Cruise Pause Extensions

U.S. Ports Impacted by CDC CSO

While cruising has resumed in other parts of the world, it is still paused in the U.S. due to the Conditional Sail Order issued by the CDC last October.   Recent CDC announcement didn't lift the CSO, so cruise lines are still playing a waiting game to find out how they can proceed safe and responsible resumption of cruising. 

Since it takes 60-90 days to stand up a ship once they get the OK, cruise lines have begun announcing additional cancellations as they extend the pause through June 30th.  Several lines have announced departures from non-U.S. homeports for Summer sailings.  The industry is hopeful that resumption can occur sometime in the Summer.

Carnival Corporation

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy's on Tuesday said the line may be forced to pull the line's vessels from their U.S. homeports if the agency continues to prevent the restart of domestic cruising and is extending the suspension of U.S. operations through the end of June. 

 “While we have not made plans to move Carnival Cruise Line ships outside of our U.S. homeports, we may have no choice but to do so in order to resume our operations which have been on 'pause' for over a year,” Duffy said in the statement. “We appreciate the continued patience and support from our loyal guests, travel advisors and business partners as we work on a return-to-service solution."

Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald said he was "very disappointed" in the CDC's guidance released last week on the company's business update call on Wednesday morning. He asked CDC for fair treatment. 

 “Today,” he said, “you (referring to Americans) can fly and cruise in Europe and return home without being vaccinated. But even if you are vaccinated you cannot cruise out of the United States. “We are standing by the CDC, but we want to be treated similarly to other travel industries, tourism and entertainment.”

 Royal Caribbean Group

"Royal Caribbean has made the tough decision to further extend our operational pause through June 30, 2021. Exceptions to this include our Singapore sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas, China sailings departing after May 27, 2021, Israel departures on our newest game-changer - Odyssey of the Seas, and also Adventure of the Seas from The Bahamas and Vision of the Seas from Bermuda"

See Royal Caribbean Health & Travel Alerts for latest information including important dates for cancelling / rebooking your cruise.

Celebrity Cruises

 Celebrity Cruises announced today that it is extending the suspension of some sailings, including all sailings from the United States until June 30, while continuing its measured return to service with more sailings scheduled from different regions around the world. 

While we continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States and government authorities around the world, we have made the following adjustments to upcoming 2021 itineraries: 

• Suspending sailings through June 30 
• Excluding all ships which have recently announced many new homeports around the globe 

See Celebrity Cruises Cruising Suspension page for latest information.

Disney Cruise Line

US Departures through June 2021 are Suspended 

We are carefully reviewing the recently released guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and working toward resuming operations. As we continue to refine our protocols for our eventual return to service, we are cancelling all Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder sailings departing through June 2021. 

Disney Magic European Season 

We have canceled Disney Magic sailings through September 18, 2021. The Disney Magic will set sail in the United Kingdom for a limited time this summer on short voyages limited to UK residents, pending the issuance of UK Government guidelines and authorizations.

See Disney Cruise Line Important Travel Information page for complete details.

Norwegian Cruise Line

In conjunction with our return to service announcement, we have extended our voluntary temporary suspension through August 31, 2021 for the following ships; Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Escape, Getaway, Sky, Spirit, Star and Sun. In addition, Norwegian Epic through Sept. 1; and Norwegian Pearl through Nov. 7, 2021 have also been canceled.

Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now boast new homeports in Greece and the Caribbean for three new and exciting itineraries sailing in July.

See NCL's Suspended Sailings page for complete details.

Princess Cruises

Like so many facets of life, travel has been hit hard by recent events. It is with a heavy heart that Princess Cruises has made the extremely difficult decision to temporarily pause our global ship operations. We know you were looking forward to sailing with us, and we apologize and share in your disappointment over these cancellations. You don’t need to take any action to receive the default compensation offer. You can find out details of your compensation by clicking the link that matches your sail date: 

Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises

Alaska, Canada/New England, & Land+Sea Journeys resume in 2022

Alaska sailings out of Seattle resume on/after June 28, 2021

 Australia/New Zealand resume on/after May 31, 2021

Cruises out of Southampton for U.S. passengers resume Sept. 2021

All cruises 7+ days in and out of U.S. ports through Nov. 1, 2021

 Cruises departing in and out of Japan resume on/after Nov. 8, 2021

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has cancelled its summer inaugural season out of Miami aboard the Scarlet Lady.

"As we continue to navigate what’s going on in the world, we’ve made the decision to cancel our sailings from July 4th through September 17th, 2021 on Scarlet Lady," the company said. "If your voyage has been impacted by this, please take a look at the details below so you can choose an offer that works best for you."

Details on Impacted Sailings on Scarlet Lady

Your Voice Matters:  Express you desire to see Cruising Resume out of U.S. Ports via CLIA's Action Center.  https://cruising.org/en/clia-action-center

We continue to monitor changes in cruise itineraries, cancellations, requirements to sail, etc. Follow us on any of our social media and this blog to stay informed.   We hope to be sailing on the high seas soon.

Stay Updated on Recent 

Cruise Industry 

& Other Travel News

Click Image for Related Posts

Connect With Us On

       

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Understanding Cruise Beverage Packages

Drink Packages Comparison Chart 

This chart shows a comparison of several similar drink packages on popular cruise lines. The choice is yours whether to go with a package or a la carte pricing.  This post will discuss some of the factors that will weigh into your decision.  Your travel professional can offer some additional guidance.

Before we get into the pros & cons, you need to understand that not all beverage packages are alike. You will want to ask for the current package pricing options. Sometimes there are discounts available if you purchase them prior to your cruise. But, the most important question will undoubtedly be "Is a Package Right For You on This Cruise?"

Common Considerations

Most packages have a maximum number of drinks allowed each day of your cruise. In most cases, that's around 15 drinks. That sounds like a lot of drinks, and for some people it would be, but keep in mind it may include soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Your beverage consumption habits will dictate the value you will get on a daily basis. Soda will be around $1.50 while some cocktails and wine will be $13 or more. There is also a maximum drink price which varies by cruise line, so you could still end up with a bar tab over and above the package depending on your drink selection and the number of drinks you order on a given day.

Let's Do Some Math

You can see from the chart that most packages average around $60.  Figuring 15 drinks per day, that gives us a $4 per drink cost.  The more drinks that you purchase priced over $4, the larger the value you receive by selecting the package over pay as you go pricing.

Cruise Length & Itinerary Impact

If you are on  a cruise with several sea days, you'll get more value with a beverage package, since you'll be spending more time onboard the ship. On the other hand, a port intensive cruise, like a Mediterranean cruise, might not offer sufficient time onboard to take advantage of a package.  The destination may also factor into the benefit realized from any beverage package.  You'll drink a lot more in hot and humid Caribbean than in Alaska.

Consider All Your Options

We've only compared the deluxe beverage options here.  Sometimes, a cheaper package may be the right choice for your cruise if you don't plan on consuming the higher end beverages.  If you drink beer, but don't think you want to consume 15 drinks a day, you might just purchase a bucket of beer or similar offer as you go.

Keep in mind that in most cases, if one passenger in the cabin purchases a package, all others in the cabin must have one as well.   Norwegian Cruise Line takes that a step further, your children, that you hid away across the hallway in an inside cabin, will also need a soda package.

Opportunity to Experiment

You are sitting poolside when you spot an exotic cocktail walking by you on its way to another passenger.   The waiter asks you if you want to try one.   If you have a beverage package, you say, sure why not.   Without a package, you might not be willing to experiment; you'd stay with your old faithful choice instead.

Hopefully we've given you a better understanding of cruise beverage packages.   We suggest keeping watch on your emails prior to your cruise because you may find an offer you just can't refuse.  Regardless of whether you purchase a package or individual drinks on your next cruise, please drink responsibly so that you and your traveling companions can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

Cruise Lines Salute Veterans

 

Veterans Day 2018

First and foremost, Monday is the annual observance of Veteran's Day, a day set aside to honor the nation's veterans.   The image in this article was taken at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, on one of our cruises several years ago.    The image of row after row of crosses will never leave me.

Every day we go about our business, and I suspect most of us take our freedom for granted.   It isn't because we aren't caring people, but instead perhaps because we just don't think about it.  So I ask you today to take a moment to reflect on the veterans, living and deceased, for without whose service we wouldn't be the free nation we are today.

We could never thank our military men and women enough for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people. Yet today we lift up our voices to express gratefulness and honor to these military troops both from the past and present.

 THANK YOU FROM 

A GRATEFUL NATION 

Many cruise lines recognize our troops with special rates.  We've listed a couple offers which you might not be aware of.   Be sure to mention your military service when contacting us so that we can see if there are any rates that you qualify for.  We would be honored to help you plan some R & R. Please note that these rates require documentation of eligibility, which we can help you with.

 

Cruise Line	Veterans Day Offer
Carnival Cruise Line	We’re saluting our soldiers — check the calendar to find Carnival’s best Military fares, by date, for any stateroom type, departure port or destination. Then select the date for the day’s top sailings. Limited time offer 2-for-1 deposits, free upgrades, and $50 onboard credit ends Monday, November 12th.
Celebrity Cruises	We thank you for your service. All military members, active and retired, qualify for these special savings. Savings up to $100 are per person, for first and second guest, and are based on type of stateroom. Plus, it’s combinable with any of our current offers.
Cunard	Cunard is pleased to offer a special military personnel onboard credit programme. This programme is available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification in the following service divisions: United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves, Canadian National Defence, United Kingdom Military Personnel, Royal Australian Navy, Army, Air Force, and Royal New Zealand Navy, Army or Air Force. Receive up to $250 based on length of cruise.
MSC Cruises	To say "thanks", MSC Cruises is pleased to offer up to 10% savings* to salute you and your family. Those that qualify include active and retired U.S. and Canadian Military personnel, including U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard, Army Reserve and Department of Defense personnel.
Norwegian Cruise Line	Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to offer members of the military and their families exclusive discounts on select cruises up to 10% off.
Princess Cruises	To thank the brave men and women of the American and Canadian militaries for their service, Princess Cruises® offers up to $250 free onboard spending money* for veterans as well as active, retired or disabled military personnel.
Royal Caribbean	Ongoing promotion allows Military, Police  & Fire personnel special discounts on select sailings The Sea is Calling Police, Firefighters, Military

Understanding Cruise Beverage Packages

Drink Packages Comparison Chart 

This chart shows a comparison of several similar drink packages on popular cruise lines. The choice is yours whether to go with a package or a la carte pricing.  This post will discuss some of the factors that will weigh into your decision.  Your travel professional can offer some additional guidance.

Before we get into the pros & cons, you need to understand that not all beverage packages are alike. You will want to ask for the current package pricing options. Sometimes there are discounts available if you purchase them prior to your cruise. But, the most important question will undoubtedly be "Is a Package Right For You on This Cruise?"

Common Considerations

Most packages have a maximum number of drinks allowed each day of your cruise. In most cases, that's around 15 drinks. That sounds like a lot of drinks, and for some people it would be, but keep in mind it may include soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Your beverage consumption habits will dictate the value you will get on a daily basis. Soda will be around $1.50 while some cocktails and wine will be $13 or more. There is also a maximum drink price which varies by cruise line, so you could still end up with a bar tab over and above the package depending on your drink selection and the number of drinks you order on a given day.

Let's Do Some Math

You can see from the chart that most packages average around $60.  Figuring 15 drinks per day, that gives us a $4 per drink cost.  The more drinks that you purchase priced over $4, the larger the value you receive by selecting the package over pay as you go pricing.

Cruise Length & Itinerary Impact

If you are on  a cruise with several sea days, you'll get more value with a beverage package, since you'll be spending more time onboard the ship. On the other hand, a port intensive cruise, like a Mediterranean cruise, might not offer sufficient time onboard to take advantage of a package.  The destination may also factor into the benefit realized from any beverage package.  You'll drink a lot more in hot and humid Caribbean than in Alaska.

Consider All Your Options

We've only compared the deluxe beverage options here.  Sometimes, a cheaper package may be the right choice for your cruise if you don't plan on consuming the higher end beverages.  If you drink beer, but don't think you want to consume 15 drinks a day, you might just purchase a bucket of beer or similar offer as you go.

Keep in mind that in most cases, if one passenger in the cabin purchases a package, all others in the cabin must have one as well.   Norwegian Cruise Line takes that a step further, your children, that you hid away across the hallway in an inside cabin, will also need a soda package.

Opportunity to Experiment

You are sitting poolside when you spot an exotic cocktail walking by you on its way to another passenger.   The waiter asks you if you want to try one.   If you have a beverage package, you say, sure why not.   Without a package, you might not be willing to experiment; you'd stay with your old faithful choice instead.

Hopefully we've given you a better understanding of cruise beverage packages.   We suggest keeping watch on your emails prior to your cruise because you may find an offer you just can't refuse.  Regardless of whether you purchase a package or individual drinks on your next cruise, please drink responsibly so that you and your traveling companions can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

Cruise Lines Salute Veterans

 

Veterans Day 2017

First and foremost, today is the annual observance of Veteran's Day, a day set aside to honor the nation's veterans.   The image in this article was taken at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, on one of our cruises several years ago.    The image of row after row of crosses will never leave me.

Every day we go about our business, and I suspect most of us take our freedom for granted.   It isn't because we aren't caring people, but instead perhaps because we just don't think about it.  So I ask you today to take a moment to reflect on the veterans, living and deceased, for without whose service we wouldn't be the free nation we are today.

We could never thank our military men and women enough for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people. Yet today we lift up our voices to express gratefulness and honor to these military troops both from the past and present.

 THANK YOU FROM 

A GRATEFUL NATION 

Many cruise lines recognize our troops with special rates.  We've listed a couple offers which you might not be aware of.   Be sure to mention your military service when contacting us so that we can see if there are any rates that you qualify for.  We would be honored to help you plan some R & R.

 

Cruise Line	Veterans Day Offer
Carnival Cruise Line	Saluting our soldiers with exclusive rates on select sailings through 2018! Plus, share your deal with two additional rooms. Destinations include: Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska
Royal Caribbean	Ongoing promotion allows Military, Police  & Fire personnel special discounts on select sailings The Sea is Calling Police, Firefighters, Military