Windstar Unveils New Officer’s Suite on Wind Surf

Photo: The new Officer's Suite on Wind Surf is tucked behind the Bridge in officer's quarters.

Largest Passenger Sailing Ship in the World Receives Extensive Renaissance

Seattle, WA, January 28, 2020 — It may be one of the best kept secrets on the high seas. On Windstar Cruises’ flagship Wind Surf, which just emerged from a major renovation, guests are able to stay in the new Officer’s Suite. The nautically appointed suite on the five-masted schooner (the largest sailing cruise ship in the world) is located directly behind the Bridge, in an area labeled “crew only.”

While all of Windstar’s six ships have an open Bridge – where guests can interact with the ship’s officers and get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at cruising – the Officer’s Suite is the only public accommodation in the officers’ quarters. It is believed to be the only suite of its kind at sea – and perhaps the ultimate true cruise enthusiasts’ accommodation.

“We renovated this very unique suite with more of a nautical theme to reflect its exclusive location tucked away just behind the Bridge,” said Windstar President John Delaney. “Guests in this suite share exclusive company with the Captain, Chief Officer, Hotel Manager and Chief Engineer. It’s absolutely 180 degrees from ordinary with nothing else like it in the industry.”

The new 242- square foot Officer’s Suite sports a nautical theme with a bedroom, full bath with Jacuzzi tub, and living room with a wide screen television. Décor includes a sextant, Wind Surf print, a museum-quality model of a J-class sailing ship and binoculars.

Wind Surf went into dry dock this fall, and the entire ship received a significant renaissance from the outer hull (including a complete sandblasting and painting) to every room and public space on the ship. Part of the major evolution of this popular vessel included 16 new guest rooms bringing the capacity on board to 342 guests (an increase from 310). Additional crew accommodations were also created to raise the crew level to ensure a continued 1 to 1.5 staff to guest ratio.

Public areas now have a more social atmosphere and “living room” feel with an expanded lounge and bar with new furnishings and a stage. World Spa by Windstar, a new state-of-the-art spa and wellness center, is also a main element in the renaissance of Wind Surf and will be run by Windstar’s partner One Spa World.

To learn more about authentic small ship cruising on Wind Surf, contact a travel advisor or Windstar Cruises by phone at 1-800-258-7245, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Reaching the Apex of Luxury at Sea

CELEBRITY CRUISES UNVEILS ENCORE IN EDGE SERIES WITH NEW CELEBRITY APEX

Takes Seagoing Vacations to New Heights with Exclusive Culinary, Wellness and Entertainment Offerings, Starting April 2020

MIAMI – January 28, 2020 – When the much-anticipated Celebrity Apex is christened on March 30, 2020, Celebrity Cruises will do more than continue the lineage of its groundbreaking Edge Series that began with the 2018 launch of Celebrity Edge. Celebrity Apex takes modern cruising to yet another whole new level, with the very latest culinary, spa and wellness trends, and progressive entertainment offerings.

The industry-leading, first-in-class Celebrity Edge has received more than 50 awards and was crowned one of TIME Magazine’s 2019 World's Greatest Places[1]. It impressed the world with its innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces created by world-renowned designers including: Kelly Hoppen, MBE (accommodations and suite experience); Tom Wright of WKK (ship exterior and open decks); Patricia Urquiola (interior design at The Club and Eden); Scott Butler, AIA (architect for Eden and The Theatre) Jouin Manku (Grand Plaza and circulation); and many more.

Celebrity Apex encores the transformational look and feel of its sister ship with such distinctive features as the floating Magic Carpet cantilevered off the ship's side inviting guests to eat, drink and soar over the sea up to deck 16; The Retreat, the all-exclusive experience for all suite guests; dramatically expanded staterooms with Infinite Verandas; soothing indoor and outdoor garden escapes; magnificent two-story Edge Villas with their own private terrace and plunge pool; and high-style spaces throughout public areas, keeping focus on the contemporary design elements that are a highlight of the Edge Series of ships.

It then adds new luxury features and experiences guaranteed to make Celebrity Apex the industry’s “it” ship, including:

• New culinary venues, menus and programming

• An array of new firsts in beauty, fitness, and wellness

• Sweeping changes to The Theatre with state-of-the-art technology taking center stage in three all-new production shows to captivate audiences.

• New Eden experiences, transforming the breathtaking Eden venue into a myriad of moods.

“Celebrity Edge changed the cruise industry and raised the standard for modern luxury vacations,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Apex – the second ship in our revolutionary Edge Series – goes even further. It takes every onboard experience to the very peak of what’s possible at sea.”

