Author: Alfredo Casuso

14th Season for Award-Winning Dezart Performs Features Four Desert Premieres

Written on July 1, 2021.

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

14th Season for Award-Winning Dezart Performs Features Four Desert Premieres

www.dezartperforms.org

1 July 2021 – Palm Springs, CA: Like an oasis springing up in the Desert after a year of theatrical drought, the award-winning Dezart Performs of Palm Springs (www.dezartperforms.org) returns with a full four-play schedule that brings music, mayhem, mirth and an exploration of mental health to the fore in their 14^th Season. First up is the critically-acclaimed Todd Almond / Matthew Sweet musical GIRLFRIEND (October 27 – 30) taking place outside at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Kicking off the new year, the company returns to its traditional home at thePearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club / 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs) with Katori Hall’s THE MOUNTAINTOP (January 14 – 23), a bold reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s final night. Next is Heidi Schreck’sdramatic exploration of compassion and forgiveness as seen through the eyes of a nun in a Bronx soup kitchen, GRAND CONCOURSE (March 4 – 13). Rounding out the calendar is the one-person comedy/drama EVERY BRILLIANT THING (April 1 – 10) by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe and directed by Deborah Harmon. EVERY BRILLIANT THING was originally the final production of the 2020 Season, delayed by COVID.

“We are so looking forward to welcoming everyone back in October with a play that is a first in many ways,” said Dezart Performs Artistic Director Michael Shaw who directs the first three plays in the upcoming season. “ ‘GIRLFRIEND is the first musical for Dezart Performs, the first play to be presented outdoors, and it’s the first play after a long, dark shutdown.”

Following its final live, with-audience performance, SWEAT, on March 8, 2020, Dezart Performs engaged its audience with a series of live online events during COVID: Creating for the Stage: Discussions with the People that Make Shows Happen (November 11 – December 2, 2020) and the interactive online sensation Mental Amusements (January 13 – 31, 2021) with award-winning Mentalist Vinny DePonto.

“Our motto during the pandemic was that we were here, and still dreaming,” said Shaw who co-founded the company in 2008. “Now, the dream is being realized again, and we’re ready to turn a new decade of dreams into reality.”

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley. Dates for Season Subscriptions and Single Ticket Sales will be announced later this summer.

14^th Dezart Performs Complete Season Listing

GIRLFRIEND

October 27-30, 2021

Book by Todd Almond

Music by Matthew Sweet

Directed by Michael Shaw

Musical Direction by Joshua Carr

Choreography by Ray Limon

Musical Comedy

Rancho Mirage Amphitheater

Set in Nebraska in the ’90s, Will, a bit of a social outcast, and Mike, the popular football player, figure out that there is more to life than what high school has taught them. Days after graduation they explore their relationship and begin to ask themselves where their lives begin.

“The songwriter and book writer demonstrate both an ear for the rousing energy of circa-1990 pop music, and a sensitivity about the manner in which a pair of young men might find their way to each other in an unwelcoming environment.” – The Washington Post

* * *

THE MOUNTAINTOP

January 14-23, 2022

Written by Katori Hall

Drama

Directed by Michael Shaw

Pearl McManus Theater

2010 Winner, Olivier Award for Best Play

A re-imagined depiction of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth set entirely in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his assassination in 1968. After delivering his famous “I’ve been to the mountaintop speech”, King goes to the Lorraine Motel to rest. His world is spun on his axis when he meets Camae, a young, feisty and foul-mouthed maid, who delivers his room service.

“Funny and emotionally charged… a powerful, poetic take on [King’s] legacy.” -Philip Brandes, Los Angeles Times

“Intriguing, shocking, funny… a stunning evening.” – Dale Reynolds, EDGE Los Angeles

* * *

GRAND CONCOURSE

March 4-13, 2022

Written by Heidi Schreck

Directed by Michael Shaw

Drama

Pearl McManus Theater

2015 Lucille Lortel Award Nominee

Having dedicated her life to religious service, Shelley runs a Bronx soup kitchen with unsentimental efficiency, but lately her heart’s not quite in it. Her brisk nature masks an unsettling fear that her efforts are meaningless. When Emma – an idealistic but confused college dropout – arrives to volunteer, her reckless mix of generosity and self-involvement pushes Shelley to the breaking point.

