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6ACTA, CATO renew calls to reform Ontario's Compensation Fund
“Future Fund contributions must be suspended”: ACTA, CATO renew calls to reform Ontario’s Comp Fund in light of pandemic
By Cindy Sosroutomo
TORONTO — In a year that saw the global grounding of planes, the closure of international borders and a halt on tours and cruises around the world, there’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the travel & tourism sector, across the chain, at all levels. Here in Canada, with littleto-no bookings coming in, over 800 store-front travel agency locations have been forced to close from March 2020 to March 2021, while members of CATO (Canadian Association of Tour Operators) and other tour operators are faced with year-over-year revenue drops of more than 90%, says CATO Chair Brett Walker.
With many travel and tourism businesses being forced to shutter their doors, concerns over consumer protection are at an all-time high as travellers scramble to get refunds for cancelled fl ights, cruises and tours. In the case of Ontario retailers that were unable to provide travel services due to bankruptcy or insolvency, Ontario’s Compensation Fund, put in place to cover such an event, serves as a much-needed safety net for consumers.
But with an increase in business closures, is the Fund enough to cover claims during travel’s worst-ever crisis?
According to Richard Smart, President and CEO of TICO, which administers the Compensation Fund, claims for the past fi scal year have been relatively low and that the process related to consumer claims against the Fund hasn’t changed since the start of the pandemic. As of March 2020, the Fund sat at $23.5 million and “there have been no material changes to the Fund since that time.” TICO will reveal current fi nancials at its upcoming AGM, scheduled for June 29.
Ontario’s Compensation Fund has been a point of contention in the travel industry for years, particularly among Ontario’s registered travel agents and wholesalers who’ve been tasked with the responsibility of fi nancing it. As per the current funding model, registrants are paying $0.25 per $1,000 gross sales, with Fund payouts limited to a maximum of $5,000 per claimant – often not enough to cover the cost of a single trip – and a maximum of $5 million (plus $2 million per repatriation) per event.
In contrast, Quebec’s Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents, which is based on a consumer-pay model (consumers pay roughly $1 per $1,000), sits at a very healthy $150 million, so healthy in fact that the OPC (Offi ce de la protection du consommateur), the governing body that oversees the Fund, stopped taking contributions a few years ago.
But, even $150 million isn’t enough to cover the cost of a pandemic, says ACTA president Wendy Paradis.
“There are over 35,000 claims [in Quebec] totalling over $100 million. With a maximum payout of claims at 60%, the $150 million Fund would have also resulted in ‘cents on the dollar’ for a consumer claim,” she says. “The difference, however, is that the Quebec Fund would quickly begin to replenish as the nominal fee charged to the consumer per booking is reinstated.”
For this reason, Paradis is lobbying for a consumer-funded model like Quebec’s and believes that industry contributions should be eliminated.
“Travel consumers are the benefi ciary of the Fund and should therefore pay into it,” she adds. “Cancelling the industry contributions will signal that Ontario is open for business, it will grow the economy and will reduce red tape, leading to the creation and protection of good jobs across the province. Failure to act will continue to put Ontario travel companies at a disadvantage and will jeopardize jobs in an extremely competitive industry with very tight margins.
“The Government of Ontario should take this time to make the necessary changes, which would provide travel agencies with much needed breathing room to get back on their feet. Future Fund contributions must be suspended to support the recovery of Ontario travel businesses.”
To its credit, TICO – following new funding from the Ontario Government – has waived annual registration renewal fees and Compensation Fund payments for registrants, but only until March 31, 2022. Payments during this
period will not have to be repaid at a later date.
But with no contributions coming in from registrants for an entire year, this begs the question: is the Fund now at risk of being too small to cover the calamities of an ongoing pandemic? According to TICO’s Actuarial Review of the Compensation Fund, conducted by Deloitte in October 2018, the Fund should have a target value of $40 million to $60 million, far more than the $23.5 million it had at last count. Plus, as of March 31, 2020, the number of TICO registrants was 2,096, an 11% drop from the year before. Once payments resume in 2022, there will be less registrants paying into the Fund. “THE ONTARIO TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS TETHERED TO A SINKING SHIP.”
Although the fee and payment waiver will certainly help registrants during an incredibly diffi cult time, they will, however, be expected to resume payments next March, just when they’re getting back on their feet. To this, CATO’s Walker says: “While I appreciate TICO has referred to the suspension of fees as a deferral, it is the expectation of all our members that any future fees will be on a going-forward basis.”
Walker adds that CATO members are earning “zero revenue right now,” and with no roadmap to reopening it will be this way well into the future.
“Considering the advance purchase timelines of most members are six months or more, our members will not begin to realize any revenue until sometime in 2022,” he says.
As Chair of CATO, Walker has been vocal about his support for a consumer-pay model for Ontario’s Compensation Fund, especially following the failures of Thomas Cook in 2019 and Monarch Airlines in 2017. In his presentation to the Special Committee of Judicial Policy on May 20, 2020, the main points of which he says still apply a year later, Walker stressed the need
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to break the status quo.
“CATO believes that the Ontario travel industry is tethered to a sinking ship. The hole in the ship, if you will, is a completely inadequate consumer protection fund in Ontario,” he said. “Administrative penalties and other changes to governance are well intended but, like bailing water from a sinking ship, do not fi x the hole.
“Fixing the hole will require a signifi cantly more robust consumer protection fund. Achieving this requires a diff erent funding model.”
Walker warned that without a more robust funding mechanism, existing and prospective travel sellers will be forced to rethink operations within Ontario where they’re subject to “more regulations, more burden, more costs and now more substantial risks” for non-compliance than anywhere elsewhere in the world.
He cited three key benefi ts to switching to a consumer-pay model: awareness, accountability and transparency.
“I would challenge any of the committee to ask your friends or family if they are familiar with the travel Compensation Fund. Most would say, ‘I have no idea’,” he said. “We believe that consumers funding the Fund will create awareness, accountability and the transparency of why it’s important to purchase your travel here in Ontario. Yes, you may pay a little more but considering the risk, isn’t it worth it?”
Calls to reform the Compensation Fund have been renewed, especially when viewed through the lens of a global pandemic. The Travel Industry Act, 2002, of which the Fund falls under, was amended in March 2020 in direct response to the pandemic to address issues surrounding travel vouchers, eligibility for reimbursements, review engagement reports, audit reports and more. A change to funding, however, was not included.
As the pandemic has proven, “we live in a very chaotic world,” said Walker in his presentation. “Doing business in the travel industry, things go wrong and events can happen far beyond any of our control. You could have an operator that is absolutely operating above bar and compliant in every way but you have a geopolitical issue that brings them down.
“At the end of the day, you need to make sure that the consumer is going to be made whole.”
Walker tells Travelweek that CATO will “absolutely” get back to advocating for a consumer-pay model “once we are well out of this pandemic and into the recovery.”
ACTA, which has “strongly encouraged” the Ontario government to consider a consumer-funded model over the past several years, also plans to go back to the table “to make change happen in Ontario” as travel restrictions start to ease, says Paradis. However, at this point in time, Paradis says ACTA’s #1 priority is to focus on fi nancial aid program enhancements and extensions for travel agencies and travel agents through to the end of 2021.
And TICO, which is also in favour of a consumer-pay model, will not be letting up in its eff orts either. Says Smart: “TICO is continuously reviewing and assessing potential regulatory reforms and other opportunities for enhancements with the government, including the Compensation Fund framework, to ensure it meets our mandate of consumer protection.”
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“We're a business based on runways”: Air Canada, WestJet join other industry players calling for a roadmap for recovery
by Kathryn Folliott
TORONTO — The urgent need for a clear roadmap for Canada's recovery coming out of the pandemic, especially where travel is concerned, was underlined by a panel of travel industry executives including Air Canada's President and CEO Michael Rousseau and WestJet's VP Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs Andy Gibbons at a webinar on May 27 presented by the Canadian Airports Council (CAC).
Rousseau and Gibbons were joined on the panel by airport executives Tamara Vrooman (YVR) and Philippe Rainville (YUL), plus David Goldstein (Travel Alberta) and Patrick Doyle (American Express GTB). The panel was hosted by Perrin Beatty with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was part of the CAC's 90-minute webinar on Air Travel Recovery in Canada.
While several provincial governments including Ontario, Quebec, B.C. and Alberta have come out with stepby-step reopening plans, the federal government has not, said Beatty. “The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been urging the government for a clear path for reopening,” he said. “But we're still lacking a clear and predictable plan for the country.”
And as YVR's Vrooman pointed out, a plan for reopening Canada's borders isn't just about the travel industry, it's about Canada's economic recovery overall. “I can't speak strongly enough that this isn't just related to our industry,” said Vrooman.
As the travel industry well knows, other countries and regions, including the U.S. and the EU, are reopening and, in the case of the EU and other countries, readying digital systems to confirm proof of vaccination, immunity through previous transmission of COVID-19, or negative tests.
Canada is working with its G7 counterparts to align Canada's documentation with whatever systems are in place, as confirmed in recent months by Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and Health Minister Patty Hajdu.
Air Canada's Rousseau stressed how important that alignment is for Canada's this month, echoing the frustrations of many retail travel agents, tour operators and other suppliers.
The webinar coincided with the CAC's release of a whitepaper on aviation recovery, 'Holding Pattern: Canada needs a Swift Recovery and Competitive Air Sector.'
Here are some of the points from the CAC-commission whitepaper, presented during the webinar by Solomon Wong, CEO, InterVistas: • The number of passengers that moved through Canada’s airports in
April 2021 was 9% of 2019's levels. • Direct connectivity fell more than 90% across all Canadian regions in
April 2020 versus April 2019. The picture for 2021 is just as dire, says the
CAC, with direct connectivity falling even further compared to 2019.
recovery. “We have to get a solution on vaccine passports that's coordinated with the G7 countries,” he said.
WestJet's Gibbons summed it up: “All we really want is travel guidance based on the latest science. That's what we want and that's what we need.” Other countries have done that as a matter of course, said Gibbons, but “Canada has not.”
And as YVR's Vrooman puts it, “We're a business based on runways. What we need is a runway and a clear line of sight.”
After close to 15 months of an almost complete travel shutdown, it's not just the airlines and airports calling for a reopening plan. “For the thousandth millionth time, give us a plan,” said Brett Walker, GM, Collette (Canada) earlier
• According to the CAC's analysis, if increased costs for the aviation supply were to lead to a 25% increase in airfares, that would suppress 20% of passenger traffic (demand). Based on passenger traffic at Canadian airports in 2019, the expected loss in passenger demand would equate to roughly 16 million passengers - roughly three airports the size of Ottawa. • In 2019, the average airfare paid by passengers in Canada was approximately $470, and there were approximately 162 million passengers at Canada’s airports. In the case of a hypothetical 25% and 50% increase in the price of air travel in Canada, the resulting average airfare would be approximately $590 and $705. • The longer the recovery, the more difficult it will be for Canada’s airlines to compete in the same international aviation markets also served by foreign carriers, who may have a financial advantage over Canadian airlines due to government support these airlines may have received throughout the pandemic. • The loss in passenger traffic has resulted in sharp reductions in overall airline capacity – measured by the number of seats available – at
Canadian airports, some of which have lost all commercial air services during the pandemic (e.g., Toronto
Billy Bishop Airport, Saint John Airport, Sydney Airport (Nova Scotia), and Prince Rupert Airport, among others). Medium-size airports such as Winnipeg and Regina have also been impacted, losing almost 80% of airline capacity and all direct international services. • In terms of airline seat capacity, 2
Canada has fallen from 16th to 23rd in the world, with capacity down roughly 80%. • Direct connectivity fell more than 90% across all Canadian regions in
April 2020 versus April 2019. • The whitepaper also suggests that
Canada’s aviation sector would benefit from deploying a recovery agenda that is at least in part compatible with that already initiated by the U.S.,
Canada's largest trading partner. TORONTO — ACTA is launching Operation Survival and asking everyone to get involved.
