Princess Cruises Extends Pause of Global Ship Operations into 2021

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order" pertaining to resumption of U.S. cruise operations, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in global operations to allow time for the estimated preparation needed for completing required activities prior to sailing and taking into consideration the temporary seven-day cap on itineraries that call at a U.S. port. The cruise operations impacted include the following:

• All cruises sailing through March 31, 2021

• All cruises longer than seven days sailing in and out of United States ports through November 1, 2021

Additionally, due to the uncertainty about when international travel restrictions might be lifted, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in operations for cruises departing in and out of Japan through June 25, 2021.

"We are focused on preparing our ships to meet the CDC health and safety requirements for our eventual return to service," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "We also appreciate the continued support we have received from our guests, partners and travel advisors, reinforcing for all of us why we do what we do."

Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare.

To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel advisor.

Alternatively, guests can request a full refund for all monies paid on their booking through this online form. Requests must be received by December 31, 2020 or guests will be registered for the Future Cruise Credit option.

Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line's business and success.

The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.

---

---

---

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Hawaii, Other Favorite Tropical Destinations in Early 2022

October 15, 2020

 In early 2022, Disney Cruise Line returns to Hawaii and other favorite tropical destinations to delight families with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. Adventure abounds during 10-night Hawaiian Islands cruises and a variety of sailings to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico, departing from coast-to-coast homeports including New Orleans, Galveston, Texas, San Diego, Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 22, 2020. More details on 2022 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2022 page of disneycruise.com.

There’s not much time to think on the options this time, because booking will start in a few days!

Booking will be as follows:

• Monday, October 19 for Platinum Castaway Club Members (guests who have sailed with Disney more than 10 times) and Golden Oak residents.

• Tuesday, October 20 for Gold Castaway Club Members (guests who have sailed more than 5 times)

• Wednesday, October 21 for Silver Castaway Club members (guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line at least once), Adventures by Disney insiders, and Disney Vacation Club members.

• Thursday, October 22 for first-time cruisers!

Hawaiian Islands Cruises from Honolulu and Vancouver

The Disney Wonder returns to Hawaii in early 2022 for two special 10-night cruises: a voyage to Honolulu from Vancouver, Canada, on April 26, and a return sailing to Vancouver on May 6.

Guests will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, including the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu; unforgettable views from high atop the summit of Haleakala Crater on Maui; the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai; and the diverse natural wonders of Hawaii Island.

Even More Family Vacations from Florida

Vacationers can combine a Disney cruise getaway with a stay at Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022 with two ships sailing from Port Canaveral near Orlando, Florida, and a third ship departing from Miami. Every cruise from Florida in early 2022 includes a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

• From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy begins the year with a six-night Western Caribbean cruise, followed by seven-night voyages to a variety of favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

• The Disney Dream, also sailing from Port Canaveral, embarks on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Offering even more fun in the sun, one special four-night cruise includes two stops at Castaway Cay.

• From Miami, the Disney Magic sails four- and five-night Bahamian cruises and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. One special three-night sailing to Castaway Cay and Key West, Florida, makes the perfect long weekend escape.

With a variety of options from Florida to choose from, guests can look forward to embarking on a vacation that provides something for everyone in the family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.

Popular Tropical Destinations from Galveston and New Orleans

• The Disney Wonder sails Western Caribbean getaways early in the year, first from Galveston, Texas, with four-night itineraries, followed by four- and six-night voyages from New Orleans.

• A special six-night Bahamian voyage offered from both Galveston and New Orleans gives guests the opportunity to visit Castaway Cay, in addition to the lively town of Key West.

Baja Getaways from San Diego

• The Disney Wonder returns to San Diego in March and April with cruises to Baja, Mexico, where guests can enjoy vibrant culture, stunning beaches and exciting water activities.

• Most sailings to the Baja peninsula call on the charming coastal city of Ensenada, known for its turquoise blue water and rugged mountainous terrain. A two-night cruise to Ensenada has a Friday departure from San Diego, giving guests the ultimate weekend getaway to experience world-class entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder.

• Four- and five-night Baja cruises include a visit to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a favored destination with dramatic rock formations and white-sand beaches, or to Catalina Island, a tropical gem off the California coast with plenty of outdoor adventures and seaside charm.

What about the Disney Wish?                                                               

• Originally planned to sail in early 2022, the Disney Wish is now scheduled for its maiden voyage in summer 2022 due to pandemic-related delays at the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Germany. As previously announced, the Disney Wish will be powered by liquified natural gas or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

---

More Disney Cruise Line

---

---

This video is an update from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Chairman Richard Fain, as he discusses the cruise line's unknown timeline for a return to service and addressing racism. Richard Fain's message was originally directed for Travel advisors.

---

More Royal Caribbean Content

---

---

Carnival Corporation's AIDA Cruises to Restart Sailing Vacations in August

Germany's leading cruise company presents details about its gradual, phased-in restart and enhanced health and safety protocols. Bookings for the first short cruises start today, July 9, 2020.

ROSTOCK, Germany, July 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AIDA Cruises, Germany's leading cruise line and a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company – today announced it will resume sailing operations in August 2020. Following an industry-wide pause in operations in mid-March, three of its ships will restart sailing next month. AIDAperla will be the first to set sail on August 5 from Hamburg, followed by AIDAmar from Rostock-Warnemünde on August 12 and AIDAblu from Kiel on August 16. Bookings start today, July 9.

Supported by the theme – "With certainty the most beautiful vacation" – AIDA Cruises has worked with several global and national health authorities to develop a comprehensive set of health and hygiene protocols to help facilitate a safe, healthy and phased-in return to cruise vacations. The brand will provide extensive information about the enhanced protocols and procedures it will implement against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. More details are available at www.aida.de/sichererurlaub.

Starting with the booking process through individual travel preparation, embarking and disembarking in port, and medical care on board, AIDA Cruises has introduced a variety of preventive measures to complement existing health and hygiene standards.

These measures range from the digital health questionnaire prior to the cruise, to temperature measurements before check-in for guests and crew, to physical distancing guidelines and routing systems on arrival and departure and on board, to closely managing capacities at venues such as restaurants, bars, theatres, sports and wellness areas.

