Italian Cruises Resume With New Safety Protocols
After months with ships languishing in harbor because of COVID-19, some cruises have resumed in Italy with new safety protocols on board. MSC Cruises was the first to return to the Mediterranean with its MSC Grandiosa cruise liner and Costa Cruises followed Sunday when its Costa Deliziosa set sail for a week-long cruise in Italy from the northern town of Trieste.
COVID-19 has seriously affected the cruising industry but gradually its operations are restarting in Italy with passengers booking cruises that have a series of new safety protocols in place. The Italian government gave the green light to cruising companies to resume their sailings last month.
However, as the numbers of coronavirus infections have resumed their upward trend in Italy, after having been low during the summer, there are concerns in the cruising industry about how long the ships will continue to sail. MSC Grandiosa was the first large ship to set sail from the port of Genoa in August with around 2,500 passengers and staff on board, no longer at full capacity.
Testing for COVID-19 was mandatory for everyone on the ship before departure.
Posters now explain the health requirements, including hand-sanitizing and temperature checks. New safety measures on the ships also require wearing protective masks in all indoor spaces and outdoors where social distancing is not possible.
Customers boarding the ship expressed satisfaction with the strict protocols.
Cruises To Greece Leaving From The Usa
The shortest cruise from the U.S. to Greece is a 25-day journey.
Greece, both the mainland and islands, is an ancient and storied tourist destination, a place of legend and real-life treasures with a seafaring heritage embraced in contemporary times by countless cruise passengers from all over the world. With the exception of epic around-the-world voyages, at the time of publication only a handful of cruises departing from the United States call at ports in Greece all on their way to Italy. They range from 25 to 47 days and call at numerous other European countries in addition to Greece.
Who Is Going On Cruise Holidays
With new measures in place and more routes being announced, holidaymakers appear to be gaining confidence. 2021 bookings are up, with Crystal Cruises last month recording its biggest single-day of bookings in its 30-year history.
The route ahead looks clearer still. Advanced U.S. cruise ticket sales for 2022 are so far exceeding those seen in 2019 for the 2020 season, according to Google data analyzed by travel site Trips to Discover, as travelers plan new and rescheduled trips.
Read Also: What Cruise Ships Go To Jamaica
What Should I Do If My Flights Have Been Canceled
If your airline cancels your flights you should be entitled to a full refund under most consumer jurisdictions. Once your flight cancelation is confirmed, the airline should advise when you will receive your refund. Make sure to also cancel accommodation, activity and tour bookings. You can also try to move your travel insurance coverage to new dates.
Refunds apply when the airline cancels your flight. If you choose not to fly then you will be subject to the change and cancelation rules of your fare and any special measures put in place by your airline to respond to the covid-19 situation.
Can I Travel By Train
Yes but there are some limitations between regions. You must be able to prove you have been fully vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid and can provide a negative test taken in the past 48 hours to travel. Special measures are in place to ensure safety when traveling by train. You are required to wear a face mask at all times and can be removed if you do not.
Don’t Miss: Italy River Cruises
Are Flights Departing To Italy
There are increasing numbers of flights to and from Italy, mainly from within European destinations. Here are the main airlines currently flying to airports in Italy however we suggest using Skyscanner or Google Flights for the most up to date information including smaller airlines
- Alitalia trans-Atlantic flights now operating. Note Alitalia will cease trading on 15th October. Please check your flight status regularly.
- Delta trans-Atlantic flights now operating. Delta has code share flights with Alitalia which may be impacted due to the changes at Alitalia. Please check your flight status regularly.
- American Airlines trans-Atlantic flights now operating
- United trans-Atlantic flights now operating
- Air France trans-Atlantic flights now operating
- KLM trans-Atlantic flights now operating
- Aer Lingus trans-Atlantic flights now operating
- Lufthansa
- If arriving by plane World Health Organisation form
If you need to quarantine you will be required to complete this form on arrival
An Italy Cruise Vacation For The Whole Family
There are family vacations. Then there are the kinds of awe-inspiring vacations your family will remember forever. Sail on an Italy Cruise with Norwegian and discover the ease and convenience of unpacking once and experiencing it all. Freedom, flexibility and family entertainment offered on Italy cruises allows guests of all sizes to experience the best vacation ever. Because on family vacations, it’s all about options. And Norwegian’s got them, from accommodations that fit all families to delicious dining choices even finicky eaters can’t refuse. We haven’t forgotten about teens – they also have an exclusive onboard refuge at Entourage.
You May Like: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of Mobile Alabama
Helpful Tips Before You Go
Most places in the United States take credit cards, but its still wise to have some U.S. Dollars on hand in case you need them so you dont have to rush to an ATM .
If you are a U.S. citizen sailing on a closed-loop itinerary from a U.S. homeport that sails to only Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean, you dont need a passport. A birth certificate and photo ID should suffice though it is always wise to double check the requirements for what sort of ID and paperwork youll need upon check-in to embark on your cruise.
Climate varies widely depending on what part of the U.S. you are visiting. Most destinations will require layers since the difference between afternoon and evening temperatures can change quickly from warm to cool by the coast, even somewhere sunny like San Diego. In Hawaii, youll want lighter layers while Alaska calls for jackets and water-resistant shoes or boots no matter the month. New England will be hot in the summer and cooler in the fall months with a chance of rain.
What The Onboard Experience Will Be Like
The emphasis on health and safety will extend to the onboard experience too. Buffets will be no more and entertainment may be limited, as cleanliness takes center stage.
“While traditionally, the act of keeping a ship clean would have been done in the background … ‘housekeeping theatre’ will be of greater consumer interest and hospitality brands will have their cleaning protocols front and center,” said Elle Kross, director of strategy at digital marketing firm Movable Ink.
Meanwhile, passengers can expect new technologies, from virtual queues and contactless payments to thermal temperature checks and UV sanitization, to reduce in-person contact on board.
“Operators have done a lot of work … leveraging modern technology, implementing new processes, and training employees to work with new policies and guidelines,” said Vijay Achanti, principal of hospitality for North America at global consulting firm Capgemini.
Read Also: How To Find Last Minute Cruises
Sail The East Coast West Coast Or Off The Continental Us
The highlights of a cruise to the USA will vary greatly depending what region you visit. No matter where you sail, though, you can expect to find beautiful parks and beaches, energetic cities, and delicious cuisine.
New England
The New England region of the United States is a great place to cruise due to the states being so close to one another. You can visit great American cities like Boston and New York City and incredible outdoor areas like Acadia National Park. Plus, time your trip in the fall and youll see stunning fall foliage.
Pacific Coast
The west coast of the USA is home to the Pacific Coast Highway, an iconic road trip. Guess what? Our Pacific Coastal cruises sail down that coastline, too. Youll have gorgeous views and the chance to see whales and dolphins from your balcony. Youll also stop in some of the wests best destinations.
Hawaii
You dont have to deal with long flights to get to Hawai. Instead sail to the Hawaiian Islands from Vancouver or Los Angeles and spend time at sea getting pampered with spa treatments and 4-course meals before exploring Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Alaska
The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA and a cruise in Alaska lets you see it from both the land and the sea perspective. Youll visit glaciers, historic mining towns, bustling fish markets, and mountaintop vistas. Along the way you can hike, whale watch, pan for gold, and so much more.
For More Information And Current Availability:
-
Check Cunard Cruise Schedule and Virtuoso amenities. Our Q Cruise + Travel Virtuoso website will open in a new window and display a wide range of available Cunard cruises and Transatlantic Crossings. You can further refine your search by specifying your preferred destination, travel dates, departure cities and more. Virtuoso amenities and exclusive benefits will display too. Not all Q Cruise + Travel fares and extra amenities will display online, so we recommend that you give our certified Cunard experts a call at 744 7397 or 266 7447 for the latest availability and pricing.
*Fares are in US Dollars, cruise only, non-air, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, capacity controlled and include Non-Commissionable Fares. Government taxes and fees are additional and subject to change. Airfare, transfers, travel insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature are additional. Balcony rooms on Queen Mary 2 or Oceanview rooms on Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth may have an obstructed view. Cunard Flash Fares require instant payment, are non-refundable and not combinable with other discounts or special offers. Cruise fares are subject to availability and subject to change without prior notice. Q Cruise + Travel is not responsible for typographical or other errors. At the time of communication, no fuel supplement is in effect, however, Cunard reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement in the future.
Don’t Miss: Which Cruise Lines Depart From New York
Sail Along The Apulian Coast
From the pretty beach of Castro Marina, at the heel of Italy, some of Apulia’s most precious hidden gems are just a boat ride away, including the caves of Azzurra, Palombara, Zinzulusa, Romanelli, Streghe and Solfatara. The “Grotta Azzurra” is famous for the spectacular light effects that are reflected on its walls, making a dip in its sapphire waters a truly magical experience.
When Will Cruises Resume A Line
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Editors note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
The Great Cruise Shutdown is finally coming to an end.
A growing number of cruise ships also are restarting operations in Europe and other destinations around the world, and small vessels have resumed operations on U.S. rivers and intracoastal waterways.
Still, only a very small fraction of the worlds cruise vessels are currently back to sailing. It could be many months before a majority of cruise vessels are operating, and some lines already have said it could be well into 2022 before they return to normal service.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into the launch plans for startup lines Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Virgin Voyages. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has now pushed back its inaugural voyage to Nov. 10. Virgin Voyages has pushed back its big debut in Miami to the fall . Both lines were originally due to debut in 2020.
