Serenade of the Seas set sail earlier this week, becoming the first cruise ship to head for Alaska since September 2019.
The sailing marks a milestone for the cruise industry, local workforce and Alaska’s communities that were significantly impacted by the absence of all cruise tourism, which normally represents more than 60% of the state’s visitors and generates upwards of $3 billion for its economy each year.
Calling Seattle home, Serenade offers 7-night itineraries with highlights such as Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka, Alaska, along with Endicott Arm fjord...
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours will mark a significant milestone in 2021, celebrating its 30th season taking passengers on rides through the whitewater of the Niagara River.
After being closed for several months due to COVID-19 restrictions, the company is excited to welcome guests back on board, and celebrate the significance of 30 years of business in the Niagara region.
John Kinney, president of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, said: “This is a really big year for us,” “Aside from celebrating three decades of business, this summer marks our re-opening as restrictions ease and we can...
Multiple cruise lines have updated their travel requirements to prohibit travellers who have received mixed vaccine doses. The policy updates impact many Canadians who received mixed doses and follows the WHO’s announcement that the trend of mixing vaccines is “dangerous.”
However, some cruise lines advise that they will approve two different mRNA vaccines — Pfizer and Moderna — but not one dose of a vector vaccine like AstraZeneca.
Holland America Line’s website states:
If I've received mixed vaccinations, will that satisfy your vaccination requirements?
Guests who have...
MSC Cruises has launched a comprehensive e-learning platform for Canadian travel agents called MSC Masters, a digital program to provide information about the cruise line’s products, ships and sailing itineraries.
As well, the program aims to broaden MSC’s distribution channel by raising interest from travel agencies who are not yet familiar with MSC Cruises.
Agents who enrol in the program will progressively earn rewards to eventually become an MSC Cruises Master. As an additional incentive for agents MSC Cruises, where permissible, will draw 10 $200 or 20 $100 gift cards for...
Canada’s Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra has announced that the federal government is accelerating the timing of the return of cruising to Canadian waters, announcing in Victoria, B.C. that as of Nov. 1, 2021, the prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters would no longer be in effect if operators are able to fully comply with public health requirements.
He noted in his remarks that the government is keenly aware that the maritime and tourism sectors have been hit hard by the global COVID-19 pandemic; observing that as we reopen safely, we are already preparing for the upcoming...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the 100 winners of its “Norwegian's Giving Joy” contest which recognizes extraordinary teachers across North America who bring joy to the classroom.
The 100 educators won a seven-night cruise for two and have the flexibility to select a sailing through summer 2023 on voyages embarking from U.S. and Canadian ports.
To enhance the prize and reward students as well, the company is awarding the Grand Prize winner a $25,000 donation for his or her school, while the second and third place winners will receive a $15,000 and $10,000 donation...
Swan Hellenic has unveiled details of 10 new itineraries for its 2022 inaugural season in response to Australia and New Zealand’s extension of government restrictions to contain the ongoing pandemic.
Ranging from Patagonia and the Antarctic to Mexico, Alaska and the Russian Far East, each will also provide an introduction to Swan Hellenic’s new purpose-designed 5-star expedition cruise ship SH Minerva, which was recently floated out of her dry dock in Helsinki Shipyard.
The in-depth cultural expedition cruises, encompassing the whole American continent West coast connecting...
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has filed suit against the state of Florida asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to toss the state’s law that prevents businesses from requiring customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
In a statement on its legal challenge, NCLH states that: “Our Company has invested heavily in our comprehensive, multi-layered SailSAFE health and safety program with science-backed protocols developed in conjunction with the nation’s top scientific and public health experts.”
It points out that: “With our...
Air Canada Vacations has added Silversea Cruises to its portfolio of cruises.
Nino Montagnese, Vice President at Air Canada Vacations, said that: “Our partnership with Silversea Cruises is yet another important step in broadening our selection of offerings for Canadians looking to set sail. It gives travellers access to a luxury cruise line, as they benefit from the trust and convenience of flights aboard Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.”
Montagnese continued: “We’re looking forward to continuing to help them create their perfect vacation at sea by providing them with more...
Virgin Voyages has revealed the details of three all-new pre-summer voyages setting sail from Portsmouth, England in 2022.
Following the unveiling of the ‘Summer Soiree Series’ for its inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady will officially make her debut in UK waters before heading to Barcelona to sail the Med in the Summer.
With dates ranging from March 18 through May 14, 2022, Valiant Lady will sail on a series of three new itineraries, including a mix of 3-night, 11-night and 12-night voyages.
And in advance of going out for sale, Virgin Voyages is...