Cruise news: Major cruise lines unveil new measures in a bid to restart US sailings | Cruise | Travel

Coronavirus testing will be compulsory for all cruise passengers and crew members prior to boarding as major cruise lines look to restart voyages in the US. The CLIA, a trade group representing 95 percent of the world’s ocean cruise capacity, revealed on Monday that extensive health and safety measures have been announced for its members. Another of the new health and safety measures requires passengers and crew wearing masks while onboard wherever social distancing cannot be maintained.

Global chair of CLIA Adam Goldstein said: “We are in a position to announce mandatory core elements of health protocols that we see as a path [to the resumption of cruising].”

Kelly Craighead, the president and chief executive of CLIA said: “Based on what we are seeing in Europe, and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for

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Seaport Association Offers Autumn Cruises Through Norwalk River

Press release from JLS Communications:

Sept. 17, 2020

A cruise with the Seaport Association through the Norwalk River into Long Island Sound is blissful on an autumn day. This cruise is just long enough, about two hours, to feel refreshed and recharged when you are back on land. There are 25 islands that stretch about six miles from Norwalk to Westport located about a mile off the coast.

Geologically, the islands are considered to be terminal moraines that consist of materials left by the last glacier. Some islands are rather large and others are mounds of boulders, silt, clay, sand, and vegetation from trees and beach roses to tall seagrass that sways in the breeze. These islands act as a barrier to rough seas and are one of the things that boaters like about Norwalk Harbor. This area is designated as a federal navigation channel of recreational and small harbor

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Learn ghostly secrets of town on river cruise

Every Monday in October, the Sabrina boat in Shrewsbury will be running ghost cruises along the River Severn.

The guide will tell tales of Shrewsbury’s history of wars, treachery and cold-blooded murder.

A spokesman for the Sabrina boat said: “From the early settler days where marauding Welshmen would attack the town leaving nothing but death and destruction in their wake, through to the dark days of the English civil war and to the lawlessness that followed, it’s no surprise that Shrewsbury is considered one of the most haunted regions in the UK.

“Unlike most, our ghost tour in Shrewsbury is carried out aboard our boat, Sabrina. You don’t need to stand out in the cold to be frightened out of your wits. Instead we take you on an atmospheric journey down the River Severn where your guide will thrill you with the spooky tales and stories of a bygone Shrewsbury.

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AmaWaterways Suspends River Cruises Through Nov. 15

AmaWaterways has canceled regularly scheduled river cruises in Europe, Africa and Asia through Nov. 15, 2020.



a bridge over a body of water: Fly Free to Europe in 2019

© AmaWaterways
Fly Free to Europe in 2019

“The U.S. and Canadian markets make up 95 percent of our guests, and there are still many restrictions affecting North American residents’ ability to travel internationally,” AmaWaterways President and Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner said in a statement. “As a result, we have extended the suspension of our regular program of river cruises in Europe, Africa and Asia through November 15, 2020. We are in the process of proactively contacting all travel advisors with clients affected by this new suspension date, providing them with options best suited to their clients’ needs.”

This suspension does not apply to the chartered Rhine River sailings launched in July in collaboration with German tour operator, e-hoi.

“Due to the success of these sailings and the consistent, positive feedback received from our German-speaking

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Riviera River Cruises Plans Travel Advisor Webinar on September 23

Looking ahead to the 2021 European river cruise season, Riviera River Cruises will host a webinar for professional travel advisors at 1 p.m. on September 23. Titled “Had Enough of 2020?,” the program will offer insight into the line’s newest itinerary, upgraded onboard amenities, expanded dining options, promotions and more.

Advisors who participate through the end of the webinar will be entered into a drawing for a discounted FAM cruise next year. Riviera offers 20 itineraries on 10 rivers and waterways, including dedicated departures for solo travelers with no single supplement. 

“We have a lot in store for 2021 and we’re excited to share it with travel advisors during this webinar,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ executive vice president sales and marketing North America, in a press release. She encouraged advisors to join the line and “learn about our newest itinerary, upgrades to onboard amenities,

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Sala Hospitality jumps aboard private cruises trend

Thailand’s Sala Hospitality Group has partnered boat rental company True Leasing to create private cruise packages that pair a stay and dining experience with a sightseeing trip along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

The cruise aboard a classic mahogany Hacker-Craft boat will sail past the city’s landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Escorted by a boat captain, all boats offer seating for up to five guests – ideal for couples, families and groups of friends.

Sala Hospitality Group’s partnership with True Leasing lets guests enjoy private tours aboard a classic handcrafted mahogany boat, an exclusive five-course dinner, and suite stays at sala rattanakosin Bangkok

Guests can choose from two curated packages that combine cruises and a five-course menu crafted by the chefs at the sala rattanakosin Bangkok’s Eatery and Bar, with the option of overnight stays at the hotel.

Couples can enjoy this lunch

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Sala packages river cruises | TTR Weekly

BANGKOK, 23 September 2020: SALA Hospitality Group is
introducing a new series of private boat sunset cruises on the Chao Phraya
River that flows through the heart of the Thai capital.

The hotel group has formed a partnership with True Leasing
to create a series of boat cruises that sail from the historical Rattanakosin
heritage district in Bangkok.

Passengers step aboard a classic mahogany Hacker-Craft boat
and glide gracefully along this historical waterway, past many of the city’s
most enchanting attractions, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
These landmarks look even more spectacular at sunset, as the orange sky shines
on the glittering temples.

SALA Hospitality Group has curated two special packages for
up to five passengers that combine cruises with the option of overnight stays
and a dedicated five-course menu crafted by chefs at Sala Rattanakosin
Bangkok’s Eatery and Bar. Sailings can be booked ahead

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Emerald Waterways unveils glamorous river cruises for 2022 as bookings open early

Emerald Waterways is giving us wanderlust as the river cruise brand just opened up bookings for sailings in 2022.

There are some pretty glamorous itineraries on offer too from foodie-inspired trips to the Douro Valley in Portugal, sailings along the Rhine with ports of call in historic hotspots, and even some long-haul destinations such as Vietnam and Cambodia.

The company says it has opened bookings earlier than planned after it saw ‘rising demand’ from its passengers.

Packages will include your return flights, transfers, all tipping and gratuities, all on board meals and insightful excursions and experiences.

The cruise line also currently has a sale on until the 31st October 2020, which includes savings of up to £1,000 per couple and complimentary Premium Drinks packages.

You can find out more or book the 2022 sailings on the Emerald Waterways website.

Emerald Liberte

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Arena River Cruises announces launch date for new flagship

The good news continues for the river cruise recovery even while ocean-going sailing remains in limbo after Arena River Cruises announced a date for the launch of its much-anticipated new flagship, MS Arena.

The four-star ship, which was due to debut in April of this year before coronavirus scuppered the cruise line’s plans, will launch in April 2021.

Steve Goodenough, the managing director of Arena River Cruises, told The Telegraph: “Naturally we have been disappointed not to have been able to welcome passengers aboard MS Arena so far, as planned. 

“I was lucky enough to travel to Amsterdam earlier in the summer and see the result of all the refurbishment and redecoration work – the ship is looking great and it’s such a shame not to have been able to share it with anyone. 

“However, we are delighted to be looking ahead now to next year. We are

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