This most major outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia has hit the Grand Princess, a cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises. Some media sources stated that Newcastle officials turned away the 107,500-ton cruise liner, but Princess said it opted to bypass the port after discussing it with local health officials. The fourth wave of COVID-19 is spreading across Australia, and Princess Cruises was eager to point out that, like the rest of the tourist industry, it is attempting to restrict the spread of the virus. Princess Cruises sent a statement to the Australian media saying, “With Victoria registering 22,000 instances in the previous week, we would like to use this opportunity to emphasise every precaution is taken on board to keep our passengers, staff, and wider communities we visit safely.” A few months ago, cruises resumed in Australia, but officials still closely monitor everything. In accordance with these regulations, 95% of cruise ship passengers must be up-to-date with their vaccinations, and the other 5% must also be tested. The cruise lines are responsible for working with port-based public health departments and reporting any virus spread. In addition, as the COVID outbreak in Australia has worsened in recent weeks, Carnival Corporation has reinstated a masking requirement for all guests and personnel on board, including those sailing with Princess Cruises. Except while eating or drinking, masks are necessary when entering or disembarking, on buses and tenders, and outside cabins. Masks are also required outdoors when passengers cannot social distance themselves from others. Outside, when passengers cannot maintain social distancing, they must also wear masks. Local media reported that health officials said there was a “high” number of cases on board, while a Princess spokesperson said the ship arrived in Newcastle with a “slightly high” number of cases. In a prepared statement, a Princess spokesperson explained that the decision to skip the final port of call “was made in consultation with NSW Health as the Newcastle and greater Hunter Valley region is managing the current rise in community transmissions, including the demand on its local hospitals and healthcare services.” According to a report in the Newcastle Herald, when the cruise ship returned to Melbourne on 30 November, paramedics were waiting for them at the pier. There were supposedly over 2,000 people on board, and ambulances reportedly removed five of them, with at least two requiring further medical attention. Officials in charge of healthcare in the area recommended using ambulances since they were the most accessible option. One other passenger sought medical attention on the dock but did not require treatment. This new event occurred only days after officials in Bali refused to allow another cruise ship to dock because of the “elevated” transmission on board. The Queen Elizabeth cruise ship departed Sydney on 15 November for a two-week voyage, with Bali being the final planned stop. source : https://www.traveldailymedia.com/princess-cruise-ship-skips-port-call-due-to-covid-19-cases/

Japan has opened the door for cruise ships to return for the first time in more than two years and Holland America is ready to start sailing. The cruise line is planning several trips in early 2023 to take advantage of the restrictions being dropped. The Japanese government decided on November 15 that its ports could once again be open to international cruise ships, something that hadn’t happened since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Japan is now ready to start receiving international cruise ships again,” said Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito, according to the Associated Press. “We will create an environment that allows tourists to enjoy their cruise without worry while in Japan.” The decision was welcome news to Holland America officials. “We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising,” Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, said in a release. Holland America Gears Up The company will be using the Westerdam, one of its largest ships that are currently sailing to locations in Australia and New Zealand. It will drydock in Singapore during January before beginning the Asian voyages in February. The Westerdam will make roundtrip voyages between 11 and 14 days between Yokohama, Japan, and Singapore starting February 3. Holland America is offering five different itineraries and will include stops at ports in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. Some of the overnight stops will include Singapore; Osaka, Japan; Kobe, Japan; and Phuket, Thailand. “Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins.” The final sailing for the season will leave April 24 from Yokohama on a North Pacific crossing to Seattle, where the Westerdam will be based for the Alaska sailing season. Protocols for cruising in Asia are being finalized, the company said. When completed, it will be added to the company’s website for travelers to have handy for their particular voyage. Holland America has dozens of available itineraries for cruises around the globe. In addition to Asia and Alaska, it offers trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and other destinations. source : https://www.travelawaits.com/2837958/holiday-america-resumes-service-in-asia/

