Tag: Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruise Company Cancellations by Line – and planned resumption dates – Updated

6c48d337c891d77b7d7dd27f234881e5It was announced yesterday that all CLIA ocean-going cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from U.S. ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the U.S. Government continue to address COVID-19.

A number of cruise lines had already announced the suspension of cruise operations prior to the announcement from CLIA and following the unprecedented announcement by Princess Cruises earlier this week.

What follows is a list of all cruise lines and links to their announcements and planned resumption dates (in alphabetical order).

I will try and keep the post upated as the situaion changes and more announcements are made.

List of all lines suspended cruise operations

AIDA Cruises

AIDA Cruises has cancelled all cruises until early April 2020

Amawaterways

AmaWaterways cancelled all river cruises in Europe and Asia until 25th April 2020 (including April 26, 2020 aboard AmaCerto)

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways has cancelled all cruises until 30th April 2020.

Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara has cancelled all cruises in the United States are suspended for 30 days beginning midnight 13th March. Currently all international cruises will operate on their scheduled itineraries.

Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises has suspended all cruises  until 1st May 2020

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV)

Cruise and Maritime Voyages has suspended all cruises until 24th April 2020

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has suspended cruises in the United States for 30 days beginning midnight on 13th March. Currently all international cruises will operate their scheduled itineraries.

Costa Cruises 

Costa Cruises has cancelled all cruises until 30th April 2020. (updated 5/3)

CroisiEurope All cruises postponed until 15th April (updated 16th march)

Cunard

Cunard cancelled all cruises until 11th April, with all three ships now due to return to the UK.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line from 14th March all cruises have been cancelled until end March 2020.

Dream Cruises

Dream Cruises announced a voluntary suspension of all cruises ex Singapore onboard Genting Dream from 23rd February, 2020 until 27th March, 2020.

Update 25/3

Explorer Dream Australian program of cruise itineraries cancelled between 8th October 2020 and 21st February 2021

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has cancelled all cruises through to the und of May 2020.

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways has cancelled all cruises until 1st May 2020.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line announced a voluntary suspension of all cruises around the world for 30 days commencing 13th March 2020.

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten announces that all Norwegian coast operations are suspended until 18th April, and all international expedition sailings are cancelled through April 28th. (updated 18th March)

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has cancelled all cruises departing from Miami from 14th March through to 30th April 2020.

MSC Cruises confirms that all cruises operation will be suspended, all cruises that are currently sailing will do so through the end of their itineraries. (updated 18th March)

Marella Cruises

Marrella Cruises have cancelled all cruises until 28th March 2020.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled all cruises until 11th April 2020.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises have cancelled all cruises until 11th April 2020.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has cancelled all cruises until 11th April 2020.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean commencing 13th March all cruises in the United States have been suspended for 30 days. The line also has a number of restrictions for passengers who have certain passports or visited certain countries.

Update: 25/3

“Today, March 24th, we have decided to extend our voluntary suspension until May 11th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations for most of our ships on May 12th, 2020. Because of announced port closures, there are other itineraries we will be suspending.

• Ships sailing out of Singapore, and ships sailing through Canada have all been impacted differently due to port closures.

◦ Canadian ports will remain closed until July 1st, 2020.

◦ The Port of Singapore will remain closed through May 2020.”

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gaugin has cancelled all cruises until 11th April 2020.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises The line has cancelled all cruises until 11th April (updated 16th March)

Aurora is currently returning early from a Norwegian Fjords cruise, and due Southampton 16th March instead of instead of  23rd March. Staff onboard have been advised that she will not be sailing for 2-3 weeks so expecting a further announcement in due course.

Ventura passengers booked on the next cruise (N004) an 11 night cruise to Spain and Portugal have been advised that it has been cancelled and have been offered a future cruise credit of 125% on any cruises booked before 31st December 2021.

Phoenix Reisen

Phoenix Reisen has announced cancellations for 4 of it 5 is ocean going ships through to April/May 2020.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions has not advised of any cancellations as yet but has implemented extra precautions and health screening for passengers and crew.

River Cruises (except Nile):

As things are changing rapidly the line has announced it will make further announcements  Monday, March 16th, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. regarding all river trips up to and including April 14th, 2020.

River trips to China, Vietnam and Cambodia have been cancelled.

Ponant

Ponant has not advised of any cancellations as yet but has implemented extra precautions and a ban on any guest or crew member one who falls into following categories:

1. Who passed through China (including Macao and Hong Kong), South Korea, Iran and Italy (even a transit airport) 30 days prior to embarkation.
2. Presenting with a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) at the time of embarkation and who passed through Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan (even a transit airport) in the last 30 days.
3. Who arrives with a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) and who is considered a risk by the company’s medical team. The risk will be assessed in line with our protocol for reviewing the information provided in the compulsory health questionnaire, associated symptoms, recently frequented geographic areas, etc.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has suspended all cruise operations for all 18 ships in the fleet until 10th May 2020.

Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises has cancelled all ocean cruises until 1st May 2020.

Scenic River Cruises

Scenic River Cruises has suspended all cruise operations until 30th April 2020.

Silversea

Silversea has amended itineraries due to the closure of Italian ports. and also has restrictions on guests who have traveled from, visited or transited through airports in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, South Korea and specific areas of Italy (the affected cities within Lombardy and Veneto region) within 15 days of their voyage embarkation, regardless of nationality, will not be allowed to board any of its vessels. Guests who are denied boarding will be issued a full cash refund.

Star Cruises (Hong Kong)

Star Cruises has implemented a number of precautionary measures and extra health screening for guests.

TUI (Mein Schiff)

TUI Mein Schiff brand has amended itineraries as a result of Spanish ports being closed.

Uniworld

Uniworld has cancelled all cruises until 23rd April 2020.

Viking Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises all ocean and river cruises have been cancelled until 1st May 2020.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has announced it is postponing the inaugural Showcase Tour which will now begin on 15th July 2020, with the Maiden Voyage taking place on 7th August 2020.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises has announced that all cruises have been cancelled until 11th April 2020.

This is an unprecedented time for the whole cruise and travel industry and its a situation that is constantly evolving. I will update this post as things change with the lines.

Thank you for taking the time to red my latest post.

Continue reading Cruise Company Cancellations by Line – and planned resumption dates – Updated

Five things I loved about Norwegian Encore plus one I didn’t!

Norwegian Encore is a fitting name for the fourth and final ship in Norwegian Cruise Lines successful breakaway-plus class. She was launched last week, and I was invited on her preview cruise from Bremerhaven to Southampton to get a taste of what she has to offer.

Ahead of her arrival in New York today and my full ship review here are the five things I loved about the ship and one I didn’t!

5 things I love about Norwegian Encore

Largest race track at sea

The first race track at sea was introduced in 2017 on Norwegian Joy, the following year Norwegian Bliss followed with a longer 1,000 feet track and once again the track has been increased in length on Norwegian Encore. At  a whopping 1,100 feet long the Norwegian Encore Speedway holds the record for the longest race track at sea. The track loops around over two storeys and now includes two sections which extend 13 feet over both sides of the ship. As with the previous track on Joy and Bliss there is a viewing gallery which is covered on Encore and gets you up close to the racing action but in a new addition spectators can now fire a laser at the cars to give them a turbo boost.

Encore Speedway (1)

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Encore Speedway

Observation Lounge

Originally debuted on Norwegian Joy, the observation lounge is an amazing public space and more akin to the luxury haven area also found on these ships. The 20,000-square foot space is located forward above the bridge, which on the last three Breakaway-plus ships has been lowered in order to accommodate it. Spanning the forward section on decks 15 and 16 the area was designed primarily for taking in the wonderful views of Alaska, but no matter where you are cruising you will be wowed by the beautifully elegant décor as you walk through, only for your breathe to be taken away by the floor to ceiling windows and wonderful view. The huge lounge is the perfect place to grab breakfast in the morning avoiding the buffet crowds, enjoy that mid morning coffee while reading a book or your favorite cruise blog! In the evening its the prefect pre-dinner drinks venue, due to its small bar and no live music.

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The elegant Observation Lounge

The District Brewhouse

The District brewhouse is an adults only venue designed in partnership with Miami’s  Wynwood Brewing Company. It features its own its own keg room which is visible behind a glass wall and if you like craft beers this is the place for you with over 50 different bottled and 22 draft beers to choose from plus hand-crafted speciality cocktails are also available. During your cruise you can even get a list of the different beers to try that and the bartender will happily tick them off for you!

The Waterfront

I am a fan of promenade a deck, and so many modern ships don’t incorporate them anymore. For me there is nothing better than looking out to sea while sat outside enjoying your favorite food, drink and company. And this is why I love the waterfront, and both the breakaway and breakaway-Plus class ships feature this quarter mile oceanfront promenade, with many of the bars and restaurants having an outside area along the waterfront.

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The Waterfront

Single use plastics ditched!

So anyone that knows me or reads my blog will be aware that the environment is of great importance to me. And one area I am very keen on is the single-use plastics issue. I am personally trying to reduce my families single use plastics usage at home and it frustrates me that when I step onboard many cruise ships there is still so many of these items being used. But things are changing, as part of the companies Sail & Sustain initiative in 2018 the line removed all plastic straws from its fleet of 16 ships and starting with Norwegian Encore it is eliminating all single-use plastic bottles, totaling round 6 million bottles per year. Instead, Norwegian will stock water from the Jaden Smith-founded company JUST. 

