Photo: AFP
SANTA CLARITA (CNS) - Princess Cruises announced today it intends to return to service in the United States this fall, sailing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Fort Lauderdale.
Between Sept. 25 and Nov. 28, eight Princess Medallion-class ships will once again take guests to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California coast, according to the Santa Clarita-based cruise line.
“As we continue our return to service, it is a thrill for us to be able to bring more cruise vacation options to our travel-starved guests,'' Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz said. “We appreciate the support of government and port officials who we worked closely with to make these travel opportunities available in a thoughtful and safe way for our guests.''
Throughout 2021, guests will need to show proof that they have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of their cruise. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Dining, entertainment and shore excursion details are being finalized and expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Among the cruises that will return to operation are:
-- Majestic Princess and Grand Princess departing from Los Angeles up the California coast and to Mexico: three-, five- and seven-day cruises, and the Hawaiian Islands on 15-day cruises;
-- Ruby Princess: departing from San Francisco, seven-day California Coast cruises, 15-day cruises exploring four Hawaiian islands and 10-day Mexico cruises;
-- Enchanted Princess: two new cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale, including 10-day cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean;
-- Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess: departing from Fort Lauderdale, an island hopper through the Caribbean with three-, five-, seven- and 14-day cruises in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, allowing guests to explore Mayan ruins, unspoiled coral reefs and underwater caves; and
-- Crown Princess: departing from Fort Lauderdale to Panama Canal, a series of 10-day cruises.
The company said it would continue to monitor the latest guidance from the CDC as well as from local, state and federal officials in the ports at which it docks, and adjust onboard protocols as necessary.
Guests can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a future cruise credit for any cancellation fees and refund of additional funds received to the original payment method. Guests may also cancel and receive the same future cruise credit and refund within 30 days up until sailing day if they test positive for COVID-19.
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