Get caught up on all the latest cruise news you can use
A roundup of the latest cruise news for travel advisors.
Barbados announces new rules for cruise travellers
Fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Barbados for shore excursions and ports of call visits are no longer required to take a COVID-19 test to enter Barbados. Visitors will be permitted free flow to enjoy experiences on the island.
Barbados is expecting to welcome its average 800,000 annual cruise travellers to discover the island for the upcoming winter cruise season aboard more than 25 cruise lines.
From discovering the heritage behind crafting fine rum to sampling island eats off the beaten path, there’s loads for cruise passengers to experience.
Silversea removes vaccine requirements
Silversea Cruises has adjusted its COVID-19 protocols to welcome all travellers on board regardless of vaccination status where local regulations allow.
Silversea Cruises has also adjusted its COVID-19 testing requirements. Vaccinated travellers will not be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to embarkation in destinations where it’s not required. Unvaccinated travellers may sail aboard Silversea ships by providing proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test within 72 hours prior to embarkation.
Silversea Cruises journeys to more than 900 destinations across the globe.
Royal Caribbean Group ready to connect with SpaceX’s Starlink
Get ready to say goodbye to internet woes at sea.
Royal Caribbean Group is in the process of implementing SpaceX’s Starlink across its fleet – making the Group the first in the cruise industry to adopt its high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
The innovative broadband internet service will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands.
Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, was among one of the first ships to be turned over. The service will be on all of Celebrity’s Edge Series ships by the end of this year.
Deployment of the Starlink technology across the fleet is slated to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
G Adventures sails into savings in Antarctica
G Adventures is welcoming back G Expedition – its ‘little red ship’– to the water with up to 20% savings for travellers looking to book a bucket list trip this upcoming 2022/23 Antarctic season.
Two and half years since the global pandemic forced the ship out of service, the G Adventures team and crew can’t wait to get back to delivering a program of life-changing activities onboard, while exploring one of the world’s most remote and pristine regions.
Travellers can save up to 20% on this season’s expedition trips, when booked before Sept. 29, 2022, for travel between Oct. 22, 2022 and March 13, 2023.
Norwegian Prima makes a splash
TL Network Canada members were among those onboard NCL’s inaugural Norwegian Prima cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands last week.
“This ship strikes the perfect balance of what a larger vessel has to offer and the more intimate ambiance of a smaller ship,” Christine James, Vice President Canada for TL Network tells Travel Courier. “I’ve sailed on dozens of cruises in the past but I really enjoyed the unique itinerary and the variety of ports of call included. Like many others, I had not been to Iceland before so it was a special treat for me to visit this country that’s so different from any other I’ve experienced in the past.”
Along with having Katy Perry onboard as the ship’s godmother, she says the entertainment stood out, especially having live performances by Kool & the Gang and Chaka Khan. Another one of the ship’s unique features is the three-tier race car track.
“I can’t sing enough praises about the variety of entertainment and outstanding dining options available to guests. It was also a thrill to race around on the Prima Speedway,” James said. “I would recommend the Prima to any of our members with family or couples clientele seeking a variety of options.”