More than 800 storefront agencies across Canada are now closed permanently, and most of the industry’s travel agencies and travel agents still seeing a revenue decline of 95%, says ACTA President Wendy Paradis.
More than 90% of travel agents are still on CRB or EI, she adds.
In its 2021 budget, released in April, the federal government indicated that starting July 17 CRB will pay out $300 per week, down from $500, for the final eight weeks before stopping completely.
Says Paradis: “Government subsidies start to taper off this summer and will end by September if the industry’s cry for sector specific aid is not heard. This will have tragic consequences for our industry and we must all bring this to the attention of the government now.”
“The cutbacks in federal aid programs scheduled to begin in July, while there are still no government issued measures, metrics and plan for the restart of travel, will reduce CRB for independent travel agents and force employers to lay-off more employees at a time when travel agents are needed to process government-mandated consumer refunds,” she added.
In addition to a video, ACTA has created three letter templates for travel agency owners, travel agent employees and independent travel agents to customize with their own stories and send to their MPs urgently. ACTA is also asking everyone to then follow up by phoning their MP, discuss their situation and urge the MP to speak up in the House of Commons and ask that financial support programs be extended until the end of 2021. “TRAVEL AGENTS SIMPLY NO LONGER HAVE THIS MONEY”
Two airlines so far – Air Canada on April 12, and Transat on April 29 – have announced financial assistance packages from the federal government that included refunds for travellers out-ofpocket due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and cancellations, and protection for travel agent commission.
While Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made it clear that among other conditions of aid to airlines that “travel agent commission would not be recalled for COVID-19 related cancellations”, Paradis says the industry has identified five areas where commissions are not protected.
“These are monies that were earned in 2019 and early 2020, and used to pay fixed expenses. Travel agencies and travel agents simply no longer have this money to refund consumers,” said Paradis.
ACTA is asking for the following sector specific aid: • CEWS/CERS/EI/CRB/CRHP – Extend and expand at maximum support to the end of 2021, and 90 days after travel restrictions are eased, including the new Canada Recovery
Hiring Program (CRHP). • Ensure all commissions are protected – Work with ACTA and the industry on the gaps and fully protect travel agent commissions for mandated refunds through grant programs. • Liquidity Programs (CEBA, RRRF,
HASCAP) – Enhance the CEBA loan, extend the repayment terms of
CEBA so that the forgivable portion can be made possible and expand the forgivable portion, extend all loan application deadlines to the end of 2021, and expand the accessibility to sole proprietors. • Roadmap to Recovery – Work with the travel and tourism industry to develop a data-driven plan to restart travel.
Paradis says that in ACTA’s meetings with government since the 2021 budget was announced, ACTA's key message has been “you have invested in travel agents and travel agencies for the past 15 months, don’t give up on us now, when recovery is within sight.”
She adds: “With vaccine rollout, bookings have already started for late 2021 and 2022, and momentum is expected to build as Canadians receive their second vaccine dose.”
To participate in Operation Survival go to acta.ca.
Here's how you can get involved in ACTA's Operation Survival for the retail travel industry
TRYALL CLUB, Jamaica
SPICE ISLAND, Grenada SPICE ISLAND, Grenada
JADE MOUNTAIN, St. Lucia JADE MOUNTAIN, St. Lucia CARLISLE BAY, Antigua CARLISLE BAY, Antigua
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JAMAICA INN, Jamaica
ANSE CHASTANET, St. Lucia ANSE CHASTANET, St. Lucia
HERMITAGE BAY, Antigua
ROUND HILL HOTEL AND VILLAS, Jamaica ROUND HILL HOTEL AND VILLAS, Jamaica
SOUTH BEACH HOTEL SOUTH BEACH HOTEL O2 BEACH CLUB & SPA O2 BEACH CLUB & SPA SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE
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Spice Island Beach Resort
The many reasons to book Canlink’s luxury hotels
TORONTO — Canlink Travel Representatives is no stranger to luxury – it represents some of the world’s most ultra-luxe hotels in highly desirable destinations across the Caribbean.
With most of its properties welcoming back guests following temporary closures due to the global pandemic, Canlink is now reminding travel agents of all the reasons to book a luxury stay. CARLISLE BAY, ANTIGUA
Located on the southern shore of Antigua, the five-star Carlisle Bay is perfectly suited to seclusion and relaxation. It offers all-suite accommodation with separate family areas, a diverse range of restaurants and bars (many opening onto the beach), the Blue Spa, tennis courts, a water sports centre, library, yoga pavilion and a movie screening room. HERMITAGE BAY, ANTIGUA
Named among the best resorts in the Caribbean, the five-star Hermitage Bay boasts a collection of 30 Hillside, Beachfront and Seaview Garden Suites, not to mention the Garden Spa where guests can enjoy nourishing treatments, pilates and yoga overlooking the ocean. Menus change daily and always combine local favourites with classic American and modern European fare. O2 BEACH CLUB & SPA, BARBADOS
This new all-inclusive, boutique resort will make its debut in Barbados this September with 130 rooms and suites divided into three collections, six dining options, a full-service spa, whirlpool tubs, a 24-hour gym and the 8th Floor Roof Deck Terrace. SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE, BARBADOS
This intimate, all-inclusive luxury resort is set on 2.5 acres of lush gardens along Barbados’ Caribbean shore. Considered a ‘foodie paradise,’ Sea Breeze boasts unique restaurants in six different settings, from buffets and à la carte choices, to a Chef’s Table and custom private dining. Guests can also embark on guided hikes, deep sea fishing excursions and tours to local historic sites. SOUTH BEACH HOTEL, BARBADOS
The all-suite South Beach Hotel truly impresses with wonderful touches like breakfast in bed, local Caribbean fare at the South Beach Restaurant, and the pristine sands of Accra and Rockley Beach. Its central location allows guests to enjoy a multitude of adventures and local attractions nearby. SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT, GRENADA
This eight-acre, 64-suite property is a year-round, fully-inclusive resort with a AAA Five-Diamond Rating. Situated on world-famous Grand Anse Beach, it’s considered one of the most upscale properties in the Caribbean, with ultra-chic accommodations, gourmet cuisine, ‘green’ policies and seven suite types, many featuring private plunge pools and private full-size pools. JAMAICA INN, JAMAICA
Since 1950 Jamaica Inn has ranked among the Caribbean’s top luxury hotels. Located in Ocho Rios on one of Jamaica’s premier private beaches, it boasts intimate suites and cottages, an open-air restaurant, and the Ocean Spa at Jamaica Inn, nestled within the cliffs of Cutlass Bay. ROUND HILL RESORT AND VILLAS, JAMAICA
This 110-acre private enclave comprises luxury villas, boutique oceanfront rooms, award-winning seaside dining and an exquisite spa. Highlights include locally-grown, organic cuisine, a luxury spa, an outdoor yoga pavilion and a Kids Club. THE TRYALL CLUB, JAMAICA
Situated amongst 2,200 acres of natural beauty, The Tryall Club offers a unique portfolio of 87 villas ranging from condominiums for couples, to oceanfront beach houses and 10-bedroom villas. The property also boasts two restaurants, a recently renovated golf course and one of the best tennis facilities in the Caribbean. ANSE CHASTANET, ST. LUCIA
Anse Chastanet offers a variety of room categories among its 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, 12 within a tropical garden. Guests can partake in a bounty of activities including yoga, snorkelling, scuba diving, tennis, sunset sailing, sea kayaking, jungle biking and bird watching. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST. LUCIA
Rising majestically above Anse Chastanet is Jade Mountain, known for its bold architectural design and individual bridges leading to infinity pool sanctuaries, all of which boast views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Guests enjoy the private setting of Jade Mountain with all of Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, spa, and watersports facilities.
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Tourism Ireland is welcoming the recent announcement by the Irish Government about the reopening of travel to the island. Ireland’s adoption of the EU’s new Digital Covid Certificate, which will enable more seamless travel among EU member states, is “good news for everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry.” Ireland will begin the initiative on July 19, meaning that travellers from EU member states bearing the pass, which attests that the holder has either been vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19 or has had the virus, will be able to visit Ireland without the need for a test or quarantine. Tourism Ireland is now ready to roll out a promotional kickstart campaign to welcome back international visitors.
The WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out $33.9 billion from the Caribbean’s economy, and that its sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 58%, higher than the global average. Travel & Tourism’s impact on the region’s GDP fell from US$58.4 billion (14.1%) in 2019, to $24.5 billion (6.4%) just 12 months later, in 2020. The year of damaging travel restrictions resulted in the loss of 680,000 Travel & Tourism jobs across the Caribbean, equating to almost a quarter of all jobs in the sector. The number of those employed in the Caribbean Travel & Tourism sector fell from nearly 2.76 million in 2019, to 2.08 million in 2020.
Credit: Lindblad Expeditions
Credit:Dietmar Denger
CRUISE LINES
Nicaragua, Big Corn Island Iceland
In its first-quarter results, Hurtigruten Group is reporting record strong demand for 2022 small-ship experiences. Across Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, bookings for 2022 are currently 45% ahead of bookings for 2020 as of the same time in 2019. Positive booking momentum for 2H 2021 has further improved in the 30 days prior to May 27, following news of the potential lifting of Europe’s travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers this summer. 2022 booking inflow in the same period is 101% higher than the 2020 booking inflow for the same 30-day period in 2019; if adjusted for rebookings, the growth in new bookings is 34% compared to the same period in 2019. “There is a huge pent-up demand for travel, and we see a substantial and growing demand for authentic adventure travel. After a very challenging year and a half for the entire travel industry, we are extremely excited about our stepby-step return to operations,” said Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
Riviera River Cruises will be resuming its European river cruises in July with departures on Portugal’s Douro River. Its first departure of the popular eight-day ‘Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise’ will be on July 2 aboard the MS Douro Elegance, with a four-day Lisbon extension available on select departure dates. All guests boarding Riviera ships will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test prior to travel. If there’s a cost for a COVID-19 test, Riviera will pay it. Guests will also benefit from Riviera’s flexible customer care policies, which include COVID-19 cancellation and curtailment protection as well as Riviera’s happiness guarantee.
Lindblad Expeditions has announced it will be reactivating National Geographic Explorer for a series of voyages in Iceland this summer. The Iceland season aboard the 148-guest polar vessel will kick off on July 7 with the six-day ‘Wild Island Escape,’ with rates starting at US$5,180 per person. Also available is the 11-day ‘A Circumnavigation of Iceland,’ with departures starting on July 11 to Iceland’s wild western coast. Rates for ‘Circumnavigation’ start at $11,460 per person. Rates are based on double occupancy in a category one cabin. All guests 16 years of age and over will be required to be vaccinated prior to travelling onboard for July voyages. On voyages departing Aug. 1, 2021 or later, all guests 12 years of age and over will be required to be vaccinated.
AVIATION
IATA and Tourism Economics released a long-term view for post-COVID-19 passenger demand recovery, which shows that people remain eager to travel in the short and long-term. In 2021, global passenger numbers are expected to recover to 52% of pre-COVID-19 levels (2019), while in 2022 they’re expected to recover to 88% of pre-COVID-19 levels. In 2023, global passenger numbers are expected to surpass pre-COVID-19 levels (105%), and by 2030 they’re expected to grow to 5.6 billion, which will be 7% below the pre-COVID-19 forecast and an estimated loss of 2-3 years of growth due to COVID-19.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity to sail industry’s first ship from a U.S. port
MIAMI — Celebrity Cruises will be the first cruise line to deploy a ship from U.S. waters in more than a year, a major milestone for not only the company but for the entire cruise industry.
