The CDC Releases New Cruise Line Guidance
The CDC has now released Phase 2B and 3 of its Conditional Sailing Order.
It details the simulated sailings that cruise lines will have to conduct if they want to sail from the U.S., without a majority of passengers vaccinated. Test cruises are recommended to be at least two nights long, and all volunteers must be adults and agree to a post-sailing specimen collection.
Cruise lines that want to forgo test cruises must resume operations with at least 98 percent of crew and 95 percent of passengers fully vaccinated.
STORY: CDC Releases Simulated Sailings Details and How Cruise Lines Can Avoid Them Entirely
Carnival Cruise Line Announces Fleet Update
When Carnival Cruise Line’s ship Mardi Gras debuts, it will be the first in the fleet to boast a blue hull instead of white, followed by sister ship Carnival Celebration next year.
Now, the line has announced that the entire fleet will be receiving the update, starting with Carnival Magic which is currently in dry dock.
There’s no word yet on when other ships will get the new paint job.
STORY: First Look: The Big Change Coming to Carnival Cruise Line’s Entire Fleet
Holland America Will Sail From Greece This Summer
Holland America has announced it will be sailing from Greece starting August 15.
Originally slated to sail from Alaska, the line’s ship Eurodam will instead begin operating weeklong sailings out of Athens. Vaccinations will be required for passengers at least two weeks prior to departure.
More itineraries out of Greece and Italy are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
STORY: Holland America Reveals Summer Sailings, Still Hopes for Alaska Cruises
Princess Cruises Announces New Dining Service
And finally, Princess Cruises has introduced a new program for customizing and reserving dining on its ships, called Dine My Way. The on-demand service will allow guests to indicate their desired seating location in a restaurant, share allergen information, add people to a reservation, and more.
Dine My Way will be available on Princess’ MedallionClass ships.
STORY: How Princess Cruises Will Change Dining When Sailings Restart