Apex of Culinary

Already renowned as the industry’s leading culinary brand, Celebrity further enhances its culinary palate on Celebrity Apex with evolved concepts, new delicacies and new menu offerings from Celebrity’s Michelin-starred Chef Cornelius Gallagher, including:

• Craft Social Bar – This relaxed, casual bar space, will offer draft cocktails, wines on tap and more than 50 of the world’s rarest craft beers served by a certified beer sommelier. Menu items will include contemporary comfort food cuisine like mac and brie, Kobe beef sliders, crispy chicken sliders and meat and cheese boards. Large-screen TVs will air live sporting events.

• A new 3-D digital animation dining experience at Le Grand Bistro – Celebrity Edge’s first-at-sea digitally animated menu by Le Petit Chef will offer a new animated story on Celebrity Apex, enhanced by new menu creations from Chef Gallagher. A fusion of entertainment and dining, the menu offers such dishes as spring pea soup, King Crab farfalle pasta and filet mignon, while diners enjoy a story that chronicles the life adventures of Le Petit Chef who meets the girl of his dreams at age 12.

• A new Eden dining experience – This remarkable three-story indoor natural Wonderland, with sweeping panoramic, outward facing windows will feature an extraordinary culinary journey of new flavor-forward a la carte appetizers, entrees and desserts with ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries in the lower-level restaurant. A sampling of new menu items includes fresh roasted Spanish prawns with melted peppers; cured fresh chorizo; slow-cooked shellfish broth with parsley, garlic, shallots and maldon sea salt from England; pastrami with Devonshire Dijon mustard emulsion, mashed potatoes cooked in duck fat; and crispy rye bread sautéed in butter and melted raclette cheese.

In addition, new menu items have been created for Raw on 5, Magic Carpet, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Rooftop Garden Grill, and the four Main Restaurants on Celebrity Apex: Cosmopolitan, Cyprus, Normandie, and Tuscan.

Apex of Entertainment:

Celebrity Apex debuts exciting new entertainment offerings, including three new stage shows in The Theatre; an intimate cabaret show in The Club; along with a variety of themed experiences and activities throughout the ship, including:

• The stunning, contemporary design of The Theatre incorporates new state-of-the-art technology features, including:

  • 23-foot-tall 4K LED screen curving around the stage to immerse audiences like never before.

  • New 28-foot tall circular scrim and eight Panasonic 20K laser projectors for projection mapping to create a

  • 360-degree wrap-around picture for audiences.

  • 20-foot tall Tree of Life, complete with over 3,000 LED leaves, to set the stage for one of the most dramatic new productions at sea.

• This technology plays a starring role in several all-new production shows and programming exclusive to Celebrity Apex. Rockumentary will celebrate some of the greatest classic rock moments in history, and for the first time, guests get to vote for their favorite finale, via the Celebrity Cruises app. Tree of Life will take guests on a journey of relatable life moments, illuminated by the changing seasons of the tree, and set to pop rock music. Crystalize energizes the night with an inspiring and visually stunning performance featuring light, laser projections, custom video content, music, dance, and incredible aerial acrobatics, all tied together by the amazing talents of a world-class violinist.

• Widely regarded as the most unique space on any cruise ship, Eden indulges every sense with a variety of entirely new experiences that creatively transform the environment throughout the day from morning, noon to night. An eclectic afternoon tea party morphs into a wonder-filled journey in a “Night of Dreams,” complete with live performances and audience interaction; a daytime guided meditation becomes the ultimate ultra-lounge in “Night of the Chill;” and interactive art experiences by day lead into “Night of the Arts,” celebrating the arts through interactive experiences and performances. Each day presents new options to Chill @ Eden, Learn @ Eden, Play @ Eden and Create @ Eden, culminating at night in Evenings of Wonder at Eden, encouraging guests to return again and again.

• Evening entertainment can also be found at The Club, with the debut of Caravan, a more intimate and alluring evening cabaret-style production featuring new takes on classic circus acts with astonishing aerial acrobatics, acts of balance and precision, and more. Also fully programmed during the day, The Club will offer a variety of activities from video dance classes to archery to karaoke with a live band and full production support.

• In collaboration with Girls Who Code, founded by innovative CEO and Celebrity Apex Godmother Reshma Saujani, the ship’s onboard Camp at Sea S.T.E.M. experiences will offer new educational coding programs.

Apex of Rest and Relaxation:

Celebrity Apex takes to the sea with a new spa management collaboration with OneSpaWorld and new wellness programming for the modern traveler throughout the entire onboard spa and sanctuary from acclaimed British interior designer Kelly Hoppen. Highlights include:

• A first-at-sea offering of F45 Training, one of the fastest-growing fitness networks in the world. These unique 45-minute, station-based, heartrate monitored functional team training workouts will be offered in a notably larger Fitness Center onboard Celebrity Apex.

