Norwegian operator Hurtigruten has led the way back to cruising with its first post-COVID 19 cruise having departed Bergen on 16 June. MS Finnmarken carried domestic and Danish passengers only. MS Richard With, MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol will also sail this summer between the ports of Bergen and Kirkenes. Its Alaska cruise season will see a further delay due to travel restrictions from the North American authorities including expeditions on board its MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship (pictured).
Newly announced cancellations include Svalbard sailings with MS Spitsbergen and selected sailings on MS Nordstjernen in July and September. MS Fram’s expeditions in Iceland and the Northwest Passage are also cancelled. Affected guests are being offered future cruise credit (FCC) worth 125%. They will also receive a 10% discount on any future Hurtigruten cruise – Expedition or Norwegian Coastal voyages – with departures until 31 December 2021. Rebookings will not incur fees. It is also offering a new low deposit scheme to encourage expedition and coastal voyage bookings.
For the summer of 2020, its ships will sail with a maximum of 50% capacity with social distancing measures in place and onboard payments will be contactless. All passengers will need to fill out a health questionnaire and a contactless fever scan will record passengers’ temperatures before embarkation. All crew have taken the World Health Organization's (WHO’s) official COVID-19 course for hygiene procedures and infection management too.
One of the world's most well-known names, Royal Caribbean International has announced that it's extending the suspension of most sailings until 15 September 2020 with the exception of those in China, which are suspended until the end of July, and sailings to Bermuda, which are suspended until 31 October. It has also had to delay the arrival of its newest vessel into service: Odyssey of the Seas was due to debut in November but won't set sail until April 2021.
The line is offering full refunds to customers affected, or a 125% future cruise credit (FCC) voucher which can be used to rebook up to 31 December 2021. (The additional money is intended to cover any difference in price for a later cruise). Its "Cruise With Confidence" policy allows cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing with guests receiving a full credit for their fare, which can be used on any cruise until April 2022 too. The policy applies to both new and existing bookings for cruises booked on or before 1 August 2020. A new "Lift and Shift" programme lets customers move any 2020 sailing to a comparable cruise in 2021 or 2022.
Executives from the Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, told Cruise Critic recently that among the things likely to change in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak is the buffet. “I think in the beginning, there will not be a buffet…that's how I see it," said president and CEO Michael Bayley. “We will utilise the space, we will utilise the Windjammer [the self-service restaurant], but in all probability, it won't be a classical buffet. It will be something more akin to a restaurant." Other enhanced social distancing measures could see fewer people on board.
Sister company Celebrity Cruises has extended the suspension of sailings for its entire fleet until 15 September 2020 – again the exception are cruises in China which are suspended until the end of July. All of its 2020 sailings to Canada and Alaska will be cancelled in light of the Government of Canada’s decision to extend its restriction on cruise ships carrying more than 100 guests until the end of October.
For people affected by its cancelled sailings, Celebrity is offering compensation in the form of a 125% future cruise credit (FCC) which will be processed automatically and in most cases is valid for use until 31 December 2021 on sailings up to 4 May 2022. Guests wishing to get a 100% refund instead can apply online up until the expiration date of their FCC. Guests with pre-booked shore excursions or onboard packages can either opt for a 125% onboard credit for their next cruise or get a full refund. If you booked flights and hotels via Celebrity these will be refunded, but you'll need to contact your operator if they were booked independently.
Along with many other cruise lines, the company has modified its payment and cancellation policies to provide more flexibility for existing and future customers. Passengers can change future bookings up until 48 hours before they sail – including rescheduling a 2021 sailing to a 2022 one up until 4 May 2022 – as long as they do so by 1 September 2020. Those that book the same cruise will pay the same price and receive the same promotion. Please note however, sailings can only be rescheduled once.
Carnival Cruise Line – part of a group that also owns big brands like Princess Cruises, Cunard and Costa – has extended the cancellation of its cruises until end of September at least. In addition, all of its 2020 San Francisco sailings will be cancelled. Carnival Sunrise sailings will be cancelled up to and including 19 October; Carnival Legend up to and including 30 October; and Carnival Radiance up to and including 1 November. While all Carnival Spirit Alaska, Hawaii, and trans-Pacific sailings will be cancelled up to and including 6 October. You can find more details here.
