Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which operates short cruises to the Bahamas from the Port of Palm Beach, FL, will rebrand as Margaritaville at Sea, effective March 19, 2021.The line's Grand Classica will receive a multimillion-dollar refurbishment as it's transformed into Margaritaville Paradise. The first Margaritaville at Sea sailing with passengers will set sail on April 30.
Also big news was that Hawaii’s Department of Transportation recently approved U.S.-flagged UnCruise Adventures to continue sailings for the 36-passenger Safari Voyager to the state’s ports and parks. The line operates voyages from Molokai to Maui, Lanai and the Big Island.
MSC Cruises said its entire fleet of 19 ships will be back sailing in 2022.
On the restart front, many lines are sailing this winter from South Florida to the Caribbean, among them Seabourn Ovation from PortMiami. Travel Agent sailed on this Seabourn ship last week and noted “five good surprises” for cruisers thinking of sailing right now.
More Cruise Developments
Following availability of vaccines for children, Carnival Cruise Line announced that it will reopen its Camp Ocean program for fully vaccinated kids ages five to 11. Protocols now include lower camp capacity, a mask wearing requirement, twice-daily cleaning, one parent drop-off or pick-up of children and more. The line already operates and will continue to operate clubs for older kids and teens.
In other Carnival news, the line's newest ship, Carnival Radiance, was christened over the weekend with the ship’s Godmother Dr. Lucille O’Neal and her son, Carnival Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal as featured guests of the event. Carnival Radiance underwent a $200 million bow-to-stern makeover and is Carnival’s third ship sailing year-round from Long Beach, joining Carnival Panorama and Carnival Miracle.
On the personnel front, Holland America Line appointed Kacy Cole as its new vice president of marketing and e-commerce, and Scenic appointed Sharla Smith as regional sales director-southwest.