• A new Destination Wellness program featuring locally inspired spa menus using authentic local ingredients inspired by the destinations that the ship explores.

• A new Women in Wellness wellbeing program centering on the emotional, physical and spiritual practices of some of the wellness industries’ most highly respected influencers including Katie Brauer, Yoga Master and Founder and CEO of The Yoga Professional; Ruth Zukerman, co-founder of Soul Cycle and Flywheel Sports; and skincare icon and Elemis CEO Noella Gabriel.

• An array of new and first-at-sea spa offerings, including more than 120 soothing treatments and a new collection of state-of-the-art treatment tables, highlighted by the unique Iyashi Dôme, the original Japanese infrared sauna that deeply cleanses and detoxifies the body.

Celebrity Apex debuts this spring with a mini-season of five sailings to European destinations, including the Norwegian Fjords, the northern coasts of Spain and Portugal and a new 10-night Capital Cities Cruise with visits to iconic cities including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo and Paris.

After Celebrity Apex’s Northern Europe mini-season, the ship spends the rest of its inaugural summer sailing seven- to 12-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, with visits to bucket-list destinations such as Lisbon, Portugal; Istanbul; Monte Carlo; Cannes, France; and more, before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale in November for a winter season of week-long Caribbean sailings. Celebrity Edge will also sail the Mediterranean from April to October 2020; and the Caribbean from November 2020 to April 2021.

For more details on Celebrity Apex offerings and destinations, visit www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-apex. For more information on all Celebrity Cruises offerings, call 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or speak to a local travel advisor.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Offers Exclusive “Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti” Valentine’s Gift Package

On Select 2020 and 2021 Sailings Booked Between January 27 and February 15, 2020

BELLEVUE, Wash. – January 27, 2020 – Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering an exclusive gift package* for guests who make bookings between January 27 and February 15, 2020, for voyages aboard The Gauguin sailing from June 6, 2020, to December 29, 2021.

The Valentine’s gift package includes a $200 per-stateroom credit at the ship’s Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of sparkling wine (total package valued at $250). This gift package is offered in addition to the line’s offer of 50% off standard all-inclusive cruise fares and included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles.

At the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm aboard The Gauguin, expert therapists and aestheticians offer an extensive menu of massages, skin care, facials, and authentic Polynesian treatments including Bora Bora Deep Blue Massages, Black Sand Body Scrubs, and Monoï Tradition Massages by Hei Poa, among a variety of other signature therapies and tropical treats.

The Gauguin is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a wedding, renewal of vows, anniversary—or simply each other. Couples can take in the beauty of the islands of French Polynesia from the privacy of their suite or stateroom, sway to the sounds of a chanteuse at La Palette Lounge, explore paradise on excursions by land and sea, dine al fresco under a starry sky, and enjoy a Polynesian blessing ceremony performed by members of Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins—the ship’s own troupe of Polynesian entertainers. With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, The Gauguin is renowned for the extra touches and attention to detail that make every occasion special.

Paul Gauguin Cruises also offers wedding ceremony† and renewal of vows packages that allow couples sailing on The Gauguin to celebrate their love in a romantic setting amid the turquoise lagoons and exotic islands of French Polynesia. Choices include Motu Mahana, the cruise line’s private islet off the coast of Taha’a, and the luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

For rates or more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

*One Valentine’s Day gift package per booking. New bookings made between January 27-February 15, 2020, only. Please refer to promotion code: SWEETIE2020. Combinable with one other Shipboard Credit offer, but not combinable with Groups, Two-Week Sales, and other select reduced-rate offers. Sparkling wine available on first night of sailing only. Offer expires February 15, 2020, and can be withdrawn at any time. Call for details.

Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 Itineraries Now Open for Booking

MIAMI, JANUARY 22, 2020 – Luxury travelers can now book their all-inclusive 2022 Crystal River Cruises voyages aboard Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel, as the line has published the complete collection of itineraries on the Crystal website. Crystal released a preview of the itineraries on January 15, which included full details of the 155 individual sailings from seven to 10 nights along the Rhine and Danube rivers, many of which are combinable for longer vacations.

Among the new highlights of the year are two maiden calls – in Vidin, Bulgaria and Giurgiu, Romania – on a new “Treasures of Southeast Europe” Danube River itinerary; and a new “Joyous Danube” holiday sailing. Also noteworthy, are voyages along Dutch and Belgian waterways in the colorful springtime tulip season and the cooler month of July, when crowds are fewer; the decennial Floriade International Horticultural Expo outside of Amsterdam; and enriching Wine & Food Festival and Jewish Heritage themed programming. Every voyage features at least two overnight stays – some as many as four overnights – often at the beginning and/or end of the sailing, while many itineraries sail round-trip from convenient hubs like Vienna and Amsterdam.

“In response to the enthusiasm of our guests and luxury travelers around the world, we’re happy to open the complete roster of itineraries for Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 season for booking,” said Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “The destinations themselves are overflowing with history and charm and fascinating highlights, punctuated by Crystal’s immersive experiences and special details that bring each place to life.”

Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 itineraries start at $3,999 per person, with 2-for-1 cruise fares and Crystal’s Book Now Savings through March 4, 2020, ensuring the best fares available for those who plan ahead and book early.

Comprising the youngest fleet in the luxury cruising industry, Crystal’s new-build river vessels are the river cruising industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories.

All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across four distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; Crystal Yacht Cruises, offering boutique luxury and bold adventure in the world’s most elite harbors; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 26 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 20 years; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

Windstar Cruises Reveals Groundbreaking New Menu at Spanish Restaurant Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso

Chef Anthony Sasso is one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide

Seattle, WA, January 22, 2020 — Anyone who has tasted a true pan con tomate in Spain knows that this iconic Spanish dish is so much more than bread, tomato, and olive oil. Now, put it in the hands of celebrated chef Anthony Sasso — one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide — and pair it with 24-month aged jamón Ibérico sourced from pigs raised solely on acorns in Southern Spain, and you have something very special indeed.

This is the first taste that will greet guests at Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, a trailblazing new restaurant at sea that Windstar Cruises is introducing on its three all-suite ships as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso will make its debut in May 2020 on Star Breeze, followed later in 2020 on sister ships Star Legend and Star Pride.

By opening Cuadro 44, Sasso’s mission is to introduce cruisers around the globe to the flavorful and varied cooking of Spain, one of the world’s great food capitals. And no chef better embodies its cutting-edge yet rustic cuisine than Sasso, who earned his reputation as a culinary wunderkind while overseeing the kitchen at the New York restaurant Casa Mono, where he spent 13 years and earned the restaurant a Michelin star every year for 10 years.

Gourmands around the globe have been waiting in anticipation for Sasso’s next move, and with Windstar’s announcement of the inaugural menu for Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, their wait will not have been in vain. “I want our guests to taste the kaleidoscope of Spain’s flavors,” says Sasso, whose menu spans the country from seaside País Vasco to North-African influenced Andalucía. “We're going to make it feel as real as possible – like you’re floating on land in Andalucía with flamenco music playing and you’re looking out at the water from the beach.” Everything will be cooked from scratch in an open kitchen, and Sasso is eager to teach guests about the vernacular of Spanish cooking while also delighting their taste buds.

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Cuadro 44 Menu (click to expand)

Unlike many contemporary seaside Spanish fare restaurants, where guests have to select among a number of options — feeling a sense of FOMO due to what they didn’t choose — a hallmark of Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso will be its appetizer presentation. Every guest will be welcomed with an array of options from the menu. “A lot of the first dishes will be small bites of very typical Spanish foods,” says Sasso. “We want it to feel like you’re at a tapas bar in Spain, presented with a ton of small plates that you can share with the people next to you.”

A trademark dish on any Spanish menu is the humble yet powerful Spanish tortilla from Madrid, made with potatoes, eggs, onions and olive oil. In Sasso’s hands, this rustic appetizer is elevated to culinary greatness with the addition of parsley crème fraiche and a potato chip gremolata, which is like a seasoned bread crumb. Another Spanish staple is the mighty paella from Valencia, combining arborio rice and seafood. At Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, paella will be rolled into a ball-shaped croqueta and topped with nori panko crust, saffron sofrito, and chorizo aioli.

Next up are the Platos Grandes, the entrees — and while the list is highly curated, with just six options — what’s in store for guests will prove to be revolutionary when it comes to dining at sea. Sasso wanted to get away from expected dishes and can’t wait to introduce guests to Fideos Mar y Montaña, which is a surf-and-turf from Valencia. Sasso takes the unsung angel hair pasta, chops it up, and toasts it. After sautéing the pasta in a pan, he combines a confit chicken leg, chorizo, manila clams, beans, tomatoes, and lots of saffron. “It breaks every rule, which is why I love it,” says Sasso. “It’s one of the most fun dishes to eat at a Spanish restaurant because it’s sloppy and you put a spicy garlic mayo on it. It makes no sense, but it totally works and it’s great to eat with a group of people.”

Another highlight is the cod from País Vasco. Here, bacalao (cod) is poached in olive oil and served with a “pil pil” salsa, Yukon gold potatoes, pickled red jalapeños, and enough parsley to tint it green. “One of my favorite sauces of all time is pil pil, which is a crazy Basque preparation,” says Sasso. “You take the forgotten part of the cod, the fish cheeks, and throw them into a sizzling terracotta casserole. The name is an onomatopoeia. When you add the cold cheek to the hot oil, it makes a ‘pil pil’ sound.”

Even the unassuming sangria gets reinvented here. Sasso has incorporated it into the dessert menu with a dish called Torta de Santiago from Galicia, which is a boozy almond cake with sangria-soaked fruit and whipped nata ice cream. He is also putting his own spin on Churros y Chocolate, one of the most famous desserts in Spain, using a tamarind-infused chocolate sauce that is similar to mole. “We’re going to spice this chocolate up with chile flakes, some salt, and hibiscus to give it floral notes,” says Sasso.

Ultimately, Sasso wants to thrill diners with a sense of discovery. “We’re trying to go off the ledge and serve people something they’ve never tried before,” says Sasso. “It’s exciting for me, for Windstar, and for the guests aboard the ship.”

Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso will debut first on Star Breeze in May of 2020; followed by Star Legend in September of 2020, and Star Pride in December 2020. To learn more about Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, and authentic small ship cruising, contact a travel advisor or Windstar Cruises by phone at 1-800-258-7245, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Silversea Opens Sales on New Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021

Silversea’s Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021 has been designed for sophisticated travelers who are in search of extraordinary new experiences.

(Monaco – January 21, 2020) Silversea Cruises today opens general sales on a new 59-day grand voyage in the Mediterranean. The Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021 will link unique, immersive experiences across the region, showcasing historic cultures, old-world charm and spectacular landscapes. Between September 8 and November 5, 2021, Silversea’s guests will journey deep into 45 destinations in 17 countries, travelling in the cruise line’s trademark level of comfort aboard the recently refurbished Silver Shadow.

45 DESTINATIONS IN 17 COUNTRIES, OVER 59 DAYS

Silversea’s new offering invites guests to discover a remarkable mix of civilizations, cultures and traditions in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, which have endured for thousands of years and continue to captivate curious travelers:

• Stroll on the sun-soaked beaches of Albania’s Durres, before discovering ancient civilizations.
  Following an overnight call in iconic Venice, guests travelling aboard the Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021 will journey through the terracotta-tiled towns of Croatia, such as Split and Dubrovnik; discover the dramatic landscapes of Montenegro and the sun-soaked beached of Albania; and form authentic connections within the storied settlements of beautiful Greece. In Korçula, Croatia – the birthplace of Marco Polo – Silversea’s guests will experience a traditional cultural experience in the heart of the town, as dancers perform the region’s unique sword dance in a vibrant atmosphere.

• Explore Batumi’s waterfront promenade & experience high culture at Odessa’s majestic opera house.
  Next, Silver Shadow will set sail for Turkey, where guests will journey deeper into Istanbul on an overnight call; Georgia, where travelers will discover the subtropical delights of Batumi; Russia, where the coastal jewel of Sochi awaits; Ukraine, by way of the classically charming Odessa; historic Romania; and beautiful Bulgaria. Combining the grace of ballet with the skill of military swordplay, talented locals will present a traditional cultural performance to travelers in Batumi’s Fountain Square. Odessa’s majestic opera house will evoke the days of Catherin the Great, as Silversea’s guests enjoy an operatic performance, canapés and champagne.

• Wander historic streets in Siracusa, Italy, one of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization.
  Ancient civilizations headline the subsequent passage of the Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021: Greece, including Athens and Santorini; Malta, through an overnight immersion into Valetta; Tunisia and its ancient Carthage ruins; and Italy, with calls in Siracusa, Palermo, Naples, and Civitavecchia (Rome).

• Experience Golden-Age Glamour in the Casino of Monte Carlo and Monaco’s famous Hotel de Paris.
  From Rome, where travelers will discover ancient history on every street, the Italian and French Rivieras beckon. Calls in Livorno (Tuscany), Portofino, Monte Carlo, Marseille (Provence), and Valencia, as well as an immersion into the unique Balearic allure of Palma de Mallorca, will showcase the Mediterranean at its most glamorous. On an overnight call in Barcelona, travelers will dine on delicious tapas amongst the city’s famous Art Nouveau architecture. In Palma de Mallorca, travelers will explore the music of Chopin in the surrounds of the breathtaking Castell de Bellver at an outdoor piano performance.

