and entertainment for its Marvel Day at Sea events aboard Disney Dream next year. More than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new encounters and live entertainment throughout the event, which will take place on as many as nine five-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Miami in early 2023.
2022 Travvy Awards Recognizes the Best Cruise Companies
Top cruise lines from all over the world were honored at the 2022 Travvy Awards. From the line with the best entertainment to the best cruise line based on destination to river cruises to the overall best ship. Here’s the roundup of all the winners voted on by travel agents.
Arnold Donald Stepping Down From Carnival
Carnival Corporation & plc announced that former President and CEO Arnold Donald is stepping down from the Boards of Directors after more than two decades of service. The 67-year-old Donald’s resignation is effective November 30.
Celebrity Ship Sets Sail on Inaugural US Voyage
Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, set sail on its inaugural United States sailing from Fort Lauderdale, kicking off its inaugural Caribbean season. During the ship’s official naming ceremony, 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic Medalist Simone Biles became the new vessel’s godmother.
Virgin Voyages Breaks Guinness World Record
Virgin Voyages celebrated Valiant Lady’s maiden voyage in record-setting fashion earlier this month, breaking the Guinness World Records title for the largest gathering of people dressed as merpeople at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas on November 4.
Royal Caribbean Opens New Galveston Cruise Terminal
Royal Caribbean International announced the grand opening of its new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas. In addition to welcoming the largest cruise ship to ever serve Texas, Allure of the Seas, the cruise line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Port of Galveston to mark the state-of-the-art facility’s opening.
Royal Caribbean, PortMiami Sign New 50-Year Deal
Royal Caribbean signed a new, record-setting deal with Miami-Dade County, the “cruise capital of the world.” The terms of this new arrangement stand to benefit both the county and the cruise company, which has homeported in Miami for over 50 years.
Disney Cruise Line Acquires New Ship
Disney has acquired a new ship that has already been partially completed, which will bring the cruise line vacation experience to new global destinations. The vessel, known as the Global Dream, is located at Meyer Werft shipyard in Wismar, Germany.
MSC Cruises Christens MSC World Europa
Ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, MSC Cruises named its newest ship—MSC World Europa—in Doha. The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display set against the skyline, as well as a gourmet gala dinner featuring fresh cuisine served by the new ship’s acclaimed eateries.
Cruise Industry Celebrating Black Friday Deal
It’s that time of year! Black Friday can be the best time of the year to save big on cruises around the world, ranging from the ultra-luxurious to the laid-back. Click through this slideshow to see the currently announced Black Friday cruise deals, and come back during Black Friday to see the completed list of deals.