Cruise News: Top Industry Stories From October
Cruise News: Top Stories From October
Cruise lines have thrived since the United States government eased coronavirus-related restrictions, and October showed just how resilient the industry could be in the face of Hurricane Ian.
Between cruise lines taking deliveries of new ships, the development of environmentally-designed ports and added entertainment and food options, the industry has capitalized on pent-up demand by enticing more and more travelers to hit the open seas.
Add in the fact that the 2022 Travvy Awards are celebrating the industry, companies are bringing back pre-pandemic events and activities 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 October.
Florida Cruise Ports Reopen After Hurricane Ian
Days after Hurricane Ian made major landfall in Florida, three of the state’s major cruise ports resumed operations—Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral and Jacksonville’s JAXPort—after shutting down when the storm hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, one of the strongest storms to hit the U.S. in the nation’s history.
Cruise Lines Remove Coronavirus-Related Requirements
More and more cruise lines, including Norwegian and Celestyal, announced most coronavirus-related testing, masking and vaccination requirements would be lifted. “Health and safety are always our first priority; in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic,” said NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Takes Delivery of World Traveller
Atlas Ocean Voyages took delivery of its highly anticipated new 200-guest World Traveller in Viana do Castelo, Portugal earlier this month. The vessel will officially be named during a special ceremony on November 20.
Carnival to Impose Fine on Unruly Passengers
Carnival has had enough of the fights, brawls and injuries on its ships. The cruise line has added a new wrinkle to its ticket contract, warning passengers they could be hit with a $500 fine for unruly conduct – and they could be held responsible for any damages caused, and any expenses associated with being detained or being disembarked before the conclusion of the cruise.
Royal Caribbean to Open World’s First Zero-Energy Terminal
Royal Caribbean announced its newest terminal, expected to open November 9 in Galveston, Texas, will be the first cruise terminal to generate all of its energy using on-site renewable energy production.
Bahamas to Develop New Cruise Port
Cruisers and other vacationers to The Bahamas will soon have another cruise port to visit at Long Island after the government announced plans for a $250-million development in partnership with Azul Destinations Ltd and Calypso Cove Destinations Ltd, to be named Calypso Cove.
Margaritaville at Sea Expands Heroes Sail Free Program
Margaritaville at Sea announced it would increase the availability of the Heroes Sail Free program. As part of a partnership with GovX, the cruise line is offering a free cruise on any sailing to all qualified U.S. military service members (active duty and veterans), police, fire, EMS personnel, nurses and educators who take a voyage with a paying guest.
AmaWaterways Add Free Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Packages
AmaWaterways announced a series of complimentary pre- or post-cruise land packages as add-ons to select Europe, Egypt and Mekong River cruises for groups and FIT travelers in 2023 and exclusively for groups in 2024.
Hurtigruten First Cruise Line to Implement SpaceX’s Starlink Internet
Hurtigruten Expeditions has announced it will be the first cruise line to implement SpaceX’s broadband service Starlink fleet-wide when installation is completed. Hurtigruten and long-time connectivity partner Speedcast began testing and integration of Starlink’s terminals onboard the company’s small-size expedition cruise ships back in March.
Princess Cruises Introduces Holiday Season Dining Options
Princess Cruises announced it would introduce new gourmet dining options and traditional dishes for travelers sailing during the 2022 holiday season. Chef Rudi Sodamin and the Princess culinary arts team unveiled the cruise line’s Culinary Collection of Holiday Menus, a new series of holiday fare available in the main dining rooms throughout the fleet.
Carnival Announces Live Entertainment Options for New Ship
Carnival Cruise Line announced the live entertainment options coming to the new Carnival Celebration. From new main production shows and aerialist acts to game shows, parties and events, the new ship’s offerings were designed to incorporate engaging presentations, upbeat vibes, energetic music, playful choreography, colorful scenes and tons of fun.
MSC Cruises Executive Talks Expanded US Presence
MSC Cruises continued its expansion into the United States market by announcing that a record five ships would sail from American homeports by the end of 2023. The cruise line will broaden its range of itineraries in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Northeast and Canada beginning with the Winter 2023-2024 season.
Cruise Planners Chief Sales Officer Named Godmother
Cruise Planners announced that Chief Sales Officer Theresa Scalzitti has been named the official godmother of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ newest yacht-style expedition ship, World Traveller.
Cunard Adds Bear Grylls to Lineup for Alaska 2023 Voyages
Cunard announced a new lineup of experts for the cruise line’s Alaska 2023 Insights enrichment program, with Bear Grylls headlining the season. Grylls is scheduled to join Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2023 Alaska voyage, a roundtrip out of Vancouver on June 8.