Royal Caribbean Closes New Bookings on Cruises Through Early January
Royal Caribbean has closed new bookings for all cruises sailing through early January in light of the evolving health situation.
In a statement, the line said “Cruises departing through early January 2022 are unavailable to new reservations because our ships will continue sailing with a limited capacity to accommodate physical distancing. These sailings were removed from our website as we’ve done with previous cruises in 2021.”
This comes after the line announced stricter indoor mask requirements for all passengers regardless of vaccination status, and temporarily banned smoking in its casinos.
STORY: Royal Caribbean Closes Bookings to Reduce Capacity Following Outbreaks
Three More Ships Resume Cruising
Three more ships resumed passenger cruising on Thursday.
Royal Caribbean returned to the Port of Baltimore with its ship Enchantment of the Seas, which is beginning a series of Bahamas and Caribbean voyages.
Norwegian Pearl welcomed guests back onboard in Miami, kicking off a season of Bahamas, Caribbean, and Panama Canal voyages.
And Holland America’s Zuiderdam set sail from San Diego on a 10-night Sea of Cortez cruise. Following the holiday cruise, Zuiderdam will begin a short series of 14-night Panama Canal cruises between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.
STORIES: Royal Caribbean Resumes Cruises From Baltimore & Norwegian Pearl Resumes Cruising From Miami & Another Holland America Ship Resumes Cruising From San Diego
Viking Takes Delivery of First Expedition Ship
Viking took delivery of its first expedition ship, Viking Octantis, on Wednesday during a ceremony at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Norway.
On Thursday, the ship set sail for South America, where it will then prepare to welcome passengers for its first voyages to Antarctica in January. In April, the ship will be officially named and christened in New York City before making her way to the Great Lakes for the spring and summer.
A second identical ship, Viking Polaris, is scheduled to debut in August.
STORY: Viking Takes Delivery of First Expedition Cruise Ship