In a statement announcing the extended suspension of of its North America operations, the cruise line said: “Once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business.” Customers impacted by cancellations can get a full refund or receive a full future cruise credit (FCC) along with £481 ($600) onboard credit per stateroom for cruises of six days or more (£240/$300 for five days or less) on cruises booked by 31 May 2021 with departures before 31 December 2022.
The cruise line is reassuring new customers by establishing additional sanitation, disinfection and cleaning measures. These will include staff serving at food stations as much as possible and nightly deep cleans in high-traffic public areas.
Cunard has now extended its pause in operations from the end of July until 1 November 2020 for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and until 23 November for Queen Elizabeth. You can read about all affected cruises here.
Anyone booked on an impacted Cunard voyage will get a 125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) on monies paid, which can be used until 31 December 2021 on any voyage departing before 31 March 2022. It can be used to upgrade any existing future bookings or to add an additional stateroom to bring friends or family too. Cash refunds can be applied for instead and people sailing from September can make use of Cunard’s new flexible transfer policy if they wish to change their travel plans.
Due to continued port closures, the reduced number of flights and the pandemic itself, all of Princess Cruises' voyages have been cancelled for summer 2020. This includes all cruises sailing in and out of Australia until mid-September on Sea Princess, Majestic Princess, Sun Princess and Sapphire Princess. All cruises in and out of Vancouver and Seattle in September and October; and its Pacific and California coast roundtrip cruises from San Francisco departing in September and October on Star Princess. All roundtrip cruises from Keelung, Taiwan, departing in August have also been scrapped.
Guests booked on cancelled voyages, who have paid Princess in full, can request a higher value voucher offer with an additional 25% of the cruise fare paid. For guests who have not paid in full, Princess will “double the deposit’: it is offering a refundable FCC to the same value plus a matching bonus FCC that can be used on any voyage until 1 May 2022. The matching bonus is non-refundable. Refund requests had to be made by 30 June.
Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises vice president in the UK and Europe, told The Telegraph in April that the whole travel industry would have to make changes “to adapt to the new world”. “People will return to travel but when they do there will have to be new protocols in place that make it safe to do so. The cruise industry won’t determine what’s acceptable for social gathering. It will be a global issue, not a cruise one, and we’ll follow the guidance of the medical experts in doing so.”
Holland America Line, another brand in the Carnival group, has extended its pause of cruise operations and cancelled additional cruises that include some to the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Pacific coastal routes and South America. It announced in May that it had paused all of its operations for 2020 to Alaska, Europe, Canada and New England along with some Hawaii itineraries in 2021. It also cancelled its 79-day Grand Africa voyage earlier this year, which was due to depart on 3 October on its ship Amsterdam. When it will resume sailings is yet to be announced.
Guests that have had cruises cancelled will get future cruise credit (amounts will vary), which can be used on cruises booked within 12 months of issue for departures before 31 December 2022. Any onboard purchases such as excursions can be transferred to new bookings or will be automatically refunded. Any passenger wishing to have a refund must request one by 15 July 2020. Holland America Line's new "Book with Confidence" short-term cancellation policy allows guests travelling before 31 December 2021 to cancel cruises up to 30 days before the sailing.
Lynn Narraway, UK & Ireland Managing Director for Holland America Line, is optimistic. She tells loveExploring: “During this prolonged period indoors, it is definitely the time for travellers to start thinking about their 2021 holiday. For those booking a cruise for next year, we expect to see an increase in interest for adventure-filled destinations known for natural beauty such as Alaska, and have already seen a lot of rebookings on cancelled sailings to the destination.”
The brand has launched a new entertainment programme for guests called HAL@Home via email and its website. It features performances from Lincoln Center Stage musicians, cooking demonstrations, destination guides to the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay (pictured) and cocktail demos from mixologist Dale DeGroff. Take a look at these stunning vintage photos of American summer vacations.
MSC Cruises has suspended all of its sailings, which go to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, South America, southern Africa, China, and the Middle East, until 31 July 2020. It announced it will extend its suspension of its cruise operations out of US and Caribbean ports until 15 September. People who have had cruises cancelled are being offered a future cruise credit for 125% of the original fare paid which can be used on any sailing departing on or before 31 December 2021. Anyone unable to reschedule will receive a full refund.