China has released further information about its domestic cruise industry development plans. A new joint venture between CSSC (China State Shipbuilding Corporation) and Carnival Corporation was launched, and preliminary designs for a smaller, more luxurious cruise ship were shown. China’s growing presence in the international cruise business is being facilitated in part by a banking syndicate. Shipbuilder CSSC has formed a joint venture with Carnival Corporation for a new brand, which they revealed today would be named Adora Cruises when it starts in 2023. This is part of China’s strong push to expand its domestic capabilities. The CSSC has also partnered with Fincantieri, guiding the building of China’s first major cruise ship to be manufactured domestically. Though most ships have not returned to China since the outbreak, these attempts continue. China’s largest domestic cruise ships are also waiting for a relaxation of the zero COVID policy before they can begin sailing, which has prevented all foreign cruise companies from resuming operations. But work is progressing rapidly on the first mega-cruise ship, with CSSC claiming delivery by year’s end. Its corporate design, used by Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises, was adapted for this vessel. There will be 2,125 staterooms on board, making the ship 1,060 feet long and 135,000 gross tonnes. The Chinese have also altered the concept for a second, bigger cruise ship. The ship, which will be 142,000 gross tonnes, has been under construction since the beginning of the year. The length of this cruise ship will be 1,119 feet, and it will have 2,144 staterooms. In addition to offering short and long cruises for domestic and international travel, the new company said it will establish a long-term boutique route along the “Maritime Silk Road.” However, details on its cruises have yet to be disclosed. Destinations on this trip include countries important to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. Adora, proud of its Chinese roots, claims it will combine a global perspective with domestic expertise to design a cruise itinerary tailored to the preferences of Chinese tourists. To “address the varying demands of different customers,” the company said it would offer a “better quality onboard experience and exclusive shore tour items.” Plans for CSSC’s cruise business expansion were also laid out in detail. An international classification body approved the first Chinese-developed cruise ship design in December 2021. It was for a bigger vessel with a gross tonnage of 150,000. CSSC Cruise Technology Development Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has revealed a new design for a cruise ship with 80,000 gross tonnes today. CSSC believes this new design is a luxury cruise ship measuring 963 feet in length. According to CSSC, the design’s high passenger space ratio, passenger-crew ratio, and public area per passenger considerably improve passenger comfort. It takes techniques such as enhancing the wind field and hydrodynamic performance of the superstructure and installing energy-saving equipment to lower the resistance and boost energy efficiency, with the result that the balcony room ratio of this type of ship is expected to surpass 69%. The design has been given Approval in Principle (AiP) by the China Classification Society (CCS). The Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, China Bank of Communications, and other financial institutions have signed a memorandum of cooperation with CSSC Finance Co. and CSSC Carnival Cruise Co. to fund the expansion of the Chinese cruise industry. Details show that $1.4 billion in loans will be pooled to fund the building of two massive Chinese cruise ships and to expand the country’s cruise fleet, making this the first long-term syndicated credit for cruise funding in China. source : https://www.traveldailymedia.com/chinas-domestic-cruise-industry-continues-to-grow/

Because all-inclusive doesn’t mean you don’t have to tip. There is something about living in a country where the government has mandated a living wage that makes Aussies a bit skittish when it comes to tipping. It’s not that we don’t or won’t, it’s that sometimes we need a reminder, so here it is. If you’re on a cruise out of Australia, be sure to tip your room stewards at the very least. Suffice to say, maritime hourly wages aren’t as high as Aussie shore-based ones and many of the people tidying up after you send most of what they earn back home to support their families. How much do you tip on a cruise? Travel guide Frommers has most cruise lines suggesting a tip of US$10-$12 per passenger per day. That’s for everything. Extending that then, a week’s cruise should be budgeted at around 100 per person when you factor in the conversion from US to A$. How to tip on a cruise boat? It’s simple, just hand whoever is serving you some cash. If you're on a cruise out of the US for example, you'll see cash changing hands constantly. Leave some in your cabin with a note thanking the steward. This is important so they know it’s for them. Alternatively, if that’s all a bit of hassle when working with a cruise card or feels awkward, you can always hit up the reception desk to add tips to your onboard account. Some companies like Princess give passengers the option to pre-tip before they've even set foot aboard, so they don't even have to think about it. What currency should you tip on a cruise boat? If you've left an Australian port, our dollars are fine. Anywhere else, no one will say no to a greenback. source : https://www.escape.com.au/experiences/cruises/ocean/how-much-should-you-be-tipping-on-international-cruises/news-story/0f5cd8464256baffac80a1e5d6308263

