Category: Deluxe Cruises News

Seabourn will cancel a series of 2021 voyages for two ships in its fleet, becoming the latest cruise line to extend cancellations into next year “in preparation for an eventual return to service.”

Select voyages on the Seabourn Odyssey will be cancelled from Jan. 16, 2021 to Nov. 5, 2021. Seven-day Alaska/British Columbia and the Pacific Coast sailings have not been cancelled.

On the Seabourn Quest, voyages longer than seven days and calling on a U.S. port cancelled from July 22, 2021 to Nov. 6, 2021 will be canceled.

The cancellations come while the brand works to implement its plan to resume guest operations, which includes meeting the requirements of the Framework for Resuming Cruise Ship Operations order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for sailings with U.S. port calls.

“We’re fully committed to meeting the requirements necessary to bring guests back to our ships, including those issued by the CDC,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn.

“Our team is grateful for the continued support we are seeing from guests, the travel advisor community, our partners and everyone with an interest in the hundreds of destinations we visit. Stay tuned for releases of alternative voyage options in the months ahead as conditions permit.”

Guests with impacted cruises will automatically be cancelled and all guests will receive Bonus Future Cruise Credits or they can request a full refund.

Guests paid in full will receive 125% Future Cruise Credit of the base cruise fare paid to Seabourn. Those guests with bookings under deposit will receive a Future Cruise Credit valued at 125% of the deposit amount paid.

The Future Cruise Credit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and may be used to book sailings departing through Dec. 31, 2022.

Guests and their travel advisors will be sent specific details applicable to their booking.

The luxury cruise line joins Holland America, which has canceled sailings of eight days or longer that call in the United States until Nov. 1, and Princess Cruises, which will not return to operations until after March 31, 2021, in announcing recent cancellations as cruise lines work to meet the guidelines and protocols laid out by the CDC conditional sailing order, including rules for testing, quarantines, social distancing, and more.

We’re facing a long, cold winter with surging COVID-19 cases, but there is a bright spot for those longing for a vacation on the world’s waterways.

It’s a great time to book a cruise vacation. No, probably not for February or spring break, but maybe for summer, early fall or later.

Of course, exactly when cruising will resume with a vengeance depends on the rise and fall of the coronavirus. But by booking now, you’ll miss the onslaught of pent-up demand that will be unleashed at some point, likely when testing becomes routine and/or vaccines are available.

There’s also something to be said for the anticipation of a vacation after a year-long drought – looking forward to a trip can lift spirits during dark days – and most companies still have flexible cancellation and rebooking policies in place.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is celebrating seven exciting destination firsts, all of which are perfect for the luxury traveller who is eager to reinvigorate their bucket list, explore unique destinations or immerse themselves in exciting new experiences.

From mid-2021 to early 2022, several of the line’s spacious and stylish ships will embark on inaugural seasons and voyages across the globe to the likes of Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Northern Europe, and even Antarctica.

 

“There is substantial appetite for luxury travel, with future trips being planned right now to be taken when the time is right,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Our guests are passionate about travel and we are constantly evolving our itineraries and shoreside experiences to ensure discerning travellers have access to the most authentic and original experiences available. From inaugural seasons to brand new ports of call, we are thrilled to showcase this inspiring number of destination firsts, which, when combined with our highly personalised onboard service, every imaginable luxury included, and free unlimited shore excursions, creates a truly unrivalled experience.”

1. Seven Seas Splendor® Journeys to Northern Europe for Maiden Season

Launched in February 2020, Seven Seas Splendor will embark on her first Baltic and Northern European season in 2021, allowing guests to truly experience luxury perfected.

During her inaugural tour of Northern Europe and the Baltics, guests can choose from a range of mesmerising itineraries, including a lavish 14-night sailing from London to Copenhagen. Departing August 6, 2021, the Magnificent Fjords and Peaks voyage will visit sought-after ports of call in Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, Russia and Finland, with overnight stays for an immersive experience in both St. Petersburg and Stockholm.

In St. Petersburg, guests can choose from up to 26 shore excursions – 13 of them free – including canal cruises and a visit to the decadent Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin; while in Stockholm, discerning travellers can enjoy a true taste of Scandinavia with up to 11 shore excursions, including a local subway art tour, a traditional bohemian market or the iconic Nordic Hotel Ice Bar.

With Seven Seas Explorer® – the most luxurious ship ever built – as her sister ship, Seven Seas Splendor further elevates the highest benchmarks of personalised service and comfort, delivered by highly attentive crew members caring for guests in 375 beautifully appointed suites, ranging from 28 – to – 412 square metres. Lavishly designed public spaces include five exquisite and unique restaurants and three elegant bars and lounges, while a $5 million curated art collection, more than 500 crystal chandeliers, and over an acre of Italian marble complement the ship’s sophistication.

View Seven Seas Splendor’s maiden Northern Europe and Baltic season here.

2. Alaska welcomes Seven Seas Explorer® for the First Time

Next year, Seven Seas Explorer will set sail for the dramatic landscapes of Alaska for the first time, offering guests a series of exciting 7-night itineraries between Vancouver and Seward to choose from. Presenting one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, the all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Explorer boasts opulent accommodations, superb specialty dining and hundreds of works of art on board, including pieces by Picasso and Chagall.

A highlight itinerary is the stunning Klondike Adventure. Departing September 1, 2021, this 7-night voyage will treat guests to breathtaking scenery, including jagged glaciers, inky blue waters, rocky mountain peaks and incredible wildlife including views of the Hubbard Glacier and Inside Passage. To really immerse themselves in the Last Frontier, travellers can also select from up to 53 exhilarating free shore excursions, including hikes in leafy rain forests, whale watching, and skimming beautiful lakes in a float plane.

Discover Seven Seas Explorer’s maiden Alaska season here.

3. Seven Seas Splendor’s Inaugural Grand Tour of Europe

On August 30, 2021 Seven Seas Splendor will set sail on her first-ever Grand Tour – an opulent 59-night voyage encompassing the most sought-after ports of Western Europe.

After departing Stockholm, Seven Seas Splendor will explore historic favourites in Scandinavia and the Baltics, including an overnight stay in St Petersburg, before enjoying the best of the British Isles, followed by the flavours of France, Spain, Morocco, the Amalfi Coast, Croatia and the Greek Isles – before culminating with the historic treasures of Turkey.

With an incredible 338 free shore excursions to choose from, as well as bespoke amenities including a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and unlimited valet laundry, guests are guaranteed a truly unforgettable experience. Shore excursion highlights include the colourful town of Asilah from Tangier, Morocco, renowned for its palace, bazaar shopping and cultural cuisine; or an insider’s tour of a family estate’s olive groves in Montenegro, where guests will taste the region’s famed ‘liquid gold’.

4. A Pre-Cruise Adventure in Tokyo

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is famed for its innovative and inclusive land and hotel programmes, and Tokyo is the latest addition to the collection. Offering guests a free three-night stay to discover one of Asia’s most exciting cities, the Vibrant Tokyo pre-cruise programme invites travellers to explore the city’s delightful contrasts. From ancient temples to high-rise observation decks, exceptional cuisine, buzzing shopping districts and tranquil gardens, this adventure is one not to be missed.

The pre-cruise land tour of this phenomenal city can be enjoyed as part of Seven Seas Explorer’s Zen Gardens & Samurai Legends 10-night, October 23, 2021 sailing – an intensive cruise of Japan, including a stop in the port of Busan, South Korea.

5. Seven Seas Explorer’s debut Down Under

From late 2021, Seven Seas Explorer will embark upon her inaugural Asia-Pacific season with 8 all-inclusive itineraries focusing on Australia and New Zealand.

Guests on board the Holiday Down Under voyage will have an incredible opportunity to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations aboard the decadent Seven Seas Explorer. Departing Sydney on December 20, 2021 for 16 nights, travellers will explore iconic local ports including Burnie in Tasmania, the fjords of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s magnificent Bay of Islands and the volcanic hills of Akaroa.

Free shore excursions include a truly indulgent Cheese, Chocolate & Wine tour in Burnie sampling the region’s epicurean delights and robust wines; or horse riding along the secluded beaches of New Zealand’s striking Waipu Coast.

Find the full list of Seven Seas Explorer’s Asia-Pacific inaugural voyages here.

6. Traditional Caribbean Charm in Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

In January 2022, Seven Seas Navigator® will be the first ship in the Regent fleet to sail to the Iles des Saintes islands in Guadeloupe, home to a genuine taste of traditional Caribbean life, stunning mountains, green iguanas, beautiful beaches and incredible diving.
Iles des Saintes is one of the ports-of-call on the 30-night Complete Caribbean round-trip voyage, sailing Jan 6, 2022 from Miami, which visits exotic destinations, from across the east and west Caribbean, such as the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St Barts, St Lucia, Barbados, Mexico, Columbia and Belize.

7. Regent’s First Scenic Sailing to Antarctica Since 2011

Adding the seventh continent to the Regent fleet’s already impressive destination list, Seven Seas Voyager’s® 19-night Journey to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime scenic voyage, round-trip from Buenos Aires.

Departing January 31, 2022, this sailing offers guests spectacular viewing over three days of some of the White Continent’s best-known sights and unique wildlife spanning seals, whales, penguins and seabirds – all from the balcony of their suite or one of the ship’s panoramic viewing decks. Highlights include the majestic cliffs of Neumayer Channel, Paradise Bay’s icy landscapes, and the stunning marine life of Dallmann Bay.

To make the experience even more memorable, guests can also enjoy a free three-night Chilean Wonders and Wines pre-cruise land programme, or a free three-night post-cruise land programme in lively Buenos Aires.

The sailing is the luxury line’s first time to the region since 2011. Other notable destination returns include Seven Seas Mariner’s® exploration of the Black Sea as part of its 12-night, Colossus to Parthenon sailing on June 20, 2021, and Seven Seas Voyager’s 22-night, Adventure in Africa sailing on October 30, 2021 which revisits the Seychelles, Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean.

Just about all major cruise lines are once again offering Black Friday cruise deals for 2020. From Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and MSC Cruises, deals include up to 50% off cruises, free drink packages, free WiFi, free gratuities, and more.

Ship Captains, start your engines! After a miserable 2020, the global cruise machine is slowly coming back to life, buoyed by positive news on the vaccine front. While there are hurdles yet to overcome, there’s a sense of optimism that hasn’t been felt since the industry was essentially shut down in March.

Here’s a look at a few of the positive developments over the past week that will bring a smile to the faces of cruise lovers eager to feel the sea breeze on their faces once again.

Vaccine Success Injects Optimism

It has become clear that the world will only return to some semblance of normal once vaccines are developed and made available to control and contain the global health crisis.

In the past, the process of developing vaccines for new viruses has taken years, but an unprecedented global effort has resulted in the rapid development of several highly promising candidates.

Now, the focus is on ramping up production and distribution of the billions of doses that will be required. It’s a huge job, but some nations, including the U.S., are expected to start offering vaccinations as soon as December.

Influence of COVID-19 on the market:
The study also offers COVID-19 impact on different industry verticals. The emergence of the novel Coronavirus has made several disturbances on the smooth running market. They include flight cancellations, interruptions in logistics, reduced demand, increased public panic for the speedy spread of infection, educed employee strength in workplaces, delayed or rejected supply of essential goods to end users, high pressure on healthcare workers, increasing cases of patients affected with virus, and more. The Marine Tourism market is also witnessing several restraints due to the entry of COVID-19. The smooth functioning of the Marine Tourism market, current and future assessment of the impact is also elaborated in the report. It encompasses entire Marine Tourism market with comprehensive research on profitability and revenue growth.

 

Global Marine Tourism market competition by TOP MANUFACTURERS, with production, price, revenue (value) and each manufacturer including
• P•O Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• MSC Cruises
• Genting Hong Kong
• Princess Cruises
• Cunard Cruise
• Silversea Cruises (Royal)

This report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, covering
• North America
• Europe
• China
• Japan
• Southeast Asia
• India

Global Marine Tourism Market providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Global Marine Tourism market development trends and marketing channels are analysed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed and overall research conclusions offered.
With tables and figures helping analyse worldwide Global Marine Tourism market, this research provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.

Holland America Line and Seabourn have joined sister Carnival Corporation brand Princess Cruises in cancelling more cruises into 2021.

The cancellations come as lines continue to prepare and develop plans to meet the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) framework for conditional sailing order.

The changes came as Carnival Corporation increased a fresh fund–raising round to $1.45 billion and €500 million in two separate financial arrangements.

All HAL departures have now been paused until March 31, 2021, from the previous date of the end of this year.

Cruises of eight days or more that call at a US port will not resume until November 1, 2021.

Selected longer voyages in Asia, Australia/New Zealand and South America have been cancelled until mid-April 2021. Some departures will be rescheduled to comparable dates in 2022.

A series of 2021 voyages for two Seabourn ships are also affected as part of a broader redeployment in preparation for an eventual return to service.

Selected Seabourn Odyssey cruises are cancelled from January 16 until November 5, 2021 although seven-day Alaska/British Columbia and the Pacific Coast sailings are due to go ahead.

Seabourn Quest with voyages longer than seven days calling on a US port are cancelled from July 22 until November 6, 2021.

The luxury line’s president John Leibowitz said: “We’re fully committed to meeting the requirements necessary to bring guests back to our ships, including those issued by the CDC.

“Our team is grateful for the continued support we are seeing from guests, the travel advisor community, our partners and everyone with an interest in the hundreds of destinations we visit.

“Stay tuned for releases of alternative voyage options in the months ahead as conditions permit.”

The two companies are offering 125% future cruise credits for cancelled cruises or full refunds.

Those booked on several HAL longer voyages to South America on Westerdam, Asia by Noordam and Australia/New Zealand by Oosterdam will be rebooked to similar dates and itineraries in 2022.

Passengers booked on a ‘Voyage of the Vikings’ itinerary by Zaandam scheduled for July 9, 2021 will move to a similar date in 2022.

Those moving to a new cruise in 2022 will receive a $150 per person shipboard credit, protected pricing and equivalent cabin category, HAL said.

The report titled “Luxury Cruise Tourism Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2020-2025)”, delivers an in depth analysis of the Luxury Cruise Tourism market by value, by production capacity, by companies, by applications, by segments, by region, etc.

The report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the Luxury Cruise Tourism industry. Growth of the overall Luxury Cruise Tourism market has also been forecasted for the period 2020-2025, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.

mpact of COVID-19:

Luxury Cruise Tourism Market report analyses the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Luxury Cruise Tourism industry. Since the COVID-19 virus outbreak in December 2019, the disease has spread to almost 180+ countries around the globe with the World Health Organization declaring it a public health emergency. The global impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are already starting to be felt, and will significantly affect the Luxury Cruise Tourism market in 2020.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought effects on many aspects, like flight cancellations; travel bans and quarantines; restaurants closed; all indoor events restricted; emergency declared in many countries; massive slowing of the supply chain; stock market unpredictability; falling business assurance, growing panic among the population, and uncertainty about future.

COVID-19 can affect the global economy in 3 main ways: by directly affecting production and demand, by creating supply chain and market disturbance, and by its financial impact on firms and financial markets.

The major players profiled in this report include MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruise, Royal Caribbean, The Anschutz Corporation, Cruise Critic, Viking Cruise, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, American Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lin, Genting Hong Kong, MS Berlin, AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, TUI Cruises.

Market Segments and Sub-segments Covered in the Report are as per below:

Based on Product Type Luxury Cruise Tourism market is segmented into Expedition cruises, River cruises, Sea cruises, Theme cruises, Mini cruises, World cruises, Transit cruises, Turnaround cruises, Others

Based on Application Luxury Cruise Tourism market is segmented into Millennial, Generation X, Baby Boomers

Regional Coverage of the Luxury Cruise Tourism Market:

• Europe
• Asia and Middle East
• North America
• Latin America

Cunard’s 2022 voyage schedule for Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth is now on sale with more than 35 countries featured in the 162 newly launched itineraries.

The cruises covering north of the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean and from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, via the Panama Canal, Cunard said.

Highlights include Queen Elizabeth returning to Alaska with seven and 10 night voyages, departing from and returning to Vancouver, visiting Glacier Bay, Haines, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria. Ten night Alaska voyages start at £1,399 per person.

From Alaska, Queen Elizabeth will sail through the Panama Canal, across to the Mediterranean, where it will embark on a series of seven and 14 night fly-cruises, departing from Barcelona.

Along with transatlantic crossings, Queen Mary 2 will visit the North Cape for the first time spending three days in Tromsø, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights, and calls to Bergen, Trondheim, Alesund and Stavanger.

 

Queen Victoria’s highlights include four night cruise breaks departing from Southampton, all scheduled to include a weekend, visiting destinations including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and St Peter Port. Prices s

Past Cunard guests are able to take advantage of a 5 per cent discount on their booking of one of the newly launched itineraries, if made before March 1, 2021.

Cunard president, Simon Palethorpe said: “We are delighted to offer such a broad range of voyages in 2022 from four night European city breaks to week-long fly-cruises in the Mediterranean to a five week adventure sailing from Alaska to Spain.

“There has been high demand for our 2021 voyages so we know how much our guests are anticipating travelling again on Cunard’s iconic ships with many future highlights including a welcome return to Alaska.

“Guests are able to plan for their Cunard holidays in 2022 with extra peace of mind due to our flexible booking options which provide the opportunity to move a booking unlimited times before the balance is due.”

Around the world, cruise lines are cutting the ribbon on extremely expensive new vessels—then keeping them indefinitely docked.

Normally, when a new ship wraps construction at a shipyard, it’s cause for a party, with executives in sharp suits and free-flowing Champagne. But when the sparkling 596-passenger ultraluxury ship Silver Moon joined Royal Caribbean Group’s elite Silversea Cruises brand in late October—the culmination of a $380 million, 20-month project—there was little pomp and circumstance. No media were on hand at the Italian shipyard to ooh and ahh over such exquisite design features as bespoke Lalique panels in the French restaurant and handcrafted Savoir beds in the top suites.

This time, even Royal Caribbean’s top brass bowed out of the celebration and teleconferenced from Miami. And the ship’s handover, in Ancona, Italy, came with a cringe. After all, Silver Moon has nowhere to go. With border restrictions and a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic freezing all kinds of travel, she may have to wait at least until spring to make her maiden voyage—and start turning any kind of profit.