Along with many companies, MSC Cruises has increased its flexibility to reassure nervous passengers. Guests booked on cruises with departure dates up until 31 December 2021 can reschedule with no additional costs. Cruise-only bookings can be changed up to 48 hours before departure, and fly-cruise bookings up to 96 hours before. Discover what airports might look like when we're flying again.
Costa Cruises has extended its global suspension until the end of July due to the global health situation. Passengers that were due to travel in March, April and May will receive FCC (future cruise credit) vouchers of 150% while those set to travel in June and July will get one worth 125% – vouchers will be sent by 30 June. They will also get a bonus to spend on cabin category upgrade and itinerary options. Refunds can be applied for and these are taking over 90 days.
While passengers wait it out, it has created a Viking TV channel online to keep keen cruisers entertained. Daily live-streamed videos come from a variety of experts and personalities including demonstrations and tours of landmarks including the Munch Museum in Oslo, pictured here.
Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea has announced it will start sailing again in August. It will welcome guests on board its fleet of ships as follows: Silver Spirit on 3 September, Silver Shadow from 1 October, Silver Muse from 10 October, Silver Explorer from 20 October, Silver Cloud 28 October, Silver Whisper from 10 November and Silver Wind from 11 November. The launch of two new ships debuting in 2020 have been delayed with Silver Origin currently sailing from August and Silver Moon from October. Discover what travel looked like after the last global pandemic.
Anyone whose voyage has been cancelled will receive a 125% future cruise credit (FCC), which is valid for two years and transferable to family and friends. It can also be used partially and applied to more than one new booking. Like other brands Silversea is taking part in Royal Caribbean's “Cruise with Confidence” initiative which allows guests to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours prior to departure for all voyages leaving before 31 December 2020, and receive FCC that is valid for 24 months.
While some cruise lines have had to suspend the launch of new ships, Silversea is preparing to take delivery of Silver Origin. Despite global lockdown restrictions Dutch shipyard De Hoop implemented rigid safety procedures, reduced its workforce, and managed to overcome challenges including the ship’s sea trial to get the Silver Origin ready. The sparkling new 100-passenger, all-suite vessel will voyage to the Galapágos and it's the cruise line’s first-ever destination-specific ship.
Azamara has announced the extension of its suspension of cruises, which now includes those departing on or before 15 September 2020. Guests that were set to sail before then will receive a 125% future cruise credit (FCC) to rebook a cruise by 31 December 2021 for any sailing up until 30 April 2022. Otherwise, refunds can be requested. Now discover what the future of travel might look after coronavirus
As part of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Azamara also allows customers to cancel up to 48 hours before sailing to receive a full credit that can be used until April 2022. The policy applies to both new and existing bookings for cruises booked by 1 August 2020. In terms of reassuring customers as to its ships’ health and safety standards, Azamara says: “We are currently laser-focused on additional safety enhancements for our return to service. To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association, and our own team of medical experts.”
Norwegian Cruise Line, which along with Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), has said it is taking a phased approach in its return to the seas. It has recently cancelled all September sailings along with voyages to Alaska, Canada and New England due to depart in early October. Speaking to Cruise Critic in May, president and CEO Frank Del Rio said he predicted a phased return of its three cruise lines starting in the fall.
People with reservations on any of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ suspended voyages should automatically receive a 125% refund of their cruise fare in the form of future cruise credit (FCC) which must be used within a year of the issue date on any Norwegian Cruise Line voyage embarking through 2022. Alternatively, refund request forms must be submitted by 24 July, 2020. The company is also offering greater flexibility, allowing cancellations up to 48 hours before departure for all cruises until 31 December. They will receive FCC valid until December 2022.
Del Rio said that he envisioned there would be "as much testing as possible," and ongoing, particularly for the crew. NCL has since announced a raft of enhanced safety measures including reduction of guest capacity, the installation of medical-grade air-filters, more rigorous pre-embarkation health screening for guests and employees and more medical resources. The article on Cruise Critic also reported Del Rio saying that more balcony cabins would allow better access to fresh air.
