Swan Hellenic celebrates year of cruise return with new dedicated saving fares

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer welcomes inaugural bookings with saving fares and additional offers worldwide

Cyprus, 18 January 2021: Swan Hellenic has announced it’s new dedicated saving fares, celebrating the year that cultural expedition cruising returns to the world, crowned by the Antarctic Polar Eclipse maiden cruise of the first of its three 5-star ice class ships, Minerva, in November.

Anyone booking anywhere in the world between now and 31 March 2021, will be welcomed with a saving of 20% off their choice of 2021-2022 cruises, plus additional market-specific offers.

Full information on these additional country-specific offers, ranging from flights to onboard spending, is available from Swan Hellenic’s website and its local offices and agents.

What’s more, that’s all without any compromise in the iconic company’s industry-leading all-inclusive cruises, which even include each guest’s pre-night hotel and transfers.

Plus, guests can book with total confidence, knowing they’ll always be protected by Swan Hellenic’s no-quibble cancellation policy, which allows guests to cancel any cruise booked by 31 March 2021 up to 30 days prior to departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit valid for 2 years.

With close personal service available through its own offices and top partners across Asia, Australia, India, North America and Europe, guests of the old Swan Hellenic and a whole new generation of explorers can benefit from close personal support to choose from cruises of the Antarctic, Pacific, Caribbean, Scotland, Nova Scotia, Greenland and Eastern Russia to see what others don’t.

All in all, thanks to Swan Hellenic, it’s now easier than ever to be sure of something really special to look forward to when the pandemic’s passed.

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in September 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company had pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger P6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Swan Hellenic supports its customers with close personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

HELLO 2021! MSC CRUISES TOASTS THE NEW YEAR WITH UP TO $400 SPENDING CREDIT FOR WAVE SEASON

• Wave season ‘Your Cruise, Your Choice’ promotion provides cruisers free spending credit to use how they choose on 2021 and 2022 cruises

• Guests also benefit from the confidence to book future cruises with flexibility through Total CruiseFlex and Kids Sail Free on many sailings

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 4, 2021) — The long-awaited new year is here, and while travelers are dreaming about their next vacation, MSC Cruises USA is offering them even more value and more possibilities with its Your Cruise, Your Choice* promotion for wave season – the time of year running January through March when travelers can book cruises at the best value. Now through March 31, 2021, guests can receive up to $400 spending credit per stateroom to use how they choose when booking 2021 and 2022 3-, 4- or 7-night cruises in The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, plus Kids Sail Free on many sailings. Spending credit can be used toward vacation bonuses like Wi-Fi, drink packages or gourmet specialty dining, activities like spa treatments and shore excursions, and even ashore at MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

“With the start of the new year, travelers are eager to make 2021 and even 2022 vacation plans. There is tremendous anticipation for the resumption of leisure travel, and cruising in particular, which is why now is a great time to start planning with the benefit of incredible value and increased flexibility with our still-available Total CruiseFlex offer,” said Ken Muskat, EVP and chief operating officer of MSC Cruises USA. “MSC Cruises has so much to look forward to in 2021. We’ll introduce two brand new ships with one of these — MSC Seashore — set to arrive to Miami in November 2021. Guests will be able to sail from our new homeport in Orlando as well as from Miami, and we’re now also offering a range of new 3- and 4-night itineraries in addition to our week-long cruises. With so many new ways to cruise with MSC, both from the U.S. and abroad, both past and new guests alike can enjoy a fresh vacation experience with us.”

YOUR CRUISE, YOUR CHOICE CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

The Bahamas & Caribbean

With the Your Cruise, Your Choice offer, cruisers looking for a vacation under the sun can escape to The Bahamas and Caribbean, choosing from a range of 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries departing from both Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral). A highlight of MSC Cruises’ itineraries in this region is a stop at MSC Cruises’ private island destination in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve which has recently been named Best New Cruise Destination by The Points Guy Editors. 

Exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests, the private island — located just 65 miles from Miami — is surrounded by 64 square miles of marine reserve, offering guests a unique opportunity to discover local marine life, soak up the spirit of Bahamian culture and reconnect with themselves and each other. The island offers guests over two miles of white sand beaches to relax beside crystal blue waters with a wide selection of ocean discovery activities like stand up paddle boarding day and night, kayaking and more. For wellness and relaxation, visitors can book an oceanside spa treatment at The Spa at Ocean Cay, try beach yoga, or simply book private cabanas along the beach for the day. For a snack, cruisers can head to the Beach Shack food trucks or grab a sweet treat at the Smiling Fish & Coffee Bar. And, with ships frequently docked at the island from early morning into the evening — and in many instances overnight — guests can watch the sunset at a beachside picnic or star gaze. 

Mediterranean & Northern Europe

Those looking to venture abroad can use the Your Cruise, Your Choice promotion to cruise the Mediterranean and Northern Europe where MSC Cruises is a leader in sailing around some of the world’s most in-demand cruising destinations. As part of the offer, guests can sail aboard some of MSC Cruises’ newest ships. After her debut in Summer 2021, MSC Seashore will spend her first season sailing in the Mediterranean before journeying to her new homeport in Miami. With an iconic design ideal for warmer climates, MSC Seashore invites guests to experience the outdoors like never before with stunning sea and city views. Guests can also choose from MSC Seashore’s sister ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, which will also both sail the Mediterranean in summer 2021.

Also, sailing the Mediterranean is MSC Grandiosa, MSC Cruises’ current flagship launched in November 2019 as the first of the Meraviglia Plus class of ships. MSC Grandiosa will be followed by her sister ship, MSC Virtuosa, the second Meraviglia Plus ship coming into service in Spring 2021. She will spend her first season offering 7- to 14-night cruises alternating between the fjords and Baltic capitals, with embarkation available in Kiel, Germany or Copenhagen, Denmark.

Also available through Your Cruise, Your Choice, MSC Magnifica will homeport in Southampton, UK, with 7-night itineraries through Norway during Summer and 7-night sailings through the “Northern Pearls” of Hamburg, Germany; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Zeebrugge, Belgium and Le Havre, France in October.

MORE WAYS TO SAVE

Up to 50% Discount for Healthcare Heroes

MSC Cruises appreciates the selfless work and bravery of healthcare professionals for their ongoing contribution to fight the global pandemic. As a way of saying thank you, MSC Cruises is offering up to 50 percent off cruise fares for all front-line and back-office healthcare professionals so that when they are ready, they can enjoy a much-deserved vacation with their loved ones. Plus, this discount for healthcare heroes can be combined with the Your Cruise, Your Choice promotion, meaning healthcare professionals can save up to 50 percent on top of the up to $400 spending credit through the promotion. The healthcare heroes promotion is available through April 30, 2021.

MSC Voyagers Club Christmas & New Year 2021 Exclusive Promotion

As an exclusive for members of MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program, MSC Cruises is offering an opportunity for these guests to benefit even further with up to an additional 15 percent discount on top of the 5 percent discount they automatically receive on all cruise bookings, plus $50 onboard credit per member, based on their membership level. MSC Voyagers Club members can learn more here. This offer is good through January 18, 2021.

CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE

Health & Safety

The health and safety of guests, crew and the communities MSC Cruises visits is the Company’s top priority. MSC Cruises’ comprehensive health and safety protocol covers all aspects of the cruise experience and, in its current form, currently applies to its ships sailing in the Mediterranean. MSC Cruises continues to review and update its protocol to align with developments of the health situation ashore, always prioritizing the well-being of its guests and crew.

In the U.S., MSC Cruises will only restart operations when the time is right, following approval by the CDC and other relevant authorities across the region in observance of their requirements and guidelines.

Total CruiseFlex

With Total CruiseFlex, guests can have the confidence to book now with attractive promotions, like Your Cruise, Your Choice, knowing that they can change their plans with no penalty up to 48 hours prior to departure. Total CruiseFlex applies to any new bookings made between August 5 and January 31, 2021, on any sailing departing through April 30, 2022.

For more information on the Company’s new health and safety measures visit as well as Total CruiseFlex visit: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise-with-confidence.