• Unwind in La Estaca (El Hierro), the Island with Soul, on a Maiden Call.
  Ahead of arriving in cosmopolitan Lisbon, Silversea’s guests will imbibe in Spanish culture in Malaga and Cadiz. They will explore the French Colonial architecture of Casablanca, Morocco. They will travel deeper into the Canary Islands, developing authentic connections with Arrecife, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de La Palma, and La Estaca on a maiden call. From the Miradouro da Graça in Lisbon, Silversea’s guests will look out over Portugal’s capital city and reflect on the adventure of a lifetime.

“Demonstrating our cruise line’s destination expertise by unlocking the unconventional for our discerning guests, our new Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021 will showcase the cultures and storied history of the Mediterranean, as they travel in Silversea’s trademark level of comfort,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “With bespoke events, many onboard enrichments, and exclusive access along the way, there is simply no better way to form meaningful connections with the timeless, unique destinations of Europe.”

A REIMAGINED SILVER SHADOW

Having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, Silversea’s Silver Shadow is more elegant than ever, with redesigned interior spaces and an elegant new livery. Aboard Silver Shadow, guests are welcomed in superlative comfort, enjoying an onboard offering that has been enriched with unprecedented levels of luxury by Silversea’s ongoing Project Invictus. Ocean-view suites, sumptuous cuisine that adapts according to the sailed region, and the personalized service of butlers are just a few standout features. Enhancing the experience are such all-inclusive amenities as complimentary premium wines and spirits, speciality coffees, bottled water, juices and soft drinks served throughout the ship; an in-suite bar, stocked with guests' preferences; a complimentary in-suite 24-hour dining service; and complimentary Wi-Fi.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE FARE?

Guests travelling aboard Silver Shadow for the Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021 will benefit from the following inclusions:

• Roundtrip economy-class air*

• $1,000 onboard credit (per guest)

• Exclusive shoreside events

• Overnight accommodation (pre-voyage)

• Luggage service

• Complimentary laundry service

• Visa package**

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Private transfers

View the full itinerary of Silversea’s Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021:
https://www.silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages-cruise/grand-voyage-2021-mediterranean.html

*Available from selected gateways/countries. Non-use air credit available for other countries.
**For USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia only.

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please call toll-free (888) 978-4070, or contact a travel agent.

MSC Cruises Extends Fleet Expansion Plan Up to 2030, With Focus on Next-generation Environmental Technology

• MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique sign firm contracts for construction of third and fourth LNG-powered MSC World Class ships

• Partnership further reinforced with two additional newbuild projects that will focus on the development and utilization of next-generation environmental technologies

Paris, France (January 20, 2020) – Today MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique further extended their long-term partnership by making a number of strategic announcements at a ceremony held at the Matignon Palace, the French Prime Minister’s the official residence. The ceremony was attended by Édouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France; Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman; Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman; and, Laurent Castaing, Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s General Manager.

First, the two companies announced the signing of firm contracts for the construction of MSC Cruises’ third and fourth LNG-powered MSC World Class ships, to be delivered in 2025 and 2027. The first of the initial two ships in the class is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and is due to enter service in 2022. With 205,000 GT, she will become the biggest vessel operated by a European cruise line as well as the first LNG-powered cruise ship built in France. Compared to standard marine fuel, LNG decreases sulphur emissions and particulate matter by 99%, NOx emissions by 85%, and CO2 emissions by 20%.

These contracts represent a capital investment by MSC Cruises exceeding EUR 2 billion (≈$2.2 billion USD) and are expected to generate 14 million additional working hours, amounting to over 2,400 full-time equivalent jobs for the next three and a half years directly supported by those orders. Today’s signature also allows the shipyard to start working with the hundreds of suppliers and subcontractors involved in the projects, setting in motion a new cycle that will greatly benefit the French economy.

Today MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique also extended their partnership over the next decade with two additional projects. First, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of yet a new prototype class of LNG-powered cruise ships to operate under the MSC Cruises brand. For this project, MSC Cruises, the shipyard and other partners will focus on developing emerging environmental technologies in line with IMO’s vision for 2030 and 2050. The four vessels in this new class would represent a capital investment exceeding EUR 4 billion (≈$4.4 billion USD) and an extra 30 million working hours for the yard, the suppliers and subcontractors involved in the project.

A second MoU sees MSC Cruises partnering with Chantiers de l’Atlantique in the development of yet another innovative prototype ship class concept with which they will explore opportunities that wind power and other advanced technologies could bring.

