• A cruise guest was embarrassed at the clothes she had to wear after her bags went missing, per the WSJ.
• Rosmarie Buxbaum traveled on an Air Canada flight and then boarded a cruise ship for 15 days.
• Her baggage was left off the flight and not delivered to a port stop, as the airline reportedly promised.

A passenger, who took an Air Canada flight before boarding a cruise ship, said she was embarrassed at having to wear sweatpants during a 15-day Scandinavian cruise after her delayed baggage never arrived.

Rosmarie Buxbaum, 66, along with her husband David Cartwright, flew from Toronto Pearson International airport to London Heathrow on June 24 to board a cruise bound for Norway and Iceland, where they intended to celebrate their wedding anniversary and her birthday, per The Wall Street Journal.

However, the couple's bags, which contained suits and dresses to celebrate the occasion, were left off the flight, Buxbaum told the publication. After the airline promised to deliver them to the ship, the bags were instead sent to the couple's home in Ottawa, she added.

"I ended up wearing sweatpants for the trip of a lifetime," Buxbaum said. "It was a total embarrassment."

Without their bags, the couple were forced to cancel formal dinner and dance reservations that they'd booked as part of celebrations, per The Wall Street Journal.

It's just one story from a summer that continues to be defined by travel chaos, lost baggage, and long queues at airports as the aviation industry struggles to cope with resurgent travel demand after the pandemic exacerbated existing staff shortages.

Although the problem has been global, a mountain of unclaimed luggage has appeared at Toronto Pearson International Airport, due to additional problems with its baggage system. Some passengers passing through the hub claim they've waited as long as a month for their bag to arrive.

The hub is the worst for delays among the world's top 100 airports by number of flights, according to The Wall Street Journal. More than half — 53% — of flights departing the airport between June 1 and July 18 were delayed, the publication reported, citing data from FlightAware.

One ramp agent previously told Insider's Hannah Towey that travel chaos at the airport was the worst he'd seen in his six years at the hub. Air Canada operates 55% of all flights at the airport, per The Wall Street Journal.

Officials from the airport told The Wall Street Journal that they have had less time to respond to demand because the travel demand only picked up after the federal government loosened vaccine and COVID-19 testing requirements. Passenger numbers didn't increase significantly until late May and June, the officials added.

Air Canada and The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which runs Toronto Pearson airport, are yet to respond to Insider's request for comment, which was made outside of normal business hours.

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SOURCE: Yahoo News (Press Release, July 25, 2022); Photo Credit: Pixabay Free Images

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Viking celebrated today the latest milestone in its return to service as guests were welcomed on board in Iceland. Over the weekend, guests boarded the award-winning Viking Sky in Reykjavík, where the ship will homeport this summer along with sister ship Viking Jupiter. Both ships will sail the new Iceland's Natural Beauty itinerary through early September 2021. Offered as part of Viking's Welcome Back collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, the voyage currently underway is the first of 19 sailings roundtrip from Reykjavík. The eight-day circumnavigation of Iceland calls upon coastal towns of Akureyri, Seydisfjördur, Heimaey and more before returning to the capital city. 

"On behalf of the entire Viking family of guests and crew, we are delighted to be back in Iceland—and we thank the government for its support as we continue restarting operations," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "This stunning island of fire and ice inspired the original Vikings when they charted new territory, so it especially fitting as a key destination in our 'Welcome Back' collection. We look forward to introducing even more guests to this beautiful Nordic country over the summer."

Viking restarted operations in May and has been sailing in England with British guests since May 22. Nearly 100 percent of guests on these sailings provided exceptionally high ratings. On June 15, the company welcomed American guests back on board in Bermuda. In July 2021, Viking will also launch Welcome Back sailings in the Mediterranean with three ocean ships homeported in Valletta, Malta – and will restart its European river operations with select itineraries in Portugal, France and along the Rhine.

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SOURCE: Travel Industry Wire (June 29, 2021); Photo Credit: Pixabay Free Stock

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American Cruise Lines (ACL) plans to operate a full 2021 Alaska season of eight-day "Southeast Alaska" and new 11-day "Alaskan Explorer" voyages, starting in May. ACL is one of the few cruise lines able to restart sailings in the 49th state because its ships are American-flagged so they don't need a foreign port call to comply with U.S. law. 

In addition, ACL's small ships typically carry between 100 and 190 passengers and will welcome even fewer guests onboard this year due to voluntary capacity reductions. So, they're not covered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "Conditional Sailing" Order (CSO). The CDC's lack of detail for that CSO has resulted in no sailings planned as yet by big-ship lines in Alaska for 2021.

Cruising in Alaska Waters

Operating between June and September, the small-ship cruises will sail exclusively in U.S. waters aboard the American Constellation. The "Southeast Alaska" cruises will operate roundtrip from Juneau, and new "Alaskan Explorer" voyages will sail roundtrip from Juneau or from Ketchikan to Juneau; the latter voyages will cruise the Inside Passage, Clarence Strait, Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay.

The line said it's worked closely with both local and state officials in southeastAlaska and across the country to safely bring back small-ship domestic cruising throughout the United States. In addition to voluntary capacity reductions, ACL's COVID-19 mitigation practices include everything from pre-boarding testing to medical staff on the vessels. 

“We have a strong operating history in Alaska and have been glad to work with our many local partners to make this season a reality,” said Charles B. Robertson, ACL's president and CEO, in a written statement. “Our COVID-19 operating protocols are tailored to each state and designed to mitigate risk while still enabling a meaningful contribution to each local economy.”

All eight-day and 11-day cruises include a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night in Juneau, and the newest "Alaskan Explorer" itinerary also offers a complimentary hotel stay at the Cape Fox Lodge for the departures from Ketchikan.

For more information about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com.

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SOURCE: Travel Agent Central (Susan Young, April 26, 2021); Photo Credit: American Cruise Line

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Boutique cruise line Azamara, which focuses on destination immersion experiences, said Azamara Quest will return to cruising beginning Aug. 28, 2021 with five back-to-back Country-Intensive Voyages and one classic Mediterranean sailing. Each of the sailings will be seven days in length and will offer a total of 18 late-night stays in port, including Santorini, Rhodes and Heraklion, Greece.