For more details on MSC Cruises’ Your Cruise, Your Choice promotion, guests can visit here or contact their preferred travel advisor.

Windstar Launches Wave Sale January 5 – Sail Small, Live Large With Big Perks

Small ships are in big demand for 2021 & 2022

Seattle, WA, January 4, 2021 – With a brighter travel environment now visible around the corner, Windstar Cruises released its annual wave season offer January 5, 2021 and encourages prospective cruisers to take advantage of the offer now and book early so as not to miss out amid the coming rush of travel planning. The Sail Small, Live Large With Big Perks offer lets travelers choose from a set of complimentary perks plus a reduced deposit of 5%.

Running from January 5 through February 28, 2021, “Pick Your Perk” savings options include:

• Up to $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or

• One night hotel pre- or post-cruise on Europe voyages or

• Premium beverage package (wine, beer, spirits, soda) or

• Free Wi-Fi

Guests may pick one complimentary perk which vary depending on the length of their cruise and room category. Along with this offer, deposits have been reduced from 15% of cruise fare to 5%. Windstar’s updated Travel Assurance Booking Policy allows cancellation up to 48 hours prior to departure on 2021 cruises.

“Bookings are picking up for the latter half of 2021 and for 2022,” said Windstar Cruises’ President Chris Prelog. “As vaccines start to roll out around the world, we are all seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and that’s spurring people to plan much farther ahead. Take advantage of these special offers now so you can enjoy the vacation you want in your desired destination and timeframe, otherwise you may find yourself left out.” 

Prelog also reported that Windstar’s vacation planners say new to Windstar guests are booking because they want to sail on smaller ships in a more intimate atmosphere. 

Windstar Cruises specializes in small ship cruising to waterways and ports where the mega ships can’t sail. Its three small, all-suite yachts and three sailing ships host between 148 to 342 guests, known for visiting small ports, waterways, canals, and rivers that the “cities at sea” just can’t access. The phones are ringing, and bookings are coming in for 2021 and beyond for one primary reason: small, upscale cruise ships to aspirational, exotic places are very appealing.

These yachts that have fewer people on them than a New York City subway car in rush hour, or less passengers than can fit into a lifeboat on a 200,000-ton cruise ship that holds up to 7,000 people. These are yachts where you can dine outside, rarely tie up to a major cruise port with dozens of other ships and tens of thousands of people on the piers, and where you can quite literally swim, kayak or snorkel off the back of the yachts thanks to a Watersports Platform on the stern. While there are no Broadway shows, rock walls or zero gravity flight simulators, there are nights under the stars with the deck-lights out for star gazing, plenty of quiet space to be at peace with yourself, family or friends and evenings and overnight port calls where it’s likely  to be the only ship in port.

“These are cruises to escape the rushing, worried world,” said Prelog. “We are expecting a tidal wave of bookings in the months ahead now that the vaccine is being distributed. The Caribbean is easy to access for many and will be very popular, especially aboard the newly transformed Star Breeze. And our most popular destinations that typically sell out are the Greek Isles, Italy, Iceland and Tahiti. 

In addition, safety is a top concern of travelers. Windstar announced a new Beyond Ordinary Care program, which is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus backpack sprayers to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht. The company hopes this extra effort to provide a healthy environment on board is giving consumers (both avid cruisers and new ones) the confidence to book. 

For updated information, reservations, and itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar Cruises Plans for a Return to Sailing in May and Launches a Bon Voyage 2020 Holiday Sale

Newly transformed Star Breeze yacht redeployed  to Caribbean and Tahiti for 2021 

SEATTLE, WA, December 14, 2020 – Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises was among the first to cease operations in March and has been a leader in taking careful preparatory steps for a future return to business. The line has now made the decision to postpone all sailings until May, including the debut of its recently reimagined 312-passenger Star Breeze all-suite yacht. 

With this latest shift in operations (which includes cancelling Windstar’s 2021 Alaska, U.S., Mexico ports), Windstar’s Star Breeze will now return to cruising May 15 on a newly added itinerary departing from St. Martin. Three departures of Beach Fun & Sun – A Remote Caribbean Getaway, will be more adventure-focused with an emphasis on secluded beaches and water sports activities.

Windstar will use its Watersports Platform (which opens directly into the sea) as well as its watersports crew to offer exploration by small boats with trips to remote beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, water skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Stops include Norman Island, an island at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands reputed to be the inspiration for Treasure Island; two days at Prickly Pear Beach, a white-sand beach with turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling on Virgin Gorda; and Soper’s Hole on the quiet island of Tortola. 

Star Breeze will then remain in the Caribbean sailing on a variety of itineraries through August 14, when it will head to Colombia and the Panama Canal before continuing to Tahiti on a transpacific voyage. It will then sail from September 19 through March of 2022 on seven, 10- and 11-day cruises. Star Breeze in Tahiti, where Windstar’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit typically only sails, is a unique opportunity to experience the islands on this newly transformed yacht which offers two new dining concepts with serious chef backings, as well as new suites, a spacious spa/fitness center, and other “bigger ship” perks, all with just 312 guests maximum.  

Holiday Sale – Bon Voyage 2020!

Windstar’s Bon Voyage 2020 Sale, which kicks off December 16 for past guests and travel advisors and December 17 for the general public, includes price reductions on select 2021 and 2022 voyages, including many options in Tahiti and the Caribbean. Travelers can also take advantage of a reduced deposit of 5% (normally 15%). It ends December 30. More details here: https://www.windstarcruises.com/specials/ 

“We are seeing increasing interest for summer and fall of 2021 and also 2022,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Chris Prelog. “Our six yachts carry only 148 to 342 guests, and we expect demand for small ship cruising to continue to increase. My advice is to book now and save your desired cruise date before we sell out. You can always cancel up to 48 hours before departure for 2021 cruises.”  

Windstar Yacht Deployment Updates 

The newly transformed Star Legend is slated to be the first Windstar yacht to return to service, beginning May 1 in Athens on the new 10-day Greece, Israel & Egypt: Footsteps of Faith in the Holy Lands cruise. Wind Spirit will begin sailing in Tahiti on May 6. Wind Surf will resume guest operations in Civitavecchia (Rome) on May 9, while Wind Star starts on May 22 in Athens. The reimagined Star Pride will debut July 14 in Dover. 

COVID and Cruising 

Windstar is committed to its Beyond Ordinary Care program throughout all six of its yachts, which notably use HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces. The program is paired with a Travel Assurance Booking Policy that gives flexibility to make plans and update them without fees if things change. On 2021 cruises, guests may cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure and receive cancellation fees as a Future Cruise Credit. 

For updated information, reservations, and itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com. 

Azamara® Launches 2021 WAVE Offer

The destination-focused cruise line encourages guests to save now for their 2021 and 2022 dream explorations

Miami FL, December 08, 2020: Azamara — the upmarket, boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® — is pleased to announce its 2021 WAVE Offer. Guests booking between now and March 31, 2021 will enjoy savings of up to 40% for select sailings between March 20, 2021 and May 13, 2022. Other perks of the offer include complimentary WI-FI for guests staying in an Oceanview stateroom or higher, exclusive cultural events, and consumer flexibility with the company’s “Cruise with Confidence” program, which allows guests to book worry-free by January 31, 2021 and change their voyage up to 48-hours before the sailing. Azamara’s three ships — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit — all have participating voyages.

In accordance with the brand’s commitment to Destination Immersion, and the addition of more late-night stays and overnights in different ports, Azamara’s guests can immerse themselves into local culture. Sailings that can be booked with the 2021 WAVE offer include the Iberia Intensive Voyage — offering the chance to travel Spain and Portugal, permitting an overnight in Sevilla that comes with a wealth of excursions such as a Flamenco show and trip to nearby Jerez de la Frontera to taste the area’s lauded sherry wines; Norway Intensive & Svalbard Voyage — which includes eight late nights and excursions such as hiking along the resident fjords and a crabbing expedition out in the wild; and the Australia/New Zealand Voyage — allowing for three late nights, one overnight, and a sweeping variety of programming that includes whale watching and touring the legendary Marlborough wine region.