Celebrity Edge, which has met all CDC requirements and standards, will depart Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on June 26 on a seven-night Caribbean cruise with Captain Kate McCue, the first and still-only American female Captain, at the helm. The news was tweeted by Celebrity Cruises CEO and President, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo with just three words: “Someday is here.”
She added the following: “For the past 15 months our conversations with friends and loved ones about seeing the world have been accompanied by the phrase ‘someday.’ I’m beyond proud and excited to say that day has arrived.
“The power of travel has a way of healing our souls as we connect with cultures, sights and experiences that bring greater joy and renewed energy to our lives. Nothing compares to these experiences at sea and now the wonder of these journeys returns.
“We’ve been preparing for this day for months and, on behalf of all of us at Celebrity Cruises, we’re ready and we can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard once again!”
Travellers looking to sail the Caribbean this summer can choose between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. All Celebrity ships will sail with a vaccinated crew. U.S. guests ages 16 and older must be fully vaccinated and, as of Aug. 1, 2021, all U.S. guests ages 12 and older must be fully vaccinated. Requirements for non-U.S. guests vary, with more details on celebritycruises. com/healthy-at-sea.
With the news about Celebrity Edge, eight of the 15 ships in Celebrity’s fleet now have plans to return to sailing in 2021. Here’s an overview: THE CARIBBEAN
First announced in March 2021, the Celebrity Millennium will be the first in the fleet to sail with guests again as well as the first ship in the industry to sail the Caribbean. It will make its return to service in St. Maarten on June 5, taking in Aruba, Curacao and Barbados over seven nights. EUROPE
In April, Celebrity announced its return to Europe with the news that Celebrity Apex, its newest addition to the fleet, will be making its world debut in Athens on June 19 with seven-night sailings to the Greek Isles. The cruise marks a history return to Greece for the company, which was founded there 33 years ago. THE GALAPAGOS
The U.S. summer sailings also follow the news that beginning July 4, the mega-yacht Celebrity Flora will resume sailing the Galapagos Islands. It will be followed soon after by the award-winning Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration on July 24 and Sept. 18, respectively. ALASKA
Celebrity announced its long-awaited return to Alaska will begin July 23 with seven-day itineraries sailing roundtrip from Seattle on the Celebrity Summit. The ship, which recently underwent a US$500 million renovation, will offer nine sailings through mid-September.
CDC approves Carnival’s U.S. port agreements
MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line is one step closer to resuming operations after gaining CDC approval for its port agreements for PortMiami, Port of Galveston and Port Canaveral.
The CDC accepted Carnival’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for the three homeports – all key homeports for Carnival Cruise Line and the first three that the line will focus on for its return to service this summer – on May 28.
Carnival has already announced that Carnival Horizon (sailing from Miami) and Carnival Vista and Breeze (sailing from Galveston) will be the first ships to carry guests as the line plans its July return to service. Port Canaveral has also been identified as a restart priority and Carnival expects to announce plans for operations from there over the coming days.
Under the CDC guidelines, a cruise line must have agreements with its homeports that they are prepared to support the cruise operator with additional public health and operational resources prior to simulated cruises and/ or full guest operations.
“These agreements move us one step closer to sailing with our loyal guests,” said Lars Ljoen, executive vice president and chief maritime officer for Carnival Cruise Line. “We appreciate the support from not just these three homeport partners but all of our homeports that are eager to have us back as soon as possible.
The cruise industry has gained some momentum in recent weeks after more than a year’s pause due to the global pandemic. Last week, Royal Caribbean gained approval from the CDC to operate its first test cruises, as required by the CDC’s updated Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, while Celebrity Cruises announced a Caribbean cruise on June 26 from Fort Lauderdale, lauded as the industry’s first ship to deploy from U.S. waters in more than a year. A handful of cruise lines, including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Crystal and Holland America, has also announced the resumption of cruises this summer from non-U.S. ports.