The three agreements signed today represent an investment in excess of EUR 6.5 billion (≈$7.2 billion USD) in the French economy.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “The three agreements signed today extend our investment plan up to 2030. They stem from an exceptional partnership, with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, that has already delivered 15 highly-innovative innovative cruise ships over the past two decades and will see many more vessels come to life at Saint-Nazaire’s docks in the next ten years. They also confirm this industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability, in this case helping the French national industry further position itself as a world leader in the development of next-generation technologies and other solutions.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, said: “We are really proud and happy to have built such an outstanding relationship with MSC Cruises, based on mutual trust and driven by the spirit of innovation. We are both committed to shaping the cruise of tomorrow and to developing ship concepts which go far beyond current environmental standards. Our companies have already been working together for twenty years and these new projects allow us to look enthusiastically to the future.”

MSC Cruises is strongly committed to achieving a zero-impact future by investing in the accelerated development of new energy solutions and environmental technologies that will allow that. On January 1, 2020 MSC Cruises became the first major cruise line to achieve carbon neutral fleet operations. As today’s most advanced environmental technology alone is insufficient to reach that, while it works to minimize and continuously reduce its environmental footprint MSC Cruises is offsetting all CO2 emissions from its fleet that it is not be possible to abate through such technology through a blend of high standard carbon offset projects.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Acquires Four Additional Ships to Join World Navigator

U.S. Cruise brand to launch five Luxe-AdventureSM ships through 2023

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Jan. 20, 2020 – Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that it is adding four more ships to its fleet. The Luxe-Adventure cruise brand’s fleet will total five ships by the end of 2023, with the first ship, World Navigator, launching in mid-2021. World Navigator’s inaugural season is already open for reservations. Adventurers can choose among 10 exciting itineraries, ranging from seven to 15 nights throughout the Holy Land and Eastern Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. The fleet expansion will allow Atlas Ocean Voyages to offer more itineraries in more global regions to accommodate the growing demand for the brand’s distinctive, Luxe-Adventure journeys.

“We’re happy to expand our fleet to five Luxe-Adventure cruise ships to sail under the Atlas Ocean Voyages brand,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Luxe-Adventure is all-inclusive, small-ship journeys with luxurious amenities, delivering limitless adventures, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard our ships for unexpected discoveries, foodie immersion, and unique, adrenaline rushes. The immediate and positive response from the travel advisor community and early sales of World Navigator’s inaugural 2021 season has played an important part in our decision to increase our capacity.”

World Navigator is currently under construction. World Traveller and World Seeker are scheduled to launch in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer will launch in 2023.

“The four additions to our Luxe-Adventure fleet will allow us to significantly expand our collection of global adventures and offer more group and charter opportunities to meet growing demand,” said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships. “We’re combining smooth sailings in simple elegance to both remote and popular destinations with off-the-chart, bucket list-worthy shoreside and overland experiences that will be the most incredible journeys ever. We welcome all travel advisors to join the Luxe-Adventure movement and register as an Atlas Advisor at AtlasOceanVoyages.com.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-inclusive cruise brand of simple elegance that will deliver authentic, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime, Luxe-AdventureSM experiences in the world’s most sought-after and remote destinations. Adventurers and like-spirited travelers will find their community aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ small, luxe ships and come together in welcoming and lively venues to share their day’s exploits. Guests choose among 98 luxe suites and staterooms, all with an ocean view and most with a private veranda. Atlas Ocean Voyages always includes luxe accommodations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, standard Wi-Fi, gratuities, meals and snacks, and a shore excursions in select ports on every itinerary. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships are among the first to employ the latest sustainability technologies to help preserve the breathtaking locales and waters they ply for future generations to enjoy.

For the latest news and more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, please call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527); visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com; and follow @AtlasCruises on Facebook and Twitter, and @AtlasOceanVoyages on Instagram.

Azamara Launches Its 2020 Discovery Sale

This weekend only, embrace the New Year with a $500 onboard credit per stateroom, plus save up to 40 percent on select sailings

Miami, January 17, 2020: Azamara — the no cruise, boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® — is pleased to announce its 2020 Discovery Sale on select voyages departing June 8, 2020 – September 10, 2020. The offer applies to new bookings made between January 17, 2020 and January 20, 2020 and will include a $500 onboard credit. The Discovery Sale can be combined with Azamara’s 2020 Save Up to 40% Offer, which means guests will also have the opportunity to save up to 40 percent on select sailings. Azamara’s three ships — Azamara Journey, Azamara Questand Azamara Pursuit — all have participating voyages.

