According to Steve Odell, MD of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, there is light at the end of the tunnel. In January 2021 the line will welcome to Australia Seven Seas Explorer, a ship the company describes as the most luxurious ever built.
As well as drinks, speciality dining and gratuities, all voyages feature unlimited free shore excursions at every port.Two all-inclusive voyages to New Zealand are sure to appeal given the latest coronavirus updates.
The first, between Sydney and Auckland, will depart on January 6, 2021 (15 nights); the second departing Auckland on January 21, 2021 (14 nights). The itineraries feature a mix of vibrant cities, charming port towns and scenic cruising in New Zealand’s spectacular Fiordland. Fares range from $11880pp for the ex Auckland cruise.
More details; https://www.rssc.com/?s=EM_
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This is certainly encouraging. That said, the cruise industry needs to work really hard to get back on deck even with most loyal, multiple repeat cruise clientele. Emotionally, clients are still shell shocked by a few major Covid 19 related incidents. Mainstream media hasn’t helped at all in not presenting a balanced view about cruise industry. First and foremost, the most important question would be what new measures will cruise companies have now put in place to safeguard against the current or any future pandemic This is not only on board medical emergency measures in the high seas but also, perhaps, a (contractual) commitment to disembark and repatriate customers at the nearest serviceable port for those who so desire. For that matter, a “pandemic virus breakout” needs to be better defined for a complete clarity. I guess, second on my list of questions would be what refund or compensatory consideration would I be entitled to if in the case of such a breakout. Treatment of force majeure clause in the contracts may also need to be better defined in the light of what COVID has changed our cruse experience. A whole of industry approach is needed here to revive cruise holiday sector – we need to hear from those who returned home safe and sound during the pandemic crisis on how well they were treated on board during the entire process. Not only the a general public but Governments need to hear, Media also needs to hear. Without dealing with these fundamental issues, the light at the end of the tunnel could well be an incoming train!