Cruise lines are always making a splash in the news. Here are some of this week’s biggest headlines.
Cruises to nowhere, offered by several cruise lines, are a great way to get a feel of a ship and the ocean since they’re often just a couple nights long. Those trips are set to end in 2016, TravelPulse reports. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says that “in compliance with U.S. laws and regulations, foreign-flagged cruise lines operating out of U.S. ports are not to offer cruises for sale that do not include a call in a foreign port.” Under an act that was passed more than a century ago, ships registered outside of the U.S. cannot operate roundtrip cruises from the U.S. without making a stop to at least one foreign port.
Carnival Corp. is setting a new record by ordering four 6,600-passenger ships for release between 2019 and 2022, according to USA Today. Its Aida brand will be the recipient of two of the ships, but details of which line the two other ships are going to haven’t been released. The current record holder for most passengers is 6,300 on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships.
While Carnival Cruise Line’s sister brands are making headlines, it’s making news of its own. According to YahooTravel, the cruise line is banning carry-on bottled beverages – except a single bottle of wine or champagne – starting July 9. The main reason for the ban is to stop guests from bringing onboard unauthorized liquor, which may slow down the boarding process. For those continuing to carry on beverages, the drinks – including water, soda and juice – must be packaged in unopened cartons or cans.
