Royal Caribbean Receives Test Cruise Approval
Royal Caribbean has officially become the first cruise line to receive approval to operate test cruises.
The line will be able to sail simulated voyages with volunteer passengers in late June to test out its health and safety protocols.
Test cruises are a requirement from the CDC for ships that won’t guarantee they are sailing with mostly vaccinated crew and guests, which Royal Caribbean won’t do because it carries so many families with kids.
STORY: CDC Clears Royal Caribbean for Test Cruises in June
Holland America Extends Eurodam’s Mediterranean Season
Holland America has extended Eurodam’s season in the Mediterranean this summer.
The ship will operate four previously-scheduled cruises to Greece starting in August, before taking over for itineraries that were originally set for Westerdam.
Those booked on Westerdam’s 12-night voyages from September 12 to October 30 will automatically be moved over Eurodam.
Bookings open on May 27, and will be available to fully-vaccinated passengers only.
STORY: Holland America Extends Eurodam’s Mediterranean Season
MSC Virtuosa Successfully Completes First Cruise
MSC’s new ship Virtuosa has successfully completed her first sailing with passengers, which also happened to be the first sailing of any cruise line from the UK since the industry shutdown.
These British Isles sailings are only open to UK residents, but there is no vaccine requirement.
Now, the ship is on its second of four inaugural voyages before regular revenue cruises — also around the British Isles — begin on June 12.
