American Cruise Lines christened its latest, modern-series riverboat, American Symphony, in Natchez, MS, last week. Godmother was Aysa Branch, who was Miss USA 2020. The 175-passenger ship is now sailing the Mississippi River.
A few days prior to that, pop superstar Katy Perry christened Norwegian Cruise Line’s new, 3,100-passenger Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland. The first of six new Prima-class vessels, it offers a three-level Prima Speedway, two high slides, the line’s first three-level atrium, and The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex.
Elsewhere, Carnival Cruise Line revealed the inaugural schedule for Carnival Luminosa. The ship will sail from Brisbane, Australia, on November 6, 2022 for a winter season of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises. In May 2023, the ship will then reposition to Seattle, WA, to operate a summer season of Alaska voyages.
On the COVID-19 health and safety front, Celestyal Cruises eased its health/safety protocols. MSC Cruises updated its protocols for Caribbean sailings, Also, Lindblad Expeditions revised its health and safety protocols.
Food, Glorious Food
Food continues to be a big draw for potential cruisers, as Holland America Line introduced new “Culinary Cruises” through year's end. These selected voyages will spotlight a member of the line’s Culinary Council of celebrity chefs—Ethan Stowell, Jacques Torre, Andy Matsuda, David Burke or Rudi Sodamin.
In addition, Virgin Voyages unveiled details about its new guest loyalty program, Sailing Club, that will launch in 2023.
On the personnel front, Atlas Ocean Voyages appointed cruise industry veteran Tanya Springer as its vice president of sales.
And finally, Cruise Planners, a long-time American Express Travel partner, announced that it will instead join the Signature Travel Network, effective September 29, 2022.
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