Slowly but surely cruise ships are beginning to shake off the cobwebs and get to sea again as the threat of Covid recedes.
Here’s a round-up of recent development that have lifted our spirits.
MSC Virtuosa becomes first ship to resume cruising in UK
MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC Virtuosa, set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton on Thursday evening (20 May) to herald the restart of cruising in the UK after 14 months because of the Covid closedown.
Virtuosa welcomed 1,000 guests, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated, on board in Southampton for a cruise around the British Isles, coinciding with the news that MSC will resume operations in Germany on 3 July with MSC Seaview homeporting in Kiel until September
Viking to restart of European river sailings in July
Viking is to restart its European river operations in July with select itineraries in Portugal, France and along the Rhine.
Vaccinated guests can choose from five itineraries varying from 10 to 15 days.
Back to Alaska for Carnival, Princess and Holland America in July
Three Carnival Corporation brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line – are looking to return to cruising in Alaska in July with sailings out of Seattle.
Majestic Princess, Nieuw Amsterdam and Carnival Miracle will be operating seven-day voyage for guests who are fully vaccinated.
Costa begins sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean
Costa Luminosa has begun sailing from Trieste offering calls at Bari, Corfu, Athens, Mykonos and Katakolon.
Mayor of Trieste Roberto Dipiazza said: “The return of Costa rewards us for the work we are doing, but above all it means that tourists are back.”
Costa hopes that it will have four vessels sailing this summer.
Mein Schiff 5 resumes cruising in Greece
TUI Cruises has resumed operations in Greece with Mein Schiff 5 sailing roundtrip from Crete.
The ship will be carrying 1,000 guests on voyages to Rhodes, Piraeus and Souda.