Cruise News: Top Stories From August
Cruise News: Top Stories From August
Cruise lines are thriving once again after contending with coronavirus-related health and safety rules that some believe unfairly impacted the industry.
More and more cruise lines are eliminating and easing testing and vaccination protocols, making it easier for travelers to head back to the open seas. With the CDC letting each company makes its own decisions, people are booking cruises and getting ready to sail.
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 Update Vaccine, Testing Requirements
After the CDC’s ended its COVID-19-related cruise requirements, plenty of cruise lines have been making amendments to their vaccination and testing requirements. To assist travel agents and travelers, TravelPulse’s Lacey Pfalz is keeping tabs on current coronavirus protocols for each of the most popular cruise lines.
2022 Travvy Awards Celebrate Cruise Industry
With the 2022 Travvy Awards right around the corner and voting open through November 3, TravelPulse has highlighted the best of the cruise industry leading into the event. Check out the top river cruise lines, ocean cruise lines and cruise ships.
CLIA Announces Details for Cruise Week
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has set the dates and activities for its annual celebration of the industry. Cruise Week will take place this year from September 16-25 and see a host of trade-friendly cruise initiatives and updates made available for travel advisors.
Confidence in Cruising Continue to Rise
Comfort levels for cruising amongst experienced travelers are rising with the cruise booking boom of 2022. According to the Global Rescue Summer 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey, 21 percent of travelers feel comfortable cruising right now, a number that has increased by two percent since earlier in the year.
What’s the Best Time to Set Sail on a Caribbean Cruise?
A Caribbean cruise vacation can be a dream come true for many travelers, but when is the best time to set sail is question travel advisors often receive from clients. With so much traffic in a region served by a variety of cruise lines, there are benefits and advantages to timing a vacation to meet each traveler’s needs.
Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed Talks to TravelPulse
TravelPulse caught up with Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service to hear the latest on the cruise line’s path to recovery. Freed provided an update on the current protocols for the cruise lines and teased info about Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Icon of the Seas cruise ship.
Katy Perry Christens Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima, the first in a class of six groundbreaking ships, was christened by pop star sensation Katy Perry in Iceland in a ceremony that was as one-of-kind as the ship itself. Christening highlights included a performance by renowned Icelandic musician Dadi Freyr, which was followed by a performance by Perry.
Character Meet-and-Greets Back on Disney Cruises
One of the best parts of sailing on a Disney Cruise Line ship is the character meet-and-greets, which returned with autograph sessions across the company’s fleet on August 29. In addition, the cruise line revealed masks are optional and children under the age of 12 are no longer required to be vaccinated.
Viking Welcomes Cruise Lines’ First Godfather
Viking named its newest river ship, the Viking Osiris, with a celebration in Luxor, Egypt, featuring the company’s first ceremonial godfather, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon. Designed specifically to navigate the Nile, the state-of-the-art ship was built at Massara shipyard in Cairo and will sail Viking’s bestselling Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
Princess Adds New Program to Bid on Higher Stateroom Categories
Princess Cruises announced a new Princess Upgrade program that allows travelers to bid on room or suite upgrades. The new bid-based system was developed through a partnership with PlusGrade and allows guests residing in the United States to secure an upgrade to oceanview, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite and even a full suite.
Puerto Rico To Launch $425 Million San Juan Cruise Port Upgrade
Nine San Juan, Puerto Rico, cruise ship docks will be expanded and modernized under a $425 million public-private partnership between the Caribbean island’s government and London-based Global Ports Holding. The project will “transform” the island’s cruise operations, enabling the destination to compete with other Caribbean destinations for calls.
Virgin Voyages Secures New Funding to Fuel Strategic Growth
Virgin Voyages has closed on $550 million in new capital raised to support its growth, including the launch of two more ships and expansion into new markets in Australia and the Caribbean. The new funding will enable Virgin Voyages to continue executing its growth strategy and strengthen its financial position as cruise demand continues to gain momentum. The company said July marked its highest booking month ever.