In travel news for July 28, 2022 we have an update on the Spirit - Frontier - JetBlue merger, a policy change from Royal Caribbean Group, and the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.
Spirit Airlines - Frontier Airlines - JetBlue Airways Merger
Early this year Frontier Airlines entered into a merger agreement with Spirit Airlines, later JetBlue Airways came out of no where with a superior all cash offer. Spirit rejected the JetBlue offer citing regulatory concerns and proceeded with the Frontier merger, and as a result JetBlue moved to take Spirit through a hostile takeover. When it came time for shareholders to finally vote on a merger with Frontier, Spirit postponed the postponed again, the vote was rescheduled a total of 4 separate times. Yesterday, July 27th Spirit shareholders finally had the opportunity to vote, and they rejected the Frontier offer. And no surprise to anyone, this morning it was announced that JetBlue will purchase Spirit. When this purchase is completed JetBlue will be the nations 5th largest airline behind SouthWest, Delta, American and United.
Royal Caribbean Group Updates Health Policy
Starting August 8th Royal Caribbean Group will end pre-embarkation testing for fully vaccinated travelers on cruises with maximum duration of 5 days. This updated policy will apply to all brands under Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruise, and of course Royal Caribbean Cruise. This follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) having recently ended their COVID-19 program for cruise ships which has given cruise lines greater flexibility in deciding what policies make sense for their passengers and crew members. Royal Caribbean Group has also shared that they are anticipating relaxing more of the pre-embarkation testing rules, even on longer duration cruises.
Venice Simplon-Orient Express Get's New Suites
Belmond, a company known for their luxury and unique travel experiences has announced an update to their iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express Train. The company will be adding 8 suites across two original cars dating between the 1920’s and 1930’s. Both cars will be restored and reimagined with each suite being modeled after some of the beautiful European landscapes the train travels through such as the Black First mountainous region in Germany, the pastures and Vineyards of northern Italy, and the picturesque vistas in southern France to name a few. The Venice Simplon-Orient Express runs from March through November and travels through locations such as Prague, Paris, Venice, and Budapest to name a few.