“Insightful with a moving, even shocking epiphany.” – Huffington Post

“[Heidi Schreck] writes fluid, natural dialogue and creates detailed characters that offer generous opportunities for actors… the words have the ring of plain truth.” – The New York Times

* * *

EVERY BRILLIANT THING

April 1-10, 2022

Written by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe

Directed by Deborah Harmon

Comedy/Drama

Pearl McManus Theater

You’re six years old. Mom’s in the hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid.” She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. 1. Ice cream. 2. Kung Fu movies. 3. Burning things. 4. Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose. 5. Constructions cranes. 6. Me. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own. A play about depression and the lengths we will go for those we love.

“A heart-wrenching, hilarious play… One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression—and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop!” —The Guardian

LIVES OF THE LINERS: CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS – July 4, 2021

Written on June 29, 2021.

LIVES OF THE LINERS: CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS – July 4, 2021

From Bill Miller

July 4^th 2021

Mon Jun 21^st Bits’n Pieces: After confirming its service resumption in Alaska, Princess Cruises has announced its intent to return to service in other US ports, sailing from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale this fall. By the Nov, eight big Princess ships will be once again taking guests to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and the California Coast. … Cruise lines are planning restarts in various phases in 2021, including a number of smaller European niche brands. … Although I won’t list them, some cruise lines are offering “insane” deals to recruit passengers following the long, otherwise very costly pandemic shutdown.

Tue Jun 22nd Holland America Line is gearing up to restart cruising out of Port of San Diego in California beginning with a season of cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and along the California coast aboard Koningsdam and Zuiderdam. The cruise line has expanded the season with the addition of six new cruise departures for Zuiderdam and two new cruises on Koningsdam, offering a total of 40 cruises from San Diego from Sep 2021 through Apr 2022. With the resumption of service on the West Coast, Holland America also is looking toward cruising in the Caribbean with four ships. All sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the season will begin Oct 23rd 2021, with Nieuw Amsterdam. The ship will be joined by the new Rotterdam Nov 3, Eurodam Nov 14 and Nieuw Statendam Nov 21. Caribbean cruises range in length from four to 14 days, span the entire region and include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island.

Royal Caribbean International embarked on its first simulated voyage Sunday as the cruise industry continues moving in the direction of resuming regular sailings. Last Sunday, the 3,600-bed Freedom of the Seas welcomed employee volunteers on board at Port Miami.

Celebrity Cruises: Excitement, anticipation, and awe. These three words captured the feeling of passengers and onlookers as Celebrity Apex sailed out of the Port of Athens, on Sat Jun 19^th, to begin her maiden voyage and first summer season in the Aegean. The much-anticipated sailing marks an historic moment for the company, which had originally planned to introduce its newest ship in late Mar 2020. Guests and fans of the brand have waited ever-since with huge anticipation to experience the fleet’s new flagship.

Wed Jun 23rd More Bits’n Pieces: Christmas-New Year holiday cruises are just about heavily wait-listed across the board. Travelers are anxious to get away. Disney, as example, is promising the best holiday trips yet! … Denmark: From Jun 26th, vaccinated cruise guests will be allowed to go ashore in Denmark without any restrictions.

P&O Cruises has announced its expected deployment and phased re-start plan for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022. The Britannia will begin the planned western Mediterranean itineraries on Sep 25^th and the brand new Iona will start her Atlantic coast holidays from the same date. These cruises will follow the series of UK coastal cruises beginning in June. The Ventura’s first cruises will be the planned program of Atlantic islands holidays from Oct 3rd. Following the Mediterranean season, running until Oct, the Britannia will reposition to the Caribbean for her winter season as scheduled, followed by the Azura which will begin Caribbean fly/cruises slightly later than published from Dec 10^th.

Thu Jun 24^th Carnival Cruise Line announced plans yesterday to grow its fleet by two additional ships by 2023, taking the delivery position of an Excel-class ship that had previously been assigned to sister line AIDA Cruises that will arrive in late 2023, as well as taking ownership of the Costa Magica from another of its European sister lines, with that ship going through a dry dock, renaming and Carnival-branded conversion and joining the fleet by mid-2022.

More News from Carnival Corp: Eight cruise line brands from Carnival Corporation have announced plans to resume guest cruise operations, with AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Seabourn sailing in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. The company said it expects to have 42 ships in service through the end of its fiscal year 2021 (Nov 30th), representing 52 percent of the company’s total capacity across its global fleet of 91 cruise ships.

Hurtigruten, best known for its Norwegian coastal service and expedition cruising, is heading into Galapagos cruising, having inked a deal with Metropolitan Touring to take guests to the region starting in Jan 2022. Hurtigruten now has a satellite: Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Sea Days! While it is all a matter of choice, the well respected Cruise Critic has selected 8 ships for the “best days at sea”.

When Royal Caribbean’s gargantuan and game-changing Oasis of the Seas debuted as the then-world’s largest ship in 2009, people wondered if anyone would bother to get off the ship in port, as it could take a week to try out all the onboard activities. With 24 dining options, 21 pools and hot tubs, multiple live performance venues (including an ice rink and AquaTheater for high-diving shows) and seven “neighborhoods,” the ship practically guarantees that no one will have trouble finding something to do. Well, lots of cruise travelers prefer spending time onboard – including during port calls – and the top 8 cruise ships for “stay aboard” cruising are:

Norwegian Escape
Carnival Vista
Harmony of the Seas
Disney Fantasy
Queen Mary 2
Crystal Serenity
Celebrity Reflection
Regal Princess

Fri Jun 25^th Further News from Carnival: “Our strategic decision to accelerate the exit of 19 ships has lowered our capacity growth to roughly 2.5% compounded annually from 2019 through 2025, that’s down from 4.5% pre-COVID,” said Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, on the company’s second quarter earnings call on Thursday. “Moreover, we have opportunistically rebalanced our portfolio through the ship exits as well as the ship transfer and a modification to our newbuild schedule, the combination of which will transfer 8,000 berths from our Continental European brands to America’s favorite cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line to optimize the current environment, maximize cash generation and improve our return on invested capital.”

For Sale! Carnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises brand today announced the AIDAcara has been sold and will leave the fleet soon after 25 years in service for the German cruise brand. A buyer was not named.

Added News from AIDA: AIDA Cruises has announced it will open the 2021 season at a third German cruise port, Hamburg, with AIDAmar on Jul 31^st.

Royal Caribbean: Two young unvaccinated passengers on a Royal Caribbean International cruise out of the Bahamas tested positive for the coronavirus. The passengers, who were younger than 16 and traveling in the same group, left the Adventure of the Seas before the end of the cruise on Thursday in Freeport with their companions. They returned home to Florida on a private flight arranged by the cruise company.

Single Travel: Solo cruising is about to get a major upgrade on Atlas Ocean Voyages. The cruise line just unveiled its first Solo Suites – 183-square-foot escapes that travelers won’t have to pay extra for to get all to themselves. Each suite comes with a queen-sized bed, television, desk, mini fridge, and en suite bathroom featuring a rainfall shower. Most suites also have balconies from which to enjoy the expansive ocean views.

Sat Jun 26^th US Cruising: When the Celebrity Edge departs Port Everglades today, it will mark the first revenue cruise with paying passengers on a large cruise ship sailing from a U.S. port in more than 15 months.

Yes, it is all resuming – normalcy and step by step, cruise line by cruise line, ship by ship – bon voyage to all!

Out of the old shoebox: A Saturday afternoon sailing from New York’s Pier 95 for the very popular Queen of Bermuda.

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Thank you to all our readers, correspondents, those “agents” in faraway places!

SF Mayor London N. Breed Leads Ribbon Cutting and Kicks Off Community Open House

Written on June 23, 2021.

Media Contact:
David Perry / David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Thursday, June 24 at 11am
San Francisco’s Mission Neighborhood Centers Inc.
Opens Its 12^th Early Care & Education Facility
www.mncsf.org

SF Mayor London N. Breed Leads Ribbon Cutting and
Kicks Off Community Open House

24 June 2021 – San Francisco, CA: As California reopens, San Francisco’s esteemed Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (www.mncsf.org) turns its sights to serving its core constituency – families – with the opening of its twelfth early learning center, MNC Mission at 1954 Mission Street. Located in the La Fénix housing development, the center will serve 42 children and families with high-quality, wrap around services and is comprised of one pre-school, two toddler, and one infant classroom. MNC Mission will officially open with a community open house on Thursday, June 24, 10am – 1pm. San Francisco. At 11:05 am Mayor London N. Breed will cut the ribbon at the facility and make remarks.

