Tag Archives: world cruise

Cunard puts 2022 world cruise on sale

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Queen Mary 2 Cruise Ship

Cunard has confirmed plans for a 2022 world cruise by flagship Queen Mary 2.

The 104-night voyage departs from Southampton on January 10 and returns on April 24, 2022.

Calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal are planned with sailings through the Suez Canal on both the outbound and return legs.

Overnight stops in Haifa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore are included plus a late-night departure from Colombo.

The voyage has gone on sale today despite all ocean cruises currently being cancelled due to government travel restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prices for an inside cabin start at £11,499 per person.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “Our guests have told us they want memorable destinations which combine intrinsic glamour and heritage.

“This unique programme spans 16 countries, offering a combined 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which we hope will combine the perfect blend of exploration onshore and relaxation on board.”

Palethorpe added: “This 104-night voyage can be split into six sectors and booked individually, which is tailored to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Cunard experience for just a portion of the journey.

“It truly is the ultimate exploration of east meets west experienced from the magnificent setting of the world’s only ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2.

“Guests on board will be able to take advantage of a multitude of luxurious offerings whether they want to be entertained, learn something new, get active or simply relax, while the ambience throughout the ship is warm, friendly and inclusive.”

Those sailing the full World Voyage will enjoy a welcome onboard reception, services of a World Voyage Concierge and use of a private lounge, a gala event ashore and complimentary daily gratuities.

Princess Cancels Two 2021 World Cruises

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Pacific Princess

Princess Cruises is cancelling its early 2021 World Cruises and Circle South America cruises on two ships:

• Island Princess 2021 World Cruise sailing from North America, including associated segments and remaining voyages sailing immediately prior .
• Pacific Princess 2021 Circle South America sailing from Australia, including associated positioning cruises.

Princess cited o restrictions and limitations with border and port access determined by government and health authorities and the continued uncertainty of airline travel.

“We share in the disappointment of this cancellation for guests of our world cruises because it’s a pinnacle cruise vacation experience, booked by some of our most loyal guests,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president.

Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages will receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid. To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel advisor.

Alternatively, guests can forfeit the bonus FCC offer and request a refund for all money paid on their booking by using this online form. Guests have until September 30, 2020 to elect a refund, or they will automatically receive the default offer listed above.

Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.

Inside the MSC Magnifica’s Journey Home with Captain Roberto Leotta

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MSC Magnifica

From March 14 to April 20, the MSC Magnifica did not disembark any guests and sailed straight back to Marseille amid the COVID-19 crisis with Captain Roberto Leotta at the helm for the unprecedented journey.

The ship was in the middle of its world cruise, which was set to span 118 days.

“We were aware of the COVID-19 situation from the moment it became public,” said Leotta. “During the early days of the world cruise, we monitored the situation closely as it was constantly evolving. We adapted to the situation as it unfolded and followed the appropriate heightened health and safety measures.”

As the situation unfolded, Leotta said that government restrictions were remaking port calls more difficult, with the decision coming in Hobart on March 14 to no longer allow guests to disembark for safety reasons.

“By the time we reached Sydney we had technically cancelled the planned world cruise,” he said. ”It was obviously a difficult decision and we, of course, evaluated all of the options carefully.”

Heading back to Marseille, the 2010-built ship provisioned in Fremantle and Colombo.

“I think it is safe to say that this is an unprecedented situation and I am not sure that anyone has experienced anything like this before,” Leotta added, noting that the cruise home was basically treated as a cruise sailing with food, beverage and entertainment.

Leotta will stay aboard the ship for now. He went to sea in 1984, first serving on tanker ships before moving to cruise ships as a deck cadet in 1988, making the grade of captain in 2006.