CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE UPDATES GUESTS ON ITINERARY CANCELLATIONS

MIAMI, Dec. 3, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line is informing guests and travel agents that it has cancelled select itineraries for specific operations in 2021, as it implements its plans for the resumption of cruising in 2021, including cruise operations in February from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston and moving the inaugural sailing of Mardi Gras until April 24, 2021.

Mardi Gras will operate from Port Canaveral, and remains the most anticipated new ship to operate from North America in 2021.  It will be the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ship in the Americas, and feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.  Carnival will take delivery of the ship from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland later this month and eventually sail to the U.S. and meet the requirements of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). 

Carnival is also cancelling the remaining itineraries scheduled to operate from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston through Feb. 28.

“We apologize to our guests but we must continue to take a thoughtful, deliberate and measured approach as we map out our return to operations in 2021,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Our commitment to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit is at the forefront of our decisions and operations.”

Silversea Cruises Unveils Five Pioneering Grand Voyages Among 315 New Itineraries for 2022-2023

(Monaco – December 3, 2020) Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has opened a pre-sale on five pioneering Grand Voyages as part of its new collection of voyages for 2022-2023. Offering guests extended, immersive voyages throughout Europe, the Pacific, and South America, the Grand Voyages highlight Silversea’s largest-ever itinerary release, which comprises 315 voyages calling in 669 destinations in 114 countries.

With an unprecedented range of experiences on offer, the five Grand Voyages have been curated by Silversea’s destination experts to link the most remarkable cultures, landscapes and experiences around the world. And with roundtrip air—including business-class upgrades in select destinations—and at least one shore excursion in each port of call, per day, included on all voyages in Silversea’s new 2022-2023 collection*, travelers will enjoy unprecedented convenience as they travel deeper into the world.

Silversea’s five new Grand Voyages for 2022-2023 include:

• SILVERSEA’S FIRST-EVER EUROPEAN GRAND VOYAGE – 72 destinations in 22 countries

Connecting the Mediterranean Grand Voyage and the Northern Europe Grand Voyage for those in search of a longer, more immersive discovery of the Old Continent, Silversea’s first-ever European Grand Voyage will depart from Piraeus (Athens) on March 30, 2022. Travelling aboard Silver Moon, Silversea’s guests will explore 72 destinations in 22 countries over 90 days, enjoying seven exclusive events and eight overnights in iconic cities—including Istanbul, Sorrento, Bordeaux and Saint Petersburg, among others—before arriving in Stockholm on June 28.

• AN ALL-NEW MEDITERRANEAN GRAND VOYAGE – 33 destinations in 12 countries

Between March 30 and May 6, guests travelling aboard Silver Moon on the Mediterranean Grand Voyage will enjoy bespoke discovery in 33 destinations across 12 countries—including Greece, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Malta, France, Monaco, Spain, and Portugal. Between Piraeus (Athens) and Lisbon, travelers will venture deep into Europe’s captivating cultures in both iconic ports and smaller, lesser-visited gems, including Portofino and Dikili. At exclusive events, guests will discover the fascinating 1001 column cisterns of Istanbul, the equestrian traditions and flavors of Andalusia in Cadiz, and the charm of Italy’s Agriturismo culture in Bari.

• AN UNPRECEDENTED NORTHERN EUROPE GRAND VOYAGE – 40 destinations in 13 countries

Setting sail on the world’s first Northern Europe Grand Voyage on May 6, 2022, Silversea’s guests will journey from Lisbon to Stockholm over 53 days, calling in 40 destinations in 13 countries aboard Silver Moon. From the milder setting of Lisbon on the Atlantic Coast, travelers will venture to some of the most remote, extreme destinations of the northern hemisphere. As well as diving deep into the cultures of Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, the Russian Federation, Finland, and Sweden, guests will socialize while enjoying unique access to bespoke events at Monet’s garden in Giverny, Liverpool’s iconic town hall, Iceland’s renowned Flatey Island (often hailed as the world’s most spectacular island), and the opera house of Oslo.

• AN IMMERSIVE PACIFIC GRAND VOYAGE – 31 destinations in eight countries

Over 58 days from January 16, 2023, travelers on the Pacific Grand Voyage will discover authenticity in 31 of the region’s most rewarding destinations, with seven overnight calls. From Melbourne, the cruise line’s guests will travel through eight countries aboard Silver Muse—including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and Japan—before arriving in Osaka on March 15. In Hobart, Tasmania, guests will enjoy champagne and canapés as they journey upriver for a private dinner at the acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art, as well as an exclusive evening at the opera in Sydney, and a personalized event at Shanghai’s famous Lion restaurant.

• A NEW SOUTH AMERICA GRAND VOYAGE – 39 destinations in 23 countries

Circumnavigating South America, Silver Moon will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the new South America Grand Voyagebetween January 6 and March 16, 2023. Over 69 days and with nine overnights, travelers will form deep connections with the continent’s most fascinating cultures and spectacular landscapes, as they explore 39 destinations in 23 countries. Socializing with like-minded travelers at bespoke events, guests will attend a private party at Valparaiso’s Casas del Bosque Winery, dance to the rhythm at the world-famous Rio de Janeiro carnival on extended calls, and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars on a private beach in St. Barts.