The JUST water cartons are made from paper, while the cap and shoulder are made from a sugarcane-based plastic, whats more the cartons are refillable and recyclable.

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Just water cartons in the cabins

 

So those were five things I loved about Norwegian Encore, it wasn’t an easy choice but these were firm favorites for me.

No vegan options!

Unfortunately there was one area that did disappoint me, and it may actually dissuade me from cruising on Encore or with Norwegian in the future which is a shame, and that was the lack of vegan options in the restaurants.

On the two nights I was on board my restaurants were pre-chosen for me as it was a press trip. The first was Q Smoke House and the second was Ocean Blue. On the first night I tried the smoke house but unsurprisingly there was not a vegan option and I ended up with fries and a sweet potato jacket with salad! On the second night I spoke to the restaurant in advance and was told that they don’t cater for vegetarians or vegans. So that night I ate at the Manhatten Lounge which is a beautiful venue and from the food and décor you would think it was be a specialty restaurant but it isnt, along with Savor and Taste its the equivalent of a main dining room with all three venues sharing the same menu. Although there were vegetarian options which were clearly marked there weren’t any vegan options, and alot of the veggy options came with cheese! Luckily our table had a very helpful waitress who was only to happy to help and thanks to her I enjoyed a specially made salad as a starter, followed by pasta, and for dessert I enjoyed sorbet and a surprise chocolate gateau which wasn’t on the menu but when I enquired both were actually vegan although not marked as such.

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My point is that while I have no problem that not every restaurant has a vegan option, vegan passengers should be able to find something suitable on the menu in at least one of the restaurants be it the MDR or buffet.

Overall I have to say I loved the ship, I love the decor on this class of ship and find them very easy to find may way around and really like the large children’s areas which are som of the largest I’ve seen on any ship. If I knew that I could easily find vegan dining options onboard I wouldn’t hesitate to book a cruise and it’s something I will be looking into further.

Are you due to cruise on Norwegian Encore? I would love to hear your thoughts.

My full Norwegian Encore ship review coming soon.

As always thank you for taking the time to read my latest post.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Partners with JUST® Goods, Inc. to Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Bottles Across Fleet

Norwegian will be the First Major Global Cruise Company to Become Plastic Bottle Free by January 1, 2020

Miami, FL, US – Sep 25, 2019

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Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a 52-year history of breaking boundaries, today announced another first as a result of its partnership with JUST® Goods, Inc., which will enable the Cruise Line to replace all single-use plastic bottles across its fleet by January 1, 2020, beginning with its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore. 

Over Six Million Plastic Bottles to Be Eliminated Each Year

The decision is the latest sustainable step forward for Norwegian Cruise Line. In 2018, the Company eliminated single-use plastic straws across its 16-ship fleet and private destinations, and as a result of this most recent initiative, it will replace over six million single-use plastic bottles every year. These efforts are driven by the Company’s Sail & Sustain Environmental Program which is its commitment to minimize waste to landfills, reduce its CO2 emissions rate, increase sustainable sourcing and invest in emerging technologies.

“We are a leading Company – one that is in the business of creating memorable experiences for our guests,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It is imperative that we take meaningful steps to preserve our oceans and the destinations we visit. Partnering with JUST is one of my proudest moments as the head of our pioneering brand. This latest effort – the elimination of single-use plastic bottles across our fleet – is just the latest environmentally responsible action we are taking to reduce our footprint and encourage others to protect our natural resources. While we are aware that this is just the beginning of what we and others need to do to be good stewards of our environment, we are committed to our Sail & Sustain initiatives and will continue to innovate for the overall benefit of the planet and its future.”

Envisioned and founded by American rapper, songwriter, actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an innovative approach to sourcing and packaging the world’s most valued resource – water.  The revolutionary company focuses on an impact model, taking into consideration both how the water is sourced and packaged. JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton is made of 82% renewable materials – the paper carton is made from trees grown in responsibly-managed forests and the cap and shoulder are made from a sugarcane-based plastic. It is refillable and recyclable. JUST has a global presence with bottling facilities in Glenn Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern Ireland; and Ballarat, Australia, thus allowing the company to meet demand around the world without shipping water from a single production source. JUST takes care to use the most efficient shipping options available.

“It’s critical that businesses take a leading role in efforts to lighten the impact we have on our planet,” said JUST Goods, Inc. CEO Ira Laufer. “We created JUST to do just that – to be a better option in a category that has created a lot of the damage and continues to do so.  The JUST team couldn’t be happier to now share this goal with our partner, Norwegian Cruise Line. We’re deeply appreciative of Norwegian’s commitment that’s so similar to ours – the Company is pushing the boundaries of what’s always been done because it knows we all need to do better.  We’re thrilled to be taking steps in the right direction alongside NCL.”

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, visit www.ncl.com.

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Norwegian Encore Image Meyer Werft

I like to cover the environmental side of the cruise industry in my blog so am pleased to see this announcement from another big cruise line. I am especially please to see that the change will be debuted onboard Norwegian Encore as I will be onboard for her preview cruise in October so be sure to follow my social channels.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post

Meyer Werft due to float out Norwegian Encore – plus 5 things to love about the final Breakaway-plus ship

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Norwegian Encore Image: Meyer Werft

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft has announced that Norwegian Encore is due to leave  the covered building dock no.II on Saturday 17th August 2019 subject to weather conditions on the day.

Norwegian Encore is the latest breakaway-plus class ship being constructed for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Providing weather conditions on the day are good the operation will start around 8 a.m. Once Norwegian Encore has left the dock, it will berth at the shipyard’s out-fitting pier to be fitted with its funnel cladding. The ship will then remain in the shipyard port for further out-fitting work and on-board trials until its passage through the river Ems up to the North Sea, which is expected to take place end of September.

Norwegian Encore is the thirteenth ship built for NCL at Papenburg, and is the fourth and final ship in the Breakaway-Plus class which comprises of Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss.

Once delivered Encore will sail on a two night inaugural cruise from Bremerhaven to Southampton arriving on 2nd November. Later the same day same day she will head across the Atlantic for Miami with a stop at Ponta Degada in the Azores before arriving at her home port 13th November where she will offer week-long Caribbean cruises departing every Sunday.

 An Encore to Norwegian Bliss !

In 2018 I was invited on board the inaugural cruise of the previous ship Norwegian Bliss as she sailed from Bremerhaven to Southampton.And I am so excited to reveal that once again I will be one of the first to step on board and sample what Norwegian Encore has to offer as I have been invited on the inaugural cruise at the end of October. I hope to bring you everything new and exciting she has to offer.

So to wet your appetite………

5 Things to Love About Norwegian Encore

 

The biggest race track at sea

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Originally introduced on Norwegian Joy and improved on each of the following ships the racetrack on board Norwegian Encore will have a length of 1,150ft. The extended track will feature  10 turns including 4 that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship. There will also be a covered viewing area where fellow passengers can watch the race. In addition, the people watching can provide drivers with some extra speed using a laser system to tag go-karts with a temporary speed boost!

I was lucky enough to try out the go-karts on board Norwegian Bliss and they were such fun…. whats more I even won my race! so the enlarged track will be awesome!!

Immersive Galaxy Pavilion

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The Galaxy Pavilion on board Norwegian Encore is set to be one of the most interactive and technologically advanced spaces at sea. First debuted on Norwegian Joy, the pavilion is being re-envisioned by the cruise line. This 10,000 square foot family-friendly area will feature a variety of virtual reality experiences suitable for all and among the known attractions are a driving simulator, two dark ride simulators, and a virtual reality maze. With all of these new features, this indoor venue is sure to be very popular with cruisers of all ages.

Enhanced Laser Tag

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One of the popular on board activities on Norwegian Bliss is the laser tag. On board Norwegian Encore, the cruise line has taken this concept and enhanced it with digital technology, based around the resurrected lost city of Atlantis. The enlarged outdoor arena will see augmented reality as part of each game. Players will wear virtual reality headsets, and while avoiding being targeted by opponents, cruisers will also have to be wary of “digital” obstacles which adds a new element and makes this game unlike anything else at sea and an epic battle for the whole family to enjoy.

Your favorite venue’s

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The stunning observation lounge onboard Norwegian Bliss © Andrew McAlpine

Along with all these and more new features, Norwegian Encore will feature many of the popular venues and amenities found on earlier Breakaway-Plus ships. These include the  quarter-mile oceanfront promenade promenade where a number of bars and eateries can be found, the Observation Lounge on Deck 15 which was my favorite venue on board Norwegian Bliss. The “ship within a ship” Haven area, together with a variety of complimentary and specialty dining. plus a full-service Starbucks for those coffee lovers, although personally I prefer Costa Coffee!!

New Shows

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Winner of six Tony Awards, Kinky Boots is now exclusively on Norwegian Encore. Based on true events, This Broadway production will feature original music from Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper and will be a 90-minute show in the main theatre. Also featured will be the West End show choir of Man which debuted on Norwegian Escape.

Are you planning to cruise on board Norwegian Encore? What is your favorite new feature feel free to drop me a line and let me know.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog