First Cruise Ship To Depart From California In Over A Year Sets Sail For Mexican Riviera
A cruise ship headed for the Mexican Riviera set sail from the Port of Long Beach on Saturday the first cruise ship to depart from California in 17 months.
The Carnival Panorama is on a seven-day voyage and will stop in the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan before returning to Long Beach, Carnival Corp. said in a statement.
The 1,060-foot Carnival Panorama debuted in 2019.
Passenger Bob Lechtreck said he and his wife were on the inaugural sailing on December 11, 2019.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be on the Panorama for its inaugural return to service,” Lechtreck told the Press-Telegram in a text. “It’s been way too long since we’ve sailed, and we couldn’t be happier returning to our favorite activity.”
Carnival Cruise Line Restarts Operations From Long Beach California
Carnival Cruise Line restarts operations from California with the Carnival Panorama cruise ship sailing out of Long Beach.
Carnival Cruise Line restarts operations with the Carnival Panorama cruise ship out of Long Beach. The ship also becomes the first to resume sailings out of California for the first time since suspensions started in March 2020.
Further Changes Are Possible
The situation worldwide is changing weekly, and cruise lines are working with the relevant authorities for a safe return. Its all very fluid, and the restart dates may change even further. The CDC has been making some adjustments recently with relaxing masks and social distancing rules for vaccinated guests.
Also Read: CDC Ditches Mask and Social Distancing Rules for Vaccinated Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line still plans to restart in August from Florida but parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings recently filed a lawsuit against Florida on the states vaccine passport ban. The result of this could have an impact on any protocols the line implements.
The ongoing saga between the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Florida has still not been resolved. In fact, just recently, the CDC successfully got a hold on Florida being allowed to overrule its Conditional Sailing Order. On July 19, the Florida Governor said it will come out on top and could take its lawsuit against the CDC as far as the supreme court.
Cruise Hive will continue to monitor any new developments, so keep checking this detailed page for when cruises resume, not just this year but in 2022.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line has announced another extension with all sailings on pause through June 30, 2020. Cruises for the luxury line will now start from July 1.
Update 1: The luxury cruise line has announced that cruises will now commence from August 1 after another extension on the pause of operations.
Update 2: Following most other cruise lines, the suspension of operations is now running through October.
Update 3: Following parent company Norwegian Cruise Line announcing a further suspension through December 2020, Regent Seven Seas has also done the same.
Update 4: Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line announced a further pause on operations and that includes ships operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Update 5: Its another round of suspensions for the luxury cruise line which was announced by NCL Holdings on February 26, 2021. This impacts operations through May 31, 2021.
Update 6: On March 16, parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced a further suspension through June 2021. It now means Regent wont resume cruises until July at the very earliest.
Update 7: On April 28, Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced a further suspension through September 30, 2021, which impacts Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Navigator. However, Seven Seas Splendor will begin cruises from the UK on September 11, 2021.
World Cruise Center Terminals
The two terminals of World Cruise Center are 18 mi away from LAX , direction South. The first Los Angeles cruise port terminal has two berths 91 and 92. the second one has only one – 93. Two or three larger cruise ships can dock here.
San Pedro Terminal’s address is: “Port of Los Angeles, Berths 91-93, World Cruise Center, San Pedro, CA 90731”.
Parking is USD 15 per day . The facilities in the San Pedro terminal include check-in, cafes, bars, shops, parking area, taxi ranks.
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Cdc Framework And Its Impact On The Resumption Of Cruises
With the new “Framework for Conditional Sailing,” cruise lines now have a much clearer path to getting back to sailing, though certainly not easy.
While the framework lays out a path, there are no actual dates specified within the process. There are, however, certain steps that the CDC says cruise lines must follow.
The framework itself is a series of measures that cruise lines must take, falling into four categories:
Within each of these categories are multiple measures cruise lines must take in order to complete the framework. Once completed, then the cruise lines can apply for a “Conditional Sailing Certificate” to return to sailing.
For a full explanation of all the steps and their requirements, see our article here.
Recently, the CDC eased some rules for cruise lines if they sail fully vaccinated trips where 98% of crew and 95% of passengers have the shot. For instance, if a cruise ship sails a fully vaccinated trip, they can skip the simulated voyages, drastically cutting down the time needed to meet the CDC requirements.
What Will Cruising Look Like When It Does Resume
It’s clear that when cruises do come back, in some cases it’s going to look very different than it did going into the crisis. While a number of requirements have been announced, it’s unclear how long they will be in place. Like everything else during the crisis, expect the situation to be fluid as the world re-opens. It’s also clear that sailings with fully vaccinated passengers will look different than non-vaccinated sailings, at least at first.
OnboardOf course, just like venues on land, there will be new procedures in place on the ship. This will run the gamut from more frequent sanitation to reducing touch points on ships.
Don’t be surprised when are fewer deck chairs by the pool and they are spaced farther apart. And crew members will wear masks while on duty. Also expect cruise lines to ask passengers to wear masks when distancing isn’t an option if on an unvaccinated cruise.
Note that these rules are relaxed if 95% of passengers on the ship are vaccinated. In that case, masks and distancing are optional for the cruise lines. As well, there will be areas reserved only for vaccinated passengers if sailing on a ship that’s under the 95% threshold.
Check-InAt check-in, it’s likely that the procedures put in place during the outbreak will stick around for months or years to come.
That means you can expect things like temperature checks before boarding. As well, there will be health questionnaires with a heavy emphasis on symptoms of COVID-19.
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Cruise From Los Angeles California
When it comes to the Los Angeles cruise port, there is no shortage of cruise options. Residents of LA can cruise on some of today’s most popular cruise lines such as Cunard, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silversea and many others. Cruise destinations include the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and even South America.
Celebrity Cruises: Resumed Sailing June 26
Celebrity Cruises made history as being the first line to make a return to the United States. When Celebrity Edge departed Fort Lauderdale on June 26, it marked the first major ship to sail from the U.S. in roughly 470 days.
Other ships scheduled to sail from America in 2021 include Celebrity Equinox, Millennium, Summit, Reflection, and Apex.
In addition, ships have already returned to other parts of the world.
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Los Angeles Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
Near San Pedro
- Los Angeles Maritime Museum: explore the history of the harbor in Los Angeles. It is located half mile away from the Los Angeles cruise port, direction South, in the Municipal Ferry Terminal at Harbor and 6th.
- Ports Oâ Call: a mile away from the Los Angeles cruise port, direction South. Great place where you will find shops, restaurants, galleries and bars in New England seaside town atmosphere.
- Red Car Trolley Ride: a vintage line connecting the Marina and the World Cruise Center. It stops by the LA Maritime Museum and Ports Oâ Call.
- Abalone Cove: amazing, lively beach located 4 miles away from Los Angeles cruise port, direction West. Enjoy stunning Catalina island views or rock pool at the Sacred Cove Bay.
Near Long Beach
- Queen Mary: the famous ocean liner just by the terminal. It was in service from 1936 to 1976 for Cunard Line. Currently she is part hotel part museum.
- Aquarium of The Pacific, Shoreline Aquatic Park: you will need just 5 minutes by car to get there. Enjoy the sea with its habitants in the Aquarium of The Pacific and walk through the Shoreline Aquatic Park to discover amazing green spaces.
- The Naples Canals: explore the Naples Canal and the Rivo Alto Canal.
- Rancho Los Cerritos Ranch: explore the tradition of Mexican, Spanish and American California origins in a combination.
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Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Also in the Los Angeles metro, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation. Most of the Carnival cruises departing from Los Angeles sail out of this facility. Before boarding your ship, you may want to check out the Long Beach Waterfront, which offers many attractions. You can take a guided tour aboard the Queen Mary, which has served as both a luxury liner and a World War II troop carrier. The Aquarium of the Pacific is also located on the waterfront, along with plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and strolling along the coast.
References
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This Was The Big Announcement
The day before Royal Caribbean revealed its plans to return to Los Angeles, Freed told travel agents to expect a big announcement, referring to it as “the news we’ve all been waiting for.”
While cruises from the West Coast are significant, many readers were disappointed the news was not worthy of the hype preceding it.
Because several travel agents reported being told by Royal Caribbean that the big announcement was being delayed or canceled, we suspect that larger news was originally on the docket.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line
Original Update: The cruise line which is based out of West Palm Beach, Florida has remained silent through early 2021. Announced on April 9, the small cruise line will make a comeback with short cruises to the Bahamas starting on July 2, 2021.
Update 1: In a recent development from Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Grand Classica has been approved by the CDC to operated a simulated voyage. The ship will depart on June 25 on a 2-night test cruise to stress test health protocols as per the CDC Conditional Sailing Order requirements.
Update 2: In early July, the cruise line altered its return to service date and its planned simulated cruise. The test cruise finally departed out of West Palm Beach, Florida on July 13 with cruises officially restarting from July 16.
Cruises Resume:
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Royal Caribbean: Resumed Sailing July 2
Royal Caribbean made its original pause announcements in two different segments. First, the company announced it suspended U.S. sailings starting March 14. Then, starting on March 15, Royal Caribbean suspended its cruises around the world.
