Norwegian Cruise Line Adjusts Protocols
For the first time since restarting, Norwegian Cruise Line will now be allowing unvaccinated kids under 5 to sail effective March 1. The vaccine requirement remains in place for all guests 5 and older.
On the same date, mask wearing will once again become optional. Since the line was sailing fully vaccinated, it restarted with no mask requirement. However, a surge in the Omicron variant caused the line to change its rules and require masks indoors.
And as previously announced, Norwegian will also be requiring proof of a negative test taken within 2 days of sailing out of a U.S. port starting March 1. Prior to March, all guests are given a COVID test at the terminal prior to boarding.
STORY: Norwegian Makes Mask Wearing Optional, Changes Vaccine Policy
Cunard Announces Name of Next Ship
Cunard has announced the name of its next ship — Queen Anne.
The vessel will be Cunard’s 249th ship in total, and the fourth in its current fleet which includes Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.
When Queen Anne debuts, it will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard has four ships at sea.
The vessel will be part of the Pinnacle class, which currently includes Holland America’s Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam.
Bookings open this May, and the ship is scheduled to debut in early 2024.
STORY: Cunard Announces Name of Fourth ‘Queen’ Cruise Ship
Cayman Islands Discusses Cruise Resumption
Last week, Cayman Islands officials met with cruise line executives to discuss how ships can resume sailing to Grand Cayman. Topics discussed include the feasibility of testing before disembarking the ship and making Grand Cayman the first port of call on itineraries that stop there.
According to the territory’s tourism minister, Grand Cayman is ready to welcome ships again as soon as protocols and arrangements can be worked out.
Currently, the Cayman Islands has a ban on cruise ships through February 28, 2022.
STORY: Cayman Islands Discusses Return of Ships With Cruise Execs
