CRUISE NEWS

• Passing of Gavin Macleod (Love Boat)
  • It is with sadness felt to the depth of the oceans that we mourn the passing of actor Gavin MacLeod our beloved global ambassador, dearest friend and treasured member of the Princess Cruises family for more than 35 years.
  • From his 10 seasons staring as Captain Merrill Stubing on the hit TV show “The Love Boat” (1977 to 1986) and for more than three decades following the show’s final season, Gavin enthusiastically shared his passion about the joys and adventures of exploring the world while cruising. He always reminded us that – like the popular TV series, “cruising gives people something to dream about.”
  • Gavin, who celebrated his 90th birthday in February, officially became Princess Cruises’ global ambassador in 1986, appearing in a vast array of advertising campaigns and countless public and media appearances for the company. His role for Princess continued until his passing.
• Dream Cruises – Hong Kong Sea-cations a hit with locals.
  • Dream Cruises’ recently announced restart of cruises on board Genting Dream in Hong Kong has been met with an enthusiastic response from the public. After only one week of sales since bookings officially opened on Thursday, 27 May, Genting Dream’s first two high seas “Super Summer Seacation” cruises departing on 30 July and 1 August are close to 90% while Friday night departures throughout August are already at nearly 50% of capacity.
• Hurtigruten announces two Pole to Pole adventures
  • Hurtigruten Expeditions has unveiled an epic 93-day Pole to pole expedition cruise – exploring Alaska, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Caribbean, the Panama Canal, South America, and Antarctica in one monumental voyage.
  • 93-day itinerary, in the wake of polar hero Roald Amundsen, departs Vancouver on August 8, 2022 and will visit 11 countries – and Antarctica – before disembarking adventurous guests in Buenos Aires.  The expedition cruise will be with the MS Roald Amundsen, which Hurtigruten says is not only the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship but also fittingly named after the first explorer to successfully reach both the North and South poles, as well as the first person to navigate through the Northwest Passage, which he did in 1903.
  • A 66-day long expedition option that visits seven countries between Edmonton, Canada, and Santiago de Chile, departing September 22, 2022. MS Fram will take guests through the Canadian Arctic to Greenland, before heading south, through the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, exploring the coast of South America, and do some of the first landings in Antarctica that season. Hurtigruten Expeditions’ MS Fram is named after the original explorer ship Fram, which the company says is one of the mightiest expedition ships of all times and was used on a series of expeditions between 1893 and 1912 – including Roald Amundsen’s 1911 Antarctica expedition where he reached the South Pole.
• Princess Cruises unveils its 2022-2023 South East Asia Cruises and Cruisetours Program
  • Princess Cruises today unveiled its 2022-2023 South East Asia Cruise and Cruisetour Program designed for Australian cruise guests and their families dreaming of travelling to Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Peninsula.  The cruise line announced its MedallionClass ship, Diamond Princess would be homeported in Singapore between December and March offering a season of 21 departures to 19 destinations in eight countries on eight unique itineraries.
  • New Experiences for the 2022-2023 season include:
    • Seven-day Southeast Asia with Malaysian Peninsula itinerary that includes the cruise line’s first call to UNESCO World Heritage site, Melaka in more than a decade, as well as visits to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi in Malaysia as well as Phuket, Thailand.
    • New holiday voyages, sailing over Christmas and New Years’, including a 10-day Southeast Asia with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia and a seven-day Southeast Asia with Malaysian Peninsula, that can be combined for an epic 17-day cruise.
    • ‘More Ashore’ late night stays in Sihanoukville, Cambodia and Kobe, Japan and visits to sacred sites including the Blue Mosque in Shah Alam (Kuala Lumpur), Temple of the Big Buddha in Ko Samui and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok.
• Azamara Reveals 2022 European Voyages for its New Ship, Azamara Onward
  • Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® experiences – reveals 22 European itineraries and three new land explorations for the brand’s fourth ship, Azamara Onward. Scheduled to set sail in spring 2022 for its inaugural season, Azamara will offer guests the opportunity to join Azamara Onward’s maiden and christening voyage, starting in Monte Carlo and concluding in Venice. Azamara Onward will push forward the future of Destination Immersion experiences with half of its voyages being Country-Intensive℠ itineraries, allowing more time to explore a single country’s hidden gems, and 85 late nights and 21 overnight stays in multiple cities across Europe.
  • The ship’s inaugural deployment will unveil a series of exotic voyages ranging from 7- to 15-nights, where guests can uncover the mysteries of the Black Sea during a visit to Constanta or the famous Potemkin Stairs of Odessa. In addition, enjoy an exceptional PerryGolf™ Mediterranean voyage and a new selection of land explorations, including an AzAmazing Journey in Greece and another in Cappadocia, along with voyages throughout Croatia, Italy, Istanbul, Spain and more
• A-ROSA launches 2021 season
  • A-ROSA River Cruises extends its 2021 season, reinstates some of its signature features and adds capacity to cater for strong demand.
  • At least 75% of A-ROSA’s fleet will be deployed this year, with the first sailing scheduled for the 16th of June on the Portuguese Douro River. Sailings on Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle will launch soon after, with cruises on the Rhône in France to resume in late July. Sailings on the Seine from Paris will continue to be paused until further notice, in acknowledgment of the region’s health warnings.
  • A-ROSA was one of the few European river cruise lines that sailed during 2020, after successful deployment of comprehensive health and safety measures. Strictly following the guidelines from Germany’s federal agency for disease control and prevention,
• MSC approved to construct new  flagship terminal in Barcelona
  • MSC Cruises has obtained final approval by the Port of Barcelona’s Board of Directors to build and operate an exclusive cruise terminal. This multi-year concession will see the construction of an innovative terminal of 11,670 square metres that MSC Cruises will operate and manage for a 31-year period. The project is estimated to represent a EUR 33 million investment by MSC Cruises. With construction work set to start shortly, the new terminal is expected to enter service in 2024.
  • This project will allow MSC Cruises to consolidate its presence in Barcelona, which is one of the brand’s most important ports in the Western Med, and to expand its homeporting operations out of the city. This will result in added direct and indirect economic benefit for the city and region as more international guests will transit through Barcelona, likely spending additional days in the city either before or after their cruise.
  • The new terminal, which will feature shore power facilities and be ready for LNG bunkering operations, will also allow MSC Cruises to deploy more next-generation, environmentally friendly ships in Barcelona. This includes MSC World Europa, the brand’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, which is currently under construction and due to enter service in 2022.
  • Not only is Barcelona an important port for MSC Cruises, but also for the entire MSC Group. Both cargo operator MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and ferry operator GNV have a solid presence in the port. As such, the new terminal is further proof of MSC Group’s longstanding commitment to Barcelona, Catalonia and the whole of Spain.
• MSC Cruises – has announced its restart plans for cruising from U.S. ports beginning this August.
  • The announcement follows CDC approval of the Company’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami and Port Canaveral as well as the provisional approval of its request to conduct a simulation cruise, to be held on MSC Meraviglia from PortMiami on July 17, 2021.
  • MSC Meraviglia will kick off MSC Cruises’ restart starting August 2, 2021, with 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas and featuring MSC Cruises’ exclusive new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Then, starting September 18, 2021, MSC Meraviglia will add 7-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas and Caribbean, including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. MSC Divina will resume cruising from Orlando (Port Canaveral) on September 16, 2021, offering 3-, 4- and 7-night cruise options from to The Bahamas and Caribbean, also including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
• The MSC Group Reveals New Luxury Cruise Brand, Explora Journey
  • With More Than 300 Years of Seafaring History, Explora Journeys Will Offer an Ocean Escape that Allows Travellers to Celebrate Discovery while Reconnecting to What Matters Most
  • The MSC Group has announced the company’s entry into the luxury cruise market with the launch of a new brand created for the next generation of discerning luxury travellers: Explora Journeys. Built by Fincantieri, the first of four luxury ships will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Each will utilise the latest in cutting-edge maritime technology to provide journeys of discovery through destinations on and off the beaten path. Guests will be hosted on a ship like no other, with the highest level of service and amenities.
  • Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy striking views at sea and in port from their floor to ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 square metres which is among the most spacious for the category in the industry.
  • Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and seclusion. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 square metres overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.