Originally the company planned to return to operations in mid-April 2020. After multiple extensions, the first U.S. sailing departed Miami aboard Freedom of the Seas on July 2, 2021.
Other ships currently or planning to sail from the U.S. include:
- Serenade of the Seas from Seattle
- Ovation of the Seas from Seattle
- Independence of the Seas from Galveston
- Odyssey of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale
- Symphony of the Seas from Miami
- Allure of the Seas from Port Canaveral
So far, Royal Caribbean has planned its return with simulated cruises, giving more leeway regarding unvaccinated passengers. While adults on most cruises require the shot, kids ineligible for the vaccine are also allowed to sail.
Carnival Is The First Cruise Line To Resume Cruises Out Of California
Carnival Cruise Line became the first cruise line to resume cruises out of California when Carnival Panorama set sail on a week long cruise out of Long Beach.
The seven day cruise includes visits to three popular Mexican resort towns including Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.
As part of the festivities, a #BackToFun celebration was held in the cruise terminal prior to sailing during which Carnival President Christine Duffy and Carnival Panorama Captain Luca Lazzarino cut the ribbon to officially welcome guests back on board.
Carnival is the leader in West Coast cruising, and were thrilled that Carnival Panorama is resuming service as the first cruise ship to sail from California, said Duffy. Weve implemented extensive protocols on board to keep our guests, crew and the destinations we visit safe and healthy. We want to thank our partners and local officials in Long Beach for working closely with us to restart our cruise operations from Southern California. Were ready to show our guests the vacation of a lifetime while providing a boost to the local economy.
Added Captain Luca Lazzarino, This is the moment all of us on Carnival Panorama have been so patiently waiting for the return of our beloved guests to this beautiful ship. We are ready to welcome our guests on board our crew members are so excited that were getting Back to Fun.
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The Restart Is Underway
The restart of cruise operations is underway by multiple cruise lines already and more will begin resuming through the remainder of 2021. The two largest cruise lines for Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have already restarted with a limited number of ships from the US as the situation theres is moving forward quickly.
The Celebrity Edge cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean group became the first to restart operations with regular passengers from the US which departed on June 26 out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Freedom of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International, was the first cruise ship to be approved for a test sailing at the end of June. That was then followed by the vessel resuming out of Miami, Florida on July 2, 2021.
When it comes to Carnival Cruise Line, as of July 21, a total of three ships have already restarted sailings. Carnival Vista was the first to resume in the fleet when she departed Galveston, Texas on July 3, 2021. Carnival Horizon was then the second in the fleet to resume when the ship departed out of Miami, Florida on July 4, 2021. Carnival Breeze was then the third in the fleet and resume from the Port of Galveston on July 15.
In Canada, the situation has just recently made a major step forward towards reopening for cruise ships. On July 15, the government announced that from that have a capacity of over 100. As long as cruise lines follow the health protocols, then they will be able to resume from that date.
Msc Cruises: Resume Sailing August 2
MSC is a global cruise line and has ships sailing worldwide, but it is making inroads into the United States with some of its newest and largest vessels.
In the United States, trips are scheduled to begin again August 2, 2021 according to CruiseIndustryNews.com. The first trip will be aboard MSC Meraviglia, which will offer short 3 and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas, including its private island, Ocean Cay.
Notably, MSC has some practice in sailing in the new environment. They’ve had a number of sailings in Europe under new regulations and seem to be successful in keeping passengers healthy.
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Carnival Panorama Resumes Sailings From California
The Carnival cruise ship has restarted operations out of the Long Beach cruise terminal in California. Its been a long 17-month wait for the cruise to bring back the fun out of California, but finally, the day is here as Carnival Panorama becomes the eighth ship in the fleet to resume operations.
Carnival Cruise Line held a Back to Fun ribbon-cutting ceremony in the terminal to mark the major step forward. The event was attended by Carnival President Christine Duffy and Carnival Panorama Captain Luca Lazzarino.
Carnival is the leader in West Coast cruising, and were thrilled that Carnival Panorama is resuming service as the first cruise ship to sail from California,said Duffy. Weve implemented extensive protocols on board to keep our guests, crew and the destinations we visit safe and healthy. We want to thank our partners and local officials in Long Beach for working closely with us to restart our cruise operations from Southern California. Were ready to show our guests the vacation of a lifetime while providing a boost to the local economy.
The third Vista-class vessel is departing from the port on a seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary. The departure time is around 4:30 PM local time, and the voyage includes three sea days along with Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Carnival Panorama will return home to complete its first return voyage on Saturday, August 28, 2021.
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