Christmas is a busy time of year for many cruisers and we here at Cruise Currents are no exception. Here is a special edition of NewsBrief covering news stories we did not have time to cover during the busy Christmas week:
Expedition Ship Stranded In Antarctica
A small expedition ship, Akademik Shokalskiy, operated by Aurora Expeditions, has become trapped in a field of ice near Antarctica. The ship sent a distress call on Christmas morning to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Three ice breaking ships have been dispatched to assist the Akademik Shokalskiy, but will not arrive on scene for at least two days. The ASMA has stated the expedition ship is in no immediate danger. A spokesperson for Aurora Expeditions reiterated the ASMA’s statement, adding the ship’s guests and crew are in good spirits. The ship is reportedly sailing with 50 guests and 20 crew.
Virus Spreads In St. Martin
The Centers for Disease Control has warned of a new mosquito borne virus spreading on the island of St. Martin. The new to America virus, known as chikungunya, is spread by mosquito bite and currently has no vaccine. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are nausea and joint pain. In response, the CDC has issued a travel advisory, informing tourists to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming infected. Since the virus has been discovered, no cruise lines have cancelled or altered calls in St. Martin.
Holland America Line Raises Restaurant Prices
Holland America Line has announced that their specialty restaurant prices will increase beginning in 2014. Pinnacle Grill’s cover charge, which is currently $25 p/p will increase to $29 p/p. Le Cirque’s charge will increase from $39 p/p to $49 p/p and Tamarind’s from $15 p/p to $20 p/p.
Celebrity Century To Reposition To Europe In 2015
Celebrity Cruises has cancelled three Asia sailings aboard the Celebrity Century in 2015. The cancelled sailings will be replaced by two new repositioning sailings to bring the Celebrity Century to Europe in early 2015. The first sailing will depart Singapore for Dubai on March 22, 2015; the second departing from Dubai on April 5, 2014, transiting the Suez Canal, and disembarking in Rome. The Celebrity Century will then begin a Mediterranean season sailing from Rome for the summer of 2014.
