The first cruise line is back at sea and has resumed operations since the worldwide suspensions of cruising due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
SeaDream Yacht Club's ‘SeaDream 1' set sail from from the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway on June 20th and will travel to Oslo, according to company press release.
Responding to demand, the company grew capacity for the summer in Norway from one ship and nine voyages to two ships and 18 voyages, according to the press release.
“SeaDream’s Norwegian voyages have sparked an overwhelming excitement. The company had initially plan to sail in Norway with only one ship, SeaDream I, for 9 voyages. After the first voyages started quickly selling out, SeaDream made the decision to add SeaDream II to double capacity and meet the overwhelming demand.”
SeaDream chose Norway as its destination this summer as the rate of Covid-19 occurrence is very low and their superyachts can quickly adapt their itineraries to comply with government regulations.
“We are very proud to be the first luxury line to resume operations. Our preparation has paid off as we are able to maintain the experience of luxury onboard while ensuring everyone’s health, comfort, and safety,” said SeaDream’s Andreas Brynestad. “Everyone around the world has been affected by the health crisis. This historic moment feels like good news not just to our team, but our industry as a whole.”
According to the press release, the crew completed WHO’s official COVID-19 course for hygiene procedures and infection management.
“SeaDream has a natural affinity with health, wellbeing and vitality. The yachts offer a naturally healthy, outdoor environment where space, fresh air and healthy food have always been a central component. SeaDream promotes a healthy, strong and active experience and appeals to guests with a similar outlook. This makes not just for a happy yacht, but an extremely healthy one too.”
July Will See More Cruise Lines Resume Operations
In July, the following cruise lines have schedules their first tentative sailings and are now accepting bookings. according to their websites.
Important Note: These are projected sailing dates from each cruise line. Cruise line suspensions can be extended at anytime. This information is based on information directly from the official website for each Cruise Line. Sailings and reopening dates can change without notice.
We do not endorse or encourage traveling against government and health travel advisories.
The decision to travel is your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities before booking travel.
- Avalon Waterways – July 20th, 2020
- Costa Cruises – July 24th, 2020
- Paul Gauguin Cruises – July 29th – 2020
- Ponant – July 11th, 2020
- VIVA Cruises July 6th, 2020
Cruise lines will begin operating first throughout Europe and Asia as both Canada and the USA have suspended large cruise ships from operating within their respective waters.
USA Cruise lines voluntarily suspend sailings
Major cruise lines have agreed to voluntarily extend a suspension of operations out of U.S. ports until Sept. 15 according to the the Cruise Lines International Association.
One exception to the rule appears to be the American Queen Steamboat Company.
According to their website, the cruise line that specializes in river cruises will relaunch on July 20th, 2020.
“The American Duchess, which sails on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers, will extend its suspension through July 19, 2020 and intends to resume its operations with the July 20-27 Mark Twain’s Mississippi sailing from St. Louis, MO (Alton) to Minneapolis, MN (Red Wing).”
Canadian Government suspends all cruise ships carrying over 100 people
Canada has banned cruises and ferries carrying more than 100 people with overnight capacity from operating in its waters until November 1st.
“Our Government is committed to protecting Canadians, particularly during these challenging times,” Marc Garneau, Canada's transport minister, said in a statement.
“It is for that reason I am announcing updated measures for cruise ships and other passenger vessels in Canada, which includes prohibiting larger cruise ships from operating in Canadian waters until Oct. 31, 2020.”
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Tom Cawley
Friday 3rd of July 2020
There are countries that Americans can travel too like South Korea that require a 14 day quarantine. There are long term retired travelers like me who don’t mind the quarantine. I would like to see a list of those countries as well. Thank you for your good work.
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 3rd of July 2020
Hi Tom! We are not going to be doing a list of the countries that require a quarantine, as they not only change so fast, but most people can't do the 2-weeks on top of their travel. But I agree, if you can do it, there are some good options out there for you