Cruise News: Top Stories From May
Cruise News: Top Stories From May
As more cruise lines return their entire fleets to service and destinations continue reopening borders to international travelers, the biggest companies within the industry are expanding their offerings and making dreams come true for passengers.
With cruise lines continuing to expand passenger capacity, working with celebrity ambassadors and announcing new options for passengers returning to the open seas, the last month has been a whirlwind for an industry still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.
Cruise lines made major waves over the last month, and here are the top cruise stories from May.
CDC Updates COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its health and safety program for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters. The agency announced it would reduce the percentage threshold requirement for determining “highly vaccinated voyages” from 95 percent to 90 percent of eligible passengers or those aged five and older. However, the crew vaccination percentage must remain at 95 percent or greater to be considered a highly vaccinated voyage.
Cruise Lines Expanding Passenger Capacity
Cruise lines continue to expand passenger and fleet capacity as the U.S. government eases coronavirus-related travel restrictions. The CDC updated its ‘COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S.’ plan and major cruise lines are using the changes to justify ending reduced capacity.
Carnival Cruise Line Restarts Entire Fleet
Carnival Cruise Line became the first U.S. cruise line to restart its entire fleet of ships since the COVID-19 pandemic following the departure of Carnival Splendor from the Port of Seattle. The cruise line also announced it reached the milestone of welcoming back two million guests since the industry opened again.
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line Operating Full Fleet
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the return of Norwegian Spirit marked the 17th and final ship in its fleet to return to service. Since the relaunch of Norwegian Jade in July 2021, the cruise line systematically relaunched its ships around the world, welcoming guests and crew members back with enhanced health and safety protocols. In addition, all 26 Royal Caribbean International ships are back in passenger service for the first time since March 2020.
Azamara, Princess Cruises Celebrate as Ships Return to Sailing
Azamara announced its entire fleet of four intimate-style ships had officially returned to passenger service following its pandemic-induced pause in operations. Princess Cruises also revealed it welcomed back three additional ships with the return of Island Princess, Royal Princess and Crown Princess.
Carnival Cruise Line to Bring Back Weddings at Sea
Starting in September on every ship sailing from the United States, Carnival Cruise Line is once again taking reservations for weddings and vow renewals, with passengers having a wide variety of options to create an unforgettable ceremony.
Princess Cruises Reveals New All-Inclusive Premier Package
Princess Cruises announced a new premium add-on package, dubbed Princess Premier, which offers guests unlimited Wi-Fi for up to four devices, premium beverages, photos, specialty dining and crew gratuities. The new package will cost $75 per person, per day, and builds off the popular Princess Plus add-on.
Celebrity Cruises Announces Simone Biles as Godmother
Celebrity Cruises announced that Olympic gymnast Simone Biles would be the Godmother of the new Celebrity Beyond ship. In her role as Godmother, Biles will name Celebrity Beyond at the official ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on November 4.
Kelly Clarkson Teams With Norwegian Cruise Line
Kelly Clarkson joined forces with Norwegian Cruise Line, announcing that she would be joining this year’s Giving Joy winners aboard the new record-breaking ship, Norwegian Prima. Clarkson said she would perform during the ceremony honoring the top 100 teachers across the U.S. and Canada, when the ship debuts in her home state of Texas on October 27.
Carnival Ship Catches Fire While Docked in Turks & Caicos
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom caught on fire during its time docked at Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos. The company said its “emergency response team quickly activated and extinguished a fire inside the ship’s funnel.” The spokesperson also said “all guests and crew are safe, and the ship’s guests were cleared by local authorities to go ashore.”