  • With journeys starting at 7 nights, a best-in-class guest experience will ensure relaxed mornings and exciting evenings. Non-conventional arrival and departure times combined with overnight stays will allow Explora Journeys to offer guests exclusive access to once in a lifetime experiences. With ships that travel far north and south of the equator, itineraries in the inaugural collection will offer the ideal blend of celebrated destinations such as Saint Tropez, Bordeaux and Reykjavik, and hidden gems such as Kastellorizo, Bozcaada and the Lofoten Islands. Explora Journeys will bring guests to lesser-travelled harbours to enjoy a more authentic experience and a slower pace of travel.
  • Bookings for the 2023 Inaugural Collection will open in Autumn 2021. To learn more about Explora Journeys, please visit ExploraJourneys.com, contact your travel advisor, or join the conversation @ExploraJourneys.
• AIDA Cruises opens bookings for Christmas cruise on AIDAcosma and West Med summer cruises
  • AIDA Cruises announced that bookings are now open for AIDAcosma’s voyages over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with AIDAcosma embarking December 22, 2021, on a unique positioning cruise from Hamburg to Gran Canaria. Guests will experience New Year’s Eve while anchored in the harbor of Madeira with a perfect view of its famous fireworks display. The cruises are now bookable and can be combined for an extended holiday  in the travel period 22 December 2021 to 8 January 2022.
  • The cruise line also announced that AIDAperla’s new Mediterranean voyages in summer 2021 can be booked from today. From July 10 to October 30, 2021, two different 7-day voyages from/to Palma de Mallorca are on the program. Ports of call are Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Alicante, Ibiza, Valencia and Barcelona. The passage of the Strait of Gibraltar is another highlight.
  • AIDA Cruises has already been successfully offering cruises since March. The following vacation options can be booked for the 2021 summer season:
    • Canary Islands voyage with AIDAperla, 7 or 14 days, from/to Gran Canaria, until July.
    • Greek cruises with AIDAblu, 7 or 14 days, from/to Corfu, May to October
    • Cruises with AIDAsol, 3, 4 or 7 days, from/to Kiel, May to June and from/to Warnemünde, during month of July
    • Cruises with AIDAprima, 7 days, from/to Kiel, July to October
    • Mediterranean cruises with AIDAperla, 7 days, from/to Mallorca, July to October
• Ponant outlines environmental commitments from A to Z.
  • On June 5, as the world focusses on global environmental responsibilities and a sustainable future, PONANT has reiterated its long standing commitment to responsible tourism and the investment the group has put into providing environmentally sustainable actions for over 30 years.
  • PONANT’s governance includes a Sustainable Development and CSR department monitored monthly by a steering committee which supervises all actions.
    • On board, currently 60% of waste is recycled with an objective to raise this to 85%. The global rate is 20%.
    • PONANT treats all wastewater – biologically treated and filtered without chemical additives. The residue is 100% tracked, disposed via certified responsible waste disposal.
    • The implementation of shorter supply chains where possible; monitoring the origin of meats supplied and paying attention to animal welfare.
    • Better than carbon neutral: since September 2019 PONANT has implemented 150% offset of carbon emissions.
    • NGO NABU has identified PONANT as the cruise company with the world’s cleanest fleet in terms of airborne emissions.
    • Executive Member of AECO – the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators aimed at responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic.
    • Executive Member of IAATO – the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators – which advocates and promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel in the Antarctic including restrictions on the numbers of guests ashore at one time, proximity to wildlife, briefings for guests, crew and expedition personnel.
  • The PONANT Fleet at the core of sustainability development.
  • Investing over €1 billion, PONANT has the youngest fleet of small luxury expedition ships in the world. 10 small capacity ships fitted with electric propulsion powered by generators. Investing in and operating a modern fleet brings environmental benefits:
    • All ships have obtained Comfort Class 1 certification reflecting low noise and vibration levels – good for guests and marine life alike.
    • The PONANT EXPLORERS fleet of six vessels achieved a 75% reduction in their nitrogen oxide emissions by having catalytic convertors operating 24 hours a day. An industry exclusive.
    • Fleet-wide, PONANT is the first cruise company to have ceased using heavy fuel oil (HFO) moving to 100% lower emission high grade Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil.
