Posts in Cruise News
Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. Extends Global Cancellation Policy
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Royal Caribbean Extends Global Suspension of Cruising 

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

MIAMI - Given global public health circumstances, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has decided to extend the suspension of sailings of our global fleet.

We are working with our guests to address this disruption to their vacations, and we are genuinely sorry for their inconvenience. We are also working with our crew to sort out the issues this decision presents for them.

We expect to return to service on May 12, 2020. Because of announced port closures, we expect to return to service for Alaska, Canada and New England sailings July 1, 2020.

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Princess Cruise Line Temporarily revises cancellation policy
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To assist guests' decisions regarding their upcoming cruise vacations during the evolving worldwide COVID-19 situation, Princess Cruises is temporarily making some changes to our cancellation policy for cruises and cruisetours departing between March 6 and May 31, 2020, and final payment terms for cruises and cruisetours sailing in June 2020.

Updated Cancellation Policy for cruises and cruisetours departing March 6, 2020 through May 31, 2020

The details vary by departure date. The following applies to new and existing bookings on cruises and cruisetours in all markets globally.

Date of Departure

Benefit

March 6 – 8, 2020 Cancel up to sailing date to automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees

March 9, 2020 - April 3, 2020Cancel up to 72 hours before sailing to automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees

April 4, 2020 - May 31, 2020Cancel by March 31 and automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit for 100% of cancellation fees

*Date of departure is from the start date of your cruise or cruisetour, whichever is earlier. Excludes charter cruises.

For guests that have already cancelled a March 6-May 31, 2020 cruise or cruisetour on or after January 20, 2020, they will automatically receive Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees; no need to call Princess.

Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are non-refundable and non-transferrable. They may be applied to any new or existing booking not yet paid in full on a Princess cruise or cruisetour departing on or before December 31, 2021. The FCC does not have to be used on the same itinerary that was cancelled.

Future Cruise Credits will automatically be applied to each guest’s Captain Circle account after they have cancelled. FCCs will not be available instantly and may take up to 10 business days to be processed; no need to call to Princess before this time.

Special Offer for Guests Who Choose to Keep Bookings on March 6 through May 31, 2020 Departures

Guests who choose to keep their booking on cruises or cruisetours as currently scheduled for departures between March 6, 2020 and May 31, 2020 will automatically receive the following Onboard Credit amounts:

  • $100 USD / $150 AUD per stateroom for 3 and 4 day cruises

  • $150 USD / $225 AUD per stateroom for 5 day cruises

  • $200 USD / $300 AUD per stateroom for 6 day and longer cruises

Guests will automatically receive their onboard credit amount on their folio, which may take up to several days after the ship has embarked.

Revised Final Payment Timing on June 2020 Departures

Additionally, we are amending Final Payment on cruises and cruisetours sailing June 1 through June 30, 2020.

Date of Departure*BenefitJune 1, 2020 - June 30, 2020Final Payment moves to 60 days prior to sailing

*Date of departure is from the start date of your cruise or cruisetour, whichever is earlier. Excludes charter cruises.

To ensure we cover guests who already made final payment, the revised final payment date means no cancellation fees will be assessed until 60 days prior to sailing.

To review our complete Cancellation Policy for all departures, please refer to the Passage Contract.

For further information please visit: Cancellation & Final Payment Updates



Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Introduces 48-Hour Cancellation Option With Regent Reassurance
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced a new temporary change to its cancellation policy to give luxury travelers additional time, if needed, to feel confident in their decision to sail on a currently booked Regent voyage or to sail on a future one.

Regent Reassurance includes all Regent voyages embarking March 10, 2020 through September 30, 2020. Guests who have paid in full on any of these voyages now have the option to cancel their voyage up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to any new reservation within one year on any Regent voyage sailing between today and December 31, 2022.

Regent Reassurance is applicable to all existing and new reservations made by April 30, 2020.

“At Regent, our extended family of guests is always at the center of everything we do. With so much information coming from around the world very quickly regarding the global health environment, we understand our guests may feel uneasy about traveling,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Regent Reassurance is designed to provide our guests with maximum flexibility and give them the confidence to take a Regent voyage on the most luxurious fleet in the cruise industry.”