For the first time in two and a half years, cruising will return to Japan, with its government reporting that it is ready to start receiving international ships again. Following the news, Holland America Line announced that Westerdam is preparing for a series of itineraries in early 2023 that will let guests explore lands where ancient temples and cultures steeped in tradition mix with soaring skyscrapers and bustling capitals. “We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins.” Westerdam, currently sailing in Australia and New Zealand, will start the Asia season following a drydock in Singapore in January 2023. Beginning February 3, the ship will sail a series of "Far East" voyages showcasing the diversity of countries visited while celebrating histories that have been thousands of years in the making. Sailing roundtrip from Yokohama, or Singapore, or between Yokohama and Singapore, cruises span 11 to 14 days and can be combined to form non-repeating “Collectors’ Voyages.” Countries explored include Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. Five different itineraries are offered including “Indonesian Discovery,” “Japan, Taiwan & The Philippines,” “Japan Explorer,” “Japan Discovery” and “Southern Japan.” Overnight calls include Singapore; Kobe and Osaka; and Phuket. The season concludes on April 24 with a 14-day “North Pacific Crossing” from Yokohama to Seattle, where Westerdam will homeport for its Alaska season. As protocols for cruising in Asia are finalized, each departure will be added to Holland America Line’s Voyage Lookup tool, which allows guests to see specific health protocols for their cruise. For more information, visit hollandamerica.com. source : https://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/holland-america-line-announces-return-asia-2023

Rebecca Gibson asks Michael Goh how Resorts World Cruises’ itineraries from Singapore and Malaysia are helping it to achieve its goal of driving the growth of the region’s luxury cruise market Asia’s newest cruise brand Resorts World Cruises officially began operating when its first ship – the 3,352-guest Genting Dream – sailed out of Singapore on 15 June 2022. Since then, it has been working hard to achieve its aim of spurring the growth of Asia’s luxury cruise sector. “As a homegrown Asian brand, we aspire to take Asian hospitality to the next level, going above and beyond to deliver personalised lifestyle experiences with international offerings for our guests,” says Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises. “With this aim as the core foundation of the business, we strive to create human connections and strong relationships with our guests, and complement and enhance these with our itineraries and destination offerings.” “One of our brand hallmarks is that we provide exceptional short getaway destination cruises that are infused with exciting and relevant offerings to deliver holistic experiences from ship to shore,” says Goh. “Of course, our ship itself is also a resort at sea too.” To ensure it could deliver such cruises, the brand carefully considered Genting Dream’s homeports and ports of call. “There are many elements that make ports an attractive and viable option for cruise ships, but finding one with the right infrastructure is crucial,” says Goh. “Ports should have good facilities for berthing or tendering ships, processing passengers during embarkation and disembarkation, bunkering, sourcing food, and much more. In addition, we want ports that have well-equipped terminals and provide easy access to both local transport and popular tourist attractions.” Resorts World Cruises chose dual homeports for Genting Dream, which now sails weekly two- and three-night cruises from both Singapore and Port Klang, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. “We wanted to boost Singapore’s inbound and outbound tourism and bring cruising to the doorsteps of Malaysians residing in central Peninsular Malaysia by enabling them to depart from Kuala Lumpur, which is convenient and affordable,” says Goh. “Not only are Singapore and Kuala Lumpur dual homeports for Genting Dream, but they are also major tourist destinations themselves. Guests embarking at either port will have the chance to visit both cities during their cruise, as well as Penang on three-night itineraries.” Resorts World Cruises has elevated guests’ onshore experiences by curating shore excursions that capture the unique essence of each