Cruises around the world are now resumed. The dates are shifting a bit but the ships continue to operate and the numbers are rising. This is a sign the cruise industry has returned to full swing. The majority of these ships will sail into 2021, even though some may not be able to sail for longer periods.
Many of the big players are already returning to service, but not all of them are ready to reclaim their previous high-seas glory. There are many smaller ships that are returning to intracoastal waterways or river cruises.
Holland America will be one of the first lines to reopen. The line will reopen Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and San Diego (California) ports of call in mid June. Princess Cruises has announced plans to resume its Alaska sailings in late July. American Cruise Lines has reopened its Mississippi River cruises, and expanded its intracoastal waterways to Georgia and South Carolina. Royal Caribbean has also announced that it will open its Seattle, Washington and Nassau (Bahamas) ports in early Juni.
AmaWaterways Douro Cruises, which resume sailings on July 3, are other notable restarts. Lindblad Expeditions has announced that it will resume sailings to the Galapagos islands in June. Azamara will also be returning to Greece with intensive voyages to Greece from Piraeus.
However, 2020 is the year when things will truly return to normal. Norwegian Cruise Line's entire fleet is not expected to resume service until late August. The company has filed a lawsuit against the United States government over a vaccine passport ban, which would have required cruise passengers to carry their vaccination documents in their carry-on luggage. The company has since added cruises to U.S. waterways such as the Mississippi and the Seine in France.
Cunard Line has announced that its Queen Elizabeth ship will resume UK domestic cruises in early July. The line also announced the restart of its Rhine River cruises. This will be followed with its European departures.
Several other start up cruise lines have been revealed, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. These lines specialize in luxury adventures. They are also affiliated to the RitaeCarlton Hotel Group.
Another important milestone has been the announcement of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which was signed into law on May 25. The act allows cruise lines to reopen their operations from Seattle, Washington. Although only a limited number of ships can be operated from the port, most cruise lines will have to wait at least until June to enjoy the effects.
The Canadian government recently announced a ban on cruises with over 100 passengers, though a few of the bigger ships were already sailing in the country. P&O Cruises extended its suspension. It is preparing to implement safety measures that will allow it to safely operate when the time comes.
There is still much to do and see in the cruise industry, despite the restrictions. A variety of vessels are scheduled to return to service, including the Grand Classica, which is the largest ship to be deployed in the US since the Titanic.
FAQ
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise?
A passport is necessary to travel all over the world. It lets you visit any country without requiring visas or any other paperwork.
You might not be allowed into certain countries if you don't have a passport. A passport allows you to stay longer while traveling abroad.
Do I have to dress up for a cruise or not?
You don't have to dress up or wear anything extravagant. Just be comfortable and ready to relax.
When should I book my cruise?
It depends on where you are travelling to. Generally speaking, it is better to book your cruise first because this gives you more flexibility in terms of dates. For example, if you know you will be going to Europe during the summer months, you could plan a cruise around those dates. To avoid paying high season prices, book your cruise if you're going to Asia or South America.
Which type of cabin should I choose?
Think about the space you need when choosing a cabin. Is it okay to share a bathroom with someone else? Or would you rather have a private bathroom? Do you find noise essential? Are you more likely to be in the dining area than in your stateroom? Also, think about whether you want a balcony or an interior view. Balconies provide more space, but can sometimes make it noisy. Interior views are generally quieter than balconies.
What should I do on my cruise?
You can choose to travel to different ports of calling if this is something you are interested. These details can also be used to help you narrow down your search. For instance, if you love history, you might want a cruise that visits places such as Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, England, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, etc. A cruise that includes places such as Jamaica and Tahiti can be a good choice if you're more into water sports and beaches.
Statistics
- If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, adding up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. (travel.usnews.com)
- *20% Gratuities Apply on Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. (ncl.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
- For an example of savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. (travel.usnews.com)
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How To
How to book cruises
The best way to book a cruise is through a travel agency. A travel agency can help you book the cruise, arrange your accommodation and flight, deal with insurance questions, and make payment arrangements. You will be taken care of by the agent throughout the entire process to ensure that you get the best deal.
There are many ways you can save money. Some prefer to purchase their tickets directly at the cruise line. You can compare the prices of different offers and check them out against what you would have paid if you had booked through a travel agency. Another option is to use CruiseCompare.com which is a specialist online price comparison site. You can fill in your details and view the prices from the companies you choose. After you have found the right one, you can make a booking.
If you're willing to do some research, there are other options. If you are looking for a package deal that includes flights and accommodation, an internet-based company might be able to help you. You can find many websites that offer packages like these.
You can also ask your friends and family about their experiences with different lines of cruise ships. They might be able offer their opinion on the suitability and cost of a particular cruise.