News

Miami-Dade Mayor urge CDC not to extend or renew "No Sail Order"

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 September 2020 28 September 2020

On September 3, 2020, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed a resolution urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expedite and conclude any analysis necessary for the establishment of the public health guidance and preventative measures required prior to the resumption of travel on cruise ships.

On Monday, September 21, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity and its Cruise Line Members, announced the adoption of mandatory core elements of health protocols to support a phased-in, highly controlled return to passenger service. The elements mirror the protocols established in Europe for the successful resumption of cruising and go beyond all other industries in requiring 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding. Core elements include:

(1) COVID-19 Testing - 100% testing of passengers and crew for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.

(2) Mask-Wearing - Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.

(3) Distancing - Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions.

(4) Ventilation - Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air onboard and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk.

(5) Medical Capability - Risk-based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation.

(6) Shore Excursions - Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.

With the development of these rigorous safety protocols, the cruise industry is demonstrating its leadership and commitment to public health in travel and tourism. Based on the effectiveness of the protocols implemented by CLIA members in Europe and other parts of the world, and the core elements developed by world-class experts in medicine and science, our cruise partners are confident that a resumption of cruise operations in the Americas can be done responsibly.

"The “No Sail Order” is set to expire on September 30, 2020. Now that the cruise industry has adopted the mandatory core elements, I urge the CDC to not extend or renew the “No Sail Order.," Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said.

Twelve crew on Mein Schiff 6 have Covid-19 – report

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 September 2020 28 September 2020

Twelve crew members on Mein Schiff 6 of TUI Cruises that it cruising in Greek waters have contacted Covid-19 and are isolated in their cabins, a media report said.

“Coastguards confirmed that 12 crew members on the 98,800-gt Mein Schiff 6 (built 2017) have contracted the Covid-19 disease,” Tradewindsnews.com said on its website.

The ship has 922 passengers and 666 crew on board and it is currently near the Greek islamd of Milos and waiting from instructions from the authorities.

It is not known how the crew members contacted the virus or whether any of them has developed symptoms of the disease, the report said.

TUI Cruises, which is based in Hamburg, has operated cruises in Northern Europe. They have not included calls at any ports and there have been no reports of problems with the disease on these cruises.

TUI Cruises is jointly owned by the German tour operator TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group.

Christopher Prelog named President of Windstar Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 25 September 2020 25 September 2020

Christopher Prelog is now new President of Windstar Cruises reporting into Andrew N. Todd, CEO of Windstar Cruises and of Xanterra Travel Collection (the Colorado-based group of companies that includes Windstar). Prelog began his career in the cruise industry with Seabourn, working first as a waiter, then in onboard hotel operations and finally as head of all ship operations before joining Windstar nearly four years ago. Prelog will now chart a course for the award-winning small ship cruise line, Seattle-based Windstar Cruises.

Prelog has a long and distinguished career in the cruise industry and world of hospitality. While he began his career at various Hilton Hotels in Austria, he entered the world of cruise vacations when he signed aboard the Seabourn Legend. From that vital front-line guest relations position, he rose through the ranks and held the positions of Headwaiter, Restaurant Manager, and Hotel Director (all on the Legend) before advancing to Manager of Hotel Operations, Director of Hotel Operations and Vice President of Hotel Operations and Purchasing for Seabourn Cruise Line.

He has earned a degree from the Florida International University in Miami in Hotel Management and Accounting, as well as certificates from Harvard’s Kennedy School, Cornell University and the Higher Tourism Institute in Austria.

“Chris is the perfect person for this role,” stated Todd, “As Windstar’s Chief Operating Officer, he has led the $250 million dollar Star Plus investment in expanding and renovating our three all-suite yachts in addition to managing our operations through this pandemic. His in-depth knowledge and expertise of the small ship cruise business combined with his collaborative leadership style have won the hearts, minds and respect of the Windstar crew and corporate team alike.”

“I am excited and humbled to lead this tremendously talented team at Windstar,” added Prelog. “I know this has been the most challenging year for the cruise industry and our teams at Windstar and Xanterra have worked together across all disciplines to implement Our Beyond Ordinary Care program and numerous plans in response to the pandemic. I am so proud of the work that we have delivered as a team and honored to be chosen for this important role.”

Windstar operates a fleet of six small yachts carrying 148 to 342 guests on voyages around the world. In fall 2020, Star Breeze will be the first of three yachts to emerge from a $250 million Star Plus Initiative with a lengthened/renovated/re-engineered ship featuring two new restaurants, a larger spa and fitness center, expanded pool, all new bathrooms and fifty new suites. Star Legend and Star Pride follow in 2021. The 342-guest Wind Surf – one of the largest yachts under sails - underwent a major refurbishment in fall 2019.

2021 sailings and Beyond Ordinary Care program

Windstar has cancelled all sailings through 2020 and plans to resume sailing operations in January of 2021, instituting a new Beyond Ordinary Care program that focuses on key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus EvaClean with PurTab to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yachts. Windstar offers itineraries in Tahiti, Alaska, Greece, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and more..