“Over the past year, our team—ship to shoreside—continued to connect with our guests and travel partners,” said Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara. “Our biggest takeaway is the desire everyone has to sail again, and we are excited to share that we can finally make this dream come true. There’s no better way to return to service than in a country Azamara knows best, Greece. Our return to sail wouldn’t be possible without the support from [Greek] Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis, the local government and port authorities, and we are extremely grateful for welcoming us back into this beautiful and culturally rich destination.”

“We're looking forward to welcoming Azamara and its guests in Greece in August," said Theoharis. "We fully support the line's return to cruising in the Aegean waters and we are sure that all of its passengers will have unique experiences in our beautiful destinations.''

Voyages will open for booking on May 11, 2021. With the health and safety of guests and crew being the top priority for the return to sail, Azamara has made the decision to require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated no later than 14-days prior to departure. Once the sailings open for booking, the upmarket cruise line will reveal protocol guidelines led by the Healthy Sail Panel, to reassure guests a healthy return to service.

With travel requirements remaining unconfirmed throughout most of Europe, all sailings aboard Azamara Journey and Azamara Pursuit will be suspended until September 2021. Current Azamara Quest sailings through Oct/ 2, 2021 are also suspended, with the new Country-Intensive voyages beginning Aug. 28, 2021. Guests impacted by summer suspensions will be offered a number of flexible options to rebook or request refunds for current reservations. Guests looking to book these new voyages and other Azamara cruises can still take advantage of Azamara’s “Cruise with Confidence” benefits, offering flexibility for fully paid reservations booked by May 31, 2021 for sailings through April 30, 2022. Highlights of the Quest’s Greek cruises include:

Rhodes: Known as the Island of the Knights, Rhodes offers such ancient wonders as the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Heraklion: The fourth largest city in Greece, Heraklion offers such architectural marvels as the Bronze Age Palace of Knossos, an ancient palace with ruins dating back to the early Minoan period.

Santorini: Santorini was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Guests can sail the caldera or discover the ancient ruins of Akrotiri by day and soak in the sunset views from Azamara Quest, as nightfall descends upon the island.

Delos & Mykonos: Step back in time to mythological Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can explore the hidden corners and captivating coastline of Mykonos on a 4x4 or caique, a traditional wooden boat.

Limassol, Cyprus: Guests can visit the last divided capital of the world, Nicosia, shared by Cyprus and Turkey. They can see byzantine landmarks, hear tales of the Crusades, or ventures into the countryside to explore fruit orchards, olive groves and vineyards.

Azamara is an upmarket cruise line currently with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world. An additional fourth ship is scheduled to join the fleet in 2022. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, less-visited hidden gems. For more information. visit www.azamara.com.

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SOURCE: Insider Travel Report (James Shillinglaw, April 28, 2021); Photo Credit: Azamara Cruises

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(Monaco -- April 15, 2021)  With demand at an all-time high, Silversea Cruises today opened sales on brand new voyages aboard Silver Moon to the Eastern Mediterranean, departing from Greece from June 18, 2021. The leading ultra-luxury cruise line unveiled a collection of nine voyages—each 10 days in length—which will sail round-trip from Piraeus (Athens), taking in many of Greece’s most beautiful destinations, such as Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and Crete, among others, as well as Haifa (Israel) and Cyprus.

“The entire team at Silversea, our colleagues at the Royal Caribbean Group, and our loyal guests have been waiting for this incredible news for over one year. We are delighted to open general sales on our new Silver Moon itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “Our guests are yearning to continue their travels, exemplified by the unprecedented demand we are currently registering. We are excited to introduce them to our beautiful new flagship Silver Moon, as they travel deep into Greece, Israel, and Cyprus. On behalf of the entire Silversea team and our valued guests, we extend our deepest gratitude to Greece’s Honorable Minister Harry Theoharis, Ministry of Tourism – Hellenic Republic; port authorities; and other governing bodies for their valued support and their openness to collaboration. Greece has long constituted a key destination for our cruise line and we are thrilled to resume sailing in this magnificent part of the world.”

"We welcome the announcement of Silversea Cruises’ restart from Greece,'' says Honorable Minister Harry Theoharis.'' Once again, travellers will have the opportunity to discover our beautiful destinations and create memories to last a lifetime. We fully support the recommencement of cruising, as it is a very important pillar of our tourism strategy.”

TRAVELLING DEEP INTO GREECE, CYPRUS, AND ISRAEL

During her inaugural season, Silversea’s new flagship Silver Moon will take travellers deep into the Eastern Mediterranean, calling in many of the region’s most beautiful destinations. To protect guests’ health and safety, guests will only be allowed to leave the ship on Silversea’s verified shore excursions which will be included in the fare—one included shore experience per day, from a selection in each port—with premium verified shore experiences available at an additional charge. Offering guests the possibility of combining voyages for extended exploration, the new collection includes the following sample itineraries:

Piraeus (Athens) to Piraeus (Athens) – June 18-Jun 28
Silver Moon’s maiden voyage will depart Piraeus (Athens) on June 18, calling in some of Greece’s and Cyprus’ most beautiful destinations, including Syros, Paros, Patmos, Rhodes, Limassol, Heraklion, and Mykonos, before returning to Piraeus (Athens) on June 28. In Limassol, the ancient grandeur of Cyprus will come alive as guests discover Petra tou Romiou, or 'Aphrodite's Rock', the breathtaking mosaics of Paphos at the House of Dionysos, and the 3rd-century Tomb of the Kings. A verified shore experience in Rhodes will unlock the destination’s medieval past, with travellers stepping back in time in the walled Old City, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Avenue of the Knights, and the Archaeological Museum, among other mesmerising highlights. Two days at sea will enable guests to discover the remarkable enrichments aboard Silver Moon, including those unlocked through the new S.A.L.T. programme, which will take guests deeper into each destination by showcasing the most engaging stories around food and drink. Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society, Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, will accompany guests on this momentous voyage, gladly reconnecting with the Silversea family.

