Norwegian Cruise Passengers Won’t Be Restricted With Shore Excursions
When sailings resume this summer on Norwegian Cruise Line, passengers will not be restricted to taking excursions through the cruise company.
In a statement, the line said “guests are now able to explore ports of call on their own, according to the protocols in each specific port, and purchase shore excursions if they wish.”
The change likely came in large part due to the fact that Norwegian Cruise Line will be requiring that all guests and crew be vaccinated.
STORY: Norwegian Guests Won’t Be Restricted To Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Norwegian Cruise Line Donates $10 Million to Alaska Port Communities
And in more news from Norwegian, the line announced it has donated $10 million cash to six Alaskan port communities that have been severely impacted due to the industry shutdown.
Norwegian has also joined the ‘Shop Local Alaska’ program, and is encouraging people to help support small Alaskan businesses that have been devastated by the lack of cruise visitors.
The line’s donation will go directly to the communities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Hoonah, Seward, and Sitka.
American Queen Steamboat Company and UnCruise Adventures Prepare to Sail
And finally, two small cruise lines announced positive news this week.
American Queen Steamboat Company is preparing a third ship for cruising, as American Empress is set to begin northwestern cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers on June 14.
Already, sister ships American Countess and American Duchess are operating cruises successfully on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
And small expedition line UnCruise Adventures will be setting sail even sooner than expected this year.
Following Washington state’s new COVID-19 protocols, the cruise line quickly modified three Pacific Northwest sailings to now sail from Juneau instead of canceling them. UnCruise will be covering guest airfare and hotels.
The first sailing will be May 7.
STORY: Another American River Cruise Ship Set To Resume Sailings & UnCruise Adventures To Sail From Alaska Sooner Than Planned