In a move that took some observers by surprise, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dropped its notice of risk for cruise travel. After more than two years of warning would-be cruisers about how dangerous cruise travel could be during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta-based CDC today dropped its warning entirely. “CDC is removing the COVID-19 Cruise Ship Travel Health Notice,” spokesperson Dave Daigle, spokesperson for the health agency, told USA TODAY. The CDC issues travel health notices to let travellers know about current health issues that could impact their plans. The group had cruise at Read more
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Cruise vacations are still a favourite choice among Americans, according to new consumer research from the American Automobile Association. Forty-one percent of U.S. residents say they are considering a cruise in the future. Millennials are even more eager, as more than half (52%) say they are ready to take a cruise. AAA Travel booking data shows that cruising is making a strong comeback, with 2022 bookings nearing pre-pandemic levels. Of those Americans who say they are likely to cruise again, 41% cite a better understanding of the risks presented by COVID-19 as influencing their decision. “The cruise industry has done Read more
Holland America Line cruise ships to visit Canadian ports again this summer. Officials today said the publication of procedures for the safe resumption of cruises to Canadian ports allows the company to complete preparation for a full season of Alaska explorations and Canada/New England sailings. Holland America Line will sail itineraries as scheduled that include Canadian homeports and ports of call from late spring through fall. Canadian government officials last month said new cruise regulations will be in place in time for the start of the Canadian cruising season in May. “The completion of this guidance by Transport Canada, Read more
Several cruise lines have cancelled planned visits to Russian ports following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced yesterday (Feb. 24) that it’s adjusting its itineraries and pulling out of Russia for 2022. Both Viking and Atlas Ocean Voyages also are adjusting their plans for Russia, while Royal Caribbean says it’s got a back up plan in place should it be needed. “The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in an email Read more
By Jim Byers Member, Society of American Travel Writers Masks will no longer be required on Carnival Cruise Line ships starting March 1, putting Carnival in line with other major cruise lines. A news release issued by the company says masks will be recommended for guests but not required on board for sailings departing on and after March 1. “We have had a very successful restart of guest operations thanks to the support of our guests, the commitment of our shipboard team, and the effective protocols we have put in place,” Carnival president, Christine Duffy said in the release. “There Read more
