Hong Kong has announced the introduction of new COVID-19 restrictions, which include bans on incoming flights from eight countries, weekend indoor dining, banning of all cruises and more.
The two big cruise lines that operate in Hong Kong have already reacted to the new regulations by cancelling their cruises.
Royal Caribbean Hong Kong has issued an update through their social media channels that said the Jan. 6, Jan. 9, Jan. 12, Jan. 14 and Jan. 17 cruises on the Spectrum of the Seas have all been cancelled due to the authorities’ update.
“We fully expect to welcome back our guests onboard Spectrum’s Jan. 21 cruise,” the cruise line said.
Guests affected by the cancellations are invited to either transfer to a later sailing or apply for a full refund.
Dream Cruises said it’s cancelling all itineraries between Jan. 9 and Jan. 19 due to the government directive.
Affected guests are invited to either transfer, receive a future cruise credit with additional onboard credit or cancel receiving a full monetary refund.
“This cancellation is due to the government’s directive and not as a result of any COVID-19 related incidents on board the ship,” the cruise line said.
With more cruise vessels sailing again, premium cruise brands are quickly resuming operations around the world.
Here are the latest plans from eight key brands:
Celebrity Cruises First sailing: In service since June 5, 2021 Ships: Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Xploration Regions: Caribbean, Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Galapagos and Alaska
As part of its phased restart plan, Celebrity Cruises currently has eight vessels back in service. After first resuming guest operations in the Caribbean and in the Mediterranean, the Royal Caribbean-owned brand welcomed the passengers back in the United Kingdom and in the Galapagos.
Holland America Line First sailing: In service since July 24, 2021
Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam Regions: Alaska, Mediterranean, Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii, Panama Canal and California
Princess Cruises First sailing: In service since July 25, 2021 Ships: Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess Regions: Alaska, United Kingdom, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California
Princess Cruises returned to guest operations in the United States, as the Majestic Princess kicked off a shortened Alaska season in July. Based in Seattle, the vessel remains in the region through late September, before repositioning to Los Angeles for a series of West Coast cruises.
Oceania Cruises First sailing: August 29, 2021 Ships: Marina, Riviera, Insignia and Sirena Regions: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean and World Cruise
Oceania Cruises plans to resume service in August, with the Marina welcoming the guests back for a Northern Europe season. The 1,250-guest vessel will resume her originally published voyage schedule, starting in Copenhagen.
A second ship, the Riviera, will restart operations in October, sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages, prior to a winter season in the Caribbean.
Cunard Line First sailing: August 13, 2021 Ships: Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 Regions: United Kingdom, Transatlantic Crossings, Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and Caribbean
Before resuming international operations, Cunard is restarting service in the United Kingdom. Starting on August 13, the Queen Elizabeth offered a series of domestic scenic cruises around the British Islands, sailing from Southampton.
The Queen Mary 2, meanwhile, resumes service in November, offering transatlantic crossings before sailing new short breaks in Western Europe. Later in the year, the vessel is also sailing in the Caribbean with three new cruises.
Dream Cruises First sailing: In service since July 26, 2020 Ships: Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream Regions: Asia – Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong
The new program has the Azamara Journey resuming service on October 13, with a series of Europe sailings that will be extended through the winter. The Azamara Questwill offer an expanded season in the Caribbean after the initial sailings in the Mediterranean.
The Azamara Pursuit and the new Azamara Onward will resume cruising in 2022.
Saga Cruises First sailing: In service since June 27, 2021 Ship: Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure Region: Europe – United Kingdom, Northern Europe and Mediterranean
Dream Cruises’ recently announced restart of cruises on board the Genting Dream in Hong Kong has been met with an enthusiastic response from the public, the cruise line said in a press release.
After just one week of sales since bookings officially opened on May 27, Genting Dream’s first two high seas “Super Summer Seacation” cruises departing on July 30 and Aug. 1 are close to 90 per cent while Friday night departures throughout August are at nearly 50 per cent capacity.
“We are truly grateful for the tremendous response we have received from the people of Hong Kong and we are delighted to be able to offer them a ‘Super Summer Seacation’ experience to help satisfy their craving to travel again. The interest in Genting Dream has even extended to inquiries from corporate groups, charity organizations and wedding parties who are looking at chartering the ship later in the year,” said Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines. “Also contributing to the success of our cruises has been the backing we have received from our travel and business partners who have been a great support to Dream Cruises throughout the years.”
“Wing On Travel is excited to work with Dream Cruises to promote the restart of cruises on board the Genting Dream and have already received calls and inquiries, showing a positive response from the market,” said Lanny Leung, director & CEO of Wing On Travel. “The Genting Dream’s fantastic array of activities and facilities including live shows and music performances, Rope Course, Rock Climbing Wall and Waterslide Park will provide fun for the whole family!”
“Since the announcement of Dream Cruises’ operations, our corporate and business clients have been very interested in booking MICE itineraries onboard the Genting Dream. As well, our loyal long-haul and overseas cruise passengers who have been yearning to cruise again now have a product that will fulfil their desire to vacation on the open seas,” said Alex Lee, general manager at Miramar Travel. “Our hope is that this will help stimulate the hard-hit tourism economy and bring much-needed bookings back to travel agents who have been affected by COVID-19.”
Set to begin sailing from July 30, the Genting Dream will embark on two and three-night “Super Summer Seacations” on the high seas in time for the summer holidays in Hong Kong. The “Super Summer Seacations” will comprise of a two-night “Super Weekend Seacation”, departing Fridays, a two-night “Super Weekday Seacation” departing Wednesdays, and a three-night “Super Summer Seacation” departing Sundays.
Early bird promotional rates start at only HK1188 per person based on twin occupancy in a balcony stateroom for a two-night “Super Weekday Seacation” departing on Wednesdays. This rate will be available until mid-June.
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