After pandemic lockout of more than two years, New Zealand is fully opening its borders starting from 11:59 p.m. on July 31, with cruise ships allowed to come back to ports on the same day. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the news today adding that the opening of New Zealand to the world is two months earlier than the previous time frame.
AIDAaura the 12th ship in the AIDA Cruises fleet started the summer season with voyages to Great Britain, Greenland and Northern France. On May 7, the cruise ship set sail from Hamburg on a 14-day voyage to Scotland and Ireland. In addition to impressive nature adventures on the Scottish islands, guests can expect a two-day stay in Kilibegs (Ireland) and Dublin.
MSC Cruises announced this year’s program of shore excursions will have its focus on minimizing the impact of land-based tours and supporting nature-friendly activities. Low carbon footprint excursions will include 150 bicycle tours available in 21 countries - which are growing in popularity among the line’s guests - and more sustainable shore excursions called ‘Protectours’ that MSC Cruises first introduced in 2020 will be available.
After a pause of more than two years, Holland America Line Oosterdam resumed cruise operations this Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Port Trieste, Italy. Ms Oosterdam is the ninth HAL ship back into service that departed on a 12-day Holy Lands and Ancient Kingdoms cruise includeing an overnight stay at the port of Haifa and additional ports in Israel and Greece.
Celebrity Cruises announced cancellations of two Alaska sailings aboard the Celebrity Eclipse. Just two weeks before setting sail, guests on the 7-night round trip Alaska Hubbard Glacier sailing from Vancouver have been notified that their cruise must be cancelled due to marine growth on the ship's hull.
Norwegian Prima will host Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson.
May 5 was a historical day for the port of Palma de Mallorca, with the signing of an agreement to limit the number of cruise ships by 2026. The popular cruise destination in the Balearic Islands will allow no more than three cruise ships per day with a limit to one mega cruise ship with over 5,000 passengers. For the current year, four ships a day may be in port for a maximum of eighteen days during the year.
Princess Cruises announced that Crown Princess, Island Princess, and Royal Princess are returning to guest operations. This turning point marks the add-up of 12 ships out of 15 in Princess Cruises fleet, or 80 percent of the cruise line's capacity.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday updates of its ongoing health and safety program for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters.
