Cruise
Caribbean Wants Cruise Passengers Vaccinated
Heads of government from across the Eastern Caribbean have thrown their support behind calls made last week by U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to encourage the state of Florida to allow cruise lines to enable vaccination checks for Caribbean-bound passengers. In a letter to the USVI leader, Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), expressed the sub-regional group’s deep appreciation to Governor Bryan for writing to Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis seeking special...
Smooth Sailing Ahead
A federal district court in Tampa has granted Florida’s request for a preliminary injunction against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) No Sail Orders that have prevented cruise lines from sailing out of Florida ports. Florida governor, Ron DeSantis hailed the ruling as a major victory, pointing out that Judge Steven Merryday concluded the CDC’s restrictions are likely unconstitutional and overstepping their legal authority. The order goes into effect on July 18, however, the CDC can offer a ‘narrower’ proposal by July 2. A statement from the...
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Extends BOGO Deal
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) is extending its BOGO offer through June 28. Travellers who book a two-night Bahamas cruise with the cruise line will receive 50% off for the second guest and will also be able to choose between two perks – a $50 onboard credit or Kids Sail Free. As well, the cruise company has rolled out its ‘all-new’ Paradise Premium Package, which can be combined with the BOGO offer. The Paradise Premium Package allows guests to add on amenities for $99 per person per day. These include: One shore excursion 10 drinks per person One specialty...
It’s Anchors Aweigh For Cruise CEO
Cruise CEO set sail this week, positioning itself as a cruise-centric host agency that is the only Virtuoso cruise-focused host agency in North America. The new business and brand features a leadership team – with close to 90 years of experience -- that includes Morris Chia, Zeina Gedeon and Caroline Hay. Hay, who has been named Cruise CEO's president, is quick to point out that Cruise CEO, while affiliated with TPI is not its cruise arm, rather Cruise CEO is a standalone business and brand that is “truly a game changer.” She explained that: “Focused selling and...
Expedia Cruises Sailing With Data, Demographics
During its Expedia Cruises 2021 Virtual Conference, the Expedia Group unveiled new data and demographic insights to help agents and cruise lines better target demand. The virtual event also saw cruise executives from the online travel agency highlighting the need for the industry to understand the evolving roles of agents, to embrace new technology for a more seamless experience for travellers and agents, and to respond to new and evolving pockets of demand. New data and demographical insights presented during the event included: The average length of cruise bookings jumped...
Set Sail With Sunwing
Beginning in November 2021, Sunwing will be offering cruise packages aboard the adults-only Marella Explorer 2. The operator will also be offering savings of up to $300 per couple on applicable packages. The Marella Explorer 2 is the newest ship in Marella Cruises’ fleet and the latest addition to the tour operator’s cruise lineup. If travellers book by July 1, 2021 – for select sailings between Nov. 23, 2021 and Jan. 25, 2022 – they can save up to $300 per couple or $150 per person. Cruise packages include round-trip flights between Toronto and Montego Bay, pier...
Troubled Waters?
The governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr. wants Florida governor, Ron DeSantis to honour the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and reconsider state’s legislation – relating to the vaccination of cruise passengers -- which could impact the health and wellbeing of millions of Caribbean residents when cruises to the region resume. Governor Bryan believes that -- with an increasing number of Americans receiving COVID-19 vaccinations -- ensuring the cruise industry reopens with vaccinated passengers is essential to the tourism economies of...
Holland America Makes Changes In Europe
As it continues to work with governments and port authorities in connection with the phased resumption of cruising, Holland America Line is advising that it’s canceling the remainder of the summer 2021 European sailings aboard two ships, Nieuw Statendam and Volendam. The move affects cruises that were scheduled to depart from September through November, along with the Collectors’ Voyages (combined cruises) associated with those departures. As well, after an expected on-schedule delivery from the Fincantieri shipyard July 30, Rotterdam will remain in non-guest operations...