The enhanced protocols are supplemented by additional hygiene and safety measures, such as increased cleaning and disinfection measures, which take place in all cabins and public areas according to a defined protocol, as well as additional disinfection dispensers at check-in and on board.  

Onboard medical care for all guests and crew is available around the clock. The ships are equipped with PCR-test-kits and diagnostic devices for the immediate evaluation of suspected COVID-19 cases, and the medical team on board is trained in the relevant test procedures and treatment methods. Together with the responsible authorities, extensive processes have been developed to facilitate medical care, safe disembarkation, and a safe return home as quickly as possible for patients diagnosed with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

The first cruises will take place with an adjusted passenger capacity and without calling at another port. AIDA guests can look forward to a versatile vacation program on board with the usual five-star service for guests, with the implementation of necessary hygiene standards and rules for avoiding contact and keeping distance. Bookings start today, July 9, 2020, 12:00 a.m. (German time) in all travel agencies, at www.aida.de, as well as in the AIDA Customer Center at +49-381-20270707.

The comprehensive health concept and the measures taken to manage suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases have been developed with medical experts and are based in part on the current guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI) as well as other governmental and health authorities. Additionally, the renowned independent testing company SGS Institut Fresenius will check the implementation of the comprehensive hygiene standards and the processes of preventive measures against COVID-19.

AIDA Cruises is already working intensively on the next steps. Depending on the opening of further European ports for cruise ships, the first foreign destinations could be integrated into the itinerary.

In a third phase, the gradual return to the original itinerary will be possible, naturally taking into account current developments in the destinations and in compliance with the respective international and national regulations of health and hygiene authorities and AIDA's own high standards.

---

---

Princess Cruises Announces Deployment Changes in Alaska and Europe for Summer 2021

New Summer Homeport Sailings from Los Angeles

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 8, 2020)

Princess Cruises announced today changes to its deployment in Alaska and Europe for summer 2021 with Majestic Princess arriving to the West Coast and setting sail for her inaugural Alaska season, and Regal Princess returning to Europe.

In 2021, guests will be able to experience Majestic Princess for the first time in Alaska. She will be deployed to Alaska replacing Regal Princess, picking up all Regal Princess published Seattle Inside Passage departures from May to September, except Regal Princess May 4, 2021 departure of a five-day Alaska Sampler which will be cancelled.

Regal Princess will sail from Southampton, England replacing Grand Princess for summer 2021. Regal Princess will sail on 17 roundtrip departures from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Norway, Scandinavia, Iceland and other popular destinations in Europe. As a result of this change, the Regal Princess South Pacific Crossing, and two Grand Princess seven-day Europe cruises will be cancelled.
Grand Princess will be deployed to the West Coast for a new summer Mexico and California Coast season departing from Los Angeles with details to be announced later this summer.

Guests booked on Regal Princess Alaska and Grand Princess Europe voyages will have their booking automatically moved from Regal Princess to Majestic Princess in Alaska, and from Grand Princess to Regal Princess in Europe, and will receive a new booking confirmation.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

We are currently enhancing our health and safety protocols with input from global health leaders in light of COVID-19 and assessing how they may impact our future itinerary offerings. Our actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Stay updated on current Travel Advisories and Health & Safety protocols.

About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is an the fastest growing international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.”  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to a hassle-free, personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.

---

---

Carnival Cruise Line Sets Ship Delivery Changes And Related Deployment Plans

NEW DATES FOR MARDI GRAS AND CARNIVAL RADIANCE ARRIVALS AND NEW ITINERARIES FOR CARNIVAL BREEZE AND CARNIVAL MAGIC

MIAMI, July 6, 2020 

Carnival Cruise Line will be notifying guests and travel agents on Tuesday of revisions to the delivery of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, as well as the transformed Carnival Radiance – both resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic – and new itineraries for Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic that are all part of an updated deployment plan from November 2020 to May 2021.

The key points of the changes:

• Mardi Gras, the first LNG-powered ship to operate in the Western Hemisphere and featuring the first roller coaster at sea, will now enter into service from Port Canaveral, Fla. on Feb. 6, 2021. Itineraries out of Port Canaveral for departures from Nov. 14, 2020 to Jan. 30, 2021 have been cancelled.

• Carnival Radiance's $200 million dry dock at the Cadiz, Spain shipyard was suspended this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a nationwide lockdown. Carnival is now evaluating shipyard options to complete the transformation, but the ship is likely not going to be completed until the spring.

• As a result of the delayed arrival of Carnival Radiance, Carnival Breeze will be redeployed from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral and will assume the itineraries for Carnival Radiance from Nov. 8, 2020 to Apr. 24, 2021. Consequently, guests on 18 Carnival Breeze sailings from Fort Lauderdale scheduled to operate from Nov. 7, 2020 to Mar. 7, 2021 are being notified that their cruises have been cancelled.

• Carnival Magic's transatlantic and European itineraries from Mar. 13, 2021 to May 3, 2021 have been cancelled. Seven sailings previously scheduled for Carnival Breeze from Fort. Lauderdale from Mar. 13 to Apr. 24, 2021 will move to Miami and those guests will sail on the same itinerary, but on Carnival Magic operating from PortMiami.

"We continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global commerce, public health and our cruise operations. In addition to our current pause in service, there have been many other unintended consequences, including shipyard, dry dock and ship delivery delays, and related changes to our deployment plans for our fleet," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  "While we had hoped to make up construction time on Mardi Gras over the summer, it's clear we will need extra time to complete this magnificent ship.  We share our guests' disappointment and appreciate their patience as we work through this unprecedented time in our business and the lives of so many people.  We remain committed to working with government, public health and industry officials to support the response to the pandemic and to return to operations when the time is right."

Guest and travel agent notifications will be emailed over the course of the day on Tuesday, July 7.  Carnival expressed its appreciation for their guests' and travel agent partners' patience as it completes the notification process.

---

---

MSC CRUISES ANNOUNCES BLUE-RIBBON COVID-19 EXPERT GROUP, ENGAGES SPECIALISED MARITIME CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY TO PROVIDE THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION THAT ITS PROTOCOL MEETS ESTABLISHED GUIDANCE

06/07/2020

Geneva, Switzerland, 6 July 2020 – Over the past months since temporarily halting its cruise operation in connection with the development of the global health pandemic ashore, MSC Cruises has been hard at work to develop a new health and safety operating protocol to support its return to service once the time is right.  

Having set up a cross-functional task force comprised of in-house experts in the areas of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, Hotel Services, HVAC and other Shipboard Engineering Systems, Information Technology and Logistics, MSC Cruises also engaged a world-renowned expert consultancy of Aspen Medical to further assist with the development of the Company’s own enhanced protocol and procedures.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, commented: “Today I am pleased to announce that the work of our task force is being further supported by the formation and engagement of a Blue Ribbon COVID-19 Expert Group for consultation on protocols and planning, as well as bringing additional specialised advice to augment our own existing resources and knowledge.

“The objective of our Blue Ribbon COVID-19 Expert Group in the fields of Medicine, Public Health, and/or related scientific disciplines is to create a group of highly qualified and internationally respected experts to inform and review our initiatives as they relate to COVID-19 to help ensure that the actions taken are appropriate, effective, and informed by the best available science and health practices. For this reason, this Expert Group will have competency to review policy initiatives, technical innovations, or operational measures related to COVID-19. It will remain in place long beyond our return to operations to ensure we benefit from their know-how and input even as the situation continues to evolve and more data become available.”

MSC Cruises’ Blue Ribbon COVID-19 Expert Group has been personally formed by the Company’s executive chairman and includes: Professor Christakis Hadjichristodoulou, Professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the Faculty of Medicine as well as its Vicepresident, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece; Professor Stephan J. Harbarth, Hospital Epidemiologist, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Head of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and Faculty of Medicine; and Doctor Ian Norton, a Specialist Emergency Physician with post graduate qualifications in Surgery, International Health and Tropical Medicine, currently managing director of Respond Global, formerly the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Team Initiative program from 2014 until January 2020.

Bud Darr, MSC Group’s Executive Vice President for Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, commented: “Since the early days when it came to the development of our new health and safety operating protocol, we have been in continuous consultation with regional, national and local public health authorities including, among others, those in Europe, US, Brazil, and China - both directly and through the industry association CLIA. To this end, some of the Company’s most detailed engagement and contribution took place with EU-level authorities responsible for public health, as it relates to cruise ships. This has recently resulted in the issuance of the EU Healthy Gateways interim guidance, amongst others, and that national health authorities across the Continent are currently reviewing.”

“Currently, our focus is on next-phase work with authorities – including those responsible for health, transport and the maritime sector – in countries overlooking the Mediterranean as they are examining the most recent EU-level and international guidelines and looking to incorporate them as appropriate in their own local requirements. This is in fact the region where, thanks to the improvement in the health situation ashore and return to travel by citizens, we currently expect a potential resumption of cruise operation following the now nearly completed and successful reopening of other travel and leisure activities across the region.”

MSC Cruises’ new operating protocol – details of which will be announced soon - has been designed to meet and exceed guidelines provided by key international and regional regulatory and technical bodies including the World Health Organization, the EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action and European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), as well as regulations set forth by many of the governments in the countries in which MSC Cruises ships operate.

Bud Darr concluded: “To this end, we also have engaged a specialised maritime classification society to provide third-party verification that our protocols and procedures meet established EU-level guidance.”

With its new health and safety protocol, MSC Cruises has worked to encompass every aspect of the guest’s journey from the moment of booking to embarkation, life on board and through to the return back home, whilst preserving the uniqueness of the guest experience.

In fact, MSC Cruises has had its global in-house taskforce from across the business in place to develop and continuously review its existing protocols and measures from the outset. MSC Cruises started rolling out increasingly strict measures from early in the crisis - in late January – by rolling out stringent health and safety protocols, which it continuously improved and enhanced to protect the health and safety of guests and crew as it worked to ensure their safe return home. This precautionary approach to health and safety to protect its guests and crew is at the heart of everything MSC Cruises does. And engaging market leading expert external support to develop this new protocol is a natural extension to this precautionary approach.

---

More MSC CRUISES

---

---

Leading Public Health Experts to Oversee Development of Enhanced Cruise Line Health and Safety Standards

"Healthy Sail Panel" comprises top experts in public health, infectious disease, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations

Cruise industry leaders Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  announced a collaboration to develop enhanced cruise health and safety standards in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The companies have asked Governor Mike Leavitt and Dr. Scott Gottlieb to serve as co-chairs of a newly formed group of experts called the "Healthy Sail Panel." The panel is tasked with collaboratively developing recommendations for cruise lines to advance their public health response to COVID-19, improve safety, and achieve readiness for the safe resumption of operations.

The expert panel has been working for nearly a month and will offer its initial recommendations by the end of August. The cruise lines said its work will be "open source," and could be freely adopted by any company or industry that would benefit from the group's scientific and medical insights.

"This unprecedented disease requires us to develop unprecedented standards in health and safety," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "Bringing aboard these respected experts to guide us forward demonstrates our commitment to protecting our guests, our crews and the communities we visit."

"We compete for the vacationing consumer's business every day, but we never compete on health and safety standards," said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "While the cruise industry has always had rigorous health standards, the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 provide an opportunity to raise the bar even higher."

"Health and safety are the highest priority for all CLIA cruise line members as demonstrated by this initiative on the part of two of our largest members. We commend this and parallel efforts of all of our members, large and small, who are working tirelessly to develop appropriate protocols based on input from health authorities and medical experts in the U.S. and abroad," said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Fain and Del Rio said they initiated the panel to assure the plans they will submit to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other regulators apply the best available public health, science and engineering insights. The work of the panel will be shared with the entire industry and regulators.

"In convening the Healthy Sail Panel, we sought the participation of a diverse group of leading experts in areas of science and public health that are directly relevant to the considerations listed by the No Sail Order," said

Governor Leavitt. "We view our work as a profoundly important public health effort. The health and safety of passengers, crew, and the communities that cruise ships visit will be the principal focus of this project."

Dr. Gottlieb said, "We know that the public health issues that must be addressed are complex, and in some areas, tackling them will require novel approaches. Our goal in assembling this team of leading experts was to develop best practices that can improve safety and provide a roadmap for reducing the risks of COVID-19."

The panel is co-chaired by Governor Leavitt, former Secretary of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services (HHS), and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The panel's members are globally recognized experts from various disciplines, including public health, infectious disease, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations.

The members of the expert panel are:

Governor Mike Leavitt

Mike Leavitt was a three term Governor of Utah and served as Administrator of the EPA and Secretary of HHS under President George W. Bush. He is the founder of Leavitt Partners, a firm that provides investment support, data and analytics, member-based alliances, and direct services to clients to support decision-making strategies in the value economy.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Dr. Scott Gottlieb was the Commissioner of the FDA from 2017-2019 and served as the agency's Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs from 2005-2007. He is a physician trained in internal medicine and is currently a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Helene Gayle M.D., MPH

Dr. Gayle is CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation's leading community foundations. Prior to this role, for almost a decade, she was president and CEO of CARE, a leading international humanitarian organization. An expert on global development, humanitarian and health issues, Dr. Gayle spent 20 years with the CDC, working primarily on HIV/AIDS. She worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, directing programs on HIV/AIDS and other global health issues. She also launched the McKinsey Social Initiative (now McKinsey.org), a nonprofit that builds partnerships for social impact. Dr. Gayle serves on public company and nonprofit boards, including The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company, the Brookings Institution, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, New America, the ONE Campaign, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Public Health Association, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Julie Gerberding, M.D., MPH 

Dr. Julie L. Gerberding is Executive Vice President and Chief Patient Officer for Merck, leading all aspects of strategic communications, global public policy, population health and patient engagement.

A former head of the CDC and a world-renowned public health expert, Dr. Gerberding is deeply committed to achieving sustainable global health impact and tackling some of the most challenging health priorities of our time. This includes addressing critical issues such as affordable access to important therapies, advocating for health policies that promote and sustain innovation of new medicines and vaccines, and improving maternal mortality through the Merck for Mothers program — a public-private partnership helping to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal to reduce maternal mortality.

Prior to joining Merck, Dr. Gerberding served as the Director of the CDC from 2002-2009 and was the first female to hold that position. While at the agency, she led more than 40 emergency responses against crises such as anthrax, SARS, bird flu, food-borne outbreaks and natural disasters. Previously, Dr. Gerberding was a tenured faculty member in Infectious Diseases at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). She continues as an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF.

Julie Gerberding, M.D., MPH 

Dr. Steven Hinrichs is Professor and Chair in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and the Director of the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), and Director of the University of Nebraska Center for Biosecurity. In his position as laboratory director he has been responsible for the development of a statewide program for the rapid identification of biological agents of mass destruction. He is principal investigator of multiple national awards from the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the CDC and the U.S. Department of Defense for the development of an outreach program to extend training and expertise in the early recognition of biological warfare agents. Dr. Hinrichs received his M.D. from the University of North Dakota and is board certified in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology. His research laboratory focuses on molecular diagnostics and the role of viruses in cancer. Dr. Hinrichs has published over 130 papers in basic science and medical journals.

Michael Osterholm, M.D., Ph.D

Michael Osterholm is one of the nation's foremost experts in public health, infectious disease and biosecurity. As the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, he is an international leader on the world's preparedness for pandemics. He has led numerous investigations into internationally important disease outbreaks, including foodborne diseases, hepatitis B in health care settings, and HIV infection in healthcare workers, and he is a frequent consultant to the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, the FDA, the U.S. Department of Defense and the CDC. From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Osterholm served as a special advisor to the Secretary of HHS on issues related to bioterrorism and public health preparedness. From June 2018 through May 2019, he served as a Science Envoy for Health Security on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. He has also been appointed to the National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity and the World Economic Forum's Working Group on Pandemics, among other prominent advisory positions.

Stephen Ostroff, M.D.

Dr. Ostroff brings years of experience in public health, having served at high level positions at the FDA and CDC. He was the Acting Commissioner of the FDA from 2015-2016, and before that served as the FDA's chief scientist. Ostroff joined the FDA in 2013 as chief medical officer in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and senior public health advisor to FDA's Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine. Prior to that he served as deputy director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the CDC, where he was also acting director of CDC's Select Agent Program. While at the CDC he focused on emerging infectious diseases, food safety, and coordination of complex outbreak response. He retired from the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service at the rank of Rear Admiral (Assistant Surgeon General). Ostroff was also the director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and acting physician general for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has consulted internationally on public health projects in South Asia and Latin America. Ostroff graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1981 and completed residencies in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and preventive medicine at CDC.

William Rutala, Ph.D, M.S., MPH

Dr. Rutala has experience medically managing a variety of diseases and extensive experience studying epidemiology and virology, particularly managing outbreaks and emerging pathogens. Dr. Rutala's research interests are the etiology and prevention of healthcare-associated infections with a special focus on disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical and surgical devices (e.g., endoscopes, surgical instruments). Other areas of active research include contribution of the hospital environment to disease transmission, hand hygiene, preventing transmission of infectious agents, including multiply-drug resistant organisms, prevention of healthcare-associated Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, investigation of healthcare-associated outbreaks, and new and emerging pathogens in healthcare.

Kate Walsh, Ph.D 

Kate Walsh is the Dean at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University and E.M. Statler Professor. A professor of management, she is a leader in education for the global hospitality industry; and a renowned expert in organizational service design, leadership and career development, as well as the impact of strategic human capital investments. In addition to authoring and contributing to books, Dr. Walsh's articles have appeared in numerous research outlets. She has over 20 years of academic experience, including in her current role as dean.

