Carnival Cruise Line's next excel-class ship to be named Carnival Celebration

 

 Coinciding with Carnival’s 50^th Birthday Celebration,

Innovative New Ship to Debut from PortMiami in 2022

MIAMI, August 21, 2020 – With the help of celebrity partners past and present, Carnival Cruise Line today announced that its next Excel-class ship arriving in 2022 to coincide with its 50^th birthday celebration will be named “Carnival Celebration.”

A full roster of Carnival partners, including Kathie Lee Gifford, Guy Fieri and Shaquille O’Neal, unwrapped boxes that revealed the letters of the Celebration name, which is both a throwback to one of the popular early ships in the Carnival fleet, as well as a recognition of Carnival’s 50^th birthday celebration that will take place in 2022 when the new Carnival Celebration will join the fleet.  The video announcement was made across Carnival’s social media channels and can be viewed here.

Carnival Celebration will debut from PortMiami in November 2022, and will be a sister ship to Mardi Gras, the first in the Excel series scheduled to enter service on Feb. 6, 2021 from Port Canaveral, Fla. The addition of Carnival Celebration to Miami will maintain PortMiami's position as the top embarkation port for Carnival Cruise Line.

“The name Carnival Celebration couldn’t be more perfect for a ship that will be a key component of our 50^th Birthday festivities,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Many thanks to our celebrity partners who helped us officially ‘unbox the fun’ and reveal the name of a ship that promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet. Carnival Celebration is our 50^th Birthday present to our guests!”

Carnival Celebration will include many of the features that have made Mardi Gras one of the most anticipated ships in cruising, including BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, along with some unique design features created specifically for this vessel.  

Carnival’s 50^th Birthday  celebration kicks off in March 2022 – the company’s birthday month – with a series of commemorative sailings that will feature special entertainment and itineraries then continue all year long, culminating with the arrival of Carnival Celebration to Miami in November 2022.  Additional information on the March 2022 sailings is available at www.carnival.com/sailabration.

Carnival Celebration’s itineraries will be announced over the coming weeks and the ship will be opening up for sale in October.

Guests can register to be the “first to know” about the ship’s itineraries and special sale promotions at www.carnival.com/ship2022.

For additional information on Carnival Celebration or any other of Carnival Cruise Line’s ships, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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Holland America Line extends pause of cruise operations

News Release)

All 2020 Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England sailings and the fall Grand Africa Voyage are cancelled

Seattle, Wash., May 6, 2020 — With travel restrictions continuing for the near future due to global health concerns, Holland America Line has decided to extend its pause of global cruise operations and cancel all Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England cruises for 2020.

In addition, Amsterdam will not operate the 79-day Grand Africa Voyage from Boston, Massachusetts, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that was scheduled to depart on Oct. 3, 2020. Holland America Line had previously cancelled all 2020 Land+Sea Journeys, which combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon. 

“As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented and challenging times, the best decision right now is to extend our pause in cruise operations into the fall,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “While this is very disappointing and we never want to let our guests down, as soon as it makes sense we will be back cruising again, giving our guests the memorable travel experiences they continue to dream about.”

Princess Cruises Eetends pause of global ship operations for remaining 2020 summer season

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 6, 2020) – Due to reduced air flight availability, the closure of cruise ports in regions around the world and other factors impacting international travel, Princess Cruises is extending its pause of global ship operations and has therefore made the extremely difficult decision to cancel select cruises through the end of the 2020 summer season, including the following cruises and associated cruisetours:

• All remaining Alaska cruises on Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess
• All remaining Europe and Transatlantic cruises on Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess, Crown Princess and Island Princess
• Summer Caribbean cruises and all Canada & New England cruises on Caribbean Princess and Sky Princess
• Summer to Fall cruises departing from Japan on Diamond Princess
• Australia-based cruises on Sapphire Princess and Sea Princess through August 
• July cruises sailing from Taiwan on Majestic Princess
• Fall cruises sailing to Hawaii and French Polynesia on Pacific Princess through November

Disney Cruise Line Awards Scholarships to Four Bahamian Female Cadets Pursuing Dreams of Becoming Shipboard Leaders

L-R: Yvonne Sweeney, VP Human Resources, Disney Cruise Line; Greene, Cadet Paula Greene; Cadet Christina Adderley; Captain Minnie Mouse; Cadet Antonique Lightbourn; Cadet Emily Bain and Dr. Brenda Cleare, LJM President during a special award ceremony held at the LJM Maritime Academy in Nassau Friday March 6, 2020.

