What Us Cruise Ships Are Sailing Right Now
After a pause of more than 450 days, cruise ships are now sailing. North American cruise operators started service in June 2021. And while all the major cruise lines are now back at sea, the return to cruising has taken a phased approach, with ships returning to service one at a time and some cruise lines keeping vessels idle until well into 2022.
Weve compiled a list of cruise ships currently sailing from North American ports, the date they returned to service, and important things to know if you want to sail on each ship.
Radiance Of The Seas First Impressions
I had never sailed on a Radiance Class cruise ship before, so I wasnt sure what to expect. Royal Caribbean has 6 classes of cruise ships, and each has a different layout and size as well as varied onboard dining, activities, and amenities.
One of the first things I noticed was the large Centrum in the middle of Radiance of the Seas. Royal Caribbean is known for their sprawling Royal Promenades inside the ship, but the cruise lines older cruise ships do not have this feature.
Instead, Radiance of the Seas has a large, 6-story elevator lobby connecting shops, lounges, a coffee shop, and other onboard amenities. I dont mind the Centrum and feel that it connects the ships decks together nicely, although it seemed a bit cramped, even when compared to the more open Centrum area on my recent cruise on Royal Caribbeans Rhapsody of the Seas.
Radiance Class ships are known for the amount of windows found throughout the ship, and this is one of the features I ended up loving most about Radiance of the Seas throughout my cruise. No matter where I was onboard, I could relax with a view and enjoy Alaskas scenery.
Related: 20 Radiance Class cruise ship tips and secrets
The outdoor decks on Radiance of the Seas were really nice as well, although I didnt expect to spend much time there during an Alaska cruise. Having access to the helicopter pad is always a plus, and the indoor pool area in the Solarium was a beautiful space.
Cruise Lines Begin Resuming Ship Departures From Florida Ports That Closed Due To Hurricane Ian
Cruise lines have resumed operations at three Florida ports that closed during the approach of Hurricane Ian. Port Tampa Bay, Jacksonville’s JAXPort and Port Canaveral all reopened to cruise vessels on Saturday after being closed earlier in the week.
Port Tampa Bay closed to marine traffic, including cruise ships, at 8 a.m. on Tuesday as Hurricane Ian bore down on the west coast of Florida, and Port Canaveral closed to marine traffic at 12 a.m. on Wednesday. JAXPort shut down at 12 p.m. on Wednesday.
The closures forced five cruise lines to cancel voyages out of the three ports that had been scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday.
For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter
With the reopening, half a dozen cruise ships that have been stuck at sea for the past couple of days including Carnival Cruise Line‘s Tampa-based Carnival Paradise and Royal Caribbean‘s Port Canaveral-based Mariner of the Seas will be able to return to their home bases Saturday to allow passengers to disembark. Paradise had been due in Tampa on Thursday and Mariner of the Seas had been due in Port Canaveral on Thursday, too.
The three ports that were closed were the closest cruise ports to the track of Hurricane Ian, which swept across Florida from west to east on Wednesday and Thursday. None of the three ports were directly in the path of Hurricane Ian, which has caused devastating destruction and loss of life in parts of Southwest Florida.
You May Like: What To Do In Roatan Honduras From Cruise Ship
Cruise Lines Planned Reopenings: The Complete List
This post may have affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. Here’s our Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more info.
Cruise lines around the world will be reopening this spring and summer as the cruise industry looks to start its recovery. With vaccination rollouts happening around the world, travelers looking forward to cruising again may finally see an end to the suspensions.
There are a lot of factors that have to come together to make these sailings happen but one things for sure.
People still want to cruise.
This list will be updated weekly so make sure to bookmark this page and check back often!
Important Note:These are projected sailing dates from each cruise line. Cruise line suspensions can be extended at anytime. This information is based on information directly from the official website for each Cruise Line. Sailings and reopening dates can change without notice.
We do not endorse or encourage traveling against government and health travel advisories.
The decision to travel is your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities before booking travel.
Whats The State Of The Cruise Industry Today
According to Scrivanich, cruise lines are currently sailing between 70% and 100% capacity, depending on the destination. So can you still find a deal? The answer is yes.
Following the cruise industrys yearlong pause during the height of COVID, we saw a demand that far exceeded supply, says Chris Gray Faust, the managing editor of cruise ship review site Cruise Critic. Cruise lines planned a slow, methodical return to cruising, which meant welcoming back just a few ships and itineraries at a timeall with limited capacity on board.
Credits for canceled cruises and pent-up demand meant cruise lines had no trouble filling their ships in 2021. Pricing remained stableno need for the lines to discount faresthroughout the year. But things are different this year, what with reduced restrictions on cruise ships and delayed or canceled flights across the country.