In addition, Dean Walsh holds extensive industry knowledge from serving as the former director of training and development for Nikko Hotels International, corporate training manager for the former Bristol Hotels, and senior auditor for Loews Corporation. She is also a former New York State Certified Public Accountant. Since the beginning of her administration as dean, Dean Walsh has focused on positioning the school for the future of education. This includes undertaking a comprehensive renewal of the graduate and undergraduate curricula, developing the school's online global presence, identifying international partners for master-level program development, and providing thought leadership for the hospitality industry, most notably through the creation of industry research partnerships for faculty, fostering new initiatives through the school's six centers and institutes, and providing faculty-developed resources to guide the industry. Dr. Walsh received her Ph.D. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and her M.P.S. degree from Cornell's School of Hotel Administration.

Captain Patrik Dahlgren

Captain Patrik Dahlgren is the Senior Vice President of Global Marine Operations and Fleet Optimization for all Royal Caribbean Group global brands. Dahlgren's seagoing experiences started as a bridge officer aboard tugboats, yachts and an array of cargo vessels and ferries. He rose through the ranks with over 15 years onboard Royal Caribbean International cruise ships, with his last seagoing command as Master of Oasis of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. He was a lead contributor to the Quantum of the Seas development and received the esteemed RINA (Royal Institute of Naval Architects) award for its innovation and contributions to maritime safety.

Robin Lindsay

Robin Lindsay is the Executive Vice President of Vessel Operations for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Lindsay was appointed to this position in January 2015. In this role, Lindsay is responsible for Marine & Technical Operations, Hotel Operations, Entertainment, Product Development, Port & Destination Services, Fleet Personnel, Out Islands and New Build & Ship Refurbishment for all three of the company's brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Prior to joining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Lindsay served in a similar capacity as Executive Vice President of Vessel Operations at Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Lindsay's history with the company goes back to the inception of Oceania Cruises in 2003, where he joined as Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations and Vessel Operations. Lindsay earned his B.S. degree from Louisiana Tech University. 

In addition, several experts will also serve as senior advisors to the panel, including Dr. Caitlin Rivers, who is a faculty member and epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an expert in emerging infectious disease epidemiology and outbreak science, and Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky, who is a professor emerita of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and an expert in pre-travel health advice and education, global health, and the epidemiology of travel related infections and infectious diseases. Dr. Kozarsky serves as an expert consultant to the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine in travelers' health with the CDC.

---

---

Two epic roller coasters are changing the game of catching thrills at sea! As it stands, there will be at least 2 different cruise ships with roller coasters at sea by the end of 2021. The Mardi Gras (from Carnival cruise line) and it will be called Bolt and the second will be on the Global Dream ship (from Dream Cruise line) and they are calling theirs, Space Cruiser. These roller coasters will have the most innovative settings available out there. They look like incredible user experiences, but which will be better?! We break down each coaster to do aside by side comparison to see which offers the most thrills, comparing speed, length, price, and other features.

---

More Carnival Content

---

---

Royal Caribbean announces the ship delay of the Odyssey of the Seas, now delayed until 2021. I hate to say it but we saw this sad update coming! In this cruise news update, we discuss all the details of why the cruise ship is delayed and what to do if you have a cruise canceled.

---

More Royal Caribbean Content

---

---

We are discussing how Carnival Corporation has recently announced that 6 ships would be retired from their fleet. 1 has recently left the fleet, leaving 5 to be announced. But the big mystery is which will those be? Now it is important to note for those who don’t know Carnival Corporation is made up of nine brands so all of the ships won’t be from just Carnival Cruise Line. Where you surprised to hear my predictions and investigative work on wich the six ships will be?

---

More Carnival Cruise Line

---

---

Connect with me on IG for real-time updates! https://bit.ly/alannaIG

A cruise news update from Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO discussing how they plan to tackle and ensure that guests and crew have peace of mind when working on the new health and safety program.

---

Check out other Norwegian Cruise content

---

---

Royal Caribbean Announces Global Suspension Of Cruising

At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through September 15th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on September 16th, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:

• Canada sailings will be suspended through October 31, 2020, due to the Canadian government’s extended travel ban on cruise ship travel.

• Explorer of the Seas’ revitalization will take place August 2020 given the closure of shipyards along with the disruption to the supply chain caused by this pandemic. As a result, Explorer’s August 2020 sailings will be cancelled and the revitalization will be a technical dry dock where only routine maintenance work will take place.

• Cruise terminals will remain closed in Copenhagen, Denmark and as a result, on June 11th, 2020 we decided to cancel the following sailings: Jewel of the Seas August 8th, 16th, and 23rd, 2020 sailings, & Brilliance of the Seas August 21st, 2020 sailing.

• Bermuda sailings will be suspended through October 31st, 2020.

• And, after further review with CLIA, the CDC and local governments, we decided to cancel Voyager of the Seas sailings through September 30th, 2020, and Spectrum of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas sailings through July 2020.

We're now offering more options.

Below are some options for you, including one that has been very well received by our guests, as it provides a little something extra to use when we all start cruising again!

Future Cruise Credit (Higher Value) 

Lift and Shift Full Refund (Lower Value) 

Cruise Planner Purchases 

Air & Hotel Purchases

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Protocols

We are currently laser-focused on additional safety enhancements for our return to service. To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association, and our own team of medical experts. These are not yet finalized, but when they are, we will publish them online and notify all guests and travel advisors proactively.

We know that our 70+ guests and those with chronic conditions are especially eager to understand what cruising will look like in the future. While subject to change, via the Cruise Lines International Association, we have confirmed that the previous restrictions were lifted in early April after cruise lines suspended service. Please know that every decision we make, and all of the fine-tuning we do, has your well-being in mind. We miss you – and can’t wait to welcome you back onboard.

Global Suspension Refund Delay

As we went into our global suspension of sailings, we initially estimated that refunds would take 30 days. Unfortunately, with an unprecedented volume of refunds and credits, we are delayed. We’ve worked diligently to resolve most of the volume issues and are working around the clock to address the backlog to get you your refund, as quickly possible. Currently, some refunds are taking up to 45 days from the date requested.

Please know that each and every request is receiving the same level of care and dedication. And rest assured, your refund will be honored and it is coming – it’s just taking a little longer than expected and we’re very sorry about that. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

---

More Royal Caribbean Content

---

---

CRUISE CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES

Updated: June 22, 2020 - NEW CRUISE CANCELLATIONS (see below details)

MSC Cruises USA regrets to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel or change select cruises.

 CRUISE CANCELLATIONS FROM MARCH 14 - July 10, 2020:

NO NEED TO CALL US! To see what is being offered on each sailing, please click one of the three buttons below that matches your sailing date. Guests who previously opted in to our MSC Cruise Assurance program for a 100% Future Cruise Credit are now eligible for the higher 125% Future Cruise Credit. If you previously submitted a request through MSC Cruise Assurance, AND YOUR CRUISE WAS CANCELED FROM MARCH 14 - JULY 10, YOU MUST FILL OUT A NEW FORM. FOR ALL OTHER CRUISE CANCELLATIONS, PLEASE SEE BELOW.

NEW CRUISE CANCELLATION ALERTS:

• All Caribbean cruises from Aug. 1 - Sept. 15, 2020 have been canceled 

• MSC Meraviglia cruises to/from New York from Sept. 5 - Oct. 22 have been canceled

• Winter 2020-2021 Caribbean cruises (MSC Meraviglia, MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside) from Oct. 31, 2020 - April 27, 2021 have been impacted due to new cruise itineraries

• Spring/Summer/Fall 2021 Caribbean cruises (MSC Divina & MSC Armonia) from March - Oct. 2021 have been impacted due to new cruise itineraries

See below and make your selection for additional information on these new canceled cruises.

SELECT YOUR OPTION BELOW  

All Cruises

Canceled July 11 - July 31

Caribbean Cruises From Miami Canceled

March 14 - September 15, 2020

Non-Caribbean Cruises 

Canceled March 14 - July 10

MSC Meraviglia New York Cruises

Canceled Sept. 5 - Oct. 22

Select Caribbean Cruises

All Ships October 2020 - October 2021

Flexible Cancellation Policy 

Non-Canceled Cruises Aug. 1 - Oct. 31, 2020

New Fall & Winter 2020/2021 Program and MSC updated Itineraries announced.

• Ships to sail in all regions where MSC Cruises traditionally operates

• MSC Updated itineraries available starting now on MSCCruises.com and through travel partner channels

• Operations of U.S. based ships – MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia – voluntarily suspended until September 15, 2020

MSC updated itineraries confirmed

Geneva, Switzerland (June 22, 2020) – MSC Cruises confirmed today full details of its MSC updated Itineraries fall and winter 2020/2021 (November 2020 through March 2021) program, offering over 90 different itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, the Gulf, South Africa, South America and Asia — all of the regions where MSC Cruises traditionally sails. Itineraries range in length from two to 24 nights, along with the third MSC World Cruise departing in January 2021 and an extensive Grand Voyages program. 

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO commented, “We have reviewed and updated our complete winter 2020/2021 Season, starting in late October, and we are pleased to now confirm the full details. Our winter program sees us offering cruises in all of the regions of the world where we traditionally operate, and while there are some updates to the original planned deployment of specific ships, we are still able to offer our main itineraries so that guests can enjoy the holiday that they booked with us.”

The MSC updated itineraries announcement follows the Company’s recent confirmation that the entire MSC Cruises fleet, including two brand new vessels currently under construction, will be in operation starting March 2021 for the spring, summer and fall 2021 season.

In addition, MSC Cruises confirmed today that it has voluntarily further extended the suspension of its ships operating from U.S. ports to the Caribbean until September 15, 2020. The announcement impacts two ships — MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia — that were previously scheduled to sail in the region during this time period. Meanwhile for the Summer 2020 Season, MSC Cruises has previously announced the temporary halting to its current ship operation until July 31 in the other regions where the Company operates.

In conjunction with today’s announcement, the Company also revealed that a new comprehensive and enhanced health and safety protocol is being developed in collaboration with relevant national health authorities and with the support of a team of external medical experts. This protocol will cover all aspects of the cruise, starting with the booking phase and all the way through to disembarkation and the return home.

It will also include all aspects of life on board and the precautionary measures will ensure the health and wellbeing of guests and crew, including enhanced sanitation measures, enhanced medical facilities and health screenings for guests and crew. The full details of these new precautionary health and safety measures will be announced in the coming days.

MSC updated itineraries and Fall & Winter 2020/2021 program overview.

The Caribbean*

MSC Meraviglia will sail every Saturday from Miami offering two seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. Eastern Caribbean itineraries will include visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico for an evening experience; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. Western Caribbean itineraries will include stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Armonia, homeporting in Miami, will offer a mix of three-, four- and seven-night cruises with itineraries visiting Key West, Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

For the first time, MSC Cruises will also introduce Port Canaveral as a brand new homeport, with MSC Seaside offering a mix of three-, four- and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean. Depending on the itinerary, guests have the opportunity to visit George Town, Cozumel, Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will remain a highlight of the MSC Cruises Caribbean itineraries, with all three ships sailing from the U.S. calling at the private island destination in The Bahamas. Exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests, and located just 65 nautical miles from Miami, the island is surrounded by 64 square miles of marine reserve, offering guests an opportunity to discover local marine life, soak up the spirit of Bahamian culture and reconnect with themselves and each other. 

MSC Poesia will replace MSC Splendida to serve the South Caribbean and the Antilles with the originally planned itineraries departing from Fort de France, Martinique on seven-night, seven-destination itineraries and 14-night sailings from Barbados visiting some of the best islands the Caribbean has to offer.

*Note, the updated fall and winter 2020/2021 Caribbean deployment has impacted some of MSC Cruises previously scheduled sailings departing from the U.S. Guests can view impacted sailings at MSCCruises.com and read more about guest compensation options below. 

The Mediterranean

MSC Grandiosa will replace sister-ship MSC Virtuosa for the winter, as delivery of this ship is delayed due to the delays and postponements caused by the health pandemic. All guests currently booked on MSC Virtuosa will be automatically moved to MSC Grandiosa, the Company’s current flagship, with the original itinerary. Guests will sail MSC Cruises’ signature seven-night “Six Pearls” western Mediterranean cruises, with embarkation possible at each port: Marseille, France; Genoa, Italy; Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy; Palermo, Italy; Valetta, Malta; and Barcelona, Spain.

MSC Magnifica will offer two festive cruises in December with a five-night Christmas cruise calling Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona and Civitavecchia and a ten-night New Year cruise from Genoa, Marseille, and Barcelona before calling Gibraltar, Lisbon/Cascais in Portugal, and Cadiz/Seville and Malaga in Spain, and then returning to Civitavecchia/Rome and Genoa. 

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar

MSC Fantasia will replace MSC Seaview and MSC Lirica in this region, offering seven-night sailings with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the exclusive beach resort of Sir Bani Yas island in The United Arab Emirates, as well as visits to Bahrain and Doha, Qatar. The cruise concludes with an overnight Dubai stay for time to explore all that the cosmopolitan city has to offer.

South America

MSC Seaview, with her stunning outdoor areas will replace MSC Grandiosa offering seven-night cruises from Santos, Brazil to the Northeast of the country and calling the new port of Maceio, Salvador, the island of Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis and Buzios.

MSC Musica, replacing MSC Fantasia, will offer seven-night cruises from Santos, visiting Itajai/Santa Catarina, Brazil, Punta Del Este, Uruguay and an overnight in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

MSC Sinfonia replacing MSC Orchestra will offer eight or nine-night cruises from Buenos Aires calling Montevideo, Uruguay, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro Ilhabela, or Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis, Itajai Brazil, with the possibility of embarking in the ports of Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

MSC Preziosa will operate her originally planned itineraries from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with a range of cruises from three to eight nights.

South Africa

MSC Orchestra, replacing MSC Musica, will offer a range of cruises from either Durban or Cape Town to destinations including Maputo, Portuguese Island and Pomene, Mozambique, and Port Elizabeth, as per the original planned itinerary.

A highlight for the season will be a 14-night New Year’s cruise on MSC Orchestra visiting five spectacular destinations, including an overnight stay in Port Louis, Mauritius.

MSC Opera will operate the planned itinerary from Cape Town and Durban.

The Far East

MSC Bellissima will offer a choice of different length cruises in Asia, with the updated program coming soon.

MSC World Cruise 2021

MSC Magnifica will sail her third World Cruise, following the popularity of the first two World Cruises in 2019 and 2020, replacing the previously announcedMSC Poesia. MSC Magnifica is the latest ship in the Musica class, with one of the highest ratios of balcony staterooms and impressive onboard features including a magrodome pool and extended dining areas. The original, 118-night journey around the globe is fully confirmed, commencing on January 5, 2021 with guests traveling to 53 destinations across 33 countries in style and comfort.

Spectacular Grand Voyages

MSC Fantasia, which replaces MSC Seaview, will depart on her Grand Voyage from Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa on November 14, 15, and 16 respectively, as she moves to Dubai for the winter. MSC Opera will offer her original planned itinerary from Italy to South Africa. All other Grand Voyages from Europe to the Caribbean, South America and South Africa will be canceled.

In Spring 2021, nine Grand Voyages will be available with ships sailing from the Emirates, Brazil, South Africa, Martinique and the U.S. to Europe.

The MSC updated itineraries for fall and winter are available to book at www.msccruises.com.

GUEST COMPENSATION

Fall and Winter 2021 Deployment

All guests whose bookings are impacted by any changes due to the fall and winter 2021 deployment will be moved to another ship serving the same or similar itinerary, while protecting the price of their original booking. In addition, these guests will be eligible for the following compensation[1]:

• All guests who have booked an inside or oceanview stateroom will receive a stateroom upgrade

• All guests booked in a balcony stateroom, a suite or a MSC Yacht Club stateroom will receive a shipboard credit of $100 per stateroom for cruises six nights or less (based on double occupancy, $50 for single occupancy). For cruises of seven nights or longer, guests will receive $200 per stateroom (based on double occupancy, $100 for single occupancy).

Alternatively, MSC Cruises USA guests have the ability to transfer the amount currently paid on their booking to another ship and sailing in MSC Cruises’ fleet or can opt for a refund of their deposit amount, based on normal cancellation policies.

Extension of Halting of U.S. Based Ships – For Guests Booked through MSC Cruises USA

Guests booked through MSC Cruises USA or affiliated US-based travel advisors impacted by the further extension of canceled cruises on MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia from August 1 – September 15, 2020 will automatically receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit of the original cruise fare paid by July 13 to be used on a sailing on or before December 31, 2021. Guests who prefer to receive a refund instead of a Future Cruise Credit can visit MSCCruises.com for more information on how to complete their request with an easy to use online form.

For additional details on existing bookings, guests should contact their travel advisor or visit www.msccruises.com.

---

More MSC CRUISES

---

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE EXTENDS OPERATIONAL PAUSE

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

MIAMI, June 22, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line today advised guests and travel agents that it has extended its operational pause in North America through Sept. 30, 2020.

         “During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy told booked guests and travel agents in a letter sent today.  But she added that following the cruise industry’s announcement on Friday that it would voluntarily extend its pause in North America, Carnival Cruise Line is now cancelling all cruises through September 30.  

“We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business.  Nevertheless, we apologize for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions,” Duffy said in the letter.

Carnival initially announced a voluntary 30-day pause in operations on March 13, and has now extended that pause three times, reflecting the public health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is currently completing the repatriation of nearly 29,000 crew members to more than 100 nations who serve its fleet of 27 ships.  As with previous pause announcements, Carnival is giving guests who wish to move their booking to a later date a rebooking offer that combines a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and  either a $300 or $600 Onboard Credit (OBC) that has proven very popular with their guests.  Guests, as always, have the option to receive a full refund.  The process is fully automated so that guests can submit their preference online and they have until May 31, 2021 to make a selection. 

          “We appreciate the patience and support of our loyal guests, and recognize how much they want to get back to cruising.  When the time is right, our outstanding onboard team will be waiting to welcome them back and give them the great vacation that they deserve,” said Duffy. 

---

More Carnival Cruise Line

---

---

---

Disney Cruise Line Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Alert

June 19, 2020

Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of Departures for the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy through September 15, 2020

In alignment with the announcement made on June 19, 2020 by Cruise Lines International Association regarding the voluntarily extension of suspended passenger operations from U.S. ports, Disney Cruise Line is cancelling Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings through September 15, 2020.

