Tag Archives: ships

Seaface

Royal Caribbean Seeks Patent of ‘Seaface’ Mask

Posted: May 4, 2022

Health & Safety, Onboard Features, , , , ,

We are all too familiar with news footage of people seen wearing face marks, we also see them in public places like shopping centers, doctors’ rooms, and on the street, the face mask has become “Coronavirus Couture”.

Consistent with official advice, progressively more people are wearing face masks – allowing some a hint of self-expression amid the pandemic.

But Westerns have long denounced face mask wearing, unlike East Asia face masks have long been a regular feature of daily life.

Whether for fashion or for health purposes, they are sometimes considered a sign of the wearer’s social responsibility, and those who don’t wear masks during public health emergencies are the ones who are stigmatised.

Could the mask trend continue when we stop social distancing and Covid-19 is less of a threat? Maybe…

Deserved or not, cruise lines have been the scapegoat for many in the court of public opinion that they are extra susceptible to person-to-person spread.

But on your next Royal Caribbean cruise you should expect to see some passengers, or crew wearing face masks.

Royal Caribbean is giving a first look at what that future might hold, with the company filing a new trademark for its own brand of sanitary masks called ” SEAFACE™“.

The trademark lists the description of the trademark simply as:

“SEAFACE™ trademark registration is intended to cover the category of sanitary marks for isolation purposes”

Trademark applications usually are quite vague regarding their intended use, so it remains to be seen precisely how it will be used, if at all.

While the application has apparently been accepted by the office, it has yet to be assigned an examiner, a necessary step for the approval of the trademark.

Royal Caribbean Said: “The mask is one in a number of innovations that our teams are exploring as we look forward to a safe, healthy and fun return to cruise.”

All subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean will use the mask if the patent is approved and the company chooses to implement it, spokesperson Jonathon Fishman. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Tui Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Pullmantur.

It is anyone’s guess as to whether the SEAFACE™ is intended for crew or passengers or both.

The masks are a thought-provoking move for an industry that has taken a enormous hit since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) began. There may well be a cause for hope for those looking to begin cruising again as soon as possible.

Carnival Limit Passengers

Carnival To Limit Passenger Numbers Post COVID-19

Posted: April 30, 2022

Health & Safety, Onboard Features, , , , ,

Let’s face it, and not put our heads in the sand, what cruise life will be like post COVID-19 is anyone’s guess, and the actual aftermath is yet to be edged in stone.

This is a predicament that not only the cruise industry is determining, but additionally everyone who enjoys to regularly cruise, and as cruise lines roll out new rules and practices that will appease worldwide health organisations, and yet keep the cruise experience the fun, laid back experience it current was pre COVID-19.

Reports state that Carnival Corporation will be contemplating limiting the number of guests on its ships, according to Business Insider.

Two sources have informed the news site that Carnival Corporation that temperature checking before boarding will be the norm.

One of the radical modifications will be that some cabins would be inaccessible, and guests would only be permitted to book cabins and suites that gain access to fresh air, there is no information what this would mean for inside cabins as yet, but every second cabin would be left vacant.

But the light at the end of this dark tunnel we are all facing is that all these ideas are an improvement, and they are key to get us back on board, and cruise prices will be a big win for us – so look forward to some great deals.

But, as cruise lines carry fewer guests, do not expect the great deals to last long. In the end, cruising with these restrictions, put into pace for our safety will be more costly. It is still great value for money, and what price should one put safety, right?

What the future could look like?

With the aim of keep up social distancing that we are all accustomed to, it is being proposed that cruise ships sail on half the occupancy, for example: A cruise ship that carries 3,000 guests, might only carry half or as much as three quarters to guarantee enough of space in public areas.

Disembarkation and embarkation methods will be further staggered than they currently are.  Guests with disability must declare their disability and have an accompanied letter from a medical professional.

