Disney Receives Simulated Cruise Approval
Disney Cruise Line is the next cruise company to receive approval from the CDC to begin test sailings. The first simulated voyage will be a two-night cruise aboard Disney Dream from Port Canaveral on June 29.
Disney is the third line to receive approval for the simulated sailings, following Royal Caribbean and Carnival last week.
The volunteer participants onboard will be Disney employees.
STORY: Disney Cruise Line Approved For Test Sailings Starting This Month
Spain to Welcome Cruise Ships Again
The transport ministry of Spain has announced that cruise ships are once again allowed to dock in the country starting June 7.
Spain’s maritime authorities approved reopening due to falling COVID-19 rates and an increase in vaccinations. Cruise ships were banned in June last year.
In related news, MSC Cruises announced that it will be building a new terminal at the Barcelona Port, which will have shoreside power capabilities for equipped ships that dock there.
The new terminal is set to open in 2024.
Queen Mary Faces Flooding — Or Worse
Let’s turn to Long Beach, California, where the historic ocean liner Queen Mary is docked.
With its operator bankrupt and critical repair work left undone, the Queen Mary is in danger of flooding — or even capsizing — at its home in Long Beach.
Launched in 1936, she played a key role as a troopship in World War II, and for decades carried passengers in comfort across the pond, making 1,000 crossings before falling victim to the jet age.
The Queen Mary has been closed since the start of the pandemic early last year. After a recent inspection, and the city says the ship will now need $23 million in safety repairs before it can reopen to the public.
As of now, the Queen Mary won’t reopen anytime soon.
STORY: Queen Mary Struggles To Stay Afloat — In More Ways Than One