Piraeus (Athens) to Piraeus (Athens) – Jun 28-July 8
After departing Piraeus (Athens) on June 28, guests travelling aboard Silver Moon will spend a day at sea, relaxing under the warm Mediterranean sunshine—perhaps with a cocktail on the pool deck. After discovering the delights of Limassol in Cyprus, guests will journey on to Ashdod (Jerusalem) and Haifa (Nazareth) in Israel, before travelling to Rhodes, Aghios Nikolaos and Souda Bay in Crete, and Santorini. Travellers will have the opportunity to visit some of history's most sacred and important sites in Jerusalem, including the Room of the Last Supper, the Tomb of King David, and Dormition Abbey, while touring the Old City. Spectacular scenery and laid-back village life await in Santorini’s Oia, considered by many as the Cyclades Islands’ most picturesque town.

SILVER MOON: PUSHING BOUNDARIES IN ULTRA-LUXURY TRAVEL

Delivered in October 2020, Silver Moon pushes the boundaries of ultra-luxury, immersive travel as the best ship in her class. Taking inspiration from her sister ship, Silver Muse, Silver Moon will maintain the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are hallmarks of the Silversea experience, while bringing elements of innovation and an array of enhancements.

With fewer than 300 suites, a personalised service, and a crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1, Silver Moon offers unparalleled levels of comfort and physical distancing to ensure guests can travel in unwavering confidence. Among her eight distinct restaurant concepts is the new S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which will serve regionally-inspired cuisine as one of three new venues to comprise Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. programme. Elsewhere, guests will continue their culinary discovery of the Eastern Mediterranean’s richest food and drink cultures in the S.A.L.T. Bar and the S.A.L.T. Lab—the former of which will serve guests cocktails, spirits and other drinks inspired by the visited destination, while the latter is a test kitchen that will enable guests to get hands-on with the best ingredients from the region.

FULL VACCINATIONS MANDATORY FOR GUESTS AND CREW

Full vaccinations will be mandatory for guests and crew embarking Silver Moon in Greece, forming part of a comprehensive, multi-layered set of science-backed protocols, which, approved by the Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel and the Greek Ministry of Health, will help to safeguard the health and safety of guests, crew, and visited communities. The protocol includes enhanced sanitation procedures, providing the highest standards of cleanliness in travel; increased air filtration to ensure the supply of fresh and filtered air from outdoors; high-quality onboard medical care with state-of-the-art medical equipment; and enhanced medical teams aboard Silver Moon. Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.

Part of Silversea’s commitment to providing the best travel experience and safeguarding guests’ wellbeing, guests travelling on Silver Moon will benefit from the cruise line’s recently enhanced all-inclusive offer, which, as well as round-trip economy-class flights* and complimentary, verified shore excursions in every port, includes:

Pre- and post-cruise hotel night/s, or day-use hotel, depending on Silversea’s air programme flight schedule

• Transfers
• Luggage handling
• Butler service in every suite category
• Onboard gratuities
• Multiple open-seated restaurants, serving diverse cuisine and an in-suite 24-hour dining service
• Sustainable caviar on demand 24 hours per day
• Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne and selected wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and more
• Unlimited Wi-Fi

View all voyages in the new collection:
https://www.silversea.com/lp-silversea-return-to-sailing.html

Find out more information about Silversea’s health and safety protocols:
https://www.silversea.com/lp-silversea-hrts-consumer.html

Silversea’s ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy and its COVID-19 protections enable guests to book with full peace of mind. Find out more information:
https://www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on a variety of external factors. Please refer to https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html for the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel.

*Business-class upgrades are available at full fare, depending on availability. A non-use credit is also available.

About Silversea
Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Moon – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of three new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Dawn and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

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SOURCE: Silversea (Press Release, April 15, 2021); Photo Credit: Pixabay Free Images

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Oceania Cruises, a leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has released its 2022 Europe & North America Collection of itineraries for preview prior to opening for sale on Nov. 11, 2020. The complete collection of 110 itineraries, featuring 77 brand new offerings, including 10 new ports, can be viewed online or via the comprehensive season preview brochure.

The 2022 Europe & North America Collection offers 56 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days in length. For those travelers who desire a broader spectrum of exploration, there are 54 voyages ranging from 15 to 46 days that blend multiple continents and cultures into singularly grand adventures. Curated experiences are offered at more than 250 ports of call throughout Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Holy Lands, Alaska, Canada & New England, Bermuda, South America, and the Caribbean.

“As travelers continue seeking inspiration and bright new adventures ahead, we’ve never been more delighted to introduce a new collection of voyages,” said Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania. “Our 2022 Europe & North America Collection is filled with captivating voyages that will beckon seasoned travelers with explorations reaching perennial favorites and compelling new destinations alike.”

Highlights of Oceania’s 2022 Europe & North America Collection include:

1) 110 itineraries, 77 of them brand new along with 10 new ports to explore such as the Danish rising star of Aarhus, the Irish village of Killybegs, and the dramatic Lofoten Islands in Norway.

2) 11 voyages of seven to 14 days aboard Marina and Sirena that explore the history, antiquities, and architecture of Scandinavia and Russia.

3) Explore the cultural traditions and great outdoors of Alaska with glacier trekking, helicopter flightseeing and Go Local tours, plus more voyages cruising Hubbard Glacier with 12 convenient departures from Seattle, Vancouver or Los Angeles of seven, nine, 10, 11,  12 or 13 days.

4) 46 voyages to the western Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Turkey, and Canary Islands ranging from seven to 14 days.

5) Discover the treasures and sacred destinations of the Holy Land with 16 voyages that call on ports in Israel, Turkey, and Egypt

6) Connoisseurs of food and wine can enjoy six itineraries that focus on western Europe’s wine countries while another four are devoted to displaying the culinary treasures of the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

7) Unwind with Bermuda getaways offering all a tropical escape with the convenience of seven-day round-trip New York departures.

8)  Explore the best of New England, the Canadian Maritimes, Greenland, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic capitals, wine countries of France, Spain, and Portugal plus the Azores in one 46-day voyage with the convenience of sailing round-trip from New York City aboard Insignia.

9) Get the ultimate immersion in the western Europe wine countries of Iberia, North Africa, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Bermuda aboard Sirena with 25 ports of call in 38 days.

10) Traverse the Mediterranean with 18 ports in 22 days aboard Nautica from Jerusalem to Barcelona.

11) Be among the few who venture north of the Arctic Circle aboard Sirena’s singular sailing to the North Cape, Murmansk, and Archangel, Russia

Travelers can take advantage of even more value with Oceania’s OLife Choice Airfare promotion, which includes free round-trip airport transfers on each 2022 Europe & North America Collection voyage along with free Internet and a choice of free shore excursions, free beverage package or substantial shipboard credit. Europe voyages in this collection also feature a $149 premium economy air upgrade, and every voyage comes with complete peace of mind from the Best Price Guarantee. Reservations open on Nov. 11, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. EST.

For more information, contact your travel agent.

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SOURCE: Travel Pulse, Insider Travel Report (James Shillinglaw, Nov. 5, 2020); Photo Credit: Oceania Cruises

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Viking’s “Viking Star” cruise ship — scheduled to embark on a 136-day journey around the world next year — will be equipped with a COVID-19 testing lab.

“We have been working on this for a number of months, and today is important as it moves us one step closer to operating cruises again, without compromising the safety of our guests and crew,” Matt Grimes, Vice President of Maritime Operations for Viking, said in a statement Monday. 

The lab will be capable of performing a non-invasive COVID-19 saliva test every day for every crew member and every passenger aboard the 930-passenger-capacity ship, allowing flexibility for different contagion levels around the world. 

The “Viking Star” is scheduled to depart Dec. 2021 for an epic 136-day cruise around the world, stopping in 56 ports in 27 different countries. To ensure safety as guests spend half a year boarding and disembarking the ship around the world, the new PCR lab — the first full-scale PCR lab at sea, according to Viking — will conduct regular COVID-19 tests while passengers are onboard. 

Viking will demonstrate all the features of the PCR lab, as well as the ship’s new design and operating procedures, when it lands in Oslo, Norway later this month. 

This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its No-Sail Order for cruises in U.S. waters. The CDC’s rules for sailing have been set out in phases and will require cruise ships to meet select testing and cleanliness standards. 

“The recently announced CDC guidelines are clearly aligned with our public health research, and we welcome the agency’s push toward testing, as we believe this is the only way to safely operate,” Grimes said in a statement. “In our view, continuous PCR testing, along with our extensive onboard hygiene protocols, will lead to making Viking ships a safe place to get away to and explore the world.” 

Although the CDC will allow cruise ships back into U.S. waters this year, many major cruise lines have already cancelled their voyages well into 2021. 

Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure, currently based in Brooklyn. When in a new city, she's usually out to discover under-the-radar art, culture, and secondhand stores. No matter her location, you can find her on Twitter, on Instagram or at caileyrizzo.com.

By Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure
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A new seven-night itinerary has been announced between New Orleans and Memphis, which will include an exclusive after-hours tour of Graceland.

Visits to Elvis Presley's mansion are available on the itinerary starting in December 2022.

The 'Holiday in Graceland' excursion includes the Archives Experience, Private Presley: Elvis in the Army Exhibit, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and other exhibits.

"Graceland will be 'aglow with holiday lights and festive decorations' the line says.

It also includes a private dinner at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum.

The new 386-guest Viking Mississippi, which is under construction in Louisiana, will be deployed on Mississippi sailings.

As well as extended stays in Memphis, the ship also calls at Vicksburg and Natchez in Mississippi; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The vessel is expected to launch in August 2022.

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SOURCE: Travelmole (Sep. 30, 2020); Photo Credit: Viking Cruise Line

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Azamara, which bills itself as the destination-focused cruise line, unveiled the remainder of programs for 2022 as well as for first  quarter 2023, featuring more than 80 new itineraries and more than 170 overnights and 300 late night stays. As the brand furthers its commitment to more in-depth exploration by connecting guests to a country’s local life and culture, Azamara will offer more country-intensive voyages between 2022 and 2023 than ever before, allowing guests to experience iconic destinations as well as hidden gems within a single country.

“As the leader in destination immersion, we are always enthusiastic about sharing our new deployment,” says Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas. “this year it’s even more special as we have the opportunity to announce an extension of our country-intensive voyages. When we were working on our itineraries for 2022/2023, our goal was to invite new and returning guests to explore places they have never visited before, or better yet, connect our guests to a country they have traveled to before, but adding in ports that are considered hidden gems to allow for a new experience, which our country intensives are designed to offer.”

With more than 275 ports of call in more than 70 countries, Azamara will feature 26 ports in Greece alone, with two maiden ports—Syros, and Tinos. Azamara will also add on returning guest favorites, including Greece country-intensives, voyages to the Black Sea and Egypt-Israel intensive voyages. Further south, Azamara will continue with another guest favorite, South Africa intensive voyages. Highlights of some maiden ports include:

Syros, Greece: Far less hedonistic than its neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini. Syros offers an authentic look at what Greek life is truly like in the Cyclades. Home to fantastic food and beautiful beaches, Syros is a hidden gem that doesn’t necessarily want to be discovered.

Dakar, Senegal: Enigmatic, electric  and explorable, Dakar dazzles on the West African coast. Jutting out on the Cape Verde Peninsula, the city is the westernmost point of the African continent, and was an important trading point for European colonial powers.

Aberdeen, Scotland: From urban delights to pastoral pursuits, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city,  a surprising gem with distinctive architecture and a cosmopolitan feel. Guests can admire the granite architecture that varies from highly ornamented Victorian to robust, rough-hewn Scottish façade in the heart of quaint Old Aberdeen.

Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and a leader in destination immersion, with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world. The boutique-style vessels allow guests to visit marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller less-visited hidden gems. Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, beverages and more. For more information, click on Azamara New Ports or visit www.azamara.com.

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SOURCE: Insider Travel Report, James Shillinglaw (September 18, 2020); Photo Credit: Azamara Cruise Line

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MSC Cruises cracked down on passengers who broke newly implemented COVID-19 health and safety protocol as the cruise line's ships resume sailing after the pandemic shut the global industry down in March. 

On Tuesday, the cruise line denied a family from getting back on board the MSC Grandiosa after an excursion during which MSC Cruises says they broke from the "social bubble" put in place to avoid the spread of coronavirus. The Grandiosa departed from Genoa, Italy, Sunday on what was billed as the first Mediterranean cruise after Italy’s pandemic lockdown.

"We had to deny re-embarkation to a family who broke from their shore excursion yesterday while visiting Naples, Italy," Paige Rosenthal, spokesperson for MSC Cruises, told USA TODAY Wednesday.

Among the other port calls for the Grandiosa are Palermo, Italy, and Valletta, Malta. Malta is one of four Mediterranean countries from which Italy requires incoming travelers to have COVID-19 tests.

MSC stopped the family from getting on the ship to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew on board, she explained, noting that because the group departed from the organized shore excursion, they would pose a risk to others upon getting back on the Grandiosa.

"This family broke from the 'social bubble' created for them and all other guests, and therefore could not be permitted to re-board the ship," Rosenthal said.

Organized shore excursions allow MSC to "uphold the same high standards" she said are being maintained on board. 

Some of those measures include: 

• Ensuring transportation to and from the ship is sanitary.
• Adequate space for social distancing.
• Tour guides and drivers that have undergone health screening and wear personal protective equipment.

On board MSC's ships, precautions are in place, too.

"All guests undergo a universal health screening at pre-embarkation which is comprised of as many as two phases of health screenings, all of which take place ashore prior to be considered fit for boarding," Rosenthal said. 

The first phase has three steps: temperature test, a health questionnaire review and an antigen swab test.

Any person who has a temperature is immediately denied boarding. If they pass the temperature test and have a negative antigen test, a passenger is cleared to board. 

"If positive, he or she goes for a secondary screening — in a separate dedicated area of the terminal, together with his/her traveling party — which includes an even more detailed medical screening as well as a molecular swab test," Rosenthal said. "The guest and his/her party are not cleared to go on board unless he/she tests negative. MSC Cruises provides the testing completed at the terminal."

During pre-embarkation in Genoa, five antigen swab tests came back positive. Each passenger who tested positive went through secondary testing through molecular tests. All were negative, Rosenthal said. 

Another few passengers were denied embarkation because they didn't meet boarding residency requirements. 

For now, MSC is limiting its guests to those who are residents of Europe’s 26-nation Schengen visa-free travel zone.

After the excursion, three people tested positive on an antigen swab test in Naples. Each of the passengers who tested positive are awaiting results of a secondary, molecular test that need to be completed by health authorities in Naples.

"The individuals stayed overnight in isolation for their safety and were offered the opportunity to join the ship in Palermo," Rosenthal explained, noting they instead opted to embark on the following Grandiosa cruise departing Aug. 23.

Earlier this month, the Italian government gave its approval for cruise ships to once again depart from Italy’s ports. But cruise ships are being limited to 70% capacity.

"MSC Cruises is limiting the capacity of its ships during its initial phase of restart to 70%," Rosenthal said. "And MSC Grandiosa is closer to 50% capacity for this particular sailing."

MSC said every guest and crew member on board will be given a wristband that “facilitates contactless transactions around the ship as well as providing contact and proximity tracing.”

Passengers must wear face masks in elevators and other areas where social distancing is not possible. The ship's crew spent time in quarantine before the start of the cruise.

Cruising remains on hold in U.S. waters until Nov. 1, at the earliest.

As cruising resumes:In some parts of world, multiple cruise ships affected by new COVID-19 cases

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By USA Today/A.P., Morgan Hines (August 19, 2020); Photo Credit: MSC Cruises (with permission)

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SEATTLE, WA. AUGUST 13th, 2020.  – The small boat adventure company, UnCruise Adventures, confirmed today that the majority of last week’s quarantined guests were cleared and released over the weekend. The original COVID positive guest returned home just a few days later. The company implemented a swift contingency plan and strict quarantine last week upon the news of a positive test onboard. The adventure brand immediately canceled its four subsequent sailings in Alaska for the summer. Revised news now shows all tests received back for guests and crew are negative and there was no transmission onboard. However, the season will not be recovered.

Is there a better way? UnCruise Adventures has provided some validation that there are safe sailing protocol options and continues to advocate for better testing to help save the travel industry. The company is now focused on rebooting their upcoming seasons and creating safe outdoor bubbles for travelers.

“Strict planning paid off,” says Captain Dan Blanchard, UnCruise Adventures Owner, and CEO. “We were able to act quickly, but that doesn’t mean this event has not been painful to our company and guests. Our policies held up and may be a footprint for future sailings and the industry.”

UnCruise Adventures worked in tandem with local and state officials which was an asset to the company and guests. Most guests were not required to quarantine for the expected 14 days but began departing for home on August 8th. The company has received support from the local community and the industry at large, with some criticism on being the first to return to sail this season.

The adventure brand remains resolute in its focus to educate the industry on what small boat travel is and the safe routes to follow that will help lead the industry. “We've been lobbying Congress for rapid testing that would change the game. We can all do better and are asking national leaders to work with us.” Blanchard states.

Here’s the timeline:
July 28th—Identified guest received a negative test prior to departure from home city.  
August 1st—UnCruise Adventures returns to sail and all guests with a gap of more than the 72-hour requirement were retested at the Juneau airport.
August 4th—A guest onboard received communication from the State of Alaska of a positive C-19 test retaken at the Juneau airport.  
August 4th—Contact tracing was immediately implemented by the state.
August 4th—The identified guest and four traveling companions were retested onboard the vessel by trained staff.
August 5th—The 60-person passenger vessel, the Wilderness Adventurer returned to Juneau. It was operating at a 60% occupancy cap.
August 5th—All guests were securely quarantined at a local hotel in Juneau with costs covered by UnCruise Adventures. The crew quarantined onboard the vessel.
August 6th—All guests and crew were tested.
August 7th—UnCruise Adventures received negatives results back on all tests to date.
August 7th—30 of the 36 guests were greenlighted by the State of Alaska to be released.
August 8th—Guests began flying home. 

UnCruise Adventures understands that accessible rapid COVID testing is needed across industries for businesses and tourism to return. More studies are showing that small boat sanitization is high and, in some instances, pose less of a risk of viruses than an average location that individuals visit in their local neighborhoods.

