Azamara to Drop Vaccination and Testing Requirements For All Guests
Azamara has announced that starting December 1, it will be dropping its vaccination requirement for cruises in the Caribbean and Europe.
And regardless of vaccination status, guests will not be required to present a negative COVID test result to sail – the first cruise line to not require tests from those who don’t have the vaccine.
Currently, Azamara is sailing with a vaccine mandate, but testing is not required.
These new changes are dependent upon local regulations in the destinations on the itinerary.
STORY: Azamara Drops Testing & Vaccine Mandate For All Guests on Most Sailings
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Coca-Cola Partnership
After Coke products were spotted on Norwegian Prima earlier this week, the cruise line announced they’ve inked a deal with Coco-Cola, ditching the Pepsi Company partnership they’ve had for the past 13 years.
By the end of 2022, Coke will be the official soft drink of Norwegian Cruise Line. Maybe they’ll get one of those Freestyle Coke machines where you can try all 127 flavors.
Earlier this week when we asked NCL about Coke products being spotted, they told us to stay tuned for an announcement.
STORY: Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Partnership With Coca-Cola
Princess Cruises Offering Chance to Bid on a Cabin
Starting Tuesday, Princess Cruises is giving you the chance to bid on a stateroom. As we first reported last week, guests can now bid to upgrade to a higher category of stateroom using the Princess Upgrade Program.
This works along the same lines as Royal Caribbean’s Royal UP or NCL’s Upgrade Advantage bidding program where you can bid for a better room at a price you’re comfortable with.
Keep in mind that the booking must be paid in full in order to bid, it’s based on double occupancy (so if you’re sailing solo keep that in mind), and if you do not get the upgrade, you will not be charged.
While this isn’t for everyone, it can be compared to the airline reservation system where you buy a base ticket and for a better seat.
STORY: Princess Cruises Introducing Stateroom Upgrade Bidding Program
Carnival Introduces Its First Hard Seltzers
Carnival’s getting into the hard seltzer business. The line has introduced its first two hard seltzers, which are available in 12 ounce cans.
The ThirstyFrog Piña Colada flavor has hints of pineapple and coconut, while the Berry Hibiscus features berry and hibiscus flavors.
The vodka-based drinks are part of the Carnival Brews product line, which includes Carnival’s ThirstyFrog and ParchedPig branded beers. They’re now available fleetwide.
STORY: Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Its First Hard Seltzers, Now Available Fleetwide