Cruise

COVID 19 Update: Transat, Princess, HAL, NCLH

Transat is advising that due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, we must extend the suspension of our flights until June 30, 2020. The carrier says that the decision was a difficult one and is the result of the travel restrictions still in place, as well as the continued uncertainty about when the borders will reopen, both in Canada and at the destinations to which we fly. In this context, Transat says that it must accept that a resumption of flight operations prior to this date is not feasible. And the company states that: “Given this situation beyond our control, we’re...

Cruise Updates From Carnival, Costa

Carnival Cruise Line advised guests and travel agents of its plan to phase in a resumption in its North American service this summer, beginning on Aug. 1 with a total of eight ships from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston. In connection with this plan, its pause in operations will be extended in all other North American and Australian markets through Aug. 31. Key elements of the plan include: All North American cruises from June 27 to July 31 will be cancelled. Beginning August 1, we plan to resume cruises on the following ships: Galveston:  Carnival Dream, Carnival...

CLIA Stepping Up In Canada

CLIA-Northwest & Canada is rolling up its collective sleeves and working with tourism partners and ports on both coasts – along with the Canadian government -- to share the latest information and answer important questions to combat the threats posed COVID-19. In a statement on its efforts, CLIA-Northwest & Canada said that the top priority of its member cruise lines continues to be the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the communities where our ships sail. CLIA-Northwest & Canada also said that it is “concerned about the adverse economic impacts on our cruise...

MSC Extends Fleet-wide Halt to July 10

MSC Cruises has extended its fleet-wide halt through to July 10. Here in Canada, MSC Cruises Canada is offering guests affected by this measure a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise plus an additional 25% credit to a future cruise of their choice, on any ship and any itinerary, departing on or before Dec. 31, 2021. As well, the cruise company says that any applicable pre-paid items and government taxes will be refunded to the original form of payment. MSC Cruises Canada’s Cruise Assurance Program...

NCLH Extends Suspension To June 30

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd has extended its suspension of its global cruises to include voyages embarking between May 11 and June 30, 2020 for its three cruise brands. Those brands include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The extended suspension is part of NCLH’s contribution to global efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and the company said it will continue to work in tandem with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take all necessary precautions to ensure the health, safety and security of guests, crew...

Victory Cruises Makes Sailing Changes 

Victory Cruise Lines is extending its temporary suspension for all operations on board the Victory I through June 30, 2020 and cancelling all planned itineraries for the Victory II for the remainder of the 2020 season. The Victory I will resume service on July 5, 2020. The decision was made following continued, wide-spread governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions and an extended no sail order through Canadian waters through June 30. VCL thanks its guests, travel agent partners, vendors and team members for their patience and understanding...

Social Distancing Creating New Ways To Test The Waters

European Waterways says after months of practicing social distancing, some people may "test the waters" by going to the less crowded destinations first, adding they may hold off on Paris, for example, and check out the South of France. Luxury hotel barge specialist European Waterways says it and other boutique operators may be among the beneficiaries of this early trend. The company has a fleet of luxury hotel barges in the European countryside, each with a capacity of just six to 12 guests. And it offers six-night all-inclusive cruises that take the “path less travelled” of...