For further information please visit: Regent Reassurance 



Royal Caribbean allowing Cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing due to Corona virus (Cruise with Confidence)
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The “Cruise With Confidence” policy allows guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea to cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest’s choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” said Richard Fain, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.”

“When circumstances are as fast-changing as they have been recently, it’s good to know you have the option to take a rain check,” Fain said. “We think putting more control in our guests’ hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary.”  

In addition to easing concerns for booked guests, Fain said the policy would also give consumers more confidence in making new bookings, knowing that they could later adjust their plans without penalty.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020 and will be offered by the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. Full details of the “Cruise with Confidence” policy can be found at the respective brand websites.

For further information please visit: Royal Caribbean Cruise with Confidence



Introducing Family Feud LIVE on the Carnival Mardi Gras

The hit t.v. game show, Family Feud, is going to have a grand debut of Family Feud LIVE, the first time the show has been showcased at sea aboard a cruise ship! And cruisers are getting to experience it right on the Mardi Gras. So who’s ready to play? Survey says, *buzzer* I AM!



Princess Cruises Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for Largest Multi-Location Vow Renewal

Princess Cruises Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for Largest Multi-Location Vow Renewal

In Celebration of Valentine's Day, the Cruise Line Known for Romance Holds Simultaneous Vow Renewal Ceremonies Onboard Three Ships

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 13, 2020,/PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, the international premium cruise line known for its legacy of romance and co-starring role on the hit TV show "The Love Boat," set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest multi-location vow renewal after 1,443 couples reaffirmed their love for one another during simultaneous ceremonies onboard three ships.

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The record-breaking mass renewal of vows ceremonies took place on the top decks of Regal Princess, Royal Princess and Crown Princess, on February 11, 2020, with three official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Adjudicators on each ship to verify the record. The previous record was 1,201 couples, set in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

"A record-setting accomplishment has to be measurable, verifiable and have a single superlative," explained Michael Empric, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Adjudicator onboard Regal Princess. "It's always exciting being a part of a new official record, especially when it's aboard 'The Love Boat.' You could feel the excitement and love in the air from all of the couples participating in this monumental moment with Princess."

Celebrity officiants onboard Regal Princess sailing in the Caribbean included Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed the endearing Captain Stubing on "The Love Boat" with his television daughter, Jill Whelan, who played Vicki, serving as matron of honor. For those couples sailing onboard Royal Princess to Cabo San Lucas and Crown Princess, also in the Caribbean, the Captains of each ship officiated the ceremony.

"For more than 20 years, Princess has hosted renewal of vows ceremonies, helping thousands of couples reconnect and celebrate their love for one another," said Gavin MacLeod, Princess Cruises ambassador. "This is the first time we attempted to break a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title so this particular milestone is extra special and it's been amazing to hear from the guests who booked this cruise especially to become a part of history with Princess Cruises."

The cruise line surveyed participating couples, representing nine countries, and discovered the following romantic fun facts:

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  • The Award for Most Romantic Princess Couple Goes to …: An Australian couple onboard Regal Princess who celebrated many milestones with Princess – they got engaged on a Princess ship, then were married two hours before renewing their vows on Feb. 11. To top it all off, they've even booked their first anniversary cruise next year, staying closer to home Down Under on a Princess cruise in Australia.

  • Everlasting Love: The longest married couples renewing their vows included onboard Royal Princess at 69 years, Crown Princess with 64 years and Regal Princess celebrating 63 years.

  • "I Do…Again!": A total of 76 couples previously renewed their vows on a Princess cruise.

  • Places for Passion: Nearly 40 percent of respondents said the Mediterranean is the most romantic destination, with Alaska coming in second at nearly 25 percent.

  • For the Love of Sunsets: The vast majority of couples (87 percent) prefer sunsets over sunrises.

  • Chocolate vs. Bubbly: When it comes to celebrating, the vote was a little closer: 54 percent prefer chocolate, while the other 46 percent prefer champagne.

