The cruise sector needs to think hard about how it can meet the social distancing requirements linked to COVID-19. This needs to be thought out while still delivering the expected luxurious experience of being on board a cruise liner, without destroying and bankrupting the industry, [Read more...]
At least two of the former Pullmantur Cruises ships have arrived at a Turkish shipbreaking yard, while the third, ‘Horizon’ was also believed to be have been committed to Turkish breakers. The ‘Sovereign’ built in 1988 and the 1991-built ’Monarch’, were both pioneers in the history [Read more...]
TT-Line’s planned ropax vessel replacement contract with Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has been cancelled. The ferry line’s management was advised that the Tasmanian Government, the line’s ultimate owner, would not proceed with the contract, due to the virus and its economic implications for [Read more...]
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a request for information seeking input for future public health guidance and preventative measures on cruise ship travel. The questionnaire contains various categories related to planning and infrastructure and the resumption of passenger operations. [Read more...]
Princess Cruises has extended its cessation of cruise ship operations. The company said that due to the continued progression of COVID-19 and related decisions by various governments, health authorities, and airlines regarding travel restrictions, the following voyages will be impacted: All cruises sailing in and out of Australia on ‘Majestic Princess’, ‘Regal Princess’, ‘Sapphire Princess’, ‘Sea Princess’, and [Read more...]
Carnival Corp is seeking to raise around another $1.26 bill in a bond offering. The company has increased the size of its offering amid strong demand, and is now offering $775 mill of bonds after initially seeking $550 mill and raising the euro tranche by €25 [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line has announced more rationalisation plans for its fleet, across the brands. Among these were the announcement of a firm date for the second Excel-class, LNG-powered ship, due to arrive in November, 2022; four ships either sold or put on long term lay-up [Read more...]
MSC Cruises has appointed Kyriakos (Kerry) Anastassiadis (pictured) to the position of senior advisor for institutional and maritime affairs. His remit will be to liaise with public authorities and regulatory bodies. Prior to joining MSC Cruises, he was CEO of Celestyal Cruises where he oversaw [Read more...]
One of the latest cruise companies to introduce new health and safety rules is Crystal. The operator has unveiled Crystal Clean+, a list of new initiatives, which will be rolled out on the ‘Crystal Serenity’ and ‘Crystal Symphony’. The new protocols include - reduced capacity; [Read more...]
The Swan Hellenic name is set to return in the guise of a new cruise line operating newbuilding expedition ships. Two 152-pax expedition ships - ‘Vega 1’ and ‘Vega 2’ - are currently under construction at Helsinki and will be delivered in November, 2021 and [Read more...]