American Cruise Lines: Domestic bookings rise as cruisers seek to support American business

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 May 2020 01 May 2020

American Cruise Lines revealed yesterday a strong increase in demand across its domestic portfolio of river and coastal cruises. The company cites increased awareness of U.S. cruise options along with guests’ desire to support all-American businesses, as the primary reasons for the increase. "Advance bookings for the 2021 season are robust, with next year’s passenger counts currently more than 25% ahead of the same time last year. American has also just released its 2022 and 2023 schedules and announced an aggressive building program that remains on schedule," the company said in a statement.

"The strong occupancy rates are furthered by American’s recent product growth and exciting ship innovations, which appeal to broader markets. The Line now offers more than 35 itineraries in the U.S.A. and was recently lauded for introducing the first modern riverboats in the country. In late 2019, American also reintroduced its Cruise Close to Home™ marketing campaign, which resonates stronger than ever, as travel begins its first steps toward recovery."

The great numbers for 2021 speak volumes about the future of travel and specifically the future of small ship cruising in the U.S.A. In just the past 3 years, American has doubled its fleet, to a total of 12 small 100-200 passenger ships operating across the country – all are 100% U.S. flagged. And the Line continues to build new ships each year.

“American has truly lead the way in opening up the possibilities for adventure in the U.S. We have been building new small ship styles to suit every taste and we continue to expand our huge collection of curated itineraries, the options are endless with American. And the best part is you don’t have to travel abroad, or fly, to enjoy it all,” said Susan Shultz-Gelino, V.P. of Trade Relations for American.

The positive news for 2021 sales and the growing interest in cruising U.S. waterways was further reflected in the recent April 2020, CruiseCompete CruiseTrends report. In the latest report, American Cruise Lines was the #1 most requested river cruise line, and had the #1 most requested river ship, Queen of the Mississippi. Notably, the U.S.A. was also the #1 most requested country overall.

“People want to travel, and they are beginning to plan experiences for later this year and in the year ahead. American’s modern fleet, unique itineraries, and low passenger counts, allow us to offer amazing domestic options, as folks begin to cruise again. The desire to travel and the American spirit for exploration is alive and well,” said David Luxeder, Director of Marketing for American.

Genting Cruise Lines extends support to Singapore to provide temporary accommodations for foreign workers on two of its ships

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 May 2020 01 May 2020

Genting Cruise Lines has successfully completed stringent evaluation checks by the Singapore government for SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Aquarius to extend support and provide temporary on board accommodations for foreign workers in Singapore who have recovered from COVID-19.

“On behalf of Genting Cruise Lines, we thank the Singapore government for their confidence in our ships to pioneer such an important initiative for the country and the region during these challenging times. Singapore has been our homeport for over 26 years and we are proud to extend our support with SuperStar Gemini, as well as SuperStar Aquarius that had recently arrived in Singapore,” said Michael Goh, President of Dream Cruises and Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines.

“We are pleased that our on board facilities, as well as preventive and safety standards meet Singapore’s strict requirements for this initiative. From the onset of the pandemic, Genting Cruise Lines had implemented stringent precautionary measures, including the highest standards of preventive hygiene, sanitization and disinfection procedures to safeguard the well-being of all guests and crew. As such, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 among guests or crew to date while on board or transmitted via any of Genting Cruise Lines’ cruise ships,” added Michael Goh.

“In addition to these, Genting Cruise Lines’ ship design enables 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas – ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessel with no recirculation of air within the ship,” he added.

“We have also taken a pro-active approach to carefully review our prevention and response plan with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind to provide enhanced and comprehensive measures across our fleet for future deployments, which we will adopt as the new safety norm and we hope for the industry too,” he continued.

As Genting Cruise Lines commences this initiative with the Singapore government, the health and safety of all individuals on board the ships remain the top priority. Together with the Singapore government at the forefront, every effort will be made to uphold the health and welfare of Singapore’s foreign workers while on board the ship, which include observing the highest standards of safe distancing and preventive measures at all times.

MSC Cruises extends fleet-wide halting of operations through July 10, 2020

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 29 April 2020 29 April 2020

MSC Cruises announced today a further extension of the halting of all its new cruise departures fleet-wide through to July 10.

MSC Cruises USA is offering guests affected by this measure a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise plus an additional 25 percent credit to a future cruise of their choice, on any ship and any itinerary, departing on or before December 31, 2021.

In addition, MSC Cruises USA’s Cruise Assurance Program has recently been extended through September 30, 2020.