Princess has long been synonymous with romance, from being the first cruise line to have a wedding chapel with the unique option to have the ship's Captain marry couples at sea to more recent awards for being the world's "most romantic cruise line." Each year on Valentine's Day, Princess ships hold mass renewal of vows ceremonies so couples can reaffirm their love to one another. Visit www.princess.com/Celebrate for more information. 



CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES OFFICERS FOR TOTALLY TRANSFORMED CARNIVAL RADIANCE

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES OFFICERS FOR TOTALLY TRANSFORMED CARNIVAL RADIANCE

 

Ship Set to Debut in Europe April 29 Following Extensive $200 Million Renovation

 

MIAMI (Feb. 3, 2020) –  Carnival Cruise Line has announced the senior leadership team for the totally transformed Carnival Radiance which is set to debut in Europe on April 29, 2020, following an extensive $200 million refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain.

Currently sailing as Carnival Victory, the ship will depart Miami March 2 for a 38-day dry dock and emerge as Carnival Radiance featuring all of the line’s culinary, beverage and entertainment innovations added as part of the line’s $2 billion fleetwide ship enhancement program.

Among Carnival Radiance’s many offerings will be the first-ever Big Chicken at sea restaurant created by the line’s Chief Fun Officer, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

Carnival Radiance’s senior leadership team comprises some of the most experienced mariners in cruising:

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·       Captain Stefano Bonica/Captain Arik Mazzi: Captain Bonica will command the ship during dry dock while Captain Mazzi will take over once the vessel begins service in the U.S. Bonica attended Istituto Tecnico Nautico Caio Duilio in Messina and joined Carnival as a third officer in 2000.  He was named captain in 2017 and has served on virtually every ship in the fleet during his two decades with the company.  Hailing from La Spezia, Italy, Mazzi served in the Italian Navy and joined Carnival Cruise Line as a deck cadet in 2000.  During his 20 years with the company, he has served on a number of ships in the fleet, most recently as captain of Carnival Fantasy, Ecstasy and Victory. 

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·       Chief Engineer Giovanni Lombardo: A 25-year Carnival veteran, Lombardo followed in his footsteps of his father, also a chief engineer with the company, when he joined Carnival as a third engineer aboard Carnival Ecstasy. After working on a number of vessels across the fleet, he was named chief engineer in 2007 and has served in this capacity primarily aboard the line’s Destiny-class ships.

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·       Hotel Director Caroline Bourke:  The Cork, Ireland, native and 16-year company veteran was part of the inaugural team that introduced Carnival Radiance’s sister ship, Carnival Sunrise, last year.  Bourke joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2004 and was promoted to guest services manager in 2009 before being named hotel director in 2016.  Her hospitality career began at the Hayfield Manor Hotel after earning her degree from the Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland.

These experienced mariners will lead a team of more than 1,000 crew members who will travel to Cadiz to prepare Carnival Radiance for her inaugural voyage - a 10-day sailing from Barcelona April 29, kicking off a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises.  The ship will then reposition to New York to offer four- to nine-day cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean and eastern Canada, as well as five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk.

In November, Carnival Radiance shifts to Port Canaveral for six- to eight-day Caribbean voyages through May 2021 after which it will move to Galveston, significantly expanding the line’s offerings from that port.

New offerings added to Carnival Radiance during the bow-to-stern makeover will include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub.  All of the ship’s spaces will be transformed including the water park, youth facilities, retail shops, Cloud 9 Spa and a new Liquid Lounge home to Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com.  Carnival can also be found on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Journalists also can visit Carnival’s media site, carnival-news.com or follow the line’s PR department on Twitter at twitter.com/CarnivalPR.



MSC CRUISES EXTENDS FLEET EXPANSION
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MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique sign firm contracts for construction of third and fourth LNG-powered MSC World Class ships

Partnership further reinforced with two additional newbuild projects that will focus on the development and utilisation of next-generation environmental technologies


Paris, France, 20 January 2020 – Today MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique further extended their long-term partnership by making a number of strategic announcements at a ceremony held at the Matignon Palace, the French Prime Minister’s official residence. The ceremony was attended by Édouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France; Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman; Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman; and, Laurent Castaing, Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s General Manager.

First, the two companies announced the signing of firm contracts for the construction of MSC Cruises’ third and fourth LNG-powered MSC World Class ships, to be delivered in 2025 and 2027. The first of the initial two ships in the class is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and is due to enter service in 2022. With 205,000 GT, she will become the biggest vessel operated by a European cruise line as well as the first LNG-powered cruise ship built in France. Compared to standard marine fuel, LNG decreases sulphur emissions and particulate matter by 99%, NOx emissions by 85%, and CO2 emissions by 20%.

These contracts represent a capital investment by MSC Cruises exceeding EUR 2 billion and are expected to generate 14 million additional working hours, amounting to over 2,400 full-time equivalent jobs for the next three and a half years directly supported by those orders. Today’s signature also allows the shipyard to start working with the hundreds of suppliers and subcontractors involved in the projects, setting in motion a new cycle that will greatly benefit the French economy.

Today MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique also extended their partnership over the next decade with two additional projects. First, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of yet a new prototype class of LNG-powered cruise ships to operate under the MSC Cruises brand. For this project, MSC Cruises, the shipyard and other partners will focus on developing emerging environmental technologies in line with IMO’s vision for 2030 and 2050. The four vessels in this new class would represent a capital investment exceeding EUR 4 billion and an extra 30 million working hours for the yard, the suppliers and subcontractors involved in the project.

A second MoU sees MSC Cruises partnering with Chantiers de l’Atlantique in the development of yet another innovative prototype ship class concept with which they will explore opportunities that wind power and other advanced technologies could bring to passenger shipping.

The three agreements signed today represent an investment in excess of EUR 6.5 billion in the French economy.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “The three agreements signed today extend our investment plan up to 2030. They stem from an exceptional partnership, with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, that has already delivered 15 highly-innovative innovative cruise ships over the past two decades and will see many more vessels come to life at Saint-Nazaire’s docks in the next ten years. They also confirm this industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability, in this case helping the French national industry further position itself as a world leader in the development of next-generation technologies and other solutions.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “We are really proud and happy to have built such an outstanding relationship with MSC Cruises, based on mutual trust and driven by the spirit of innovation. We are both committed to shaping the cruise of tomorrow and to developing ship concepts which go far beyond current environmental standards. Our companies have already been working together for twenty years and these new projects allow us to look enthusiastically to the future.”

MSC Cruises is strongly committed to achieving a zero-impact future by investing in the accelerated development of new energy solutions and environmental technologies that will allow that. On 1 January 2020 MSC Cruises became the first major cruise line to achieve carbon neutral fleet operations. As today’s most advanced environmental technology alone is insufficient to reach that, while it works to minimize and continuously reduce its environmental footprint MSC Cruises is offsetting all CO2 emissions from its fleet that it is not be possible to abate through such technology through a blend of high standard carbon offset projects.



Man Overboard and Saved by Hollywood Star Leonardo DiCaprio

A man had fallen overboard and much to his surprise he was saved by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.



MSC Grandiosa Setting Trends for the Future
The new MSC Grandiosa is sure to be setting trends for the future and there is no going back after we experience these incredible advancements in technology! Are you looking forward to experiencing Personalized Smart Cabins, Human-Centric Entertainment And Purposeful Travel As Guest Experience?!



CARNIVAL INTRODUCES ‘THE FUN ONES,’ NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN THAT CELEBRATES THE PLAYFUL WAY ITS GUESTS CHOOSE FUN
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Choose a vacation as fun as you!

CARNIVAL INTRODUCES ‘THE FUN ONES,’ NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN

THAT CELEBRATES THE PLAYFUL WAY ITS GUESTS CHOOSE FUN

MIAMI (Jan. 6, 2020) – Carnival Cruise Line has launched a new marketing campaign, “The Fun Ones,” that celebrates the playful spirit of Carnival’s guests, how they choose fun, and the unique bond they have with their fellow cruisers who are “shamelessly true to themselves.”

