Hong Kong bans flights, imposes other COVID-19 restrictions
Hong Kong authorities have announced a two-week ban on flights from the United States and seven other countries and are holding 2,500 passengers on a cruise ship for coronavirus testing as the city attempts to stem an emerging omicron outbreak.
Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, more extend cancelation of North American cruises through Oct. 31
HOUSTON โ Unless the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. can be contained sooner, Americans wonโt be cruising out of the country until after Halloween. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines are among dozens that have extended the cancelation of sailings from North America through October 31. A late 2019 Economic Impact study from CLIA revealed that cruise activity supports nearly half a million jobs in the US and generates about $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country. โEach day of the suspension of U.S. cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs,โ CLIA wrote on its website Wednesday. โThe impact of the suspension is particularly profound in states that depend heavily on cruise tourism, including Florida, Texas, Alaska, Washington, New York and California.โ
All aboard: Sail from Galveston to Royal Caribbeanโs private island CocoCay beginning March
HOUSTON โ Beginning March, Royal Caribbean will offer seven-day long cruises that will sail from Galveston to its private island, CocoCay, in the Bahamas for prices as low as $564. Cruise-goers will embark on an adventure on the โEnchantment of the Seaโ ship, which will also make stops in Key West, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas, before reaching โPerfect Dayโ at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean says CocoCay has beach areas that make the island the ultimate sun-soaking escape and offers lots of activities to make the perfect beach day. The cruiseโs lowest rates range from $564 to $920, with trips beginning on March 30 until Sept. 25. Hereโs a list of all the dates available on the site:March 30April 6May 29June 5June 12June 19July 10July 17August 7August 14September 18September 25For more details on what the cruise offers, go here.