The Cruise Assurance Program allows guests who either already have a booked cruise or are booking a new cruise between July 11 through September 30 to reschedule their cruise to a future sailing up to 48 hours prior to their cruise departure date. Guests and their travel advisors will be able to transfer any of these bookings at no cost to any ship and any itinerary in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, departing on or before December 31, 2021.

The Company previously announced the temporary halting of all its ships globally through to May 29.

How will a global hotel corporation prepare to tackle the pandemic

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 28 April 2020 28 April 2020

In a concrete example of what land-based hospitality is preparing for, Hilton has announced a new program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in Hilton properties around the world. In a first for the hospitality business, Hilton will collaborate with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, and consult with Mayo Clinic to develop elevated processes and Team Member training to help Hilton guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.

Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection, as the program will be called in North America, will be a rigorous system that incorporates RB’s trusted know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Hilton CleanStay will build upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at Hilton properties worldwide, where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in use. The goal of Hilton CleanStay is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay at any of Hilton’s more than 6,100 properties representing 18 brands. The initiative will create a focus on cleanliness that will be visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces.

Hilton CleanStay was developed to meet evolving consumer expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates that consumers have heightened concerns regarding hygiene on their journey, and trust in cleanliness standards will be critical to restarting travel.

“Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and Team Members,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton President and CEO. “Hilton CleanStay builds on the best practices and protocols we’ve developed over the last several months, allowing our guests to rest easy with us and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our Team Members who are on the front lines of hospitality.”

RB will bring key talent and Lysol experts in hygiene and disinfection to the multi-year partnership, leveraging over 130 years of science-based research and thought leadership to support awareness, training and education, and product delivery and systems. RB and Hilton are also exploring opportunities to expand the program into a global partnership.

“At RB we are committed to the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. It is imperative that we protect all consumers, today and in the days ahead as we all look forward to new ways of returning to work and leisure activities,” said Rahul Kadyan, EVP, North America, Hygiene/Home, RB. “We are excited to be working with Hilton and Mayo Clinic to bring this expertise and our unique product solutions to the Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection program.”

Mayo Clinic and Hilton share intertwined histories. Late in life, Conrad Hilton became a Mayo Clinic patient and supporter. In 1972, Hilton’s donation of $10 million helped launch the Conrad N. Hilton Building for Laboratory Medicine, which was the first building in the Mayo complex designed specifically for laboratory medicine. The building opened on Oct. 18, 1974, and is still part of the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic, the top-ranked hospital system in the United States, will apply its experience and expertise to advise Hilton hotels on cleaning protocols, training programs, and quality assurance.

“Personal safety is extremely critical as we re-open business and recreational activities around the globe,” said Stacey Rizza, M.D., a Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist. “We are proud to bring Mayo Clinic’s expertise and knowledge to the COVID-19 response on a national and global scale. Mayo is looking forward to working with Hilton staff and advising them on the program protocol and training.”

With the aid of Mayo Clinic medical and technical experts, Hilton is rewriting its cleaning protocols to translate the best practices in hospital hygiene standards to hotel guest rooms. Medical experts from the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Response Team will also advise on new technologies and approaches, assist in training development, and create a rigorous quality assurance program.

While full details for the program are still in development and expected to be announced soon, hotel brand standards under consideration include:

– Hilton CleanStay Room Seal: Add an extra measure of assurance by placing a room seal on doors to indicate to guests that their room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned.
– 10 High-Touch, Deep Clean Areas: Extra disinfection of the most frequently touched guests room areas – light switches, door handles, TV remotes, thermostats and more.
– De-clutter Paper Amenities: Remove pen, paper and guest directory; supplement with digital or available upon request.
– Focus on Fitness Centers: Improved guidelines for disinfecting the hotel Fitness Center, possibly closing for cleaning multiple times daily and limiting the number of guests allowed in at one time.
– Clean and Clean Again: Increase the frequency of cleaning public areas.
– Guest-Accessible Disinfecting Wipes: Provide stations at primary entrances and key high traffic areas, for instance, a station to allow guests to wipe the elevator button before pressing.
– Contactless Check-In: Hilton will double-down on its award-winning Digital Key technology for guests who desire to have a contactless arrival experience. Guests can check-in, choose their room, access their room with a digital room key and check-out using their mobile devices through the Hilton Honors mobile app at participating hotels. Hilton will continue to expand its Digital Key capabilities to common doors and access points throughout the hotels.
– Innovative Disinfection Technologies: Hilton is exploring the addition of new technologies, like electrostatic sprayers – which use an electrostatically charged disinfecting mist – and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects.

And throughout the new cleaning process, hotel Team Members will be provided with personal protective equipment and enhanced training designed to protect their well-being while continuing to deliver Hilton hospitality.