destination. In Singapore, for example, guests can take tours that enable them to try the country’s unique cuisine, shop on the famous Orchard Road, or discover the diversity of Asian culture by visiting the traditional ethnic enclaves, including Chinatown, Little India and Kampon Glam, among others. Meanwhile, excursions in Kuala Lumpur enable guests to see landmarks such as the Petronas Towers, sample street food at Jalan Imbi, learn about Peranakan culture in Melaka, head to the Batu Caves, visit Pulau Ketam fishing village, take a boat trip to the Unesco World Heritage site of Langkawi, and much more. “Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are both popular with travellers in the region due to their iconic landmarks, cuisine and shopping opportunities, and our cruise itineraries give them an alternative and convenient way to experience the cities,” says Goh. “Penang Island adds an interesting mix to the itinerary, allowing guests to explore one of Malaysia’s rich heritage and favourite food haven destinations.” Goh notes that Resorts World Cruises strives to create programmes with a diverse range of shore excursion options to cater to a wide spectrum of guest demographics. “For instance, our ‘Taste & Traditions in Penang’ shore excursion is popular with both younger and older guests because it highlights key landmarks of Penang, famous local cuisine that is unique to the island, and shopping,” he says. “Such guided tours deliver a holistic experience for our guests.” Buoyed by the success of Genting Dream’s maiden season, Goh says Resorts World Cruises will continue to focus on strengthening the offerings from its dual homeports. “This will include both the roundtrip itineraries and the one-way cruises between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur,” he says. “In addition, we’ll explore new destinations, considering factors including customer demand, available port facilities, immigration processes and shore excursion opportunities, to name just a few.” As part of its plan to trial new destinations, Resorts World Cruises will sail a five-night cruise from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Phuket, Thailand, as well as a five-night voyage to Bintan Island, North Bali, and Surabaya in Indonesia in late 2022. “These special cruises will enable us to assess the feasibility of calling into these ports and other new destinations more regularly in the future,” says Goh. He adds that the brand will also adapt its future itineraries, shore excursions and onboard offerings to cater to the growing demand for personalised cruise experiences. “We continue to build and expand our offerings to suit current lifestyle and market trends, and we know that human connection and hospitality will be the key differentiators when it comes to building a strong relationship between vacationers’ experiences and our brand,” he explains. “We’ll enhance our two-, three- and five-night cruises to deliver more personalised experiences onboard the vessel, especially in the luxury Palace, a private ship-within-a-ship enclave that offers exclusive amenities. “Plus, we’ll explore more custom-made excursions with unique experiences as guests’ interests change over time. Of course, we’ll ensure that we can still cater to the preferences of the greater group, while providing more options for the various target segments.” source : https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/resorts-world-cruises-is-aiming-high-in-asia-1

With the industry returning to pre-pandemic levels around the world, China remains the only major cruise market where vessels remain out of service. Cruise Industry News looks into the ships that are still waiting to resume revenue operations in the region. Costa Atlantica Company: Carnival China (CSSC) Built: 2000 Capacity: 2,100 guests Tonnage: 86,000 After being handed over to Carnival China (CSSC) in 2020, the Costa Atlantica remains out of service in the Mediterranean. Formerly operated by Costa Cruises, the 2000-built vessel was sold to Carnival Corporation’s joint venture with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) in 2018. Costa Mediterranea Company: Carnival China (CSSC) Built: 2003 Capacity: 2,100 guests Tonnage: 86,000 Also out of service in the Mediterranean, the Costa Mediterranea was sold to Carnival China (CSSC) along with its sister ship Costa Atlantica and is facing a similar situation. Handed over to its new owners in 2021, the 2,100-guest sailed for Costa Cruises through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Costa Serena Company: Costa Cruises Built: 2007 Capacity: 3,000 guests Tonnage: 112,000 Previously operated by Costa Asia, the Costa Serena is waiting for a decision regarding its future while laid up in the Middle East. With plans for a 2022 service resumption in Asia now cancelled, the vessel may soon return to the Western Hemisphere for cruises in other parts of the world. Charming Company: Foresee Cruises Built: 1998 Capacity: 1,950 guests Tonnage: 77,000 Sold by Princess Cruises in 2020, the former Sea Princess remains out of service after being acquired by Foresee Cruises. The Chinese startup cruise operator sent the 1998-built vessel to a drydock where it received a new livery and was officially renamed Charming. Plans for a May 2021 service launch, however, never materialized. Piano Land Company: Astro Ocean Cruises Built: 1995 Capacity: 1,806 guests Tonnage: 69,000 After debuting in Asia in 2019, the Piano Land is yet another cruise ship that remains out of service in China. Operated by Astro Ocean Cruises, the former Oriana underwent a major drydock in May 2022 but continued laid-up in Xiamen. Chinese Taishan Company: Bohai Ferry Built: 2000 Capacity: 832 guests Tonnage: 24,427 Built for Royal Olympic Cruises in the early 2000s, the Chinese Taishan has been sailing in China for Bohai Ferry since 2014. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the former Olympic Voyager remains out of service since the biggening of 2020. Blue Dream Star Company: Blue Dream Star Cruise Line Built: 2001 Capacity: 836 guests Tonnage: 24,310 Operated by Diamond Cruises through 2019, the Blue Dream Star was sold to a new operator after being arrested in China. Named Blue Dream Star Cruise Line, the operator intended to launch service in October 2020, but plans haven’t materialized. source : https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2022/11/china-based-cruise-ships-remain-out-of-service/

Princess Cruises is downsizing its Asia workforce in a regional restructuring just as news of MSC and Celebrity planning deployments in the area. 'Given the continued uncertainty of when a full restart of international cruises may resume across all of Asia, Princess has decided to reorganize its structure in the region,' the line said in a statement to Seatrade Cruise News. Shift in focus 'Asia remains an important destination and source market for Princess, and we remain optimistic about sailing in the region in the next year,' the statement continued. 'In the meantime we are shifting our focus in other markets to work closely with our local travel agent partners to grow our sourcing for longer haul fly-cruising. Princess is working with its employees, partners and local stakeholders in Asia affected by the reorganization.' The line did not address numbers but said teams in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan were impacted. Optimistic for Japan cruises starting in March The Princess statement added: 'We have continued to work closely with local authorities in the region to secure a safe resumption of cruises since our operation paused at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. We remain optimistic that our continued discussions with authorities in Japan will allow us to return there in March 2023.' Japan's public health officials have not yet given the green light to international cruise ships, though domestic cruises have been operating. Down from a couple hundred employees According to Trey Hickey, who was SVP international for Princess Cruises and Carnival plc, chief representative officer of Carnival China and president of Carnival Japan until May 2020, Princess at its peak had a couple hundred employees across Asia. The region is now overseen by Princess Cruises' Australia-based Stuart Allison, SVP Asia Pacific, UK & Europe. Hickey, who remains active in Asia but is no longer associated with Princess/Carnival, understands the line's regional head count is now down to approximately 10, excluding about 25 in Japan for now. Japan-Korea cruises and MSC's entry The Korea Times recently reported cruises will return to Jeju Island in 2023 after the pandemic hiatus, with ships arriving from Japan. The Times said the lineup includes 15 calls by Princess and 14 by MSC Cruises. The MSC ship wasn't mentioned, but MSC Bellissima is expected to be deployed from Japan, pending approval from authorities there. With Costa Cruises entirely out of Asia, and Princess downsizing, MSC Cruises and others have a rare window of opportunity. Royal Caribbean, which based multiple ships there pre-pandemic, keeps a (big) toehold in Singapore with Spectrum of the Seas and is looking to return to Hong Kong. Celebrity Cruises Just today, Celebrity Cruises announced it will be going year-round in Asia, from April 2024 to April 2025. Half of that is a long Japan deployment. It's a 'great move' by Celebrity, Hickey said, who added he thinks MSC is well-positioned to grow across Asia, with sourcing in countries including China. Hickey sits on the board of Blue World Acquisition Corp., a SPAC that raised $100m and is pursuing opportunities in the cruise industry. Separately, he's also working with a private equity group of former KKR people that raised more than $250m in committed operating capital and bid for Global Dream and World Dream. Hickey believes Global Dream is going to Disney Cruise Line, as earlier reported here, however World Dream is still in play and he reiterated his group's interest in Genting Dream, currently sailing for Resorts World Cruises on lease from a consortium of Chinese banks. 'Unprecedented opportunity' 'For anyone with longer-term strategy and vision, there's an unprecedented opportunity now,' Hickey said of Asia, with some lines leaving just as destinations are reopening. Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/ship-operations/princess-cruises-downsizes-asia-msc-and-others-come

MSC World America will be the name given to the next ship, which will be deployed in North America. The new ship’s name is MSC World America, and the announcement reveals not only what the ship’s name will be but also where the ship will be stationed and what market it will serve. “MSC World America is a testament to our ambitious growth plans in the United States and the Caribbean, and it further solidifies MSC Cruises as a major player in the North American market with another of our largest, most glamorous ships coming to the region,” said Rubén A. Rodriguez, President, MSC Cruises USA. This news comes only two weeks after MSC Cruises announced its largest deployment from North American homeports, underscoring the cruise line’s commitment to the region. MSC Cruises was created in 1989 and is an Italian-based cruise line that has primarily served the European market, with only minor deployments in other regions. These global deployments have increased in recent years, as has the cruise line’s reputation for excellence in the complete cruise experience. MSC Cruises also inaugurated Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island resort in The Bahamas, in late 2019, swiftly becoming a popular port of call for MSC Cruises ships and a favourite among passengers. The announcement comes as the first steel for the ship’s hull is cut, marking the start of the vessel’s physical construction. The occasion took place at the shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique in western France, where the ship will be built. MSC World America will be just as beautiful as MSC World Europa, the cruise line’s newest flagship, which was just delivered from the shipyard to MSC Cruises and is set for deployment in the Mediterranean following her first winter season sailing in the Arabian Gulf region. MSC World Europa will enter service in December 2022, following the completion of her sea trials and final outfitting details. MSC World America is expected to enter service in 2025 as the second of two World-class sister ships, with two more on order. She will be MSC Cruises’ regional flagship in North America. While her itineraries have yet to be revealed, MSC World America will undoubtedly visit a range of popular ports, most likely in the Caribbean, Mexico, New England, and more. “The ship will continue to enrich our guest experience in the Caribbean, and we look forwards to raising the bar on what travellers may expect, whether they’re faithful cruisers or taking their first vacation at sea,” added Rodriguez. While MSC World America will be highly similar in design to her sister ship, MSC World Europa, the ship will be specifically tailored to satisfy the needs and expectations of North American cruisers throughout its 22 decks, more than 2,600 staterooms, and 420,000 square feet of public space. Furthermore, the ship will use the same sustainable technologies that the cruise company is incorporating in all of its new ships, assuring environmentally responsible operation in keeping with the cruise line’s long-term aim of achieving nett zero emissions for its operations by 2050. “In addition to providing a cutting-edge cruise experience, MSC World America displays our commitment to sustainability with its superior environmental technologies,” added Rodriguez. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest fuel for modern cruise ships. It will likely include more efficient onboard fuel cells as well as advanced air conditioning systems, LED lighting, and advanced energy monitoring systems for better efficiency, all to help ensure responsible and sustainable operation to protect the environments where the ship operates. source : https://www.traveldailymedia.com/msc-reveals-the-name-of-the-second-world-class-cruise-ship/

Cruise tourism will return to Jeju Island next year after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as more than 30 ships from Japan are scheduled to visit the southern resort island. According to the Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO), it won a joint bid with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to receive 32 tour cruises departing from Japan next year. The JTO forecasts that the number of passengers will reach 55,000. The first ship set to arrive at a port in Jeju is a giant Princess Cruise ship with 3,400 passengers on March 19. It will make 14 more trips to the island over the course of the year. Starting May 5, an MSC Cruises ship with up to 4,000 passengers will arrive at the island and make a total of 11 more journeys to the island by the end of next year. Regent Seven Seas Cruises' six-star luxury cruise ship with 800 passengers onboard will dock in Jeju on March 21. Other cruise ships of Holland America, Swan Hellenic, and other cruises from Australia and Germany will visit the island too. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on Oct. 19 that it will allow foreign travelers to disembark from ships arriving on Jeju Island. Cruise tourism to Jeju Island peaked in 2016 with over 1.2 million passengers. However, the number dropped to 21,700 in 2018 due to Korea-China tensions escalated by the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system the year before. At the time, over 90 percent of arriving cruise ship tourists were from China. In February 2020, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) banned cruise ships from entering ports of Korea and foreign travelers from coming ashore in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. No cruise ships entered the country in 2020 and 2021. This May, in response to the economic difficulties within the tourism industry, the oceans ministry allowed cruises under the condition that no passengers disembark from docked ships. All passengers are required to wear masks indoors and provide personal health information via a Q-code system, and a digital platform will be used to pre-register their quarantine information before entry into Korea. Foreign travelers who are infected with the coronavirus or show associated symptoms will not be allowed to disembark from their vessel. source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2022/10/141_338777.html

Beginning October 21, Princess Cruises is lifting its Covid-19 protocols, meaning there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements on most voyages. Guests sailing with Princess Cruises will no longer have to provide a negative test result, regardless of their vaccination status. The cruise line already changed its protocols on September 6, when it removed the need for test results for vaccinated guests. This has now been updated to include unvaccinated guests. Children under five do not require pre-travel testing. The minimum age to sail is 6 months or 12 months based on the cruise itinerary. The change applies to all itineraries sailing from US and European homeports except destinations where government regulations, such as Australia and New Zealand, may still have their own requirements. A small number of sailings that the cruise line calls “enhanced guidelines voyages” also continue to have their own vaccination and testing requirements. Guests are advised to continue to check the requirements for their cruise before booking and again before it’s time to sail. Canada On September 26, Transport Canada announced that it was removing its COVID-19 requirements for cruise guests to enter the country effective for cruises October 1 and beyond. Visitors are also no longer required to upload their information into the ArriveCAN app. Thus, protocols for cruises including Canada are now the same as the standard in the United States, United Kingdom & Europe (this excludes any Enhanced Guidelines Voyages). Australia & New Zealand If cruise departs, arrives or visits Australia guests 12 to 17 years old must be fully vaccinated (no booster). Guests ages 18 or older must have received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines including one booster dose if eligible, received any time before embarkation. Guests aged 18 years or older who are not up to date require a vaccination exemption to sail. Guests 12 and older not fully vaccinated on cruises departing, arriving or visiting Australia require a medical exemption and have different testing requirements. Under local protocols, prior infection with COVID-19 is not grounds for a medical exemption. Medical exemptions need to be submitted to Princess for validation before a booking can be guaranteed. source : https://www.traveldailymedia.com/princess-cruises-lifts-covid-19-protocols-for-most-voyages/

South Korea will open its ports to international cruise ships starting on October 24, according to a statement from The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Minister Seung-hwan Cho announced this week that foreign tourists entering Korea and disembarking tours via cruise ships will resume normally starting on October 24. “The cruise industry and the ports (due to economic impact) are experiencing unprecedented difficulties due to COVID-19. Starting with this measure, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will promote active cruise ship attraction activities to revitalize the cruise industry and local commercial districts,” he said. Later this month officials will hold a briefing session to discussion cruise activities with neighboring countries, including officials from other countries in Asia, in an effort to promote the resumption of the cruise industry in Asia. It will mark the resumption of potential cruise calls to the country after cruise ships were banned in February 2020 due to pandemic. From October 24, however, all personnel, including crew members and passengers, on cruise ships entering and leaving South Korea must wear masks in indoor public spaces such as concert halls and restaurants in accordance with domestic quarantine rules, and the quarantine information pre-entry system should be used to check the health status, and follow the quarantine guidelines, the ministry said in its statement. In addition, international passengers who have been confirmed with COVID-19 or who show suspicious symptoms such as fever cannot disembark and must isolate onboard the vessel. source : https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2022/10/south-korea-opens-to-cruise-ships/