“From children’s services to healthy aging and disability, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. has been serving the community with empowering multi-cultural, cradle to rocking chair services for 60 years,” said Richard Ybarra, CEO for Mission Neighborhood Communities, Inc. “Mayor Breed has shown her commitment from day one to the health and welfare of our families here in the Mission, and we’re honored to have her with us for this event. Also, we’re especially proud of our team for its creative planning and re-use of this historic community property.”

“Now that San Francisco is reopening and our economic recovery is underway, it’s more important than ever that we continue expanding affordable, high-quality education and childcare opportunities,” said Mayor London Breed. “That is why we launched our Women and Families First Initiative, and why we’re continuing to invest in centers like this one through City programs, because we know that we need to do more to support our youth and families.”MNC Mission provides much needed early care and education for low-income families residing in the Mission and addresses the increasing need for early care and education in San Francisco. According to the SF Child Care Planning and Advisory Council, 6,122 children (ages 0-2) and 5,567 children (ages 3-5) in the city qualified for subsidized early care and education; 93% of subsidy eligible 3-5 year olds obtain care, while only 27% of infants and toddlers are able to obtain subsidized care.

“Access disparities exist based on race and ethnicity,” Ybarra said, noting that in 2017, 50.3% of childcare spaces were not available to children of working families. “2020-2021 has shown how critical early care and education and childcare are to supporting our workforce and is key to rebuilding a strong post-COVID economy.”

According to Ybarra, over 43% of Hispanic/Latino 3 to 5 year olds were not enrolled in preschool or kindergarten, compared with less than 33% of their Asian American, white, and multiracial peers. Recognizing this incredible need, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. partnered with Mission Housing Development Corporation to obtain the space in their affordable housing development and received funding support from the Low Income Investment Fund for construction costs. Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc is supported through funding from the Office of Head Start, the California Department of Education, and the San Francisco Office of Early Care and Education.

Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. is San Francisco’s preeminent Latino-led community-based organization. For over 124 years, in 62 of these years in early care, MNC has been at the forefront of providing early childhood education, social and supportive services to low-income youth, families, and seniors in an engaging, inclusive, culturally appropriate environment that promotes community empowerment and economic prosperity. For more info, please visit: www.mncsf.org

San Francisco Book Festival Gives Top Prize to “Upon This Rock”

Written on June 23, 2021.

Media Contact: Jaguar Bennett / publicity@quilldriverbooks.com

San Francisco Book Festival Gives Top Prize to “Upon This Rock”

David Eugene Perry’s Mystery Thriller Set in Orvieto, Italy
Wins “Best Gay Book” of Spring 2021
www.quilldriverbooks.com

23 June 2021 – San Francisco, CA: On the heels of last month’s Silver Medal Ben Franklin Award win from the Independent Book Publishers Association, first-time author David Eugene Perry has taken top prize from the prestigious San Francisco Book Festival as “Best Gay Book of Spring 2021” for his critically-acclaimed mystery thriller set in Orvieto, Italy “Upon This Rock” from Pace Press.

“Coming during LGBT Pride Month makes this an even happier moment,” said Perry, 59, who has lived and worked in San Francisco since 1986. “I’m greatly humbled to have been nominated among so many fine writers and so grateful to Pace Press for the encouragement and support.”

“All of us at Pace Press have been excited by the success of ‘Upon This Rock’. It is a truly exceptional novel,” said Kent Sorsky, publisher of Linden Publications / Quilldriver Books. “It is a page-turning thriller and a deep dive into Renaissance history that straddles pop and high culture.”