The cruise lines have all their ships sailing with no capacity restrictions. So we have seen pricing become very attractive for consumers, particularly when other forms of travel, such as flights, hotels and gas, have record-high prices, Gray Faust says. For summer 2022 and into fall, cruising is a value proposition, and so while bookings are not quite at 2019 levels yet, cruise shoppers are taking advantage of these deals.
You May Like: What Is The Best Dinner Cruise In Maui
Ports Closed To Cruise Ships Or Refusing Permission To Dock
Aruba — While not officially closed to cruise tourism, Aruba has mandated new PCR testing requirements and has turned away numerous cruise ships with COVID-19 cases onboard.
Australia — Australia remains closed to large-scale cruise tourism.
Bonaire — Bonaire has been refusing permission for ships with any cases of COVID-19 to dock.
Brazil — Brazilian ports are closed to cruise tourism until further notice.
Canada — Transport Canada had banned cruises to Canadian ports of call throughout 2020 and 2021, and while that order has expired, the Federal government hasn’t issued an update this year on whether cruises will be allowed to resume in time for the 2022 season, which begins in April.
Cartagena, Colombia — Cartagena has been turning away ships with any cases of COVID-19 onboard.
Curacao — Curacao has been refusing docking permission for ships with any cases of COVID-19.
Grand Cayman — Grand Cayman remains closed to cruise ships since March 2020, after implementing new testing requirements that would force passengers to all re-test one day before arrival. Plans to re-open December 28, 2021, were scrapped.
Grenada — Grenada has been turning away ships with any cases of COVID-19 onboard, and cruise lines have been proactively canceling calls on the island.
Hong Kong — Hong Kong is closed to cruise tourism.
Monterey, California — Monterey has closed itself to all cruise traffic through the remainder of 2022.
Kelly Clarkson And Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrate 100 Winning Educators During Norwegian Prima’s Texas Debut
News provided by
NCL Awards 100 Educators Across the U.S. and Canada with a Free Cruise Aboard Norwegian Prima and Donates Nearly $170,000 to Schools and Teachers Around the Country
GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist Kelly Clarkson Performs Onboard as Part of Norwegian’s Giving Joy® Award Ceremony
GALVESTON, Texas, Oct. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Norwegian Cruise Line , the innovator in global cruise travel, commemorated the debut of its all-new Norwegian Prima, and the brand’s first-ever voyage from Galveston, Texas, with an exclusive concert by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson.
The ship also served as the special venue for this year’s Norwegian’s Giving Joy awards ceremony, during which the Cruise Line and Clarkson recognized 100 teachers with a free cruise, and nearly $170,000 for the top three Grand Prize winners and their schools.
“It was such an honor to celebrate the 100 deserving winners of Norwegian’s Giving Joy program at Norwegian Prima’s inaugural sailing, which embarked from my home state of Texas!” said Clarkson. “Teachers are our true everyday unsung heroes, and they play an integral role in our society, not only shaping the future of their students, but the future of their communities as well. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to participate in this program and give a special performance before they set sail on the trip of a lifetime!”
The Grand Prize winners are:
Also Check: How Much Does An Antarctic Cruise Cost
Independence Of The Seas
- Cruising from: Galveston, Texas since August 15, 2021
- Vaccine Requirement: Yes, for all passengers 12 and up
- Testing Requirements: Must present a negative result from a test within 48 hours at check-in, unvaccinated kids ages 2-11 must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of check-in
- Onboard: Masks required indoors except when actively eating or drinking, and in some other scenarios
Portmiami In Miami Florida
Thanks to its diverse cultural influences, stunning beaches, and exhilarating neighborhoods, Miami is the perfect place to set sail to a variety of destinations. PortMiami is conveniently located within 30 minutes of Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport. Hosting more than 20 cruise lines, PortMiami makes it easy for you to find a ship and an itinerary that works for you.
You can sail from the vibrant city of Miami as early as July 2021 aboard Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. All three cruise lines are offering from three up to seven-night sailings on beautiful shipsideal whether you need a short escape or a full week of adventures.
For the latest updates regarding PortMiamis reopening, please visit the ports official website.
Don’t Miss: Which Cruise Ships Sail Out Of Galveston
Port Of Los Angeles In Los Angeles California
A 40-minute drive south from Los Angeles International Airport gets you to The Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. Thanks to its location along the Pacific Coast, its the departure point for sailings to the Mexican Riviera, along the coast of California, and even through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale. The Los Angeles cruise terminal offers no shortage of things to see and do: rent bikes right outside the docks, visit the San Pedro Fish market, or browse the hand-made goods at Craftedan artisanal shopping mall perfect for stocking up on souvenirs for friends and family.
