MSC Cruises Announces U.S. Restart Dates
Yet another cruise line has announced its plan to resume sailings from U.S. ports.
MSC Cruises is scheduled to operate two ships from Florida this summer, following CDC approval of its phase 2A port agreements for PortMiami and Port Canaveral.
MSC Meraviglia has been approved for a simulated sailing on July 17, and is scheduled to begin three and four-night Bahamas cruises on August 2 from Miami.
MSC Divina is set to resume voyages on September 16 from Port Canaveral, offering three, four, and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Passenger vaccinations will not be required on these sailings, which open for booking on June 16.
STORY: MSC Cruises Announces U.S. Restart Dates
Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals More 2021 Sailings
Norwegian Cruise Line revealed additional 2021 restart sailings from the U.S. on Monday.
- Norwegian Gem is set to begin seven-night Caribbean cruises on August 15.
- More itineraries aboard Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda have opened for sale, starting September 26.
- Norwegian Escape is set to begin Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral on November 13.
- In October, Norwegian Bliss will begin Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles.
- Norwegian Encore is set to replace Norwegian Bliss for seven-night cruises to Alaska starting in August.
In the announcement, Norwegian also said it’s sticking to its vaccination mandate that runs through October, despite the ongoing issue with Florida’s ban on businesses requiring it.
STORY: Norwegian Cruise Line Announces More U.S. Restart Plans
Texas Bans Vaccine Passports, Carnival Appears Unworried
And finally we turn to the state of Texas, where Carnival Cruise Line has just announced a return to vaccinated cruising from Galveston.
Texas governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation that prohibits any business operating in the state from requiring so-called “vaccine passports” or asking for information about a customer’s vaccination status.
However, in a statement to Cruise Radio, a spokesperson from Carnival Cruise Line said, “We are evaluating the legislation recently signed into law in Texas regarding vaccine information. The law provides exceptions for when a business is implementing COVID protocols in accordance with federal law, which is consistent with our plans to comply with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines.”
Two Carnival ships are scheduled to set off from Galveston for the first time in 16 months beginning July 3 with Carnival Vista, followed by Carnival Breeze on July 15.
STORY: Despite Texas Vaccine Law, Carnival Cruise Line Set to Sail Out of Galveston