This past week was characterized by several successful "restarts" of cruise operations. Most notably, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl became the first cruise ship to sail into Bar Harbor, ME, in more than two years. “Prior to the pandemic, the cruise industry contributed $68 million in direct economic spend and created over 1,000 jobs in Maine amounting to $36 million in wages," said Kelly Craighead, Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) president and CEO. "The industry looks forward to once again contributing to Maine’s vibrant economy and to share with guests, from the around the world, this treasured destination.”
In addition, American Queen Voyages restarted voyages for Ocean Navigator, with the ship given a celebratory welcome by local officials in Savannah, GA. It's now sailing to Nova Scotia and will undertake a summer of Great Lakes cruises.
Another line, though, delayed its official start-up by several weeks. The new Margaritaville at Sea, sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, FL, to the Bahamas for short cruises, delayed its official start until May 14, citing supply chain issues.
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Late last week, Jamaica ended its mask mandate and pre-arrival COVID testing requirement. Other countries too have lessened their entry requirements, making life a bit easier for cruise guests.In addition, a bipartisan group of 16 members of the U.S. House of Representatives asked President Joe Biden to remove vaccinated travelers from being required to show a pre-arrival negative COVID test to re-enter the U.S. Travel industry leaders have strongly lobbied for that action, saying it would make it easier for Americans to travel overseas on vacation and also economically stimulate travel and cruise companies.
On the new ship front, Emerald Cruises introduced its new 100-passenger Emerald Azzura yacht, now sailing the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black and Red Seas.
Shifting plans a bit, Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled new late-summer voyages for World Navigator to the Norwegian fjords and Western Europe, saying that the new voyages will be far removed from current global events.
Swan Hellenic revealed the name of its largest expedition ship, the 19-passenger Diana. The new vessel will have a swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, library, expedition laboratory and observation lounge.
Other moves? Abercrombie & Kent, according to our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, expanded its cruise portfolio in 2023-2024. In addiiton, luxury cruise lines are showing their "joie de vivre" with French port calls.
Trade and Training News
Aurora Expeditions is beefing up North American sales operations with three new business development managers: Kelli Mills (northeast), Jennifer Reynolds (southeast) and Bonnie Newman (western). Aurora recently resumed its Antarctic expeditions with 70 percent of guests coming from the U.S. and Canada.
Cruise Planners announced its 2022 schedule of trade and training events—everything from boot camps to a seminar at sea, luxury/land forum, tech days, the annual conference and more. Lastly, Seatrade Cruise Global, the "live” global cruise industry conference, will get under way next week in Miami Beach and has unveiled new programs.
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