To further emphasize Azamara’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 with shore excursions ranging from a wine tasting at Pupillo Winery in Sicily to an authentic fishing adventure around Loen Fjord in Norway. For guests looking to spend even more time in a destination, and bookable with all sailings as an additional cost, Azamara’s newly expanded selection of 1,700+ pre- and post-voyage land programs — the largest selection in the cruise industry — provide experiences such as a four-night pre-cruise exploration of Edinburgh and a two-night journey from Italy to the United Kingdom aboard The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which grants a glimpse into Europe’s golden age of rail travel.

For the full list of applicable sailings, visit the website here. Example sailings include:

18-Night Spitsbergen & Norway Voyage
Departing July 8, 2020
Itinerary Details: Guests can discover Norway’s hidden gems along the country’s pristine Atlantic coast, which includes a visit to Olden, where adventurers can opt to tackle the Briksdal — a million-year-old glacier. In Troll Fjord, travelers will experience the wonderous mythical lands of the Vikings on a journey through the Arctic Fjords. Passengers on this Azamara Quest sailing will then visit Longyearbyen — the northernmost town on Earth. In Tromso, dog-lovers can opt to experience a guided walk with native huskies along the surrounding fjords and mountains; the final destination being a traditional Sámi tent for an authentic-Norwegian snack.
Added Pre- and Post-Voyage Land Program: Adventurers can spend four-nights exploring Moscow and all its main sites, including the Red Square, Museum of Vodka and the Tretyakov Gallery, which is home to 100,000 exhibits.

9-Night Amalfi to Dalmatian Voyage
Departing August 20, 2020
Itinerary Details: Starting in Rome, guests will set sail for the picturesque Mediterranean cities of Sorrento, Amalfi, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Sibenik, Koper, and finish off in Venice. Travelers will have the chance to experience a medieval walking tour of Kotor, kayak along the Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik, as well as experience one of the brand’s renowned, complimentary AzAmazing Evenings, which will be a live choir performance in Koper, Slovenia’s famed Tito Square.
Added Pre- and Post-Voyage Land Program: Travelers can venture to Milan, Varenna, Verona, and Lake Como, for a three-night land program, which includes tours of the Scala Opera House, Castle Sforzesco, as well as visit the house from William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

15-Night Rivers of Western Europe Voyage
Departing September 10, 2020
Itinerary Details: Beginning in Southampton, England, travelers will have the chance to explore some of Europe’s most charming riverside cities such as Bordeaux, Porto, Lisbon, and Seville. Guests can visit the filming locations for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in Guernsey, indulge in French macarons and wine at a tasting in Bordeaux, sample tapas in Bilbao, get acquainted with Portuguese traditions through a painting workshop in the legendary village of Barcelos, take a gourmet cooking class with a local chef in Seville, or spend the day searching for dolphins and whales at the end of the Iberian Peninsula in Gibraltar.
Added Pre- and Post-Voyage Land Program: Travelers can extend their trip and take a four-day journey to Spain’s Basque Country, where they will enjoy an exclusive tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao as well as meet local entrepreneurs and artists — one of Azamara’s celebrated “People-to-People Opportunities”— in the small town of Rioja.

Crystal River Cruises Announces Reduced Deposits for Select 2020 Sailings This Summer

MIAMI, January 16, 2020 – Luxury travelers seeking enriching summer vacations along Europe’s grandest rivers can now book the award-winning Crystal River Cruises experience for a $500 reduced initial deposit. The line announced a new reduced deposit for more than 50 voyages across its all-suite, all-balcony sister ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel – which, combined with Crystal’s Book Now Savings, presents compelling savings on Crystal River Cruises’ all-inclusive luxury.

Applicable voyages range from seven to 16 nights and sail from May through August of 2020. The selection includes 13 Crystal Bach itineraries between Basel and Amsterdam; 14 Crystal Debussy itineraries between Basel and Amsterdam; four Crystal Mahler itineraries between Budapest and Vilshofen, two between Budapest and Vienna, two between Budapest and Amsterdam and one round-trip from Vienna; and 14 Crystal Ravel itineraries between Budapest and Vilshofen as well as two between Budapest and Regensburg.

The reduced deposit promotion is valid for all new bookings made during Crystal’s current
Book Now Savings window, through March 4, 2020, giving guests the best possible fares on Crystal’s all-inclusive luxury with the added incentive of the low initial deposit. The $500 per guest deposit is reduced from the standard deposit of 25 percent of the cruise fare. Final payments for these select sailings are due 90 days prior to first date of service.

Crystal’s new-build river vessels are the river cruising industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories.

All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across four distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; Crystal Yacht Cruises, offering boutique luxury and bold adventure in the world’s most elite harbors; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 26 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 20 years; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437,or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.