Issue #
123
|
Volume
7
June 27, 2020
In this Issue
Here are some of the news articles we are following:
- Despair for summer holidays as Carnival Cruise Line cancels further cruises
- Nassau Predicts Cruise Passengers Will Be Kept on Tight Leash
- How the Cruise Industry Got Washed Up
- A-Rosa River Cruises successfully restarted voyages
- Cruise tourism might resume (in Greece) in August
- Without cruise ships, Alaska’s tourism takes giant hit amid coronavirus pandemic
- Norwegian Cruise Line Releases Health and Safety Video
- Maldives to Welcome Cruise Ships Once Again
- NEXT Offers UV-C Tech for Ships and Terminals
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Despair for summer holidays as Carnival Cruise Line cancels further cruises
“CARNIVAL CRUISES has pushed back its restart further meaning holidays this summer will no longer go ahead. Will customers be able to claim a refund?
Carnival Cruise Line has further cancelled its planned itinerary, meaning summer holidays will not go as planned for those with cruises booked before September. The US cruise line has paused all future sailings until September 30 in its latest update. In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy explained: “During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials.” She continued: “We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business.”
Nassau Predicts Cruise Passengers Will Be Kept on Tight Leash
“A top executive at Nassau’s cruise port warned local businesses that when cruise ships return, their passengers would likely be kept from “independently wandering” around the area. He also made it clear he did not believe it likely that ships would return to Nassau before next year. During an interview with Tribune Business, Nassau Cruise Port’s Chief Executive, Michael Maura, warned local businesses that rely on tourism that the months ahead would be tough. “From our perspective,” he said, “the cruise industry will return but slowly and gradually. The fact that they have extended their re-opening until Mid-September provides some insight into how they may return in that I think there’s a real possibility they will come with fewer ships and have fewer ships sailing.” ”
How the Cruise Industry Got Washed Up
“The cruise industry is facing growing criticism for the way it has handled the coronavirus pandemic, with accounts of passengers stranded on quarantined ships still making headlines. Has the sector’s reputation been severely tarnished, and what can operators learn from this crisis? Sitting on-board his brand new Scarlet Lady towards the end of February, Virgin Voyages founder Richard Branson looked optimistic as he appeared on Good Morning Britain to promote his new ship. “We’ll be operating out of America where [coronavirus] is not an issue,” he said when asked about the timing of the launch. “We’re not worried at the moment and the authorities seem to be doing everything they can to get it under control.” Looking back at this declaration a few months later, things have radically changed for the cruise industry. The sector is currently being blamed to be a breeding ground for infection and failing to put in place health and safety measures to protect its crew and passengers.”
A-Rosa River Cruises successfully restarted voyages
“Following the successful restart of the brand's Douro River cruises (in Portugal), A-ROSA Cruises recently announced the restart of Rhine River voyages on June 17, its Danube River itineraries on June 20, 2020. The company’s French river shipping operations are planned to resume on July 11, 2020. Depending on the riverboat, passenger capacity is being reduced for the first departures. Onboard, guests can enjoy enhanced service and multi-course meals. Comfortable seating arrangements that guarantee social distancing add to the relaxing experience. Fitness rooms and pools are also available, subject to hygiene protocols. SPA-ROSA continues to offer beauty treatments and massages. Bike and bus trips, as well as walking tours, take place with reduced group sizes.”
Cruise tourism might resume (in Greece) in August
“It appears that cruise ships might be set to return to Greece’s seas following advanced talks involving all parties concerned, with the prospect of some cruise schedules gradually starting from August being possible according to the local representative of the Cruise Lines International Association. During discussions between CLIA and Greece’s ministers of tourism, Haris Theocharis, and maritime affairs and Island Policy, Yiannis Plakiotakis, and experts of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) on Wednesday, Maria Deligianni, CLIA’s regional representative for the East Mediterranean, spoke of positive prospects for the resumption of cruise holidays in Greece by August.”
Without cruise ships, Alaska’s tourism takes giant hit amid coronavirus pandemic
“Most summers, Icy Strait Point near Hoonah, Alaska — population 760 — is filled with cruise passengers visiting restaurants and shops, whale watching, exploring on all-terrain vehicles, or hollering down a more-than-mile-long zip-line. The destination expected 450,000 visitors this year. “We haven’t had a ship yet,” said Tyler Hickman, the senior vice president of Icy Strait Point. It has not yet opened as a result. “The place is just so incredible, you just walk around and wish there was more people here to experience it with you,” he said. That’s the story across Alaska, which had been in the midst of a seemingly unstoppable boom in cruise growth. The state was anticipating about 1.4 million cruise visitors during the season that stretches from late April until early October — a record. So far, 99 percent of the projected capacity has been canceled, says Mike Tibbles, vice president of government and community affairs for Cruise Lines International Association Alaska.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Releases Health and Safety Video
“Norwegian Cruise Line has released a new health and safety video from its leadership team highlighting the six key areas of focus which will be implemented fleetwide onboard and on shore. Earlier in June, the company released new and comprehensive health protocols.”
Maldives to Welcome Cruise Ships Once Again
“The Government of the Maldives is allowing cruise ships to call again in August, and has released a comprehensive 28-page document, Guidelines for Restarting Tourism in the Maldives. Cruise ships and yachts arriving in the Maldives are mainly exempt from the new general tourism guidelines and must adhere to International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and guidelines. Cruise ships and yachts will not be allowed to embark or disembark passengers on or off inhabited islands until August 1, 2020.”
NEXT Offers UV-C Tech for Ships and Terminals
“NEXT LLC and Five Star International Shipping have launched a new lineup of UV-C products empowering cruise lines and terminals to scientifically mitigate contagion from the boarding process onward, according to a press release. In unison with its USA-based manufacturing partners, NEXT’s line-up of industrial-grade UV-C appliances can be deployed inside every area of the ship’s interior, according to the company. These range from high-powered applications for large spaces such as theaters, dining venues and spa and fitness centers employed during routine sanitizing operations to compact HVAC units with filtration for back offices, crew areas, staterooms, elevators and restrooms.”
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this e-Newsletter
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this e-Newsletter
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