Cruise Critic also reports that the cruise line has opened up bookings for voyages in 2022 and 2023 to some of its most exotic destinations ever. Including its first-ever itineraries to Antarctica (winter 2021-22) onboard Norwegian Star; its first voyages to sail on a roundtrip from Cape Town (winter 2021-22) onboard Norwegian Jade; and new itineraries in Asia for Norwegian Sun during the winter of 2022-2023.
Regent Seven Seas, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has also extended its voluntary temporary suspension of voyages until 30 September 2020, as well as all of its voyages to Canada and New England for the rest of the year. Refunds of 125% of the fare paid are being issued to customers affected by cancellations in the form of future cruise credit, which can be used on any future cruise until 31 December 2022. Otherwise, full refunds will be reimbursed within 90 days of guests’ requests.
It is seeking to boost confidence among existing and new customers with its “Return with Regent” special offer that includes an updated Regent Reassurance policy. It allows customers who have paid in full on bookings made before 31 July 2020, for voyages embarking on or before 31 December 2022, the option to cancel up to 15 days prior to departure. They will receive a 100% credit, which must be used within a year. It is also offering a reduced deposit on new bookings of 10% and a reduced single supplement rate.
Oceania has announced it will continue its suspension of all voyages aboard Regatta, Nautica, Marina, Riviera, and Sirena until 30 September and all voyages aboard Insignia until 26 October in light of the continuing global pandemic. Guests with cancelled cruises will automatically receive future cruise credit (FCC) worth 125% of the cruise fare paid in a bid to encourage loyalty. It must be booked by 17 June 2021 with a departure before 31 December 2022. Alternatively refunds need to be requested by 1 July 2020.
The cruise line has also introduced a new flexible policy that allows passengers to cancel up to 48 hours prior to departures and receive future cruise credit equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid. It’s valid for all existing and new reservations made by 31 July 2021 for voyages in 2020, 2021 and 2022. It also has a sale on with significant price reductions and special offers on upgrade packages.
Guests due to travel with Seabourn before then will get future cruise credit to the value of 125% of the base cruise fare paid. Guests with bookings under deposit will receive one valued at 125% of the amount paid, plus an onboard credit of £240 ($300) per suite. It will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be used on voyages departing until 31 December, 2022. Refunds can be issued on request.
European voyages are looking unlikely for customers of Marella Cruises, part of TUI, this year. It has cancelled all sailings on or before 27 August as well as all sailings on Marella Celebration, which the line is retiring earlier than planned. Other cancelled sailings are as follows: Marella Discovery 2 from Naples, Asia and the Middle East up to 30 April 2021; Marella Dream from Palma up to 4 May 2021; Marella Discovery sailings on or before 31 October 2020, and from Jamaica in December 2020 and January 2021; and Marella Explorer 2 sailings from Naples between 5 May 2021 to 20 October 2021, and the 90s v 00s Electric Sunsets cruise on 5 September, 2020.
The holiday company is promising affected customers will receive a refund credit for the full value of their holiday, and a separate booking incentive of up to 20%. Any passengers wanting a cash refund can apply for one after they receive their credit note. A new flexible booking policy allows passengers with existing Marella Cruises and TUI River Cruise package holidays, taking place on or before 31 July, to amend them free to any holiday on sale. Changes can be made up to seven days before the original departure date, and final payment deadlines will move to 12 weeks prior to departure.
In the face of continued travel restrictions due to the impact of COVID-19, P&O Cruises has announced an extension of its voluntary pause in operations in Australia and New Zealand. All sailings from Australia departing on and before 17 September 2020 and all sailings from New Zealand departing on and before 31 August 2020 are cancelled.
According to Cruise Trade News, P&O Cruises president Sture Myrmell said P&O was looking forward to resuming cruise operations as soon as it was safe to do so but it was clear an extension to the pause was necessary while Australia and New Zealand continue to make progress in combating coronavirus. Guests whose cruises have been impacted by the extended pause in operations are eligible for a full refund or a future cruise credit (FCC) equal to the cost of their original cruise plus an onboard credit offer.
