MS Zaandam. Photo courtesy Holland America Line PANAMA CITY, March 27 (Reuters) - Four passengers have died on board the MS Zaandam, a cruise ship currently off the coast of Panama with dozens of guests suffering from influenza-like symptoms, at least two of whom have coronavirus, the vessel's operator said on Friday. Zaandam had been on a South American cruise that … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Extends Global Suspension of Cruises
Royal Caribbean's new Symphony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships. Photo: Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean has extended its global suspension of cruises into May due to the on-going COVID-19 crisis. The company said in a statement Wednesday that it now expects to return to service on May 12, 2020 with the exception of Alaska, Canada and New England … [Read more...]
Australian Cruise Becomes Nation’s Worst Coronavirus Cluster
Princess Cruises-owned Ruby Princess is pictured docked at Circular Quay during the disembarkation of passengers in Sydney, Australia, March 19, 2020. Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins/via REUTERS By Kirsty Needham and Kate Lamb SYDNEY, March 25 (Reuters) - Greg Butler was rushed to hospital with COVID-19 within days of getting home to self-isolate after being allowed off … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Borrows $2.2 Billion to Shore Up Liquidity
A view of the world's largest cruise ship of Royal Caribbean Cruises, the 362-metre-long Symphony of the Seas, during its world presentation ceremony, berthed at a port in Malaga, Spain March 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jon Nazca Royal Caribbean has entered into a new financing facility that to further boost the company’s liquidity as the cruise market tanks amid the coronavirus … [Read more...]
The Cruise Industry’s War Against COVID-19
Cruises ships are seen docked at Miami port as the tourism industry is affected by the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria By Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. - On Friday, March 13, 2020, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that their ocean-going cruise lines would be, … [Read more...]