Oceania Cruises, known for its culinary-focused cruises, has opened its 2023 Europe and North America Collection of voyages for sale to the general public. Featuring seven ships sailing 179 itineraries, which call on more than 260 ports, this new collection is the line’s most expansive and diverse offering to date. 

Charting the coastlines of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, each voyage will feature iconic cities, off-the-beaten-path villages, and dramatic, unspoiled natural wonders. 

 “These new voyages are ideal for discerning travelers seeking to re-discover the world,” Bob Binder, president & CEO of Oceania Cruises, said in a statement. “Whether they are retracing familiar paths or setting off to uncharted territories, they will find endearing smiles, enthralling cultural elements, and fascinating culinary experiences.” 

MIAMI, September 21, 2021 – Today Crystal announced that it will extend its vaccination requirement for all age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew through 2022 for ocean ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony and the luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor. All age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses, if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to their embarkation date.

Crystal has been proactive in its response to COVID-19 with protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022.

“Protecting the health and safety of our guests and crew is paramount to everything we do and extending our vaccination requirements through 2022 is the next important step to continue to safeguard their health and wellness,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “Our guests have overwhelmingly told us that vaccinations are critical for them to feel comfortable traveling. Announcing this extension now will give them the information and reassurance they require as they look to plan future voyages with us.”

For travelers considering a respite from the pressures of work, life or the ongoing pandemic, Playa Hotels & Resorts' Hyatt Zilara offers an adults-only, all-inclusive brand that promises a relaxing and eventful vacation for any couple, friend group or destination wedding party.

Hyatt Zilara has resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cap Cana, Dominican Republic and in Cancun, Mexico, allowing guests to explore everything from nearby jungles to colonial cities and beach paradises.

All of them feature an all-inclusive concept, which means that access to all dining areas is included with a stay, in addition to all drinks, room service and more. All entertainment, events and activities are also included, except for spa and salon treatments.

Today luxury river cruise line Crystal River Cruises marked the resumption of European river cruise operations and its return to Europe’s rivers as Crystal Ravel sailed from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary featuring calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, shipboard overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and cruising of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. In Vilshofen, the officers and crew welcomed guests back to Crystal Ravel after a nearly 18-month pause in operations. 

On Aug. 30, sister ship Crystal Debussy is set to cruise from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands and overnight calls in Koblenz and Amsterdam.

“After months of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome our guests back on board to experience the attentive service and personalized care of our devoted staff on cruises to the best-loved destinations of Europe’s scenic rivers and waterways,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director.

Courtesy of Crystal CruisesThe Palm Court lounge on Crystal Ravel. 

The ships’ staff have been prepping the vessels, refreshing their training, and implementing new Crystal Clean+ procedures that address the unique challenges of COVID-19 with stringent health protocols in place to provide guests a safe and enjoyable experience. Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of Crystal Clean+, which due to the mandatory vaccination requirement, allows guests to explore ashore independently.

The line’s spacious all-suite river ships allow for ample social distancing, accommodating just half as many guests as similarly sized vessels and offering a la carte restaurants, open-seating dining and an abundance of tables for two.  

Crystal Expedition Cruises has announced its newest ship, Crystal Endeavor, will feature a new itinerary in the Caribbean this October and November as part of its inaugural season.

The luxurious yacht will sail from Miami on Oct. 25 on a nine-night itinerary called "Expedition Yachting: Caribbean Mystique," visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Great Exuma, Man of War Bay and Inagua Island in the Bahamas; White Bay and Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke; Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; Gustavia, St. Barts; and Saba, Netherlands before returning to Puerto Rico.

It began its first season in Iceland, circumnavigating the island. It will begin sailing the Norwegian fjords this September before sailing on an itinerary from London to Lisbon, Portugal, at the end of September.

MSC Cruises marked its return to U.S. cruising with a four-night sailing out of Miami aboard MSC Meraviglia that departed Tuesday evening.

The ship will operate on three- and four-night itineraries from PortMiami. On Sept. 18, it will begin sailing on seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Four-night cruises will visit Nassau and MSC’s private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, for an overnight. Three-night itineraries make calls at Ocean Cay. Seven-night sailings will visit Ocean Cay, Nassau and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; the cruises will make a second call at Ocean Cay before returning to Miami.

Viking announced today the official restart of its popular river itineraries in France, marking the latest milestone as the company resumes operations in Europe. Guests are now embarking journeys on the Seine and Rhône rivers for the Paris & the Heart of Normandy, Lyon & Provence and France’s Finest itineraries. Viking’s voyage in Bordeaux, Chateaux, Rivers and Wine, will resume in August.

Along with restarting river operations in France, Viking has launched four new Viking Longships that are purpose-built specifically to navigate the Seine River. Hosting 168 guests in 84 staterooms, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga and Viking Fjorgyn dock at Viking’s exclusive docking location in the center of Paris, just a short walking distance from the Eiffel Tower. 

Disney Cruise Line has announced its plans to return to sailings from the United States on Aug. 9.

Disney Dream is scheduled to usher in the cruise line’s long-awaited return to cruising from the U.S. with tropical voyages to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, on three- or four-night cruises featuring a stop at DCL’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line officials said the company is working hard to get ready for the return of passengers by incorporating enhanced health and safety measures to promote wellness for guests and crew members. Disney is in a different position from other cruise lines in that children 12 and under — a prime target of the family-oriented cruise line — cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Viking Ocean Cruises today marked its first “Welcome Back” sailings in the Mediterranean — the latest milestone in the company’s return to service. Last week, guests embarked on the award-winning Viking Sea and the new Viking Venus in Valletta, Malta — a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site — where the ships are homeporting this summer. 

Offered as part of Viking’s “Welcome Back” collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, both ships are sailing three new itineraries round trip from Valletta. The new voyages include the 11-day Malta & the Adriatic Jewels, the 11-day Malta & Greek Isles Discovery and the 21-day Malta, the Adriatic & Greece itineraries. 

Viking has also partnered with Lufthansa to offer non-stop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Malta exclusively for Viking guests, making the transatlantic journey to Europe easier. See Cruiseable's Malta travel guide for a first-hand introduction to the storied island nation.

Big-ship cruising is back in Alaska. Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas departed Monday from Seattle on its first Alaska cruise since September 2019. Ninety-seven percent of the people on board are fully vaccinated, the cruise line announced. 

The sailing marks a celebratory moment for the cruise industry, local workforce, regional suppliers and Alaska’s communities that were significantly impacted by the absence of most cruise tourism. Cruising normally represents more than 60 percent of the state’s visitors and generates upward of $3 billion for its economy each year.

Serenade of the Seas visits Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, as well as Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier. The ship will be joined by Ovation of the Seas in Seattle starting Aug. 13.

“Cruising in Alaska is finally back, and we are excited to be the first to return. Alaska is one of the most popular destinations among our guests, especially families with young kids – children who are ineligible for the vaccine today,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This is a return that is significantly felt by many, including those whose communities rely on cruise tourism.”

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that three more of its ships will resume service in September, with an additional four scheduled to reenter service in October.

By October, 15 ships, representing about half of the line’s fleet, will have resumed service.

Carnival Glory will resume service from New Orleans, Carnival Pride from Baltimore on Sept. 12 and Carnival Dream from Galveston on Sept. 19.

Carnival Conquest resumes service from Miami on Oct. 8, Carnival Freedom from Miami on Oct. 9, Carnival Elation from Port Canaveral on Oct. 11 and Carnival Sensation from Mobile, Ala., on Oct. 21.

Cunard has announced it's offering a range of “Grand Escape Voyages” starting in October through May 22, 2022.

The 40 new cruises range from two to 40 nights, visiting 49 destinations by flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Sales open July 21.

“We are thrilled to announce our new ‘Grand Escape Voyages,’ as we celebrate Cunard’s full return to sailing,” said Jamie Paiko, vice president of sales for Cunard North America.

The Queen Mary 2’s “Grand Escape Voyages” will operate 29 new itineraries that call at 15 ports in 14 countries. The transatlantic crossings will be complemented with brief cruises in Western Europe, and the liner also will spend time in the Caribbean, sailing roundtrip from New York, Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg or Southampton.