“I’m sure Silversea’s guests share my excitement for not only these five new Grand Voyages, but also the entire new collection of voyages for 2022/2023,” says Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society. “Each of the Grand Voyages offers a unique chance for guests to indulge their curiosity in such rich regions of the world, as they experience unforgettable moments and befriend other passionate travelers. From a first-hand discovery of ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean to an immersive exploration of the Pacific’s most iconic cities, there’s something for every curious traveler. I look forward to greeting Silversea’s extended family, our Venetian Society, as well as new guests, on board.”

Silversea’s guests on the five Grand Voyages will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, such as:

• Included air travel

• One shore excursion in each port, per day

• Overnight accommodation pre-cruise

• USD 1,000 onboard spending credit (USD 2,000 for the European Grand Voyage)

• Exclusive events

• Transfers

• Luggage services

• Visa package

• Medical service

• Laundry service

• Unlimited Wi-Fi

For more information on Silversea’s new itineraries for 2022-2023, please visit:

https://www.silversea.com/lp-new-itineraries-2022-2023.html

Watch a video interview with Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society:

https://discover.silversea.com/destinations/silverseas-first-grand-european-voyage/

Find out more information about Silversea’s enhanced all-inclusive offering:

https://www.silversea.com/other-resources/press-releases/2020/November/silversea-cruises-becomes-more-all-inclusive-than-ever.html

Please note: pre-sale is open to Venetian Society members only. General sales will open on December 10. Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, as well as regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change without notice based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. For the latest information on Silversea’s resumption of service, please visit our website.

Terms and Conditions: *The Air Program is not available in some countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In these countries we offer an Air Credit, instead, to be applied to the booking. The Shore Excursions Program is subjected to Shore Excursions availability in each port and guests’ first choice may or may not be available. The first Shore Excursion booked in a single day/port, among the Shore Excursions bookable and available within the Program, will be considered included, while additional ones will come at full fare (SELECTED Shore Excursions). This Program does not apply on the embarking and disembarking ports. Due to evolving health protocols, some imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect current onboard and destination offerings, or the public health standards and government requirements that modify or limit these offerings. Onboard and destination experiences, features, itineraries, and guest conduct rules vary by ship and destination and are subject to change without notice.

About Silversea
Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Moon – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of three new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Dawn and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

MSC Cruises On Track For April 2021 Restart In Japan

• MSC Cruises is first international cruise line to receive ‘certificate of compliance’ from Japanese maritime classification society ClassNK for its health and safety protocol

• Company’s industry-leading protocol currently being reviewed by relevant authorities in other regions to support phased and local restart

Geneva, Switzerland (November 24, 2020) — MSC Cruises has become the first international cruise line that operates in Japan to receive a health and safety certification from the country’s official maritime classification society ClassNK, a major step forward towards MSC Cruises’ operational restart in the country scheduled for April 2021.

The certification of MSC Cruises’ industry-leading health and safety protocol for Biosafety Management System (COVID-19) now paves the way for the line to open sales in December to local residents for cruises homeporting in Japan and start to work with ports in the country to prepare for the upcoming season.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, said, “We are extremely pleased to have received this certification and are now confident that we will be able to restart our Japan operation serving the local market by April 2021.”

Junichi Hirata, ClassNK’s General Manager of Innovation and Sustainability Department, said, “This is the first important step of a longer-term plan for MSC Cruises to resume Japanese cruise operations in the first half of 2021, and we will now work closely with the line towards that goal.”

Hiroya Nakano, Director-General of City of Yokohama’s Port and Harbor Bureau, agreed, “It is great news that MSC Cruises has received this certificate of approval from ClassNK for its health and safety guidelines. The Port of Yokohama is committed to cooperate accordingly for the re-starting of international cruises in spring 2021.”

Health and safety operating protocols of port authorities in Japan and MSC Cruises will also follow guidelines established by JOPA, the Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association.

MSC Bellissima, which was launched in 2019, will be deployed to Japan, homeport in Yokohama to sail six to nine-night cruises in April, May and June 2021. She is also scheduled to operate in the country during October and November 2021.

Mr. Onorato added: “To be the first international cruise line in Japan to be awarded this key certification of compliance is a further testament to our robust and rigorous health and safety protocol which led the way for the entire global industry in August when we became the first major line to resume cruise operation in the Mediterranean.

“We have now safely and responsibly carried more than 30,000 customers in the Mediterranean and can now look forward to offering the same for our guests who live in Japan.

“Our industry-leading protocol, as well as the unique sets of data gathered through the operation of our two ships calling Italy, Greece and Malta during the past few months, is currently being reviewed by authorities in other regions where the Company’ other ships are scheduled to restart.

“We believe, therefore, that this certification — in a country where the industry was at the center of much attention very early in the pandemic — and the confirmation by authorities in Italy through their latest ministerial decree that cruising can continue, will go a long way to demonstrate the trust that we have been able to build with the protocol’s effective measures and their rigorous application for the benefit of guests, crew and the communities we serve.”

European classification society RINA last month awarded MSC Cruises with its biosafe ship additional class notation for the line’s flagship MSC Grandiosa which is currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

RINA had previously verified that the MSC Cruises health and safety protocol met and went beyond the high standards of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Joint Guidance, which incorporates additional health standards including those from the EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action.

The verification that the protocol was aligned with the guidance of the two key European authorities was a crucial part of the process to enable the August restart of MSC Cruises’ operations in the Mediterranean.