A quick briefing of the latest news developing in the cruise industry.
Costa Cruises Cancels Sailings To Egypt
Costa Cruises, citing continuing political instability in Egypt, has cancelled all remaining calls at Egyptian ports on her cruises for the remainder of the 2013/14 fall and winter season. Costa has claimed that the calls in Egypt will be replaced with alternate ports or extended port times. In a statement, Costa explains: “Costa Crociere will restore calls to Egyptian ports as soon as the social and political environment stabilizes and the cruise line can ensure the safety and security of its guests.”
Report: Seabourn Talking With Shipyards
According to UBS Investment Research, Carnival Corporation is currently in talks with Fincantieri to build a new ship for Seabourn. The report claims that if an order is made, it would be announced by the end of 2013. The size of ship Carnival Corporation is currently looking for Seabourn ranges in guest capacity from 450-600 berths. The report claims that the new Seabourn ship would most likely have a delivery date sometime in 2017.
Hurricane Season Outlook Updated
The The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has re- issued an outlook on this year’s hurricane season. The NOAA now claims that this year’s hurricane season will have a high chance of being an “above normal with the possibility that it could be very active.” Even though this year’s season has been quiet so far, the peak of the season begins in just about a week. The NOAA is now calling for around 13-19 named storms, with 3-5 becoming major hurricanes. For the latest on cruise itinerary changes due to hurricanes, make sure to bookmark the Cruise Currents Hurricane Center.
