Progress continues in the "cruise industry restart" within North America as Princess Cruises' Grand Princess restarted voyages from Los Angeles over the weekend. In addition, Crystal's Crystal Symphony and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway both restarted cruises from New York City to Bermuda.
Carnival Corporation said in a press statement that it expects to have 50 percent of the company's entire fleet (across all brands) sailing by October 2021. That said, challenges exist in some regions. For example, given the uncertainty of cruise operations in Australia and New Zealand, the line also extended its "pause" in cruising in that region until January 27, 2022. As a result, Coral Princess’ voyages through January 17 and Royal Princess' and Sapphire Princess' seasons through March 2022 have now been canceled.
In the U.S. this week, cruise industry officials are gathering once again "live" at Seatrade Cruise Global, which kicks off today at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Tip: Stay tuned for news and executive perspective here at Travel Agent throughout the week.
On the product side, Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled new entertainment options on Norwegian Prima, debuting in mid-2022 as the first of six new Prima-class vessels. One highlight? The same production team that brought “Jersey Boys” to Norwegian Bliss will present “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" on the new ship. Featuring more than 20 of the singer's hits, the show will tell the story of Summer's rise from a young starlet to the "Queen of Disco."
On the environmental front, MSC Cruises pledged to reach "zero emissions" by 2050.
Cruise ships continue to receive updates across the globe. Newly refurbished, Carnival Victory has been renamed Carnival Radiance after a $200 million update by Carnival Cruise Line. That work is close to completion at a Cadiz, Spain, shipyard.
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