Multiple Cruise Lines Make Exciting Announcements The Week Of February 7th 2022

Norwegian Cruise Lines Identifies Upcoming Health & Safety Changes Effective March 1

Norwegian Cruise Lines has announced a summary of upcoming changes to their Sail Safe Health and Safety Program that will take effect for all voyages beginning March 1, 2022.

Heeding guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prioritize maintaining health and safety, NCL’s Sail Safe Health and Safety Program, which requires all guests, ages five (5) and over, to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure and show proof of vaccination at the terminal in order to board the vessel, has evolved to allow children under five (5) to sail while unvaccinated.

Additionally, while NCL has previously asked that guests boarding their ships test twice for COVID-19 (once at home and a second time at the pier before embarkation), the cruise line will now only require guests to test once at home. This change will take effect for guests and travel partners currently booked for sailings in March and April 2022.

 Cunard Reveals Name Of Its Newest Vessel

On February 8, Cunard unveiled the name of its newest vessel – the Queen Anne.  The Queen Anne will be Cunard’s 249th ship, and will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four vessels at sea.

Queen Anne will feature new guest experiences within its dining, culture and entertainment offerings.  The décor will showcase bold color tones with a striking aesthetic, while keeping faithful with the renowned timeless Cunard sophistication.

Voyages for the Queen Anne’s maiden season will commence in May, with the ship’s first sailings scheduled for early 2024.

Emerald Cruises Takes First Superyacht Delivery

Emerald Cruise has just taken delivery of Emerald Azzurra, the first of the brand’s two innovative superyachts.  Having just departed Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, the 100-guest yacht is headed to Aqaba, Jordan where it will commence its inaugural sailing on March 11—an eight-day itinerary in the Red Sea.

Following this inaugural sailing, Emerald Azzurra will transit the Suez Canal and embark on a series of warm water sailings in the Mediterranean and along the Adriatic coast over the summer before returning to the Red Sea next winter.

Emerald Azzurra features an innovative infrared sauna for longer, relaxing guest experiences – a “first” for yacht cruising. Of the 50 luxuriously appointed suites, more than 88% of them feature balconies with more space per guest than similar vessels of her size. The yacht also showcases a large infinity pool, spa, gym and marina platform, with SEABOBs, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment available for guests to enjoy. A fleet of the latest, ultra-modern electronic bikes from Gocycle are also available on board, ideal for local village trips and active explorations.

Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in February 2023, with itineraries to the Seychelles, Black Sea and Middle East.

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the travel industry, Cruises-N-More, a Virtuoso member, offers select benefits for our clients. Cruises-N-More is pleased to announce being recognized as a winner of the 2019 Online Travel Partner Excellence Award of Carnival Corporation & plc brands Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Contact a Cruises-N-More cruise specialist at 800-733-2048 (toll-free USA/Canada), +1-407-771-4454, 0-808-189-1292 (toll-free U.K.), or 800-076-002 (toll-free Australia).