If you’re one of the people that loathe the long lines throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the buffet, you can breathe a sigh of relief, as this may be a thing of the past, and we may even turn back to clock and see the return of dining times.

There will be limitations on the capacity of guests in public areas like the kids’ clubs, indoor and outdoor recreational areas, the spa, and the theatres.

In the Long Run, while waiting for a vaccination to be developed against COVID-19 (if they ever come up with one) brace yourself for additional restrictions within travel.

Genting Cruises, the Asian-based cruise company which owns Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and luxury line Crystal Cruises, have wasted no time taking steps to alleviation the threat of coronavirus outbreaks the moment cruising resumes.

Genting Cruises disclosed a widespread onboard health plan which will consist of medical certificates for guests over 70.

Embarkation and disembarkation will require guests to undergo a compulsory temperature screening. They are also required to complete a pre-boarding health declaration.

Guests will be required to check-in online, guaranteeing that they are assigned a certain boarding time to avert overcrowding in the terminal.

Genting has also said that they will be expanding cleaning protocols in staterooms and particularly in public areas.

Elevators will be cleaned every two hours, public areas will be cleaned up to 10 times each day, and the spa no less than twice a day.

Regular touch points like handrails, lift buttons, table-tops and door handles will be cleaned at best every hour. And throughout a variety of public areas, a crew will be positioned to give hand sanitisation.

And, there will be limited numbers of guests permitted in entertainment and leisure areas.

Do River Cruises Cater For People With Accessibility Issues?

Posted: August 3, 2022

Onboard Features, Tips and Advice, ,

Have you ever wanted to take a river cruise, but have thought it would be impossible because of accessibility?

River cruises are a luxurious and intimate option to explore a region, as the vessels are often small, and itineraries offer plenty of activities and port days. Traditional river cruise ships and barge river boats are popular in Europe, North and South America as well as Asia.

By having access to smaller rivers and canals, your experience is at a slower pace and you are constantly surrounded by beautiful and quaint villages. This unique experience is worth the investment for an all-inclusive once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Do not be discouraged as there are many river cruise options that offer accessible amenities. If you or a loved one has physical limitations and want to embark on a river cruise adventure, then please use this guide to determine which cruise lines and vessels can offer cabins that are wheelchair accessible, have wheelchair lifts, wide corridors and wheelchair accessible excursions.

Here is a list of river cruise lines that can offer accessible cabins:

river cruise AmaWaterways

Staterooms: All stateroom doors are wide enough to allow access, and AmaSerena, AmaSonata, AmaReina, AmaPrima and AmaCerto have accessible cabins with wider doors and modified bathrooms for wheelchair access.

Elevator Access: Each vessel offers an elevator that services all floors, except the lower deck or the sun deck. Crew members are happy to assist when access is required to the sun deck or at other time

Wheelchair Requirement: Passengers are recommended to bring collapsible wheelchairs that can easily be stored in their stateroom

Tours & Other Info: It is strongly recommended that disabled passengers travel with a caregiver who can assist them on tours and with getting on and off the ship. Many shore excursions are accessible for passengers with limited mobility

ARosa River Cruise

Staterooms: There is one stateroom suitable for passengers with limited mobility on A-Rosa Viva.

Wheelchair Requirements: With prior notification, passengers can bring their own wheelchairs and mobility aids onboard. Medical oxygen bottles can also be carried, again with notice in advance.

Tours & Other Info: When available, crewmembers will help passengers on and off the vessel, or up and down stairs. This cannot be guaranteed, so disabled cruisers need to be accompanied by a person who can assist them if crew members are limited

River Cruise Avalon

Staterooms: None of the ships have wheelchair accessible cabins

Elevator Access: There are elevators on Scenery and Panorama-class ships, excluding access to the sun deck. Members of the crew will provide as much help as they can, but a single crew member cannot be assigned to someone with mobility issues for the duration of the cruise

Tours & Other Info: Anyone with mobility issues is requested to fill out a detailed questionnaire prior to the cruise. Some local walking tours are suited to wheelchair users who have an able-bodied companion

RIver Cruise CroisiEurope

Staterooms: All ships offer accessible cabins with wide doors and equipment for passengers with mobility issues. The three-deck ships have elevators that go to all floors, except the sun deck

Tours & Other Info: Disabled passengers need to travel with an adult who can assist them, as crew availability is limited. Passengers are encouraged to contact the line in advance, so it can recommend the most suitable vessel for their specific needs

River Cruise Emerald Waterways

Staterooms: Emerald Sky and Emerald Star each have one handicap-accessible cabin located next to reception, so passengers have easy access to and from their rooms

Elevator Access: Elevators serve passenger decks, but do not go to the sun deck

Wheelchair Requirements: Only collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated

Tours & Other Info: Disabled passengers need to have a caregiver with them. Some excursions are accessible to disabled passengers

River Cruise Scenic

Staterooms: Accessible staterooms are situated near the reception desk on all ships. These feature a wide, wheelchair-accessible door, a wheel-in shower with a stool and wall rails

Elevator Access: Ships have elevators serving the passenger decks, but not the sun deck

Tours & Other Info: Some excursions are handicapped accessible

River Cruise Uniworld

Staterooms: No accessible staterooms on offer, but all shower stalls are equipped with grab bars.

Elevator Access: Most ships have an elevator to serve passenger decks and a chair lift leading to the sun deck.

Wheelchair Requirement: Travel-sized, collapsible wheelchairs can be used onboard

Tours & Other Info: There are “gentle walking” shore excursions available in select locations. Otherwise, guests are recommended to explore independently if they are unable to walk unassisted during guided tours

River Cruise Vantage2

Staterooms: Discovery II has an accessible stateroom, and all ships have an accessible restroom in the public area

Elevator Access: There are elevators serving all inside decks plus a hydraulic chair between the top passenger deck and sun deck

Wheelchair Requirement: Passengers have access to extra wheelchairs that are carried onboard

Tours & Other Info: All disabled passengers must be accompanied by someone who can be fully responsible for helping them on and off the vessel and tour vehicle

River Cruise Viking

Staterooms: No designated wheelchair-friendly staterooms are on offer

Elevator Access: Most ships have elevators, however, some ships have split-level decks and other challenging areas to access

Wheelchair Requirements: Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed, but motorized scooters cannot be accommodated. Guests with special requirements can learn more about each vessel’s layout by visiting the Viking website

Tours & Other Info: Physically challenged guests require the services of a travelling companion who can help with all their needs as most excursions require walking on cobblestone or going up and down stairs

While the above river cruise companies may have accessible cabins available, they are only a limited amount. We highly recommend booking a river cruise as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment of an accessible cabin not being available. The assistance you will receive differs between airport transfers, embarking and disembarking, and booking excursions.

When booking a river cruise, it is important to ask the below questions to make sure that your needs are met:

 

What type of wheelchair is permitted on board?

Some cruise lines allow only collapsible wheelchairs onboard. It is also important to have your wheelchair’s measurements handy to make sure that if you can bring it on board, that it will fit their doorways and other common areas.

Does the accessible room have twin bedding configuration option?

When travelling with a carer, it is best to check in advance that your bedding configuration will not create an uncomfortable and awkward situation. Most king beds are made up of two twin beds pushed together, so make sure that twin bedding is an option in your cabin.

Are there any restricted ports for a person with disability?

At each port, there may be situations that do not allow you to disembark if you use a wheelchair and are incapable of walking. Safety is always the river cruise line’s number one priority, so if the crew members are unable to assist then you may have to stay onboard.

What tours have restrictions for a person with disability?

Depending on which region you visit, especially in Europe, you may be faced with narrow streets, hills and cobblestone streets. It is important to find out in advance which tours are most suitable to you and your disability. If a tour bus or van is involved, find out in advance if the transportation is also accessible as well as the activity that you’ll be partaking in.

Do you offer pre and post cruise transfers, and are they accessible?

If you require help getting to and from the river cruise, you may be able to organise a transfer directly with the cruise line or with the travel agent. Make sure to check that the vehicle is equipped for wheelchair access or any other necessary amenity to support you.

Travelling on a river cruise can be challenging for a person with a disability, but with planning in advance and making sure that you have all the relevant information to ensure that you have a seamless experience.

The more information and details the river cruise company has of your disability, the more they will be able to assist you during your travels.

While there are definite obstacles to overcome when booking a river cruise, the time taken, and investment is worth it when you are onboard and experiencing some of the most picturesque sceneries in the world.

Tasmania

Call to Restrict Cruise Ships From Tasmanian National Park Territories

Posted: January 16, 2023

Uncategorized, ,

Going on a cruise is either your adaptation of paradise or hell. Also, having these ships dock off the coast of Tasmania can be similarly as polarising.

Around 125 ships are planned to dock in Burnie and Hobart this year.

Twenty-nine of those ships will make a stop at Port Arthur and six will to moor off Freycinet and Wineglass Bay on the east coast.

A petition of is circling requiring the State Government to large extensive cruise ships from entering waters around the national park.

The petition of likewise requires an exclusion zone to be set up for all Tasmanian national park regions.

Up until now, the petition of has gathered a little more than 12,000 signatures.

Dr Sue Beeton, professor of tourism at William Angliss Institute, said managing the expectations of tourists and locals alike was a challenge for the cruise industry and governments nationwide.

“There’s a growing sense of privilege and expectations to also access more and more remote areas and often in a comfortable way.  

Dr Beeton said the cruise ship industry was an “incredible survivor” as it had managed to grow worldwide when many had predicted it would die out decades ago.

Be that as it may, the development of cruise holidays has not been without contention.

The ascent in cruise ship guests to regions, for example, Port Arthur has been invited for expanding the tourism dollars being infused into the world heritage site.

Be that as it may, there have been worries about the natural and visual effects of ships in different territories of Tasmania.

In Hobart, concerns have been raised about the natural and well-being effects of low-grade fuel being burnt while ships are in port.

Dr Beeton said letting the cruise ship industry develop without planning in the hopes of increased tourist spending would not offset any negative impacts.

“There are so many pros and cons towards any tourist activity.  

“I don’t want to paint the cruise ship industry as completely bad and evil, because it’s not, but we do have these issues that I think need greater consideration.”  

Luke Martin from the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania said there was a need to act now to work out what the state wanted from the cruise ship industry.

“It’s probably the fastest growing travel sector in the region,” he said.  

“Let’s have that conversation now: How do we sustainably manage that demand to visit these locations?”  

Mr Martin said options such as developing areas elsewhere on Tasmania’s east coast for cruise ships to stop, where passengers in small groups had the option to take a tour into Wineglass Bay, would lower the impact as well as spread the financial benefit.

“We need to look at how we manage this appropriately,” he said.  

“There are destinations all over the world that have dealt with this in good ways and bad ways.”  

He pointed to places such as New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands and Iceland as examples to learn from.

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge To Set Sail Earlier Than Anticipated

Posted: January 11, 2023

New Cruise Ship, Press Release, ,

Celebrity Edge which is first cruise ship in the new Edge Class of ships, and is intended to leave the future behind will join the Celebrity Cruises fleet will make her debut sooner than anticipated.

Plans were made for the new cruise ships to set sail in December from Fort Lauderdale, Florida yet Celebrity Cruises has revealed that Celebrity Edge will set sail considerably earlier than expected.

Five new preview cruises have been included and would now be able to be reserved from November 21.

The initial four sailings will leave Port Everglades and will last 3-evenings calling at Nassau, Bahamas. The fifth newly included cruising will leave December 9 and it will be a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise calling at Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman.