CDC Drops Testing Requirements For Americans Reentering The U.S.

The CDC is ending its requirement for guests to have a negative COVID-19 test for Americans who are reentering the U.S. after traveling aboard.

Previously, guests had to have a negative test within 24 hours of their return to the United States, causing vacationers to cancel their plans over stress about being quarantined in a foreign country for five to 10 days.

Speaking on the news, Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line president, said “This is exciting news for Holland America Line and our guests as we complete our return to service this week with all 11 ships in our fleet back in operations. It removes a barrier to travel for some guests who understandably wanted to avoid the uncertainty of return testing.”

STORY: CDC Lifts COVID Testing Requirement For International Travelers

Carnival Freedom Sails Again After Funnel Fire

It’s back to sea for Carnival Freedom after spending the last two weeks being repaired after its signature funnel caught fire while dock in Freeport, Bahamas.

The return cruise left Port Canaveral on Saturday afternoon, with the ship sporting a bit of a different look. Since the fire melted the starboard wing of the funnel, the other side of the funnel was removed.. giving it a bit of an odd look for a Carnival ship.

Freedom sails four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and eastern Caribbean from central Florida.

First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Completes Sea Trials

And finally after six delays, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection may finally enter service.

The 298-guest Evrima just completed sea trails and is now in the final stages of construction. The ship will sail from Greece starting in August.

Cruising is a new sector for Ritz-Carlton; it currently operates 108 luxury hotels and resorts in 30 countries.

STORY: First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Completes Sea Trials

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