Disney Cruise Line has already suspended Disney Wonder sailings through September 14, 2020, and Disney Magic sailings through October 2, 2020.

Guests booked on affected sailings who have paid their reservation in full will be offered the choice of a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing or a full refund. Guests who have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far. These Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps.

Guests who booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly with any questions. Those who booked directly with Disney Cruise Line and have questions after receiving their email should call us at (866) 325-6685 or (407) 566-7797.

Below is a list of impacted sailings:

Disney Magic

June 13-22

June 22-July 1

July 1-13

July 13-18

July 18-25

July 25-Aug. 5

Aug. 5-13

Aug. 13-20

Aug. 20–30

Aug. 30- Sept. 6

Sept. 6-13

Sept. 13-18

Oct. 2-12

Disney Wonder

June 15-22

June 22-29

June 29-July 6

July 6-13

July 13-20

July 20-27

July 27-Aug. 3

Aug. 3-10

Aug. 10-17

Aug. 17-24

Aug. 31-Sept. 7

Sept. 7-14

Sept. 14-18

Disney Fantasy

June 13-20

June 20-27

June 27-July 6

July 6-11

July 11-18

July 18-25

July 25-Aug. 1

Aug. 1-8

Aug. 8-15

Aug. 15-22

Aug. 22-25

Aug. 25-28

Aug. 28-31

Aug. 31-Sept. 4

Sept. 4-7

Sept. 7-12

Sept. 12-19

Disney Dream

June 12-17

June 17-21

June 21-26

June 26-July 1

July 1-5

July 5-10

July 10-13

July 13-17

July 17-20

July 20-24

July 24-27

July 27-31

July 31-Aug. 3

Aug. 3-7

Aug. 7-10

Aug. 10-14

Aug. 14-17

Aug. 17-21

Aug. 21-24

Aug. 24-27

Aug. 27-30

Aug. 30-Sept. 3

Sept. 3-6

Sept. 6-10

Sept. 10-14

Sept. 14-18

---

More Disney Cruise Line

---

---

Breaking cruise news today that all cruise lines that are members of CLIA, or the Cruise line international association have suspended cruises until September 15th.

---

More Cruise Content

---

---

This video is an update from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Chairman Richard Fain, as he discusses the cruise line's unknown timeline for a return to service and addressing racism. Richard Fain's message was originally directed for Travel advisors.

---

More Royal Caribbean Content

---

---

Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Pause in Operations & Is STILL Hopeful for Alaska Sailings

Connect with me on IG for real-time updates! https://bit.ly/alannaIG

Norwegian Cruise Line has just come out with a new extension in the pause of operations for all of their sailings. Except for a few select sailings! In the video, we discuss how NCL is particularly hopeful and holding onto their Alaska sailings and not canceling some September voyages out of Seattle, even though the Canadian government has banned cruise ships until the end of October. What are your thoughts on this continued pause on cruising and that NCL is holding out hope to sail to Alaska in 2020?

Updated June 16, 2020:    Your safety is our #1 priority—both on and off our ships. Due to the current global environment, we are extending the suspension of 2020 cruises to include:

• All sailings through August 30th

• All sailings in September except Seattle-based Alaska cruises

• The select October sailings listed below

Destination Affected Ship(s) Suspended Voyage Dates

Alaska Norwegian Bliss October 12

Alaska Norwegian Joy October 4

Canada/New England Norwegian Breakaway October 4 - October 11

Canada/New England Norwegian Gem October 2 - October 9

Guests who had an active reservation on a suspended cruise listed above will automatically receive a refund of their cruise fare in the form of a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the amount paid to date on June 25th. The FCC must be used one year from issued date for ANY Norwegian Cruise Line voyage embarking through 2022.

Guests who prefer to not take advantage of a future cruise credit can elect to receive a lesser refund equal to the amount paid to date to the original form of payment 90 days after form submission for sailings originally scheduled to embark:

• July 1 - July 31:
  By submitting this refund form by no later than 11:59 pm EST on June 19, 2020.

• August 1 - Forward:
  For cruise departure dates from August 1 – September 30, in addition to the affected cruises outlined above in October, the refund request form will go live at 9:00 am EST on July 6, and must be submitted by no later than 11:59 pm EST on July 17, 2020.

Can guests choose to carry promotional amenities or value adds from their cancelled reservation to their future booking?

At the time of cancellation, all promotional offers, amenities, and value adds will be removed from the booking and will not carry-over to future reservations. Future reservations are subject to prevailing fares and offers in market at the time of booking.

---

Check out other Norwegian Cruise content

---

---

MIAMI, June 9, 2020 

PRNewswire

Luxury cruise line Cunard, announced today that, as a result of the continued impact of Covid-19, it will be extending the pause in operations. 

For its ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, Cunard is cancelling all sailings that were due to depart up to and including 1 November, 2020 and for Queen Elizabeth, departures up to and including the 23 November, 2020.

Cunard President, Simon Palethorpe, said, "With many differing restrictions across countries, people's ability to move freely and safely across borders remains seemingly someway in the distance. For Cunard, where we celebrate having a truly international mix of guests and sail all over the world, this becomes particularly impactful. We also need to better understand the implications Covid-19 will have on board our ships. We are therefore working, at the highest level possible, with government bodies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - the CDC - and Public Health England, as well as the industry collective body – CLIA - and other expert medical professionals to review every aspect of a holiday with us."

He added: "Whilst we have always taken pride in having the highest levels of health and safety, we are looking at enhanced protocols across all aspects of ship life and experiences on shore. We will only return to service when we have a comprehensive restart protocol with the stamps of approval and accreditation from the most trusted and informed sources."

Cunard will be communicating with all guests, and their travel advisors, who are booked on affected voyages.

As Cunard has done previously during this pause period, guests who are booked on cancelled voyages will automatically be given a 125% Future Cruise Credit. This can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021 on any voyage that's on sale at the time of booking.

Full details of the changes to operations and options available to guests due to travel on cancelled voyages, can be found at www.cunard.com

---

More Cunard Content

---

---