The San Francisco Book Festival recognizes the best books of the spring cycle. A full list of other winners may be found at this link:

http://www.sanfranciscobookfestival.com/winners_2021.htm

Upon This Rock is an “elegant twisty thriller” (Armistead Maupin, author ofthe international sensation Tales of the City) and “the gay DaVinci Code, but a lot better” (Fenton Johnson, Guggenheim Fellow, author of The Man Who Loved Birds); Upon This Rock is “for those readers who love Italy and who love crime fiction” (Lucinda Hawksley, great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, author of Dickens’s Artistic Daughter, Katey); “Perry’s novel sparkles with campy wit but is written with serious clues that keep you reading. And, oh yes, because it is a mystery, there’s a killer of a surprise at the end. Move over, Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. Welcome the new kids to the neighborhood, Lee and Adriano.” (Will Snyder, Bay Area Reporter); Upon This Rock is “a perfect read for anyone who is into thrillers, mysteries and historical fiction, like John Grisham and Dan Brown for sure.”(Ankita Dasgupta, The Bookworm Resort); “This is a wild read. Perry’s ability to build suspense is impressive and the denouement of this thriller will not just surprise you, but literally stun.”(Erika Atkinson, author of Ode to the Castro).

“You will not find a more exquisite, captivating, well written first novel than David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock. I was literally hooked from the first chapter. Set in the Italian city of Orvieto, Perry takes us on a roller-coaster ride that begins with the Sixteenth Century papacy of the de Medici Pope, Clement VII, and then quickly plummets us to the present day. A wonderfully addictive and engrossing story with brilliant characters and an ending that will have you perusing your favorite bookstore looking for Perry’s next novel”(Dennis Koller, author of The Rhythm of Evil). “You will not be able to put his book down. It is a page-turner from the first sentence until the twisted unexpected ending.” (Lynn Ruth Miller, author of Getting the Last Laugh). In short, David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock is “A potboiler thriller with nail-biting suspense” (Lew J. Whittington, New York Journal of Books); a “sexy, historical thriller” (Julissa James, Nob Hill Gazette);”a love letter to Orvieto like Tales of the City is a love letter to San Francisco” (Eric Jansen, SF Bay Times & Out In the Bay).

Perhaps Emmy Award winning journalist, famed Hollywood reporter Jan Wahl put it best: “Upon This Rock is fabulous. This historical thriller is a sexy ‘DaVinci Code.’ I can’t wait for the movie.”

Upon This Rock by David Eugene Perry / 360 pages / $ 18.95 / Quilldriver Books, Fresno, CA.

LIVES OF THE LINERS: CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS – JUNE 21, 2021

Written on June 21, 2021.

LIVES OF THE LINERS: CRUISING & CRUISE SHIPS – JUNE 21, 2021

From Bill Miller

June 13-19^th 2021

Sun Jun 13^th Liverpool: Our good friend Alva James was on hand for the departure on Jun 6^th of the first UK cruise in sixteen months.^. Below is the MSC Virtuosa, which at 181,000 tons might just be the largest passenger ship ever to visit the famed port of Liverpool. It certainly surpasses the 45,000-ton Aquitania of more than a century ago.

Carnival is among nearly a dozen cruise lines adding new exterior color schemes to their ships as cruising restarts. Others making changes include Princess, P&O, Marella & Silversea.

MSC Cruises confirmed that while the Government had canceled a stop last week at Greenock, but said they hoped cruise calls in Scotland can commence soon. Instead, the MSC Virtuosa extended its stay in Liverpool for a second day. Other cruise lines had also planned to cruise from Scotland as part of the summer restart of domestic cruising for UK passengers.

Above: Onboard the Viking Sea

Mon Jun 14^th Nassau: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas (below) departed last Sat on her first cruise from Nassau (to Mexico & Coco Cay). Vaccinations, temperature checks & other Covid era formalities were in full force.

Tue Jun 15^th Resumption: Almost all cruise lines now have fixed dates for a return to cruising. UK-based Saga Cruises, as an example, is returning shortly: the Spirit of Discovery on June 27^th. the Spirit of Adventure on July 26^th.

Wed Jun 16^th Royal Caribbean postponed the inaugural sailing of its Odyssey of the Seas after eight vaccinated crew members tested positive for Covid-19.

Cunard: Due to the ongoing complexities of navigating global travel, Cunard has today announced that they will be cancelling the following voyages: Queen Elizabeth’s sailings from the UK to Australia and her homeport season in Australia from Oct 18, 2021 up to and including Mar 9, 2022. World Voyages on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in 2022 are now cancelled. Queen Victoria’s sailings from Sep 10, 2021 up to and including Apr 29, 2022 are now cancelled.