    • All the ships in the PONANT fleet carry the highly regarded Bureau Veritas CLEANSHIP certification label.
    • Each ship has a designated Environmental Officer on board responsible for briefings for guests, crew and expedition personnel.
• Holland America Line Captures the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii and Mexico’s Vibrant Culture on 2022-2023 Cruises
  • With deep-rooted cultures, colourful traditions and endlessly sunny skies, Hawaii and Mexico are a celebration of the senses waiting to be discovered on an award-winning Holland America Line cruise. Travelers can explore both regions on roundtrip sailings from San Diego, California, aboard Pinnacle Class Koningsdam during the 2022-2023 season, now open for booking.
  • Beginning in October 2022 through March 2023, guests can embark on a “Mexican Riviera” or “Circle Hawaii” getaway between five and 18 days. Two back-to-back itineraries can be combined for a 24- or 25-day “Circle Hawaii and Mexican Riviera Collectors’ Voyage” for the ultimate tropical getaway. Both regions feature a wealth of cultural experiences, immersion into nature and authentically distinct cuisine.
  • Highlights of the 2022-23 Mexico Cruise Season:
    • All Mexico cruises are roundtrip from San Diego.
    • All seven-day “Mexican Riviera” cruises feature three Mexican ports of call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.
    • One special five-day cruise departs Dec. 17 and calls at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
    • A nine-day New Year’s Holiday cruise departing Dec. 29 explores the Sea of Cortez and calls at the Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Pichilingue (La Paz) and Loreto.
  • Highlights of the 2022-23 Hawaii Cruise Season:
    • Hawaii cruises sail roundtrip from San Diego with the exception of two departures that are roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
    • “Circle Hawaii” cruises range from 16 to 18 days:
    • 16- and 18-day roundtrip from Vancouver with calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Nawiliwili. 18-day also stops at Kona.
    • 17-day calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Kona, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.
    • 18-day calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili, Kona and Ensenada, Mexico.
    • The overnight call at Honolulu allows guests extra time to visit Pearl Harbor, relax on Waikiki Beach, take in the breathtaking views from Diamond Head State Monument or spend the evening enjoying traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment at an authentic luau.
  • Bookings are open for these cruises sailing roundtrip from San Diego aboard Koningsdam
• Coral Expeditions full steam on Australian sailing schedule for 2022
  • Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering small ship cruise line, today unveiled a fully domestic 2022 sailing schedule. This includes extended sailing dates in the iconic Kimberley due to popular demand. Also released are new additions to the Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Series of itineraries to replace international voyages which remain uncertain with ongoing border restrictions.
  • Coral Expeditions has enjoyed strong patronage following its successful restart of domestic operations in October 2020.  With its Australian-flagged small ship fleet carrying no more than 99 passengers and Australian crew, and a rigorous and fully approved SailSAFE Plan, Coral Expeditions is uniquely positioned to revive low-impact cruise tourism in regional Australia.  Headquartered in Cairns, Coral Expeditions has regular communication with all state and federal authorities and operates in full compliance with all directives.
  • NEW DATES The Kimberley Cruise – Now on sale. Australia’s Kimberley is the quintessential Aussie adventure. A vast and ancient land shaped by the powerful forces of nature. Majestic waterfalls, epic tidal flows, unique bird and marine species, ancient aboriginal art sites and magnificent rock escarpments shape this experience. Now in our 26th season in the Kimberley, our Australian crew share their knowledge and connection with the land, people, and nature as only a local can do.
  • 10 Nights – between Darwin & Broome. New dates in April and May 2022 aboard Coral Geographer are timed to coincide with the waterfall season. The full schedule of 2023 sailing dates from April to October is also now released and available for booking. The Availability Tracker for Coral Expeditions Kimberley season can be viewed HERE.
  • NEW DATES Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & the Rowley Shoals – Now on sale. This new itinerary combines the Kimberley’s highlights with the addition of remote Ashmore Reef, Adele Island, and the spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park allowing guests to enjoy water activities including snorkel and dive. 
  • 12 Nights – between Darwin & Broome onboard Coral Geographer. Departs 12, 24, & 28 September 2022.