 Disney Cruise Line awarded scholarships to four female cadets to attend the maritime academy. This scholarship program is part of a larger collection of initiatives Disney Cruise Line has implemented to inspire future maritime professionals and support communities across The Bahamas. (Photo by Tim Aylen)

 NEWS RELEASE

 

(In better days before the pandemic hit)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS (March 6, 2020) – During a special award ceremony held this morning at the LJM Maritime Academy in Nassau, Disney Cruise Line awarded scholarships to four female cadets to attend the maritime academy. The scholarships, one for each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, include two years of study at LJM Maritime Academy and one year of service aboard a Disney ship.

“We’re proud to have women in prominent leadership roles across our fleet,” said Yvonne Sweeney, Disney Cruise Line vice president of human resources. “Disney Cruise Line is committed to inspiring future female leaders in the maritime industry and this scholarship program is one of many ways we’re delivering on this. It’s truly an honor to recognize these talented young women and make their dreams a reality.”

Carnival Cruise Line announces plan to phase-in service

Pause in Service Extended, In Combination

with Gradual Schedule from Select Homeports

MIAMI, May 4, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line advised guests and travel agents today of our plan to phase in a resumption in our North American service this summer, beginning on August 1 with a total of eight ships from Miami, Port Canaveral and Galveston.  In connection with this plan, our pause in operations will be extended in all other North American and Australian markets through August 31.

The key elements of this plan include:

• All North American cruises from June 27 to July 31 will be cancelled.
• Beginning August 1, we plan to resume cruises on the following ships:
• Galveston:  Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Vista
• Miami:  Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic and Carnival Sensation
• Port Canaveral:  Carnival Breeze and Carnival Elation.
• Other than the above referenced service from Galveston, Miami, and Port Canaveral, all other North American and Australian homeport cruises will be cancelled through August 31.
• All Carnival Spirit Alaskan cruises from Seattle will be cancelled, as well as the Carnival Spirit Vancouver-Honolulu cruise on September 25 and the Honolulu-Brisbane transpacific cruise on October 6.
• All Carnival Splendor cruises in Australia from June 19 to August 31 will be cancelled.

Update from Carnival Cruise Line on "service pause" extension

CHOOSE FUN^®

MIAMI, May 4, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line issued the following update to our news release today concerning a further delay of operations for most of our fleet until August 31.

Some of the media reports have not fully conveyed the contents of our previous media statement and why certain itineraries were not being cancelled.  Carnival reiterates that this is our current plan contingent on a number of factors.

Any resumption of cruise operations – whenever that may be – is fully dependent on our continued efforts in cooperation with federal, state, local and international government officials. In our continued support of public health efforts, any return to service will also include whatever enhanced operational protocols and social gathering guidelines that are in place at the time of the resumption of cruise operations. 

We are committed to supporting all public health efforts to manage the COVID-19 situation and will continue to keep our guests, travel agent partners and other stakeholders informed.

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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) denies boarding on ships over the coronavirus outbreak

News Release from CLIA

WASHINGTON, DC (7 FEB 2020)—Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, issued today the following statement in response to recent developments concerning the 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the global cruise industry.

“The health and safety of cruise passengers and crew is and remains the number one priority of CLIA and its member lines, which make up over 90% of ocean-going cruise capacity worldwide. 

Given the evolving nature of the ongoing 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO)—CLIA Members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew who have recently traveled from or through China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

Three Princess Cruises' Love Boats host renewal of vows at sea for Valentine's, Guiness World Record bid

   Out to Sea for Feb. 8/20

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox
   Postmedia Network/Sun Media newspapers and websites

   For those hopelessly romantic, the cruise line famous for the “love boats” has just the thing this Valentine’s.

   There will be a mass renewal of vows in ceremonies taking place simultaneously on the top deck of three Princess cruise ships.

   They’ll try to set a Guinness World Record for the largest multi-location vow renewal.

Vow renewals will take place for Valentine’s on three Princess ships.

    “The overall goal to break the record on all three ships is 1,202 or more,” said publicist Gabby McNamara.

   It’s part of what the line is calling the “most romantic cruises of the year,” featuring two Florida sailings and one from Los Angeles.

Loveboat 's Gavin MacLeod and Jill Whelan

   This idea started with the Regal Princess and the ceremony hosted by Loveboat TV’s Gavin MacLeod, who played Capt. Merrill Stubing, and show daughter Jill Whelan (Vicki) as matron of honour.

  This is a seven-day, round-trip Western Caribbean voyage from Fort Lauderdale from Feb. 9 to 16, visiting Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the cruise line’s private, romantic beach, Princess Cays.

   When word got out about the romantic getaway, it quickly sold out and Princess added a second sailing to Mexico.

   That is on the Royal Princess with the first “Bachelorette” reality TV couple Trista and Ryan Sutter officiating.

Diamond Princess update re: China virus outbreak

From Facebook, Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10/20

Our global team is working tirelessly to continue supporting Diamond Princess guests and crew during this challenging time.

As onboard needs continue to evolve, here’s an update on our current priorities. We will continue to provide updates as they are available: https://bit.ly/2Hb8foN

Although we are facing many limitations and challenges, we are doing our best to deliver the ship’s most critical needs. We are also working to provide as much care and comfort as we can to everyone onboard. We hope these gestures will lift the spirits of those onboard in this difficult time. Further updates here: https://bit.ly/2Hb8foN

Because of the extraordinary circumstances onboard Diamond Princess, we will refund the full cruise fare for all guests including air travel, hotel, ground transportation, pre-paid shore excursions, gratuities, and other items. In addition, guests will not be charged for any onboard incidental charges during the additional time onboard. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/37bUsJw 

Westerdam Update: Monday, Feb. 10/20

Westerdam update from Facebook re: visus, Feb. 10/2020
 
Westerdam is sailing for Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand, where the current cruise that departed Feb. 1st will end on Thursday, February 13th.

Guests will be disembarking in Laem Chabang and transferring to Bangkok for their forward travel home. This new schedule has been communicated to guests on board. The cruise was previously scheduled to disembark Feb. 15th in Yokohama, Japan.

All guests will receive a 100% refund for the 14-day sailing, as well as a 100% Future Cruise Credit.

Following the disembarkation of guests, Westerdam will depart Laem Chabang. The Feb. 15th cruise scheduled to embark in Yokohama has been cancelled. No cancellations for cruises with departure dates beyond February 15th have been announced at this time.

Holland America issues a "Coronavirus Travel Advisory" after MS Westerdam not allowed to dock in Japan

MS Westerdam with 2,000 on board has been blocked from docking in Japan over coronavirus travel issues

We know our guests have questions and concerns around Coronavirus and travel. To ensure you have the latest information, this page will be updated as needed with new details.

As of Feb. 7, 2020 (04:14 PM PST)
Westerdam is currently sailing on a southwesterly course off the coast of Taiwan to best position the ship for access to the potential port locations where we can disembark our guests.  We are evaluating several options and working with different governments for a swift resolution.

Guests on board continue to be safe and well cared for. The ship has sufficient fuel and food provisions to last until the end of the voyage. We are providing free internet and phone access for guests and crew to stay in contact with their loved ones. 

The ship is not in quarantine and we have no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board despite media reports. 
This is a very dynamic situation as we continue to manage around evolving and changing restrictions in the region. We sincerely thank our guests and crew on Westerdam — and their loved ones — for their patience during this extraordinary time.

Princess Cruises provides update on Diamond Princess in Yokohama regarding Coronavirus outbreak and quarintine

Updated February 7, 2020 at 10:30 PM PT

Rai Caluori, EVP at Princess Cruises provides update on Diamond Princess in Yokohama

Although we are facing many limitations and challenges, we are doing our best to deliver the ship’s most critical needs. We are also working to provide as much care and comfort as we can to everyone onboard. We hope these gestures will lift the spirits of those onboard in this difficult time.
Watch Video on YouTube

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February 6, 2020 at 7:30 PM PT
Guest Experience on Diamond Princess
Our team on board Diamond Princess, supported by our shoreside colleagues, is actively working to care for our guests to ensure their comfort and well-being. These are such unusual circumstances so our team has activated new in-room entertainment offerings which include:

• Eight (8) new satellite TV channels
• More than 80 new video-on-demand releases, including movies in various languages, concerts and in-cabin fitness videos
• Cruise Director Show (The Wake Show) in English and Japanese
• Printed newspapers in 36 languages
• Pre-printed trivia, daily puzzles, games and arts and crafts
• Radio Taiso (popular calisthenics) videos
• Kids’ activity packs
• Food & beverage options offered via room service
• Outdoor time for guests in interior staterooms (under the guidance of Japanese Ministry of Health)

New Cases / Nationalities / Quarantine End Date