In Travel News for September 23rd, 2022 there is a surge in Cruise bookings, Crystal Cruises hints and when and where they will sail, and we talk about both Hong Kong and Barbados
Crystal Cruises to Begin Sailings in 2023
Early this year we witnessed the sudden collapse of the once highly rated Crystal Cruises. This caught pretty much everyone in the industry, as well as those traveling on the cruise line by surprise. In the months following the company has completely liquidated to settle unpaid debts. Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury tour company purchased the Crustal Cruise brand and a couple of ships with the intent to resurrect the brand. It’s now looking like Crystal Cruises will launch their inaugural season in the summer of 2023. Currently the company is looking at Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The fleet is made up of the Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony, both ships are currently undergoing renovations in Italy. Abercrombie and Kent offer amazing Tours, we are looking forward to what they will do with this new Crystal Cruises.
Royal Caribbean Experiences Surge in Bookings
If you are thinking about booking a Cruise you should do so sooner rather then later. Many cruise lines have been dropping pandemic related policies which have lead to a surge in bookings. Royal Caribbean group, which owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises; said in a recent SEC filing that the volume of bookings made after the company relaxed pandemic protocols increased to a level beyond where they were in 2019. The company went on to say that 2023 is booked “within historic ranges at much higher rates”. This means two things for those wanting to take a cruise: inventory is rapidly decreasing and prices are increasing. By booking soon you can lock in your reservation with a decent rate.
Barbados and Hong Kong Modify Entry Rules
Overshadowed by Japans announcement to their return to pre-pandemic border policies, a number of countries have also updated their pandemic protocols. Starting today, September 23rd, those traveling to Barbados will no longer be required to test pre-arrival, and face masks are no longer required outside of health care settings and on public transportation. Starting September 26th those traveling to Hong Kong will no longer be required to quarantine on arrival. The policy change will now require travelers to self-monitor for three days on arrival. There are still many pandemic requirements still in place, if you plan on visiting Hong Kong reach out to your Travel Advisor for more information.