“Small businesses like ours have taken a considerable hit during COVID, and this was a big one.” Blanchard states. “We have taken proactive steps and understand our responsibility to our guests, crew, communities, and the industry. Safety remains our focus and we will continue to accelerate protocol standards.”

Earlier this year UnCruise Adventures spearheaded the small boat coalition with several other industry associates. The purpose was to educate the public and government officials on the nature of small boats and differences needed in regulation. Events like these leave small-business owners affected when full support is needed to re-ignite economies. The need for a united industry voice continues. Information updates will be made available on the company’s website and via the communications department. Find more at www.uncruise.com.

# # #

Media contact:  Liz Galloway | UnCruise Adventures lizg@uncruise.com    

About UnCruise Adventures   

UnCruise Adventures’ is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the small boat industry. They operate boutique yachts and small boats carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, Galápagos, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Guatemala, and Colombia. In 2019, UnCruise Adventures was picked as the top adventure cruise line by x. Travel & Leisure readers also named UnCruise Adventures in its World’s Best Awards and its list of top 10 small ship ocean cruise lines three years in a row. UnCruise Adventures is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the Transformational Travel Council.

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By UnCruise Adventures (Press Release, August 13, 2020); Photo Credit: UnCruise Adventures

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The first major cruise ship to set sail in the Mediterranean in almost five months has left from the Italian city of Genoa.

The MSC Grandiosa will stop at three Italian ports and the Maltese capital Valletta in a seven-day voyage.

Operator MSC Cruises, say all passengers and crew have been tested for coronavirus before boarding. 

It comes as virus cases continue to rise around Italy, with more than 600 reported by authorities yesterday.

In response, Italian authorities have ordered the closure of all dance halls and night clubs from Monday. Face masks will also be mandatory from 18:00 to 06:00 local time in public spaces where social distancing isn't possible.

MSC Cruises said it will also be operating the MSC Grandiosa at around 70% of its normal operations, with approximately 2,500 passengers onboard, to ensure safety protocols.

Its launch is seen as a first step towards rebooting an industry that generates an estimated $150bn (£114bn) for the world economy, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

For Italy, badly hit by coronavirus, it is particularly important. It ranks seventh among the cruise ship operating nations, carrying more than 800,000 passengers in 2018. 

Last week Italy's government gave permission for cruise lines to resume operations in the country from 15 August.

MSC Cruises, which operates the MSC Grandiosa, will launch another cruise from the Italian port of Bari on 29 August, but has otherwise suspended its Mediterranean cruises until mid-October.

The international cruise industry has taken huge financial losses due to the pandemic. Several carriers have also been criticised for leaving thousands of passengers stranded aboard ships in Asia and the US in the early months of the pandemic. As of 11 June, 3,047 people were infected and 73 died while aboard 48 cruise ships affiliated with CLIA, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The company said its new security protocols - including daily temperature checks for those onboard - exceed national and industry standards. But the sailing of MSC Grandiosa represents a key test for the industry amid lingering concerns over passenger safety.

At the end of July, a small Norwegian operator, Hurtigruten, was forced to suspend its newly restarted service after dozens of passengers and crew tested positive for coronavirus.

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By BBC News, (August 16, 2020); Photo Credit: MSC Cruises (with permission)

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ROSTOCK, Germany, Aug. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AIDA Cruises is planning to resume its cruise operations with the first ships from German ports at the beginning of September 2020. The prerequisite for this was the approval of the flag state Italy for the restart concepts.

The first trips from Kiel will start on September 6, 2020. The first cruises with AIDAperla to the Norwegian fjords start from Hamburg on September 12, 19 and 26, 2020.

In the coming days, AIDA Cruises will review the specific details of this decision and will work closely with all responsible authorities of the flag state Italy and the classification society in order to carefully implement the new protocols and regulations in the sense of a responsible restart on board the AIDA ships.

As the current development shows, unfortunately not in all European travel destinations the prerequisites for safe travel are given yet.

Due to the current situation, the company must extend the pause of its cruise season until September 30, 2020, except for the above-mentioned departures from Kiel (starting from September 6, 2020) and Hamburg (starting from September 12, 2020).

To AIDA Cruises it is important to provide all guests with this important information regarding their vacation. The company very much regrets that the other voyages cannot take place as planned. All guests whose cruise cannot be carried out will be informed immediately.

The company publishes detailed information on the current pause of the cruise season at www.aida.de/reisehinweis. 

According to the motto "With certainty the most beautiful vacation", AIDA Cruises provides transparent and comprehensive information regarding the expanded measures to protect against COVID-19 at www.aida.de/sichererurlaub.

SOURCE AIDA Cruises

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By prnewswire, (August 10, 2020); Photo Credit: AIDA Cruise Line

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CALABASAS, CA – July 21, 2020 – Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways continues to lead the way in river cruising, announcing today it has resumed operations in Europe with a series of charter sailings onboard AmaKristina in Germany with local guests. As the first U.S.-based river cruise line to resume sailings, the company continues to pioneer innovation in river cruising, warmly welcoming guests while implementing the newly enhanced health and safety protocols on board its award-winning ships.

“As the proud Godmother of our award-winning AmaKristina, I am honored that she was our very first river cruise ships to set sail in Europe this summer,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Although many countries continue to have travel restrictions in place, we have begun operating a series of sailings for European guests, in collaboration with an established German tour operator, e-hoi. With these sailings, we have been able to put into practice and perfect our enhanced health and safety protocols while demonstrating that travelers can enjoy our unforgettable river cruise vacations with peace of mind.”

AmaWaterways’ new procedures reflect the in-depth recommendations contained within the EU Healthy Gateways guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), IG RiverCruise, and other official authorities. The health and safety protocols are aimed to protect guests’ and crew members’ wellbeing while delivering the warm and friendly experience for which AmaWaterways is known. Based on current regulations, pre-boarding health questionnaires are required, and guests and crew are both subject to daily temperature checks. The crew has received in-depth updated training and each ship will have a designated Public Health Officer overseeing the application of these specific protocols.

While AmaWaterways’ state-of-the-art ships are spacious in their own right -- normally accommodating just 150 guests -- current regulations limit all river cruise ships to a maximum of 100 guests on board. Crews are required to wear face coverings at all times while guests must wear them only while moving around the ship. With capacity currently capped, the spacious Main restaurant and the included specialty restaurant, The Chef’s Table, easily accommodate the safe distances now required. New room service options have also been added. In addition, AmaWaterways has incorporated creative ways to accommodate social distancing not only in its lounge areas, with plexiglass dividers, but also with personal portable Quietvox commentary systems to allow guests to hear guides while social distancing during the included small-group shore excursions – many of which involve outdoor hiking and biking tours. Furthermore, AmaWaterways’ ships have been designed with fan coil individual air cooling and heating units, which eliminate any recirculation of air in staterooms or in public areas; and nearly all staterooms include fresh air balconies, letting guests relax there or on the ships’ spacious Sun Decks as they enjoy stunning views along the river.

“Since we started AmaWaterways 18 years ago, we’ve been passionate about creating luxurious, authentic and inspiring river cruises for every traveler,” continued Karst. “The personal connections and warm service experienced during an AmaWaterways river cruise remain as important as ever to us, and the new health and safety protocols just add additional peace of mind for our guests while on board.”

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By AmaWaterways (Press Release - July 21, 2020); Photo Credit: AmaWaterways

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Viking's recently announced Mississippi River cruises have proven highly anticipated, with many already sold out. As a result, the company has opened additional 2023 sailing dates to meet the strong demand.

Viking also released new renderings of the state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi, which is slated to debut in August 2022, sailing the Lower and Upper Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Paul.

The 386-guest Viking Mississippi will offer four different itineraries for 2022-23, including three eight-day sailings—America's Heartland (St. Louis to St. Paul); Heart of the Delta (New Orleans to Memphis) and Southern Celebration (New Orleans–Vicksburg–New Orleans)—and the 15-day America's Great River voyage from New Orleans to St. Paul.

Scheduled ports of call include more than a dozen destinations spanning seven U.S. states, including Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (Hannibal and St. Louis); Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing and St. Paul).

"We are very pleased with the initial response and support we have received from guests and community partners along the Mississippi River," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, in a statement accompanying Thursday's news.

"Like me, many travelers are planning ahead for when we will once again be exploring the world in comfort—to exotic destinations as well as those closer to home. We look forward to welcoming guests as we bring modern river cruising to the Mississippi River in 2022."

Viking Mississippi is currently under construction in Louisiana. Once completed, highlights will include 193 all outside staterooms ranging from 268 square feet to 1,024 square feet; a two-story Explorers' Lounge equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to an outdoor seating area at the bow; indoor/outdoor dining at River Cafe; the most alfresco dining options on the Mississippi at Aquavit Terrace; a glass-backed infinity plunge pool at the aft and a full 360-degree promenade deck, among other amenities and features.

Contact your travel advisor or visit Viking.com to book or for more information.

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By Travel Pulse, Patrick Clarke (July 2, 2020); Photo Credit: Viking Cruise Line

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MADRID – June 22, 2020 (Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD) – Cruises Investment Holding and Royal Caribbean Group (“RCL”) said they have filed for the reorganization of their Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture (“Pullmantur”, “the Company”) under the terms of Spanish insolvency laws.

Cruises Investment Holding owns 51 percent of the Spanish cruise line, while RCL owns the remaining 49 percent.

Pullmantur’s board of directors determined that the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made the action necessary. Pullmantur management notified employees of the decision after filings were made with Spanish authorities.

“Despite the great progress the Company made to achieve a turnaround in 2019 and its huge engagement and best efforts of its dedicated employees, the headwinds caused by the pandemic are too strong for Pullmantur to overcome without a reorganization,” the board stated.

The Company canceled sailings through November 15, 2020. Royal Caribbean Group said that guests already booked to sail on Pullmantur will be offered the option to sail on other RCL brands including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Pullmantur noted that details of the offer will be shared with guests in the near future.

Crew are staffed at minimum maintenance levels on Pullmantur’s three ships and the Company will take care of their safe return home.

RCL noted that all of its assets related to the Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture had been included in the non-cash asset impairment charges reported in their first quarter of 2020 results.

By Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD (Press Release 6/22/20)

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Image by Bernhard Post from Pixabay 

A Venezuelan naval boat picked and lost a fight with a passenger cruise liner off the country's northern coast this week, ramming it several times before accidentally taking on water and sinking.

The proprietors of the German-owned RCGS Resolute cruise ship said its vessel had been receiving maintenance in international waters on Tuesday morning when the armed navy boat approached it and ordered it to change direction.

The encounter escalated when, according to the company, "gun shots were fired and, shortly thereafter, the navy vessel approached the starboard side at speed with an angle of 135 degrees and purposely collided with the RCGS Resolute."

"The navy vessel continued to ram the starboard bow in an apparent attempt to turn the ship's head towards Venezuelan territorial waters," Columbia Cruise Services' statement read.

However, the RCGS Resolute is reinforced with steel plating to help it navigate through ice.

"While the RCGS Resolute sustained minor damages, not affecting vessel's seaworthiness, it occurs that the navy vessel suffered severe damages while making contact with the ice-strengthened bulbous bow of the ice-class expedition cruise vessel RCGS Resolute and started to take water," the company's statement said.

A total of 32 crew members were aboard the liner, but no passengers were.

Venezuela's navy has acknowledged the incident, though it differs in its version of events.

According to Venezuela, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Venezuelan waters, next to Isla La Tortuga. Columbia CS says it took place in International waters, near Willemsted, Curacao.

The country's defense ministry suggested the Resolute may have been carrying mercenaries ready to attack Venezuela. The nation's embattled President, Nicolas Maduro, has often accused the US government and its allies of attempting to overthrow him since much of the international community backed Juan Guaido's challenge to his presidency.

A search and rescue mission successfully retrieved the crew from the sinking patrol boat, the Venezuelan navy said in a statement.
CNN's Stefano Pozzebon and Sara Mazloumsaki contributed reporting.

By Rob Picheta, CNN
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Virgin Voyages postponed the Miami debut of its first ship, Scarlet Lady.

The Plantation-based cruise company canceled events last week in New York to sail the 2,770-passenger ship to PortMiami amid fears about COVID-19. The U.S. State Department has recommended that travelers avoid cruises because of the novel coronavirus.

