Top news of the week centered around the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) decision to end its pandemic-era program for cruise ship oversight related to COVID-19. Instead, the CDC published voluntary guidelines mid-week.
Quickly, a number of cruise lines eliminated their pre-boarding COVID-19 test requirement for cruisers. For example, Virgin Voyages will remove pre-embarkation COVID-19 testing for E.U. sailings from July 24, 2022, and U.S. sailings from July 27, 2022.
Similarly, Azamara will scrap its pre-boarding test requirement, effective July 25, 2022; however, tests will still be required for cruise embarkation if ships are heading to ports where that's still required by country regulations. In addition, most lines including Azamara and Virgin Voyages are still requiring proof of vaccination prior to embarkation.
In other "big news," Silversea Cruises acquired the nearly new Crystal Endeavor, a PC6 class expedition vessel. The ship has been renamed Silver Endeavour, honoring the former HMS Endeavour of 18th century British explorer Captain James Cook.
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On the facilities side, the Alaska Railroad Corporation (AARC) was successful in its efforts to fund $80 million in upgrades for its Seward, AK, cruise passenger dock and terminal facility. That's now a reality as Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 127 into law. A new passenger terminal will open in the 2025 Alaska cruise season.
American Queen Voyages will introduce a new "City Stay" package in 2023, giving guests the option to enjoy a post-cruise experience in Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. The "Official Vancouver and Victoria City Stay Package" is available after Ocean Victory sailings from Sitka to Vancouver, allowing guests to explore the downtown scene of Vancouver, the Victoria Butterfly Gardens and more
Lindblad Expeditions has unveiled two new itineraries on Sea Cloud, a historic, four-masted sailing ship that delivers a pampering onboard product.
Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, also reported two happenings on the ultra-luxury side. Regent Seven Seas Cruises celebrated the keel laying for its new Seven Seas Grandeur. Separately, Silversea Cruises unveiled a new 136-day "Controtempo World Cruise" for 2025.
Also, Cruise Planners unveiled new SMS texting tools for their advisors to use in communicating with cruise and land clients.
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