In the UK, P&O Cruises had hoped to resume cruises from August but recently extended its pause until 15 October, 2020, including the maiden voyage of its new 5,200-passenger vessel Iona. The new ship was originally first due to depart for the Norwegian fjords on 15 May. The largest-ever vessel built for the UK market and the first new ship for P&O Cruises since 2015, social distancing measures have impacted Iona's final outfitting and delivery date.
Speaking to Cruise Critic, in April P&O Cruises’ president Paul Ludlow, said: “Iona’s final outfitting will continue and she will be delivered to us before too long. Once we know the exact schedule then we can look at the cruises. Regarding the maiden season in Norway – again at the moment we are looking at the current guidelines for travel and talking to the various ports of call and will update when we can.”
“During our pause, our partners have been keen to give our guests the flavour of a P&O Cruises holiday,” says Ludlow. “Olly Smith has been providing virtual wine recommendations, Eric Lanlard hosting online cookery demonstrations and Jonathan Wilkes letting guests know they are missed and the exciting future shows in store.” Meanwhile P&O is making direct contact with guests whose cruises have been affected by cancellations to provide a 125% future cruise credit which can be used for any sailing up to the end of March 2022.
It's likely to be a frustrating time for entrepreneur Richard Branson. In addition to the challenges of running Virgin Atlantic his brand-new cruise line Virgin Voyages was set to launch in April just as the initial impact of coronavirus became apparent. The first sailing for his sparkling ship Scarlet Lady now looks set for 16 October 2020 from Miami. To attract customers, anyone sailing before 16 December 2020 won't need to pay their balance until 60 days before departure. Cruises can be cancelled up to 48 hours before and you can claim 100% voyage credit.
The adults-only brand, which is aimed at people who wouldn't normally take a cruise holiday, released details of its new Voyage Well plan, which claims to be industry-leading in terms of its innovative health and wellbeing standards. Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages, says: “We appreciate some people will be apprehensive about travelling, so we are committed to being led by science and creating ways to give people confidence to explore the world while feeling safer, more relaxed and free to enjoy themselves.”
British cruise line Saga was among the first to act and suspend sailings as the COVID-19 pandemic escalated. In its latest customer statement, it has ruled out any departures up to 1 September, 2020. Existing customers will be contacted by the guest services team to discuss their options. For those due to travel up until the end of October 2020, Saga has extended its “Peace of Mind” policy allowing departures to be postponed and bookings to be transferred to other holidays departing in 2021, subject to availability, with no cancellation fees or penalties. They will receive £50pp ($62) off any river cruise, ocean cruise partner or European holiday or £100pp ($124) off any long-haul holiday.
Among Saga's cancelled cruises was the grand finale voyage for the Saga Sapphire from Southampton in May, as the ship is set to leave Saga’s fleet this year. It is being replaced by new ship, Spirit of Adventure, which Saga is taking delivery of by the end of October after delays caused by work stoppages. The 999-passenger vessel will debut in November, voyaging from Southampton to sail the Mediterranean.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ four-strong ocean fleet has taken up temporary residence in Scotland’s Port of Rosyth on the Firth of Forth during the UK-based company’s pause in operation which has been extended until 9 September. In an online statement it says: "As this is a fast-moving situation, we want to ensure we are giving you the best advice at the time. We have committed that, if your ocean cruise is affected, you will hear from us no later than 30 days before we are due to set sail." For sailings up until December 2020, it has changed the balance payment date from 90 days before sailing to 28 days.
Fred Olsen is staying connected with its passengers during lockdown via a newsletter. The online hub includes virtual cruises, things to do and links to wellbeing and lifestyle videos. Additionally, Fred Olsen's head office staff have also completed a challenge to walk, run or cycle the equivalent of an around the world cruise to raise money for NHS Charities Together and encouraged customers to donate and post their own walks on social media. It also donated more than £33,000 ($41,000) of food to causes in need in Scotland from its ships in Rosyth.
Luxury river cruise company AmaWaterways has extended suspensions for its river cruise sailings in Europe, Asia and Africa until 31 August 2020. It's automatically issuing future cruise credit equal to 115% of the value of payments received, redeemable on any AmaWaterways river cruise until 31 December 2022. The credits are transferable to friends or family. Find all the details here.
Crystal has cancelled all river cruises onboard Crystal Symphony until 24 October, along with all cruises before 7 September aboard Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel. Because of Canada’s restrictions, it has had to cancel all 2020 New England and Canada itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity. It also announced that it has had to postpone the launch of its new expedition ship Crystal Endeavour, due to delays and ongoing restrictions, cancelling all its itineraries for 2020. All Crystal Yacht Cruises sailings are cancelled through until the end of October 2020. Full details can be found here.
Guests are being encouraged to rebook with future cruise credit vouchers worth more than the fare paid (see here for full details) and it has established a new and more flexible cancellation policy for all Crystal sailings. To attract new business, it has a reduced deposit policy for bookings made by the end of June. Deposit amounts are now 15%, as opposed to the standard 25% of the cruise fare.
The cruise line is also keeping customers onboard with its new Crystal@Home programme where virtual voyages should go some way to keeping cruisers happy. The daily refreshed content includes a "Storyteller Monday" podcast series, "Wellness Wednesday" fitness demonstrations, "Thirsty Thursday" cocktail classes, Friday entertainment from Crystal performers and a Sunday cooking series with chef Jon Ashton, where recipes demonstrated include smoky shrimp tacos.
Currently Riviera has cancelled all cruises with departure dates on or before 31 July. Customers will receive a refund credit note and are being contacted by staff to discuss their options in departure date order. For anyone due to travel after that date, any 2020 booking can be cancelled up to 24 hours before, with the full cost of the voyage credited to a future 2020 cruise. It has also amended its cancellation policy so that deposits are fully refundable up to 60 days after they are made. For bookings cancelled after 60 days, deposits will be transferred to a future 2020 departure.
Avalon Waterways is set for a return in October for its global river cruise voyages that take in some of Europe's most beautiful cities, such as Budapest in Hungary (pictured). Guests affected by cancellations can move their holiday to any other itinerary, destination or brand in the group (Globus, Cosmos or Monograms) or date in 2020, 2021 or 2022 without fees and will receive an additional rebooking credit. Take a virtual tour of Europe's stunning cities here.
The river cruise specialist has introduced the Avalon Assurance programme which outlines how it will operate in the post-coronavirus world. It will include new embarkation procedures featuring temperature checks and luggage disinfection. Onboard there will be fewer passengers and public areas will be cleaned hourly or more with the latest technology including UV disinfecting systems. Between cruises, sofas and mattresses in staterooms will be cleaned too.
Luxury river cruise company Uniworld, which has itineraries in Europe, Russia, Egypt and Asia, has currently suspended all voyages through to 31 July. A temporary cancellation policy is in place for 2020, allowing guests due to depart up until the end of August to cancel up to 14 days before departure and rebook for 2020-21 with price protection. Or they can receive future cruise credit for use anytime from when cruises resume. Those with scheduled departures from 1 September until 31 December 2020 can cancel up to 60 days before.
Promising its guests a luxurious boutique experience, the line is gearing up to make major changes to ensure customer and crew safety, a Telegraph Travel article reports. Among them will be health screenings, reserved restaurant seating, excursion groups will be smaller, onboard payments will be contactless, and communal books and magazines will be replaced with online apps.
Crew handshakes will a thing of the past for the foreseeable future too. “The world is changed and as we start to welcome guests just beginning to step back into travel, we want them to know that we understand and are anticipating their concern and taking careful and deliberate steps to protect their safety, health and wellbeing – which will come in the form of a broad smile instead of a handshake,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and chief executive of Uniworld.
One cruise line that has totally written off the 2020 sailing season is Celestyal Cruises, a Greek-based operator. In an online statement it announced a further suspension of its cruise operations until March 2021, stating it had taken the “difficult decision” to further suspend sailings until 6 March, 2021. It is offering a future cruise credit (FCC) valued at 120% of the original booking value, which guests need to redeem by the end of December 2021 on any itinerary until the end of 2022.
Asia-Pacific-based Genting Cruise Lines is the first big ship cruise line to set sail again post-Covid. It announced Dream Cruises will restart its operations with its ship Explorer Dream. Initially it will operate two and three-night “Taiwan Island-Hopping” itineraries from 26 July. The vessel will depart from Keelung (pictured) and call at the islands of Penghu, Matzu and Kinmen. Genting Cruise Lines has enhanced its health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure guest and staff safety.
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