  • NEW RELEASE Across the Top – Coming soon. Originally created for Coral Geographer’s Maiden Voyage, this itinerary explores some of Australia’s most remote coastal regions including pristine offshore reefs and islands across the top of the Australian continent. 
  • 18 nights – between Cairns and Broome onboard Coral Adventurer.  Departs: 1 January 2022, and 20 January 2022.
  • NEW RELEASE Australia’ Great Southern Coastline – Now on sale. This expedition is a special Australian Geographic Society partner voyage. Experience the company of fellow explorers as we traverse the powerful Southern Ocean crossing the Great Australian Bight. Step ashore in rarely seen islands and national parks, sail past the towering sandstone cliffs of Bunda and visit the pristine marine outpost of the Archipelagos of the Recherche. 
  • 14 Nights  – from Melbourne to Fremantle onboard Coral Geographer.  Departs 1 March 2022.
• Celebrity Cruises’ Equinox Announces US Return to Service
  • Celebrity Cruises has announced a second ship will be returning to service from a U.S. port. Celebrity Equinox will begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale on July 25. This follows the announcement that Celebrity Edge will become the first cruise ship to depart from US waters on June 26.
  • The recently revolutionised Celebrity Equinox will sail on a seven-night cruise of the Caribbean in what will be a picturesque cruise as guests visit the breath-taking Mexican ports of Cozumel and Costa Maya, along with Nassau, Bahamas.
  • With this announcement, nine of the 14 ships within the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet now have plans to return to sailing in 2021 and are ready to take guests to breath-taking destinations, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and the Galapagos.
  • Celebrity Equinox joins eight ships in the Celebrity fleet that have been announced as part of its phased restart, including:
    • Celebrity Millennium, which began sailing seven-night Caribbean itineraries from St. Maarten on 5 June; and will reposition to Seattle to sail seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruises beginning 23 July.
    • Celebrity Summit will then sail the remaining St. Maarten season through August, followed by plans to sail a new series of four- and five-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean through late October.
    • Celebrity Apex – sailing seven-night Greek Isles itineraries from 19 June;
    • Celebrity Edge – sailing a rotating schedule of Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, beginning 26 June;
    • Celebrity Silhouette – sailing the UK coastline as of 3 July;
    • Celebrity Flora – returning to the extraordinary Galapagos islands as of 3 July, followed by the award-winning Celebrity Xpedition and intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration on 24 July, and 18 September, respectively.
• NCL announces additional voyages restarting from the US
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has announced additional voyages scheduled to set sail from New York, Los Angeles, Port Canaveral, Fla., and Miami and confirmed that its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore will replace Norwegian Bliss in Alaska this northern hemisphere summer.
  • As part of its relaunch plan, the Cruise Line has announced its highly anticipated return to Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, with Norwegian Gem scheduled to cruise seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean beginning Aug. 15, 2021 and a four-day voyage to the Bahamas in November. 
  • The Company has also opened for sale additional itineraries to
    • Bermuda starting Sept. 26, 2021 from New York on Norwegian Breakaway;
    • the Mexican Riviera on Oct. 24, 2021 from Los Angeles aboard Norwegian Bliss;
    • and the Caribbean on Nov. 13, 2021 from Port Canaveral, Fla. on Norwegian Escape.
    • In addition, Norwegian Encore, the newest ship in the fleet, will make her debut on the West Coast, replacing the previously announced Norwegian Bliss in Seattle for the 2021 northern hemisphere summer cruise season, calling to the Alaska ports of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, while also offering guests majestic views of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier or Glacier Bay.
• RCI announces US comeback
  • Travelers can once again mark their calendars and set their sights on a summer full of long-awaited cruise vacations. Building on the excitement of its upcoming return to Alaska, Royal Caribbean International has announced that six of its award-winning ships will begin sailing from major U.S. cruise ports in Florida and Texas in July and August. The cruise line’s comeback will kick off on July 2 in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, with Freedom of the Seas* embarking on a special Fourth of July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay. By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising once again across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.
  • On the heels of the first cruise in Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated return to the U.S. will be the debut of the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas* on July 3. The game-changing ship will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on new 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, to soon be followed by Allure, Symphony, Independence* and Mariner of the Seas. In the coming weeks, the cruise line will announce its plans to reintroduce its full fleet around the globe by year’s end.