"Virgin Voyages has made the decision to postpone our upcoming events in Miami to a later date for a proper launch celebration," Virgin Voyages representatives said in a statement. "We believe delaying the launch celebration is the right thing to do given public sentiment and focus at this time."

The company said there are no health issues aboard the ship, which had 850 passengers onboard for a complimentary test sailing.

Scarlet Lady was expected to begin regular sailings this month.

The debut of the adults-only shipwas five years in the making. The company, first announced in 2015 as Virgin Cruises, is backed by billionaire Branson's London-based Virgin Group and Boston-based Bain Capital Private Equity.

On other cruise lines, dozens of coronavirus cases have been confirmed on U.S.-bound ships, including the Grand Princess, which continues disembarking passengers in San Francisco after crew and passengers were tested and 21 cases were confirmed.

By Emon Reiser  – Digital Editor, South Florida Business Journal
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Big waves and high wind over weekend challenge cruise ship as it enters the Port of Palm Beach.

A cruise ship making its way home to the Port of Palm Beach from its regular Bahamas sojourn had a tricky entrance to the Lake Worth Inlet on Saturday.

Videos and photos posted on social media show the 9-deck Grand Celebration rocking in the high waves and wind that came with a cold front that swept through South Florida a day earlier. The Lake Worth Inlet is also known as the Palm Beach Inlet.

The National Weather Service in Miami said seas in the nearshore Atlantic waters were reaching 13 to 16 feet under the influence of a northerly swell.

A gale warning was in effect through Saturday morning meaning winds of 39 mph to 54 mph were occurring or expected.

Swells were high enough Saturday at Lake Worth Beach that the city closed the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier.

The Grand Celebration, which is part of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, can carry 1,900 people. It sails to Grand Bahama and Nassau.

A statement issued by Paradise Cruise Line on Tuesday acknowledged high winds and waves jostled the boat when it was entering port, but said there was no danger.

“Thanks to our skilled captain and port pilot, MV Grand Celebration docked safely with no reported impact to our passengers or crew,” the statement said. “The ship is currently sailing as scheduled to Grand Bahama Island.”

An Instangram post by Singer Island Scenes commended the operators of Grand Celebration.

“Sending kudos to the captain and port pilot!,” the Instagram note said.

The Port of Palm Beach clarified, however, that it did not take a video of the boat coming in, as mentioned in the Instagram post. Instead, that image was recorded by PTZ tv, which has a live webcam at the inlet.

By Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post
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Richard Branson is sailing into new waters with the launch of his first cruise liner, making a bold pitch to younger travelers at an undeniably awkward time for the industry.

The Virgin founder launched the Scarlet Lady on Friday, hoping its modern design and adults-only rule will prompt younger vacationers to take a fresh look at cruises.

The ship has docked at the Port of Dover in England and will enter operation in April, mainly offering trips around the Caribbean from a base in Miami.

"The Scarlet Lady is truly special and we've worked with some of the world's most sought-after designers, artists and architects to craft an extraordinary experience," Branson said as he presented the ship to the media on Friday.

But the launch comes as another liner — the Diamond Princess — reaches the end of a 14-day quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak. A total of 624 confirmed cases of the virus have been linked to the ship during its isolation in Tokyo Bay, with 79 new cases confirmed on Wednesday.

Having tested the waters of just about every other travel business over the course of his lengthy career, fixing his name to trains, planes and spaceships after initially launching Virgin as a record store, the entrepreneur says the launch of the ship marks the realization of a long-held ambition.

"I have dreamed of starting my own cruise line since I was in my 20s and I'm thrilled that moment has arrived," he said.

Branson's pursuit of young vacationers has yielded features not found on many other cruise ships: There's a stripey drinking spot called Razzle Dazzle, a Korean eatery called Geonbae and a tattoo and body piercing parlor dubbed Squid Ink.

The ship also features 78 luxury RockStar Suites. Those include 15 Mega RockStar Suites, which are further divided into Massive, Fab, Posh and Gorgeous Suites. Prices for those come in at around $19,000 per cabin, while the cheapest cabins start from around $1,600 for three- and four-day tours.

Meanwhile, Branson has been busy boasting of the liner's "most grammable spot," a dark multi-mirror room adorned with hundreds of white lights.

Putting aside fears over the coronavirus, the cruise holiday industry is picking up steam. In 2019, 30 million passengers were expected to cruise, up from 17.8 million a decade earlier, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

That rapid growth brings its own problems, however. Congestion at ports around the world has sparked complaints from locals, and the environmental impact of high-polluting ships is coming under renewed scrutiny — particularly among the younger travelers Branson is hoping to attract.

Branson touts 'a voyage like no other'
Branson is taking to the seas with a healthy tailwind behind him; shares of his Virgin Galactic venture have skyrocketed nearly 200% since the company went public last October, boosted by optimism about the company's plans to launch a commercial space service.

Forbes, in its most recent annual list of the world's billionaires, estimated Branson's net worth at $4.1 billion.

The Scarlet Lady is the first of three planned ships from Virgin Voyages, the cruising arm of Branson's empire, which he set up in late 2014. Two more are due for delivery in 2021 and 2022.

The vessel weighs 60,000 tons, according to the Virgin Voyages website.

According to the ship's builder, Fincantieri, it stretches 278 meters long and 38 meters wide. With 1,430 cabins, it will carry more than 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew.

The designers behind the suites say they called on Virgin's rock and roll heritage, with rooms featuring nods to icons including Grace Jones, and sailors can expect a retro-futurism vibe throughout the ship's accommodation. 

For customers with especially deep pockets, the Massive Suite will feature a music room stocked with guitars, an amp and a special private lookout point at the front of the ship.

It's also got a private terrace with a standing hot tub, a large "runway" table for entertaining guests and an open-air "Peek-a-View" shower that offers sea views.

And all suite guests will have access to Richard's Rooftop, an "exclusive chic outdoor lounge."

Branson is hoping to mitigate environmental concerns by banning single-use plastics aboard the ship.

He says his own business expertise has informed the project from the beginning. "The benefit of our five decades in business in so many industries is that we can offer a voyage like no other," he said in a press release on Friday.

By Rob Picheta, CNN Business
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