Cruise
Carnival Offers Update On Protocols
Carnival Cruise Line is advising guests and travel agents of additional updates to its pre-cruise testing protocols for unvaccinated guests for voyages departing Sept. 6, 2022, and later. The changes are consistent with what local destinations have advised will be acceptable for arriving cruise guests, and Carnival will continue to work closely with local destinations to protect the health of its guests, crew and the communities the cruise line visits. The updated protocols are: In addition to lab administered tests, self-testing is accepted for unvaccinated guests on cruises...
MSC Seascape Completes Sea Trials
MSC Seascape has successfully completed its first intensive systems tests at sea during a multiple-day trial between Aug. 17 to Aug. 20. This will be the fourth ship in the Seaside class and second Seaside EVO ship built by Fincantieri in Italy, one of the world’s largest ship building groups. The Seaside EVO ships are an evolution of the innovative and popular Seaside class with striking design features, stunning public spaces, and exciting experiences for guests. The 169,400 GT ship will be delivered to MSC Cruises in late November and will come into service in December 2022,...
8th Earl of Carnarvon Names Viking’s Newest Ship
Viking has named its newest river ship, the Viking Osiris, with a celebration in Luxor, Egypt. As part of the event, the company’s first ceremonial godfather, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship—an evolution of the naval tradition that dates back thousands of years. Designed specifically to navigate the Nile, the state-of-the-art ship was built at Massara shipyard in Cairo and will sail Viking’s bestselling Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The naming of the Viking Osiris comes as Egypt marks...
Celebrity Sets Sail With New Protocols
Celebrity Cruises has released details of its new protocols for guests sailing from U.S. and European ports, dropping vaccination requirements and simplifying testing guidelines, making cruising more accessible and easier for travellers. Beginning Sept. 5, 2022, all guests, regardless of vaccination status, departing on most sailings from the U.S. and Europe can now cruise as long as they meet local testing requirements to board. As well, Celebrity Cruises will now accept any commercially available test, including unsupervised self-tests, in many destinations. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo,...
A Little Adventure From Star Clippers
Star Clippers has launched its latest tall ship cruise brochure -- the first in print since 2019 -- featuring its full catalogue of sailings through November 2024 including summer 2024 itineraries that have not yet been published. This latest brochure contains new adventures as well as many favorite authentic sailing itineraries across the entire fleet, including Royal Clipper. Star Clippers sails year-round, with itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Central America as well as Atlantic Ocean crossings. The brochure is available digitally online and can be requested...
AMG Top Producers Are Cruising
TRAVELSAVERS and NEST, brands of the American Marketing Group (AMG) just returned from hosting their top producing agencies at their Elite Retreat on the Regal Princess, which sailed August 6-13 in the Greek Isles and Italy. Over 100 guests were treated to exemplary services, and high-end amenities throughout the 7-day cruise. Kathryn Mazza-Burney, Chief Sales Officer, said that: “Sailing these amazing countries was a wonderful opportunity for our U.S. and Canadian agency owners, suppliers and staff to explore more of this area of Europe and experience the rich culture, history...
Windstar Cruises Eliminates Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Tests
Windstar Cruises has revised its COVID-19 protocols and procedures and will no longer require a pre-cruise COVID-19 test for embarking guests -- unless required by one of the countries on our current scheduled itineraries. These changes will go into effect for cruises departing on or after Sept. 6, 2022. As part of its Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety program, Windstar will still require all guests to be fully vaccinated and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The exception to this new testing procedure is that Windstar must follow the local rules and regulations of all the...
Viking Saigon Sets Sail In Southeast Asia
Viking’s newest river ship, the Viking Saigon, has begun its inaugural season in Southeast Asia. Purpose-built for the Mekong River, the 80-guest ship sails between Kampong Cham, Cambodia and My Tho, Vietnam as part of Viking’s popular 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary. With the 2022-2023 season now underway, regular sailing dates are available through March 2023; the 2023-2024 season begins in July 2023. Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, said: “The fascinating cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia have always made this region a favorite destination among our guests,”...