In Travel News for March, 2023 we talk about Carnival Cruise Line expansion into non-alcoholic drinks, American Cruise Line’s ever expanding fleet, and more travel troubles in the United Kingdom.
Carnival Cruise Line Pioneers Alcohol-Free Cocktails with Exclusive Lyre's Partnership
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled plans to introduce alcohol-free alternatives to some of its most sought-after cocktails, catering to passengers seeking a diverse range of beverage options. The announcement comes as part of a new collaboration with renowned distiller Lyre's, which specializes in non-alcoholic spirits.
Guests aboard Carnival's ships, nearly all of which sail from the United States, can now indulge in an array of alcohol-free cocktails at the popular Alchemy Bar. This groundbreaking move positions Carnival as the first Cruise line in the industry to provide a complete assortment of non-alcoholic cocktail choices. Zachary Sulkes, Carnival's Senior Director of Beverage Operations, believes the partnership with Lyre's will ensure that guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages have the finest options available at sea.
Seven of the Alchemy Bar's most beloved drinks have been reimagined with a non-alcoholic spin, offering passengers a unique and flavorful experience. The revamped cocktail lineup includes the Martini Seduction, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini, The Remedy, Hearts of Fire, Restorative Basil Drop, The Perfect Storm, and Cucumber Sunrise.
Sulkes noted the rapid growth in demand for non-alcoholic cocktails and emphasized the Cruise line's commitment to addressing this trend. Carnival's skilled mixologists have been diligently working to create alternative versions of popular cocktails that retain all the flavor without the alcohol content.
In addition to the expanded cocktail selection at the Alchemy Bar, Carnival's main dining rooms will now feature Lyre's alcohol-free prosecco alongside the vast array of wines offered throughout the fleet. This move further enhances the dining experience for guests seeking non-alcoholic options.
Carnival Cruise Line's dedication to diversifying its beverage offerings was also apparent last month when the company celebrated National Margarita Day by introducing premium Santo Tequilas. These exclusive tequilas, created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar, are now available to guests fleetwide.
With this innovative partnership with Lyre's, Carnival Cruise Line continues to cater to passengers' evolving preferences and sets a new industry standard for onboard beverage experiences.
American Cruise Lines' Project Blue Series Expands with Construction of the American Legend
American Cruise Lines has announced that construction is now underway on the American Legend, the fourth new Coastal Cat vessel in the company's innovative Project Blue series. Scheduled to make its debut on U.S. waters in late 2024, the American Legend will accommodate 100 guests and become the 19th ship in the American Cruise Lines fleet.
Initially revealed in January 2022, Project Blue is an ambitious plan to introduce 12 small ships designed specifically for sailing on coastal domestic Cruise itineraries. The first three ships in the series – the American Eagle, American Glory, and American Liberty – are slated to embark on their inaugural voyages within the next 12 months. Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, is responsible for constructing all the Coastal Cat vessels.
Over the past five years, American Cruise Lines has experienced significant growth, nearly tripling the size of its fleet. The company holds the unique distinction of being the only cruise line to operate a 100 percent U.S.-flagged fleet, consisting of both riverboats and small cruise ships that exclusively sail on U.S. itineraries.
The American Legend, along with its sister ships in the Project Blue series, will boast 56 staterooms and suites, each featuring a furnished private balcony. Guests can expect a range of luxurious amenities, including indoor and outdoor lounges, an open-air top deck, and multiple dining venues to suit various preferences. The ship's specially-designed hull form allows for an activity platform at the stern, which comes equipped with kayaks and a sizable tender for immersive, adventure-filled experiences that can be accessed directly from the ship.
With the American Legend's construction now underway, American Cruise Lines continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding and enhancing its fleet. As a result, guests can look forward to an even more diverse range of U.S. coastal cruising options and unparalleled onboard experiences in the coming years.
UK Border Force Strike on March 15th Amplifies Travel Disruptions Across Europe
On March 15th, travelers arriving in the United Kingdom should prepare for potential delays at airports, railway stations, and ferry terminals due to a large-scale Strike by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union. This union represents a wide range of civil service workers in the UK, including Border Force staff. The strike is expected to impact passport control processes significantly, further complicating travel plans for individuals already dealing with ongoing Strikes in France.
An estimated 100,000 civil servants are set to participate in a day of mass action in the UK, walking out of their positions and potentially causing delays in various services. Travel disruptions are expected to last throughout the entire day of March 15th and continue until 7am on the following day, March 16th.
Meanwhile, ongoing Strikes in France are contributing to travel difficulties throughout Europe. French unions have been engaged in an ongoing dispute against proposals to raise the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. This industrial action has previously involved railway workers and airport staff, with 30% of flights from Paris's Orly airport canceled during the last day of strikes. The eighth day of strikes and Protests in France will coincide with the industrial action by Border Force workers in the UK on March 15th.
To date, the industrial action in France has led to the cancellation of several Eurostar services, adding to the potential travel disruptions in the region.
Issues such as those in the UK and France have a massive impact on travelers, particularly those from the United States. Airports in the UK and France serve as major hubs for connections for U.S. travelers visiting other countries in Europe. As a result, disruptions in these airports can create a ripple effect, causing delays, cancellations, and inconvenience for countless individuals who rely on these airports for seamless travel experiences. This underscores the importance of staying informed and preparing for potential disruptions when traveling through these major European hubs.
In response to the UK Border Force Strike, the UK government has advised travelers to consult with travel agents, tour operators, and airlines or carriers before embarking on their journey. This will help them determine whether the proposed strike actions in the UK and France will have any direct effects on their itinerary.
Additionally, passengers are encouraged to monitor airport websites for the most up-to-date information on any travel-related disruptions or delays resulting from the Strike actions.
In an effort to minimize the impact on border control, the UK government is training military personnel, civil servants, and volunteers from various government agencies to support Border Force operations at airports and ports throughout the country. This backup plan proved effective during the Christmas strikes, as no delays were reported as a result of the additional personnel.
Travelers should be aware that the combination of the UK Border Force Strike and ongoing Strikes in France may lead to further disruption to services and longer queues at both British and French ports. The Home Office has urged travelers to stay informed and be prepared for potential complications arising from these concurrent strikes.
In summary, those planning to travel to the United Kingdom on March 15th should be prepared for possible delays and disruptions at airports, Train stations, and ferry ports, with ongoing Strikes in France compounding the situation. It is essential to stay informed, consult with travel professionals, and monitor the situation closely to minimize the impact on your travel plans.