  • Royal Caribbean’s full summer lineup:
  • Freedom of the Seas* – 3- and 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Miami, starting July 2
  • Odyssey of the Seas* – 6- and 8-night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, starting July 3
  • Serenade of the Seas – 7-night Alaska sailings from Seattle, starting July 19
  • Allure of the Seas – 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 8
  • Ovation of the Seas – 7-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, starting Aug. 13  
  • Symphony of the Seas – 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, starting Aug. 14
  • Independence of the Seas* – 7-night Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, Texas, starting Aug. 15
  • Mariner of the Seas – 3- and 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 23
  • The expanded summer line up will go beyond the U.S. to include international ports across the Atlantic, like Barcelona and Rome, when Harmony of the Seas returns to Europe. Starting Aug. 15, the Oasis Class ship will set sail on 7-night itineraries to the Western Mediterranean and visit iconic destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Provence, France.
  • The new U.S and Europe cruises extend Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to return to sailing, which include Adventure of the Seas departing from The Bahamas on June 12 as well as Anthem of the Seas sailing out of the U.K. and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus in July.
• Saga Cruises’ ship ‘Spirit of Discovery’ in countdown to launch its first round Britain cruise
  • With just three weeks this Sunday until Saga Cruises returns to the ocean on Spirit of Discovery, the ship is a hive of activity as it prepares to relaunch.
  • Spirit of Discovery was initially launched on July 10, 2019 so had only recently taken to the waves when Covid-19 locked down the country. Her first sailing as restrictions lift will see her depart Tilbury on Sunday June 27 on a six-night Scottish Highlands and Islands cruise. It will then go on to complete two, six-night itineraries from the Northern Isles to the Fjords* on July 3 and 25 respectively, and in between will take in a Great British Isles Adventure cruise from July 11 for 14 nights.
  • When she is at full capacity, Spirit of Discovery will accommodate 999 guests across 554 cabins, although this number is being capped further for these initial cruises to observe Covid protocols.
  • At this stage, the 540-strong crew are joining the ship over the coming days ahead. Many are returning crew members so regular guests will recognise friendly faces.
  • Once on-board the crew will re-familiarise themselves with the ship and their roles as well as go through extensive Covid-protocol training ahead of any guests arriving on board. The ship will also undertake a number of sea trials, which enable the crew to practice and refine key elements like breakfast, lunch and dinner service, theatrical performances, the daily cleaning routine, and restocking at ports. 
  • And they’ll need to be well practised, as it takes nearly five days to load the ship with all the supplies needed for her first cruise around the British Isles. During a normal port of call, restocking of the ship takes around 10 hours as food, drink and supplies are brought on board.
  • While she was in dock over the past year, the maintenance crew also took time to invest in further improvements including the installation of handwashing stations at the entrance to all the restaurants.
• Princess Expands Medallion capabilities
  • Princess is introducing a new on-demand service that allows guests to call a crew member to their exact location to make an in-person request for assistance
  • CrewCallTM service on demand is available on stateroom TVs as well as the MedallionClass app and leverages the innovative OceanMedallion wearable to guide a crew member to a guest’s exact location to be of service to the guest.
  • The new capability is yet another example of how Princess is leveraging MedallionClass technology to increase high-touch and personalized service versus replacing it.
  • The corresponding CrewCall Chat feature lets guests text their specific question or request using a smart device to be answered or actioned virtually by crew.
• Cruise Ferry Accommodation for 1,000 Police Officers and Staff During G7 Summit in Cornwall, UK
  • MS Silja Europa, to serve as housing for 1,000 of the estimated 6,500 police officers tasked with providing security for the high-profile leaders attending the 2021 G7 Summit scheduled for June 11-13 in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, England.
  • This is the first in person meeting of the G7 in two years and is the largest police operation in England this year. Cornwall is a small coastal County known for its natural beauty.
  • The 60,000-gross ton Silja Europa, which is operated by Estonia-based Tallink Grupp, will reposition from Estonia in advance of the summit to be docked in Falmouth. For ten days, the ship, one of the largest and most popular passenger ferries sailing the Baltic region, will serve as a floating hotel and meeting space for the policing operation.

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