The United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) extended the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) through January 15, 2021 and made several changes – emphasizing the cruise industry’s cooperation in handling health and safety protocols. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued a public statement,noting that the changes “show that the Biden Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the cruise industry’s successful resumption of operations.”
Continuing its “Great Cruise Comeback,” Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has restarted cruises with Norwegian Bliss,which is now sailing week-long voyages to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. The ship is the line’s seventh ship that's restarted cruising..
MSC Cruises reconfirmed that it will sail to the Caribbean for its winter season 2021/22 sailing program, but did adjust itineraries due to the pandemic situation ashore and low vaccination rates in Martinique and Guadaloupe. MSC Seaview will be based for seven- and 14-night cruises from St. Maarten and Barbados, starting December 5. Revised itineraries reflect ports of call that have guaranteed access for the ship.
Royal Caribbean International will debut the inaugural "Ultimate World Cruise," a 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and numerous"Wonders of the World." This immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas will sail roundtrip from Miami on December 10, 2023.
On the expedition front, Hurtigruten Expeditions says it's seeing strong and consistent demand across all markets, with bookings that are back to pre-pandemic levels. It also revealed the line-up of voyages for its 2023-24 expedition cruise season. Highlights include three ships and deeper exploration of Antarctica, more ships in Canada’s Northwest Passage and more off-the-beaten-track Alaska.
But with the positive steps mentioned above, there have been a few set-backs too in the recovery efforts. Pandaw, a major river cruise operator in Asia, ceased all operations on October 26, citing the cessation of sailings, a lack of liquidity and failure to find new investors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Separately, Tradewind Voyages cancelled its inaugural 2021 Caribbean season, which includes 17 voyages planned between December and April. The decision was made due to guest concerns about accessibility to certain islands and resistance to traveling in "bubbles" ashore.
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Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is now open for cruising and is anticipating 100 cruise ships calls. All fully vaccinated travelers from every country and from cruise ships are now able to enter the country. AIDA, Costa Cruises, TUI and MSC Cruises already are among those slated to call at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi or Sir Bani Yas Island.
Several lines are either moving to or have already opened offices in South Florida, often called the “Cruise Capital of the World.” Last week, Windstar Cruises said it's moving its headquarters from Seattle to Miami by June 2022. It’s signed a lease and will begin outfitting the office within the coming weeks.
On the personnel front, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) appointed David Herrera as chief consumer sales and marketing officer and Christine Da Silva as senior vice president of branding and communications.