Norwegian Airs New ‘Embark’ Episode
Norwegian Cruise Line outlined some of its new embarkation and dining protocols on its newly launched docuseries called Embark that aired last week.
At embarkation, online check-in will be mandatory with every guest having their pulse, temperature, and blood oxygen level checked before walking on the ship. The cruise line will also be implementing facial recognition. The new process is said to cut the embarkation time in half.
As for the buffet, the line’s VP Food and Beverage Operations Wes Cort says “It’s not going to be like you’re going into a medical ward with people wearing hazmat suits. We’ll have all the variety we enjoyed before and we’ll provide that little bit of extra service. I think we’re taking the buffet to another level.”
Norwegian is still awaiting a response from The CDC; they submitted a restart plan on April 5 to start sailing on July 5.
You can catch the episode at NCLEmbark.com.
STORY: New Series Focuses on Pain of Cruise Shutdown, Excitement of Planned Return
Holland America Introduces Nearly All-Inclusive Package
Is Holland America the next cruise line inching towards all-inclusive pricing? Late last week, the company announced a new premium fare option for cruises six days or longer.
For $99 per day, the “Have It Your Way” package includes one shore excursion, a signature beverage package, one specialty dining meal for all guests in the cabin, and wifi.
However, gratuities are not included in the new package and will still be paid separately.
Last November, Celebrity Cruises announced that moving forward, it will be eliminating drink packages in favor of pricing that includes beverages, daily gratuities, and free wifi.
STORY: Another Cruise Line Moves Closer to All-Inclusive Pricing
CDC Advises Against Fleeing Volcano Via Cruise Ship
And finally, in an attempt to control even more lives, a message from the CDC to the stranded US residents escaping a volcano on the island of St. Vincent, says that the agency advises against cruise ship travel. With planes not able to fly because of the ash, boarding a ship was the only way off the island.
Celebrity Reflection was docked at the island over the weekend to pick up residents and take them to St. Maarten to flee the erupting volcano. Every guest had to get tested before embarkation.
The alert from the US Embassy ended by saying “U.S. citizens who decide not to depart St. Vincent should be prepared to shelter in place for an undetermined amount of time. There are currently no future plans for other transit opportunities.”
