This Week in Cruise: Changes to Health Rules, Intel From MSC Cruises

Last week, two major cruise lines adjusted health and safety protocols for sailings from U.S. ports.That followed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) decision in July to end its pandemic-era COVID-19 oversight program for cruise ships. Here are details each for MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines.

On the new ship front, Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the new 3,100-passenger Norwegian Prima. It’s the first of six new ships in the new Prima-class with deliveries scheduled through 2027.

From the Top 

Travel Agent interviewed Ruben Rodriguez, president, MSC Cruises USA. Rodriguez shared the progress made in the return-to-service, new options for guests, growth trends in 2022, what’s ahead for the brand and more. One highlight: MSC Cruises has seen a lot more interest in international travel within the past two months.

Last week, Atlas Ocean Voyages welcomed James Rodriguez, a former Oceania Cruises veteran, as its new president and CEO. Travel Agent also interviewed Rodriguez one-on-one. 

More Cruise News  

Back-to-back and Grand Voyages are trending hot this year, as Americans seek lengthier vacations. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has introduced eight extended-length voyages.

Silversea Cruises has introduced its 2023-2024 "Voyages Collection," as detailed in sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor. Also on the luxury side, Explora Journeys has unveiled more details about its Ocean Terrace Suites.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, according to Luxury Travel Advisor, announced Friday that it won't sail its first voyage on August 31, 2022, as announced earlier this summer. Instead, citing supply chain issues for putting the finishing touches on the new Evrima, the ultra-luxury line has set a new launch date of October 15, 2022 from Barcelona, Spain.

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