It seems like we have daily announcements from various cruise lines these days. Some are cancelled voyages, others are new promotions and safety protocols. Many are also updating their booking and cancellation policies so that travelers can book with confidence. We’re sharing the top stories from this week so far.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has introduced a new future cruise credit program called Cruise First. This program can be purchased by would-be cruisers, rather than the certificates that can only be purchased on board. By purchasing a $150 Cruise First Certificate, the recipient is automatically credited $300 towards their next cruise. So basically you get $150 free! You do not have to choose a cruise or date when purchasing this certificate and it is good for 3 years. Read more about Using Norwegian Future Cruise credits if you have had a cancelled cruise in the past several months.
Carnival Cruise Line is ensuring a safe return of operations by removing cruises over seven days long until late 2021 from U.S. ports. Longer voyages, including voyages over 10 nights are still available sailing from Sydney, Australia, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Barcelona, Spain, Singapore, and Dover(London), U.K. during this restricted time period. Voyages over seven nights can be booked from U.S. homeports in November of 2021, when the CDC’s new Framework for Conditional Sailing is expected to expire.
The largest-ever cruise ship constructed for Carnival Cruise Lines, the Mardi Gras cruise ship, is on her second round of sea trials from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Sea trials are an important construction process and Mardi Gras completed her first set of trials last month. That one lasted for 10 days. She is the first in the fleet powered by Liquefied Natural Gas. Bridge and engine crew will need to familiarize themselves with the new ship before sailings begin in 2021. Browse Carnival Cruises 2021.
All cruise lines with ships that carry over 250 passengers, need to conduct required “simulated voyages” before any return to service can take place. Cruise lines may need volunteer passengers to conduct these mock cruises starting in January of 2021.
Crystal Cruise 2021 has updated their booking with confidence program with extended no money down deposits until January 5, 2021. In conjunction with the high-end cruise line’s Easy Book program, deposits are just 15% of the total cruise cost. Final payment for cruises departing through the end of April 2021, final payments will be due 60 days prior to sailing.
Windstar Cruises South Pacific/Tahiti itineraries include airfare from Los Angeles, an overnight hotel stay at the Intercontinental Papeete Hotel, transfers, and a free Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package on 7, 10 or 11-night voyages when booked by December 31, 2020, along with their Flexible Travel Assurance Booking Policy for canceling 2021 cruises up to 48 hours prior to departure.
Oceania Cruises has launched its summer 2022 Europe and America voyages with 110 itineraries featuring 77 new offerings including 10 new ports. Europe and North America Collection offer 56 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days in length. Fifty-four voyages range from 15 to 46 days that blend multiple continents and cultures into grand adventures. With 250 ports of call throughout Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Holy Land, Alaska, Canada and New England, Bermuda, South America, and the Caribbean, there is a kaleidoscope of deftly curated experiences.
Celebrity Cruises has a new all-inclusive plan on all bookings starting November 17. Under this plan, Always included will become standard for Celebrity sailings with upgrades to a higher level pricing package with inclusions, such as shore excursions, onboard credit, and streaming WiFi. This will put an end to confusing promotions, complicated add-ons, and limited-time offers. Let’s make it simple, but special is the new motto. Everything will be taken care of for the Celebrity guest. With the “Always” package, standard fares include Unlimited drinks (classic drinks,) unlimited Wi-fi, and gratuities. There will be upgraded packages available also. Read more about the upgrade options at Celebrity Announces New Always Included Pricing.
Princess Cruises has put a hold on cruises of 8 days or longer. They have temporarily stopped selling all cruises eight days or longer which call upon a U.S. port and depart January 1 through November 1 of 2021. They are currently seeking additional clarification from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Framework for Conditional Sailing. We anticipate similar announcements from Holland America Cruises & Seabourn Cruises shortly. Keep in mind that Europe cruises and in other countries will not be affected by this CDC requirement.