For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter.
Heres a look at when major river, ocean and expedition cruise brands that market to North Americans say theyll resume operations:
Adventure Canada has canceled sailings on Ocean Endeavour until 2022.
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Leave From Mobile Alabama
Faq About Planned Vacations
Sadly many people have had trips to Italy canceled in 2020 and 2021 and many more may be forced to do so while we face this pandemic. If you have travel plans in 2021 here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about reorganizing travel. While we do our best to keep this as accurate as possible, please refer to your own country consumer law and advice for the latest information.
Unfortunately we cannot assist with individual requests for assistance rebooking or canceling trips.
Am I Entitled To A Refund On My Flights / Hotels And Accommodation / Tours
This depends on the terms and conditions that you booked under and the consumer laws of your country and / or the country where the business is based. While many businesses are trying to refund customers who purchased non-refundable services, others are unable to or have chosen to offer vouchers for future use instead.
The Italian government issued this decree allowing travel companies to offer vouchers for future use instead of refunds. Many companies are applying this ruling to their businesses including the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
If you are not happy with the compensation offered by the service provider you can file a dispute with your credit card company if you used one to book your travel.
- Booking.com covid19 center
Recommended Reading: Alaskan Cruise Cost 2021
Italy Cruises From Venice
Cruise from Venice down the Adriatic sea to the Dalmatian Coast. Sail the Eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries to the Greek Isles. Visit the archaeology sites in Greece and Turkey. Cruise around Italy from Venice to the Western Med Sea ports Rome and Barcelona. These Venice cruise all-inclusive vacation packages are the best value in Venice cruises. .
What Are The Quarantine Rules For Americans In Italy
American travelers arriving directly from the U.S. who are fully vaccinated are not required to quarantine.
American travelers arriving directly from the U.S. not fully vaccinated are required to quarantine for 5 days upon arrival. American travelers arriving in Italy from other countries may also be required to quarantine and provide additional requirements, regardless of vaccination status. See details here.
These travelers should be given a form to fill in at the airport, station or ferry terminal of arrival. They must then proceed directly to the address where they plan to self-isolate using only private transport . They must then remain inside for the duration of the quarantine period, avoiding contact with anyone else who shares the accommodation.
After five days, quarantined travelers must take another molecular PCR or rapid antigen test and receive a negative result to end the quarantine.
Also Check: What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii From California
Italy Green Pass Requirements To Enter Restaurants Attractions And Large Events
You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants and attractions in Italy? As of August 6, the answer is yes.
A health certificate, known as the Green Pass or certificazione verde in Italy, is required for all in order to participate in certain activities.
Where is the Green Pass required? Venues, cultural sites, and businesses including indoor dining and bars, museums, galleries, gyms, theaters, cinemas, sports stadiums, theme parks, swimming pools, and spas require customers to show a green pass for entry. Violations will earn both customers and venues a fine of 400 to 1,000.
As of September 1, a Green Pass is required to board airplanes, intercity and high speed trains, long-distance buses, charter buses, and regional ships and most ferries in Italy. It may also be required to move through areas in Italy classified as red zone or orange zone.
The Italian Green Pass will serve as proof that the bearer has been: fully vaccinated, OR has received a negative test result in the past 48 hours, OR has recovered from Covid-19 within the past six months
The Italian version of the Green Pass is only available to people who were vaccinated, tested or recovered from Covid-19 in Italy. Travelers from the EU can use the version of the Green Pass issued by their own countries.
Why Cruise From Italy
Italys great cities of art, Venice, Rome and Florence, have attracted visitors for centuries, but Italy has much more for the art lover to discover. Every region of Italy and just about every town offers a rich cultural tradition and history to explore and enjoy. And what better way to travel through Italy stress free than on a cruise around Italy. Explore the mosaics of Ravenna, the hidden gems of Palermo, the history of Cagliari, the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, and much more.
Italy is a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. There are various gulfs and islands to visit. Between Venice and Rome travel through Italy visiting the many other cruise ports of call along the Italic peninsula. Depending on which cruise line and itinerary you choose for your Mediterranean Italian cruise youll visit between three and eight or even nine Italian ports. You may also sail from Italy to the Greek Isles, French Rivera, The Holy Lands, and the Dalmatian Coast.
Where are Italys cruise ports?
The two primary cruise ports in Italy are Venice and Rome. Venice cruise port is located on the Adriatic Sea. Rome cruise port is Civitavecchia. It is located in the Mediterranean sea. Most Italian cruises either embark or disembark in one of these ports. There are many other Italian ports of call. For a full list of Italian cruise ports click here.
What Cruise lines cruise from Italy?How many days is an Italy cruise?
Most Italy cruises are from 7 to 12 days.
Read Also: Panama Canal Cruise Small Ships