A collection of every news article on CruiseReport.com

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

MSC Group’s Grandi Navi Veloci (Gnv) Converts Ferry Into Floating Hospital for Coronavirus Relief in Genoa, Italy

Geneva, Switzerland and Genoa, Italy (March 25, 2020) – Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), part of MSC Group, has converted the ferry ship Splendid into a floating hospital equipped for the assistance of patients with COVID-19 and those recovering.

GNV started working on the project together with classification society RINA in early March, in close coordination with Italy’s Liguria Health System and Civil Protection. Together they defined a suitable solution that could be implemented in a very short period to increase Liguria's hospital capacity and, where necessary, to serve other areas of the country.

The project has a high level of flexibility and scalability and can be quickly adapted to meet future needs of the Liguria Region as the COVID-19 emergency evolves. Stationed at Ponte Colombo in Genoa’s Ferry Terminal, the current solution offers 25 beds in single cabins, although it is possible to equip additional cabins up to a total of 400 beds. The floating hospital also features a heliport and dedicated areas to healthcare personnel and crew, organized to guarantee suitable standards, comfort and flexibility.

RINA's contribution has been at core to the project, thanks to its expertise in the field of certifications and inspections in the maritime sector, which the company has provided free of charge. RINA verified that the new floating hospital complied with current regulations, identifying the correct balance between safety protection, naval regulations, the medical needs of a hospital indicated by ASL, the regional health care authority, and the urgent need to find a means of helping authorities and the National Health Service to address the fight against COVID-19.

This initiative has seen the immediate action of numerous partners, who made available products and services free of charge to equip the ship with all the necessary supplies, including HP-Aruba, Alpha Trading, Artigo Rubber Flooring, San Giorgio del Porto, Auscomar, ItalBrokers, Le Navi Maritime Agency, Burger King, Covim, Emis, Giunti Editore, IdealService, Infomaster, Mantero Sistemi, Provveditoria Marittima Ligure Angelo Novelli and Ansaldo Naval Technical Studio.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Carnival's Covid-19 Response to Guests

A message to our valued guests

As you have likely heard, Carnival Cruise Line announced late Friday that we are immediately pausing operations across our fleet of ships based in North America and will resume them on Friday, April 10. All ships currently at sea will continue their voyages and return to their homeports as scheduled.

Throughout this COVID-19 situation that has now turned into a global pandemic, we have implemented higher and higher levels of screening, monitoring and sanitation protocols to protect the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve. While Carnival has not had a diagnosed case linked to our operation we realize this situation is bigger than the cruise industry and we will continue to do our part to support public officials to manage and contain this unprecedented public health challenge.

We are directly contacting booked guests on the cancelled sailings over the next four weeks regarding their cruise and their options.

Our guests have been tremendously patient and understanding as we have reacted to a rapidly changing situation and a desire to be responsive to authorities in the U.S. and the destinations we visit. We are very sorry that this decision will disrupt the vacation plans for our guests and look forward to resuming operations and providing safe, fun and memorable vacations. And it goes without saying, we can only do that with the support of our outstanding onboard team members who have been nothing short of amazing during this prolonged period of challenge.

We will continue to keep our website information updated with regard to our response to this situation here. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to resuming operations and welcoming you on board in the near future.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Windstar Cruises Pauses Ship Operations Worldwide Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Seattle, WA, March 12, 2020 — Small ship cruise operator Windstar Cruises announced today that the company will temporarily suspend operations worldwide for cruises embarking March 14 through April 30, 2020 due to the unpredictable environment surrounding the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

“After much thought, we believe we are making the most responsible decision we can during this coronavirus pandemic,” said Christopher Prelog, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “This worldwide pause in the operation of our fleet of small ships is an effort to curb the spread of the virus and keep our guests, crew and the communities we visit, safe and healthy. We look forward to resuming operations again on May 1 with a return to offering our 180 degrees from ordinary vacation experience.”

Windstar will temporarily suspend operations of all sailings embarking on March 14 through April 30, 2020. Cruises will begin operating again according to schedule on May 1, 2020.

Windstar Cruises regrets the cancellation of travelers’ vacations. Guests on canceled cruises will receive the choice of a Future Cruise Credit valued at 125% of all monies paid to Windstar Cruises or a refund equal to the amount paid on the Windstar booking. Guests will have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their Future Cruise Credit. Windstar Cruises will protect Travel Advisor commissions on the affected bookings.

Windstar’s reservations team is reviewing all affected bookings and will send a letter outlining details to guests and travel advisors with canceled cruises. The reservations team appreciates the patience and understanding of guests and travel advisors as they work through this process.

The staff, executives, officers and crew at Windstar Cruises look forward to hosting travelers again this spring aboard its fleet of six small yachts carrying 148 to 342 guests in scenic and cultural destinations around the world.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Princess Cruises Announces a Voluntary and Temporary Pause of its Global Ship Operations for 60 Days

Cruise Line Remains Committed to the Health, Safety and Well-Being of Guests, Team Members and Communities Visited Globally

Cruise Line Remains Committed to the Health, Safety and Well-Being of Guests, Team Members and Communities Visited Globally

SANTA CLARITA, Calif (March 12, 2020) In proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Princess Cruises announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10.

“Princess Cruises is a global vacation company that serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries as part of our diverse business, and it is widely known that we have been managing the implications of COVID-19 on two continents,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” added Swartz.

While this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values. Rest assured the long-serving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.

Those currently onboard a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted. Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements. Princess will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible. During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew onboard.

For those who are impacted by this business decision, Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice. To add a bonus incentive for guests to accept this offer, the company will add an additional generous future cruise credit benefit which can be applied to the cruise fare. In addition, Princess will honor this offer for those guests who had made final payment and cancelled their booking on or after February 4, 2020. The future cruise credit can be used on any voyage departing through May 1, 2022.

Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full and for the total amount of the future cruise credits, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.

If the future cruise credit option does not work for some guests, they will be able to complete an electronic form on Princess.com to request a cash refund. Princess asks guests not to call the Reservation Call Center due to the possibility of high call volumes and the potential of long on-hold wait times due to this unprecedented action. Guests and their travel advisors will be sent communications on how to manage cancellations and desired compensation. Information and instructions for requesting a refund are available online.

In a video posted on YouTube, Jan Swartz shares that “while this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values. Rest assured the long-serving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.”

Loyal guests, employees, travel advisor partners and business partners around the world have asked what they can do support Princess Cruises and its more than 35,000 team members in these challenging times. The answer is simple – book a cruise with Princess and bring your family and friends along. The company offers over 180 itineraries to popular and exotic destinations around the globe.

Princess Cruises plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing May 11, 2020.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Viking to Temporarily Suspend Cruise Operations Until May 1, 2020

Chairman Torstein Hagen Announced Decision in Letter to Guests

Chairman Torstein Hagen Announced Decision in Letter to Guests

Los Angeles (March 11, 2020) – Viking (www.viking.com) today announced it will temporarily suspend river and ocean cruise operations until May 1, 2020 in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 situation. The announcement was made today in a video and a letter sent from Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen to currently booked guests; both the video and letter are also available on Viking’s website. The letter reads as follows:

Dear Viking Guests,

Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. Since day one, it has been our mission to create experiences for our guests that focus on the destination and allow them to explore the world in comfort. This has always been Viking’s ambition and will remain so.

I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made travel exceedingly complicated. An increasing number of ports, including Venice, Monte Carlo and Bergen, have temporarily closed to cruise ships; major attractions such as the Vatican and other museums have been closed; and some countries are imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors.

In recent days we have had an experience where a river cruise guest in Southeast Asia was exposed to COVID-19 while in transit on an international airline. While this guest is not exhibiting symptoms, she has been placed in quarantine. Separately, the remaining 28 guests will also be quarantined.

I am writing today because the situation has now become such that operating as a travel company involves significant risks of quarantines or medical detentions, which could diminish the travel experiences for which our guests have been planning. As a private company with strong finances, we do not have to worry about quarterly profit expectations – and that flexibility allows us the ability to do what is best for our guests and our employees, as we have always done.

Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean vessels embarking from March 12 to April 30, 2020 – at which time we believe Viking will be in a better place to provide the experiences our guests expect and deserve. This is a decision we made with a heavy heart, but with present circumstances what they are, we are unable to deliver the high-quality Viking experience for which we are known.

For those guests whose cruise falls within this window of suspended operations, we are offering the choice of a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking or a refund equal to the amount paid. Guests will have 24 months to use their Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. For additional flexibility, if you are unable to use your voucher, we will automatically send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking after the voucher expires. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable.

Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020.

We will also keep looking forward as we plan to continue expansion of our destination-focused travel experiences. In addition to our many award-winning river and ocean cruises, in early 2022 we will launch our expedition journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as North America’s Great Lakes. And, at the beginning of April 2020, we will announce our newest river voyages closer to home, in America’s heartland.

We will stand by our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us.

Sincerely yours,

Torstein Hagen
Chairman

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Azamara® Enhances Travel Insurance Program with 100% Cruise Protection for Any Reason

Destination Immersion® leader Azamara implements enhanced travel policies and travel insurance program to protect guests booking close-in or in the future

Destination Immersion® leader Azamara implements enhanced travel policies and travel insurance program to protect guests booking close-in or in the future

Miami, March 11, 2020: In a commitment to provide Azamara guests confidence and flexibility during a period of uncertainty surrounding global travel, the company has implemented a revised travel insurance program to cover all booking cancellations, regardless of the specified reason. In addition to the Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. “Cruise with Confidence” cancellation policy, Azamara has taken additional steps to update the “CruiseCare” travel protection program available to Azamara guests, which will now cover a 100% cruise protection, for any reason. Azamara wants to ensure all guests are provided with the ultimate flexibility and understands that guests should not be penalized during unavoidable situations.

“While health precautions should be taken seriously and set in place, we believe providing guests with viable health and cancellation policies provides the most comfort for booking now.” says Larry Pimentel, President & CEO of Azamara CEO. “Given the above sentiment, the safety and health of our guests is our top priority, therefore we’re making it easy for them to plan now, or in the future, hassle free.”

This new enhancement to the CruiseCare program guarantees a 100% Future Cruise Credit to U.S. guests sailing before December 31, 2021. Guests who purchase the enhanced CruiseCare protection program by April 30,2020 can plan their future vacations with confidence knowing they have the flexibility to cancel at any time, for any reason. The CruiseCare program not only covers investment protection, but also includes additional emergency medical and convenience benefits including:

  • Trip Interruption: up to total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family or another covered reason

  • Trip Delay: up to $500 for catch-up expenses

  • Accident Medical: up to $10,000 if you get hurt on your vacation

  • Sickness Medical: up to $10,000 if you get sick on your vacation

  • Emergency Medical Evacuation: up to $25,000 if you need emergency medical transportation

  • Baggage Protection: up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen or damaged

  • Baggage Delay: up to $500 to purchase necessary personal items if your bags are delayed.

Azamara understands that unexpected situations occur and wants to provide travelers with the confidence that the cancellation of their trip is fully protected — for any reason at all.

Daily updates can be found at www.azamara.com

Learn more about CruiseCare: Azamara.com/CruiseCare
Learn more about Cruise with Confidence: Azamara.com/CruiseWithConfidence

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

A Video Message From Oceania Cruises

The video addresses Oceania's precautions and continued commitment to health and safety for all guests and crew in the current global health situation.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Royal Caribbean Group Adopts “Cruise With Confidence” Policy, Allowing Cancellations Up to 48 Hours Before Sailing

MIAMI, March 6, 2020 – With COVID-19 adding uncertainty to travel plans around the world, Royal Caribbean Group said it will give guests greater control over their vacation decisions, allowing guests to cancel cruises as late as two days before departure.

The “Cruise With Confidence” policy allows guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea to cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest’s choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” said Richard Fain, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.”

“When circumstances are as fast-changing as they have been recently, it’s good to know you have the option to take a rain check,” Fain said. “We think putting more control in our guests’ hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary.”

In addition to easing concerns for booked guests, Fain said the policy would also give consumers more confidence in making new bookings, knowing that they could later adjust their plans without penalty.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020 and will be offered by the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. Full details of the “Cruise with Confidence” policy can be found at the respective brand websites.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Crystal’s Limited Edition 30th Anniversary Cookbook Offers a Taste of Celebrated Onboard Cuisine

More than 200 pages of mouthwatering, Michelin-inspired recipes showcases Crystal’s celebrated culinary experience

More than 200 pages of mouthwatering, Michelin-inspired recipes showcases Crystal’s celebrated culinary experience

MIAMI, March 5, 2020 – As Crystal marks its 30th Anniversary of cruising this year, the company has unveiled Taste, a commemorative cookbook celebrating the onboard culinary experience that has long been one of the most acclaimed elements of the award-winning brand. From cover to cover, the book takes readers and aspiring chefs on a global journey through the destinations Crystal explores and the traditions and stories surrounding the cuisine from around the world. In all, 64 Michelin-inspired recipes – each including a curated wine pairing from Crystal’s expert sommeliers –will bring flavors from Crystal ships to the home tables of luxury travelers.

“Crystal has a 30-year legacy of unmatched culinary excellence, inspired by the world we explore and then reimagined by our incredibly talented culinary team. We are thrilled to offer this rare chance for our guests to recreate their favorite dishes at home,” said Toni Neumeister, senior vice president of hotel operations for Crystal. “Creating Taste has been a nostalgic labor of love, as we reflect on the many wonderful moments and stories shared over these very dishes aboard our ships. Crystal’s cuisine has been the centerpiece of many of our guests’ most memorable travel moments, and we’re quite proud of that.”

In its more than 260 pages, recipes range from appetizers and salads, pastas and soups, seafood and fish, vegetarian to signature cocktails, and more. Entrees include Beef Wellington, baked quail and potato gnocchi, while the dessert selection features mango pavlova and Kaiserschmarrn or “emperor’s mess.” Every dish is brought to life by stunning photography and detailed instructions for preparation. In addition to wine pairings like Penfolds Grange Bin 95 2013 Shiraz and Château Rieussec, Sauternes, Premier Cru, craft cocktail recipes from Crystal’s signature menus complement the cuisine beautifully. The Crystal Signature Manhattan, Gin & Jam and No Sin Gin, Silk Rose will all spark creativity at the bar for home chefs.

The limited-edition Taste is available only to guests sailing aboard select 30th Anniversary Collection sailings in 2020, who will receive a complimentary gift copy in each stateroom. Guests not sailing on a 30th Anniversary Collection voyage may purchase their cookbook onboard for $59.95 USD or €55 on Crystal River Cruises. The cookbook will be added to guest’s onboard folio and shipped to their home following their voyage. Guests may also use shipboard credit to purchase Taste if they wish.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across four distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; Crystal Yacht Cruises, offering boutique luxury and bold adventure in the world’s most elite harbors; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 26 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 20 years; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

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Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson

Oceania Cruises Unveils New Travelers Assurance Program

No Penalty Cancellation Policy + Best Price Guarantee

No Penalty Cancellation Policy + Best Price Guarantee

Miami, FL, March 6, 2020 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced a new Traveler’s Assurance booking policy effective immediately for all existing and new bookings made by April 30, 2020 for any voyages departing between March 10, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

Guests and Travel Partners can now have total peace of mind knowing that should they need to cancel, for any reason, they will not lose a dollar. Guests may cancel up to 48 hours prior to cruise departure and will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid. Additionally, consumers and travel advisors can book with confidence knowing that up to day of sailing, should there be another applicable public promotion that offers a better value through amenities or price, they may take advantage of that promotional offer and/or price.

“Choosing to travel is both a very personal choice and substantial investment of time and money. In today’s current environment of ever-changing world events, travelers are seeking peace of mind when booking a vacation,” stated Bob Binder, President & Chief Executive Officer of Oceania Cruises.

For additional details, please visit OceaniaCruises.com/Assurance

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