It was another busy week when it comes to cruise news. From Carnival Cruise line announcing they are selling the Carnival Inspiration and the Carnival Fantasy cruise ships, to Princess Cruises suspending sailings all the way until December 15, 2020, we’re sharing an overview of this week’s cruise news.
Disney Fantasy’s TCM 2020 Classic Movie Cruise Delayed
The TCM 2020 Classic Movie Cruise on Disney Fantasy has been rescheduled to October 24, 2021. This iconic Disney Cruise Line cruise caters to movie lovers who want a one-of-a-kind classic movie experience at sea, featuring screenings under the stars, unique presentations by film experts, in-depth interviews, Question & Answer sessions, fun movie trivia, and special guests. The cruise departs from Port Canaveral and stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Disney’s Private Island, Castaway Cay. The ship will return to Port Canaveral on October 30, just in time for Halloween.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Starting Back Up
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will begin cruises on October 1, 2020. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Bahamas Paradise Island Cruise Line has had no reported cases of the virus onboard its ships. It has also followed all required guidelines, including adhering to strict requirements for crew members, and installed the best safety protocols in the industry to protect guests and crew. BPCL has received the “green status” from the CDC, which means it has met the CDC’s requirements in providing a safe environment for crew members to work and disembark. They are aware of the recent announcement from the Bahamas Prime Minister regarding the travel ban on travelers from the U.S. and are prepared to make necessary changes to their sailing schedule as needed. In the meantime, they look forward to welcoming guests back onboard.
Carnival Mardi Gras Ship to Debut in 2021
Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is on schedule for a February 2021 debut. The ship’s 2600-plus cabins have been built with their interiors being outfitted. The 5282-passenger Mardi Gras will be Carnival’s largest ship, powered by liquefied natural gas. The ship has been twice delayed, the first being a construction delay and, more recently, the second delay was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She will have six, themed zones that include dining, beverage, and entertainment options, including restaurants from Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, and Shaquille O’Neal. The 21-deck vessel will feature the Grand Central atrium with three-deck high windows overlooking the sea. Florida’s Port Canaveral is looking forward to the arrival of the Mardi Gras.
Royal Caribbean Group Launches New Electronic Safety Drill Technology
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Line & Azamara Cruises will offer new options in place of the muster drill. The new technology called eMuster will allow passenger to complete most of the safety drill on their mobile device or on the interactive TV in their cabins. After reviewing the safety information, passengers then will complete the drill by visiting their assigned assembly station, where a crew member will verify that all steps have been completed and answer questions.
This technology is patented and will be offered by Royal Caribbean to other cruise lines for a fee. It said it has already granted a license to Norwegian Cruise Line which owns Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
CDC Seeks Public Opinion on Resuming Cruises
The CDC has listed 59 questions pertaining to cruises through the Federal Register. The deadline for a response if September 21, 2020. Interested persons are invited to participate by visiting the link above and clicking on “submit a formal comment.”
A few examples of some of the CDC questions:
- Should cruise ship operators be required to provide scientific evidence that reducing length of voyages would decrease the risk of further introduction of COVID-19 to U.S. communities?
- What plans should cruise ship operators have for operationalizing shoreside quarantine facilities in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak on board a ship, without exposing the public and without relying on Federal, State, or local resources?
- Should cruise ship operators deny boarding to passengers coming from COVID-19 high-incidence geographic areas?
- What is the feasibility of conducting COVID-19 diagnostic testing using FDA-approved or authorized laboratory tests on board a cruise ship?
- What innovations should cruise ship operators develop to reduce transmission of COVID-19 on board ships and how would these innovations be effective?
- Should cruise ship operators limit shore excursions?
Many of these questions are quite involved and require deep analysis of several different aspects of the cruise vacation.
Holland America 2021 Update
Holland America cruises 2021 is bringing big changes, which includes four ships leaving the fleet by the end of the year. Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam, and Veendam will be transferred out of the Holland America fleet with Maasdam and Veendam leaving in August, and Amsterdam and Rotterdam leaving in the fall.
The line is adjusting scheduled itineraries on the ships for the remainder of the year, with some sailings cancelled and others picked up by other ships in the fleet. The 2021 Grand World Voyage, originally scheduled to be aboard MS Amsterdam, will be postponed until 2022 and will sail on MS Zaandam instead. Similarly, the voyage departing October 10, 2021 aboard MS Rotterdam will sail aboard MS Zaandam on the same dates.
This means Holland America will have 10 ships in its fleet until the new MS Ryndam cruise ship joins the fleet in May of 2021.
Princess Cruises Suspends Sailings until December 15th, 2020.
