With the recent withdrawal of Sun Lines’ Stella Solaris to New York, the Mediterranean fleet shrunk further.
Ten lines are still standing by their Mediterranean itineraries: Chandris, Costa, Cruise & Charm, Cunard/NAC, Epirotiki, K Lines-Hellenic Cruises, P&O, Royal Viking Line, Sea Goddess, and Sun Line (Stella Maris).
Boking levels are reportedly varying and sources indicate that more changes and/or withdrawals may be expected.
Toe European market has not been influenced by the terrorist events in the Mediterranean, and is the reason Costa is not changing its schedule, Dr . Costa of Costa Cruises told the delegates at the Seatrade Conference.
“We are experiencing good advance bookings from the French, Italians, Germans and Swiss,” he said.
Dr. Costa stressed that it is necessary for lines to continue to operate in the Mediterranean, to show that a program can proceed safely without interruption, even after the unfortunate incidents. This is the best proof that the area is safe for travelling, and we must work together to ensure its future.”
Claiming that travel safety is the industry issue of the decade, Joseph Hallisey, chairman of ASTA said that a Traveller’s Security Policy Council had been formed to set up an industry program to manage the matter. Toe task force will work to overcame clients’ misconceptions about travel in Europe, and with governments around the world to ensure passenger safety.
“Terrorism must not be allowed to curtail the freedom of travel,” Hallisey said.
Northern Europe Also Affected
Following recent terrorist incidents in London and Berlin, and a Russian ‘nuclear cloud’ blowing over Northern Europe, cruise lines sailing in that region are awaiting the repercussions.
Reports indicate, however, that travel to Northern Europe has already softened. A few weeks ago the head of the the Norwegian Tourist office in New York was quoted in the travel trade press as saying that Americans were now coming to Scandinavia instead of Southern Europe. After the Soviet disaster, however there were reports of massive cancellations from that region.
Sun Lines to New York…
Sun Line Cruises has pulled the Stella Solaris out of the Mediterranean, and is offering seven-, nine-, 11- and 13-day cruises from New York to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada, May 21 thru October 14.
Per person, double occupancy rates start at $135 per day.
Toe Stella Solaris was originally scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean, but American bookings there did not materialize and the European market was not able to sustain the ship, according to the line.
Carnival an Clipper Changes…
Preparing for the March 1987 arrival of the Celebration, Carnival will change the itineraries of the Jubilee and the Holiday in December. The Holiday will sail every Saturday to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. The Jubilee will sail every Sunday to Nassau, San Juan and St. Thomas…
The Celebration will sail every Saturday to San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten…
The Regent Sea will repeat her seven-day Panama Canal/Caribbean cruises from Montego Bay for the 1986/87 season…
Clipper has announced that the Newport Clipper will sail 14- and 28-day cruises, in addition to her seven day cruises, in 1986/1986.