An evolution of the brand’s Choose Fun campaign that launched in 2018 and introduced Shaquille O’Neal as the company’s Chief Fun Officer, the Fun Ones, created in tandem with advertising agency of record Anomaly, showcases those guests who embrace life by being their most fun-selves on board. 

Combining vibrant imagery with tag lines like “The Fun Ones Plan for No Plans” and “Choose a Vacation as Fun as You,” the campaign conveys the everyone-is-welcome atmosphere that attracts nearly 6 million guests annually and how they make vacations more fun, while reminding viewers that when guests board a Carnival ship, they’re not sailing with strangers – they’re among friends.

This message is delivered in out-of-home elements along with 15-, 30- and 60-second commercials airing in key markets such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa, Houston and Orlando on television and radio, as well as national digital properties including YouTube and Hulu. To view one of the spots, click here.

In one spot, a guest goes “full flamingo” and dons a pink flamingo-shaped inner tube as he shamelessly struts along the Lido Deck much to the delight of his fellow shipmates, while a bride playfully takes a plunge into the pool instead of tossing her bouquet to the crowd.

“We all have a ‘Fun One’ in our lives – someone we love to be around or want to be like and this campaign showcases the exuberant spirit of our guests who truly make a Carnival cruise a vacation like no other,” said Pete Callaro, senior vice president of brand and product marketing for Carnival Cruise Line. “When consumers see the new spots, they will recognize the ‘Fun One’ in their lives and be inspired to have that fun together on a Carnival cruise.”

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com.  Carnival can also be found on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.



Do Cruises Cost MORE Every Year? Price Changes With Two Different Cruise Lines
With the New Year here do you expect or anticipate to be pulling out your wallet a bit more for your cruise vacation? We discuss two changes with two major cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises and how these changes and aspects of cruising will cost you more money in 2020.



The ULTIMATE FAN CRUISE for the Philadelphia Eagles!
So you call yourself a fan? Then there is nowhere else you will want to be in March of 2021! Join The ULTIMATE FAN CRUISE for the Philadelphia Eagles! This will be a highlight of the Philadelphia eagles year unless of course, they win the Superbowl as well!


Carnival MARDI GRAS DELAYED & CANCELS CRUISES

📺 Watch more from the Carnival Mardi Gras here: Carnival Mardi Gras Gingerbread Cruise Ship in Atlanta Mall!


Carnival Panorama SKY ZONE FIRST LOOK & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Carnival Panorama SKY ZONE FIRST LOOK & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Sky Zone on the Carnival cruise ships is brand new and we cover the 3 different time slots they offer. Open jump, toddler type, and the anticipated glow jump! We go over the prices and age ranges for each section.


Carnival PANORAMA'S New Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, Brewhouse With Guy Fieri

Hear from Guy Fieri himself on how he comes up with recipes and what he enjoys off the menu aboard the Carnival Panorama’s new Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, Brewhouse!



Carnival Panorama Naming Ceremony, Exploring the Ship & Party!

What a celebration as the 27th ship joins the Carnival Cruise Line Fleet! The Carnival Panorama naming ceremony was a blast to attend with the Godmother, Vanna White, blessing the ship and kicking off the party!



Carnival Mardi Gras Gingerbread Cruise Ship in Atlanta Mall!
I flew to Atlanta, Georgia to go check out the Carnival holiday installation in the Lenox Square Mall! The massive gingerbread cruise ship is modeled after Carnival Cruise Line's New Mardi Gras! What a fun way to spice up the holiday season!



New CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS Instagram & Foodies Delight, The MOST INSTAGRAMABLE RESTAURANT
New CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS Instagram & Foodies Delight - Get ready for the Carnival Mardi Grad as a new restaurant onboard, Rudi's Seagrill will soon be serving up fun and dishing up delights. Where you come face to face with your dish, quite literally.


Royal Caribbean Taking a Look Beyond 2020, What's to Come!
Let's take a look beyond 2020 and see what is in store for 2021 and 2022 itineraries and amplified ships with Royal Caribbean. We discuss where ships within the fleet will be home-ported and what you can expect to see as options for destinations!