This past week proved challenging for several cruise lines dealing with Hurricane Ian's path through Florida and South Carolina. Many ports, including the Port of Tampa, Port of Key West and Port Canaveral, all in Florida, as well as the Port of Charleston, SC, were closed for a time. Voyages were canceled or schedules shifted.
Fortunately, all major ports in Florida are now open, according to a Sunday update from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office. Today, Travel Agent provides Carnival Cruise Line’s final update on Hurricane Ian including news of this past weekend’s one-day-late arrival of Carnival Sunshine back to the Port of Charleston. Travel Advisor Pris Phillips, a Dream Vacations associate in Columbia, SC, was aboard that sailing and provides feedback.
New Ships, New President
In other cruise news, Hurtigruten Norway has launched the new Richard With, its first environmentally upgraded battery-hybrid powered ship. As the first of seven Coastal Express ships to be upgraded, it features technology that will substantially reduce both CO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Also on the new ship front, Viking took delivery of its second expedition ship, Viking Polaris.
American Queen Voyages appointed CIndy D'Aoust, former president of Cruise Lines International Association, as its new president. The company is also teaming up with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to create a new “Lakelorian” program for the 2023 Great Lakes season for Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator.
On the COVID-19 front, Holland America Line has debuted a new “Health Protocols Tool” on its website – making it easier for guests to find out exactly what’s required for their cruise. Separately, the line announced that Volendam has returned to service.
After Scenic Eclipse sailed into San Francisco last week, Scenic Group conducted its first ever trade gala and awards ceremony pier-side to honor top producing U.S. travel agencies.Travel Agent was aboard the ship and attended the trade event. Our write-up listed award winners as well as insight by Glen Moroney, Scenic Group’s founder and chairman.
Celestyal Cruises appointed Jon Grutzner as vice president, business development North America and Michelle Suker as business development manager, southeastern U.S.
And as reported by sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, Silversea Cruises unveiled summer 2023 and winter 2023-2024 schedules for Silver Endeavour. Separately, Crystal Cruises, now part of the A&K Travel Group, has appointed a team of industry veterans to key trade sales leadership roles.