D:\Bill\Pictures\Tony113\May 20 2021\Ships B & W Done\Ships Color Done\Doric sailing from NYC.jpg

Above: The Doric as seen arriving at New York from the QE2

Thu Jun 17^th Royal Caribbean has won approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct a so-called “test cruise” with its record-setting, 5,518-passenger Symphony of the Seas out of PortMiami starting Aug 1st. It was also revealed that a second giant Royal Caribbean vessel, the 5,484-passenger Allure of the Seas, also had gotten CDC approval to operate a test cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida, starting July 27th.

Florida: More than three-quarters of Floridians in a poll released Wednesday disagree with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policy banning cruise lines from requiring passengers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The survey, conducted by the University of South Florida School of Public Affairs, found just 24% said cruise lines should not be allowed to require guests to show proof of vaccination — which is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ position.

Princess: Following collaboration with government officials, and evolving guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Princess is announcing its intent to return to service in the United States sailing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Ft. Lauderdale this fall. Starting between Sep 25 and Nov 28, 2021, cruises onboard eight Princess ships will once again take guests to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast.

Above: The Azura of P&O Cruises at Antigua

Fri Jun 18^th The State of Florida has prevailed in its injunction against the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lift the Conditional Sail Order (CSO) that has been restricting the cruise industry since Oct 2020. A court essentially ruled in favor of Florida that the CSO exceeds the CDC’s “statutory and regulatory authority.”

Above: Fred Olsen Lines’ Black Watch

Sat Jun 19^th Staff & Crew: Employees of AIDA, Norwegian Cruise Line and Marella Cruises, and other major cruise lines have said on the grounds of anonymity that they have largely not been allowed to leave the cruise ship they’re working on, with one crew member admitting that this left him feeling “pretty depressed.” Some crew interviewed asked not to identify their ships or employers. An employee on the Norwegian Jade said he had one short leave in two months – and then only to be vaccinated.

Carnival Cruise Line announced last week it would continue it’s quick but staggered restart in the United States with more ships entering service in Aug.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered its cruise travel warning from Level 4 to Level 3, and specified the warning is now for “travelers who are not fully vaccinated.” The CDC said it recommends that people who are not fully vaccinated avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide.

Cunard: The Queen Mary 2 will begin a refit in Sep prior to returning to service in mid-Nov.

Royal Caribbean International has confirmed its health and safety protocols for the Freedom of the Seas and its July sailings from Miami. The company said it strongly recommends that all guests 16 and older be fully vaccinated and that at check-in, guests will be asked to provide documentation of their vaccination, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Experience

Royal Caribbean said that vaccinated and unvaccinated guests are required to wear masks indoors unless seated and actively eating or drinking.
Masks are not required in a guest’s stateroom when they are with their traveling party, outdoors, or at Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless in a crowded setting. Guests under the age of 2 do not need to wear a mask.
Masks won’t be required for vaccinated guests when in venues (bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment) or at events designated for vaccinated guests only.
In the coming days, the company said it is expecting updated guidance from the CDC on mask policies for vaccinated guests and may revise these protocols.
Venues will be set up with proper spacing and Royal Caribbean said it would ask guests to abide by physical distancing, especially when interacting with those outside of their traveling party.
SeaPass cards will be required to access lounges, shows and dining venues.
All dining venues will offer spaced seating. The company said it is “strong encouraging” guests to make dining reservations via Cruise Planner before the cruise or the Royal Caribbean app onboard.
In the Main Dining Room, the company said it will designate areas for vaccinated and unvaccinated reservations to dine separately.
My Time Dining will not be available to unvaccinated guests. In addition, while Windjammer will be open, the food will be served by the ship’s crew
Venues will offer spaced seating and more showtimes throughout the sailing. Select showtimes will be for vaccinated guests and others for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. More information will be provided onboard.
All guests are subject to restrictions and requirements as defined by local authorities in the ports the ship visits. “It is reasonable to expect that unvaccinated guests will be subject to stricter protocols than vaccinated guests,” the company said.

Out of the old shoebox:

Above: Crystal Symphony & MSC Orchestra at New York; Below: Bon voyage to the SS United States (1964) with Ocean Monarch, Queen of Bermuda & Michelangelo in the background

Thank you to all our readers, correspondents, those “agents” in faraway places!