Cruise News Updates for the week of April 27th 2020
Thanks for joining us for another cruise news update. Today, we talk about the stock market, Disney and MSC cancellations, the Port of Seattle, the “Carnival Bailout” rumors, a few Royal Caribbean News stories, and updates from Jet Blue and American Airlines.
Disney Extends Cruise Cancellations
The Disney Cruise Line cancellations update include all departures through June 18, 2020, and Disney Magic Sailings through July 2, 2020 and Vancouver Sailings Until the End of June 2020.
- All new departures of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy through Thursday, June 18, 2020.
- All Disney Magic sailings through Thursday, July 2, 2020.
- All departures on the Disney Wonder through June, given that neither the Port of Vancouver nor an alternate homeport is available.”
MSC Extends Operations Halt Through July 10
These updates about MSC Cruises cancellations are a further extension of the temporary suspension of all its new cruise departures fleetwide through to July 10.
MSC Cruises USA is offering impacted guests a refund or Future Cruise Credit (FCC) where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise plus an additional 25 percent credit to a future cruise of their choice, on any ship and any itinerary, departing on or before December 31, 2021.
Royal Caribbean Blog Reports 2 Major Cruise News Updates
- Royal Caribbean’s new Galveston cruise terminal delayed until 2022.
- Royal Caribbean says no doctor’s note will be required to cruise once sailings resume.
Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service Vicki Freed spoke at the beginning of her webinar by addressing the need for a letter from a doctor for guests who are 70 years old or older, or have a pre-existing chronic medical condition.
“We found out that CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) did actually change this requirement on April 3rd. So a health form is no longer required for those travelers ages 70 plus, nor are there restrictions for those guests with underlying health conditions.” For more info, visit Royal Caribbean Blog.
Stocks Soar
Stocks soared on news of potential Gilead treatment, Dow up 600.
U.S. equities rallied mid-week after Gilead Sciences reported positive results from two studies that showed its therapy Remdesivir could be a viable treatment.
The optimism about a viable treatment offset the first U.S. GDP growth decline since 2014; investors remained focused on upcoming comments from the Federal Reserve on the state of the U.S. economy.
However, stocks fell as the week closed, with the Dow Jones down 2.55% at 23,723.69.
Airlines Announce New Protocols
JetBlue Airways announced that it will require all passengers to wear face masks starting on May 4. Crew members were already required to wear masks.
American Airlines states: “In May, we will begin to distribute sanitizing wipes or gel and face masks to passengers, as supplies allow. Our flight attendants will be required to wear face masks on all flights, beginning May 1.”
The airline also outlined an enhanced cleaning program:
“In the weeks ahead, we are expanding our cleaning program by wiping down customer high-touch surfaces (seatbelts, armrests, window shades and seatback screens) before every flight. Plus, we’re implementing enhanced cleaning in our team member areas (galley, cockpit and jumpseats).
Our HEPA air-filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles in the aircraft, working to ensure the air you breathe is clean.
Port of Seattle Delays Construction
The Port of Seattle delays controversial fourth new cruise terminal as it pares spending.
Commissioners stated: “it makes little economic sense to continue plans to redevelop part of Terminal 46 near Pioneer Square into the city’s fourth cruise ship berth”. The project has drawn opposition from climate activists because it builds capacity for a new source of climate-changing emissions.
Resources mentioned in this video:
New MSC Cruises Cancellations
Disney Cruise Line Cancellations
Gene Sloan w/The Points Guy Article on the Carnival Bailout
Royal Caribbean Updates from Royal Caribbean Blog
READ MORE: Cruise Cancellation Updates:
Cunard
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
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