Most cruise lines dock at the port of Los Angeles, including Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and many more. One of the earliest sailing available is July 1, 2021, aboard the beautiful Ruby Princess. The ship features a variety of cruise lengths, all centered around the Mexican Riviera.
For the latest updates regarding Port of Los Angeles reopening, please visit the ports official website.
Port Canaveral In Orlando Florida
Port Canaveral, located in Orlando, Florida, is the homeport of major cruise lines such as Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. The ports location near many theme parks and family-friendly attractions make it a great place to extend your trip before or after a cruise.
If Port Canaveral is your port of choice, there are many itineraries available for you. You can sail away as early as July 1, 2021, with a four-night Bahamas cruise aboard the Carnival Elation. Disney Cruises is also offering three-night and four-night Bahamas cruises in July aboard the Disney Dream. If you need a longer getaway, Royal Caribbean has seven-night Caribbean cruises aboard the Mariner of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas.
For the latest updates regarding Port Canaverals reopening, please visit the ports official website.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Alaska Cruise Tour
Flights & Shuttle Transfers
Because the cruise started in Vancouver and ended in Seward, I needed to purchase two one-way flights. Flying to Vancouver was $189 and flying from Anchorage was $347, bringing the total flight cost to $536.
Flying roundtrip from my house to either Seattle or Vancouver usually costs between $200 and $300 total, so the one-way flights were definitely more expensive, especially the one from Anchorage, adding a significant amount to the total cost of the cruise.
Additionally, because the cruise ended in Seward, I needed to purchase a shuttle bus to Anchorage for $78.95. This was the cheaper option the train transfer was $124.95!
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.
Also Check: Best Room On Cruise Ship
What Will It Be Like On Board
When the MSC Grandiosa returned to the waters last August, the voyage was characterized by COVID-19 testing, social distancing, hand sanitizing and temperature checks.
The ship was also operating at reduced capacity. Day trips were strictly moderated, and rule-breaking wasn’t tolerated.
Travelers and crew members were tested before boarding via a primary antigen test and a secondary molecular test.
On board, cleaning methods were enhanced, including hospital-grade disinfectant and the use of UV-C light technology.
CDC requirements, meanwhile, suggest future cruises will require on-board face coverings, hand hygiene and social distancing. Laboratory testing will also take place for all passengers and crew when they embark and disembark the ship.
The mock cruises that must take place before “official” cruises depart will test the efficacy of these preventative measures.
According to CDC guidelines, each cruise line will have to send a report after the mock cruise is complete, which the CDC will then review, give feedback and issue a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate, assuming all requirements have been met. It’s possible a series of mock cruises might need to take place.
The goal, according to the CDC conditional sail order, is “a return to passenger voyages in a manner that mitigates the risk of Covid-19 introduction, transmission, or spread among passengers and crew on board ships and ashore to communities.”
HOW SAFE ARE CRUSIES?
Your Guide To When The Major Cruise Lines Are Starting Up Again
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Here’s a list of current dates of suspensions in place by major cruise lines, and the earliest dates those cruise lines are scheduled to resume departures from ports in the United States.
Several cruise lines operating in Europe and Asia resumed services last fall but suspended them when infection counts began to surge again. They are beginning to restart operations as more people get vaccinated.
As during the past year, upcoming schedules are subject to cancellation. Travelers agents warn consumers not to book unless they understand and accept cruise lines policies for refunds and future cruise credits.
Current schedules, prices and cancellation updates can be found at the cruise lines websites.
Read Also: Are There Cruise Ships To Hawaii
The Unlimited Open Bar Package Terms & Conditions
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Unlimited Open Bar Package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD and unlimited fountain pop and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay. For cruises beginning Jan 1, 2023, this package also includes six 1-litre Flow Waters per stateroom delivered to the guest’s cabin on embarkation day.
A 20% discount will be applied to all bottles of wine purchased on board. The Unlimited Open Bar Package does not include room service, package sales, ship specific promotions, designated Premium PLUS brands , bottled wine, mini bar purchases, bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, specialty coffee beverages, specialty Starbucks locations, Coco’s, energy drinks, vending machines, wine stations or spirits, cocktails, draft or bottled beer and glasses of wine over $15 USD. Two beverages per person per transaction.
Many Cruise Lines Have Rolled Back Testing Rules
Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity, also rolled back its testing requirements this month, following the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. The company requires vaccinated passengers to take a test only on sailings six nights or longer, but testing is still required for unvaccinated passengers on all sailings.
Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.
First-time cruisers:3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship
You May Like: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues