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Cruising has been back for some time now, but cruising is back back. Several cruise lines have now resumed full-at-sea status, meaning all their ships are sailing itineraries across the globe. Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar all returned to a full fleet last week. Azamara, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have had their entire fleets sailing since last month.
The announcement that travelers entering the U.S. will no longer have to submit a negative COVID test has sparked even more optimism that more lines will get back to full status soon.
"Of the 79 million international visitors who traveled to the United States in 2019, approximately 2.5 million came to embark on a cruise holiday and generated $4.5 billion in spending to the U.S. economy," the Cruise Lines International Association said in a statement about the removal of the testing requirement. "The decision announced today is a strong step forward in easing restrictions so that the cruise industry can continue to contribute to the rebounding of the U.S. economy.
"As the CDC monitors the improving health landscape and works with airlines to support a smooth transition with the lifting of the pre-arrival testing requirement, we believe a review of pre-embarkation testing requirements for cruise travelers is also in order."
Other lines at full-at-sea status are Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, MSC, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Viking and Virgin Voyages. Holland America has all its ships sailing but the Volendam, which is providing housing for Ukrainian refugees and is slated to resume Mediterranean cruising in September.
When Celebrity Infinity sets sail from Ft. Lauderdale on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary next week, Celebrity’s entire line will be back in the water. Coral Princess began Australia sailings last week, and Princess’ full line will return in September when Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess resume operations.