Crystal Takes Gold & Silver in 2020 Travvy Awards

Best Luxury Cruise Line, Best Small Cruise Ship and other top honors awarded by travel industry experts

MIAMI, February 17, 2020 – Crystal has once again taken top honors awarded by travel advisors, winning gold and silver in six prestigious categories in the 2020 Travvy Awards. During a gala ceremony held in New York City last week, Crystal and its brand experiences were among the travel industry’s best and brightest honored at the sixth annual Travvy Awards, hosted by travAlliancemedia and voted on by thousands of actively working travel professionals. Earning Gold Awards were Crystal Cruises for “Best Luxury Cruise Line” and Crystal Esprit for “Best Small-Sized Cruise Ship,” as hundreds of individual awards were given to destinations, hotels, tour operators and services and more.

“The acclaim of our travel partners – the preeminent experts in our industry and the most trusted resources for our guests – is always an honor that we do not take lightly,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “These professionals see the ever-evolving landscape of global travel and are savvy to the desires of luxury travelers, and the fact that they continue to choose Crystal as the best of the best is extremely gratifying. We are humbled by their vote of confidence and thank the travel partner community for their continued support.”

Also honored in the 2020 Travvy Awards were Silver Award-winning Crystal River Cruises, for “Best River Cruise Line”; Crystal Symphony for “Best Luxury Cruise Ship,” “Best Cruise Mid-Size Cruise Ship” and “Best Cruise Ship Overall.”

Crystal Cruises’ ocean-going global experiences continue to represent the heart of the long-celebrated travel innovator’s brand, which remains the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary of luxury cruising this year, the industry-leading company continues to redefine luxury travel, expanding its global offerings to new waters and experiences. Across all of its brands – Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and the upcoming Crystal Expedition Cruises – the company remains dedicated to a superlative, seamless guest experience highlighted by personalized service.

Crystal also maintains a steadfast commitment to the travel advisor community, offering travel pros a bevy of tools to equip them to sell Crystal and grow their luxury business. Crystal’s Partner Resource Center and Travel Advisor University are filled with resources to educate travel partners including videos and webinars; personalized URL services; sales and marketing kit; CruiseBuilder 2.0 and training modules that will keep them up to date on the most recent developments of the ever-evolving Crystal brand.

Silversea Launches New Solo Promo on Valentine’s Day: Zero Single Supplement Fares for Solo Travelers

Give yourself the gift of travel for Valentine’s Day in 2020

(Monaco -- February 14, 2020) Silversea introduces zero single supplement fares on a curated selection of nine voyages, providing solo travelers with more of a reason to give themselves the gift of travel this Valentine’s Day.

Valid on new bookings made between 14 February and 28 February, 2020, guests traveling solo will incur no fare supplement on a selection of voyages departing in 2020 and 2021. In addition, Silversea is offering solo travelers the opportunity to travel deeper into many other destinations around the world with a wide range of fares with single supplements of just 25%.

“Our latest offer of zero single supplement fares on select voyages provides solo travelers with the perfect opportunity to gift themselves the gift of travel this Valentine’s Day,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our intimate ships encourage friendships that last a lifetime, with warm atmospheres and inclusive enrichments. Our guests enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences while traveling the world with likeminded members of our Venetian society.”

With zero single supplements for solo travelers, the following sample voyages showcase the experiences on offer as part of Silversea’s new promo:

• An unforgettable adventure through the Chilean fjords – Lima (Callao) to Ushuaia – October 28-November 16, 2020
  Silver Cloud departs October 28, 2020, on a 19-day voyage through the Chilean Fjords. Travelers will witness some of the world’s most remarkable glaciers, such as the Pio Xi Glacier and the Garibaldi Glacier, as well as miles of sandy coastline, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and some of the most pristine landscapes on earth. With zero single supplements, solo traveler fares start from USD 9,990 per person, with an Early Booking Bonus, which includes return economy class flights; one-night pre-cruise hotel stay; all transfers in the destination; guided Zodiac, land and sea tours; and shoreside activities led by Silversea’s industry-leading Expedition Team.

• Exclusive experiences in iconic Caribbean islands – Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Roundtrip – December 9-December 21, 2021
  Silver Spirit departs December 9, 2021, on a 12-day round trip cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Silversea’s guests will travel deeper into the islands of St Lucia, Martinique, St Kitts, Antigua, St Bart’s, Puerto Rico and British Virgin Islands, exploring rainforests, sparkling white beaches and shimmering blue seas. For a fee, travelers will be able to go heli-flightseeing over South Island from Castries, St. Lucia; embark on a rainforest safari in St. Kitts; and go scuba diving in St. Barts, among other amazing experiences. With zero single supplement and an Early Booking Bonus, solo traveler fares start from USD 4,770 and include return economy class flights, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and all transfers in the destination.

• Set sail on Silversea’s new ship Silver Dawn – Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale (Florida) – November 19-December 02, 2021
  Travelers can experience superlative comfort aboard Silversea’s new ship, Silver Dawn, journeying on a transoceanic sailing between Lisbon and Fort Lauderdale. Calls in Funchal Madeira and Santa Cruz de la Palma (Canary Islands) will precede an epic crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, offering enough time to enjoy the onboard luxuries of Silver Dawn, as well as an enriched entertainment offering and the new S.A.L.T. culinary program. With zero single supplement and an Early Booking Bonus, solo traveler fares start from USD 4,950 and include return economy class flights and transfers in the destination.

Aboard Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships, 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.

View all voyages in Silversea’s Valentine’s Day promotion: https://www.silversea.com/lp-solo-travelers.html

Silversea Opens Sales on New 51-port Grand Voyage Arctic 2021

Appealing to those with a passion for discovery, the remarkable itinerary connects many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

(Monaco -- February 11, 2020) The industry-leading ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea Cruises, today opens sales on the Grand Voyage Arctic 2021—a remarkable 51-port itinerary that connects a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Between July 16 and September 17, 2021, Silver Cloud will journey between Tromsø and Nome (Alaska), unlocking unique experiences for guests over 63 nights. The cruise line’s guests will travel deep into seven countries to witness untouched glaciers, captivating wildlife, and remote communities, while also crossing the fabled Northwest Passage and enjoying two maiden calls—Nordfjordholmen (Melfjord, Norway) and Lysebotn (Norway). Silversea’s team of Expedition Experts will enhance the experience with informative lectures, immersive Zodiac tours, and activities ashore, while esteemed guest speakers, bespoke events, and many onboard enrichments complete the offering. Fares for the Grand Voyage Arctic 2021 begin from USD 71,100 per person—based on two sharing and including an Early Booking Bonus.

51 PORTS, SEVEN COUNTRIES, AND TWO MAIDEN CALLS

On this remarkable itinerary that will unlock many unique experiences, travelers will follow in the footsteps of Amundsen, Franklin & Ross by traversing the famous Northwest Passage. This iconic route has long intrigued the most intrepid of travelers and remains a life-defining adventure for many. Historically significant destinations, such as Beechey Island and Gjoa Haven, will enable guests to learn more about the passage’s discovery, as they develop a deep appreciation for this pristine region and all that inhabits it.

For guests participating in the full Grand Voyage, Silversea has curated a selection of once-in-a-lifetime events:

• Take private charter flights to the Eureka Research Station and cross the 80th parallel
  From Resolute, one of Canada’s northernmost communities, Silversea's guests will embark upon a bespoke day trip to the seldom visited Eureka Research Station—one of the coldest inhabited place on the planet—located near the legendary 80th parallel in the High Arctic. Joined by celebrated Polar Explorer and lecturer, Tobias Thorleifsson, travelers will fly by private charter flight, crossing into the Arctic Circle. They will fly over the incredible island of Axel Heiberg, with its unique lunar valley landscape and petrified forests, as you visit the northernmost weather station in North America.

• Soar above the Greenland Ice Cap in a helicopter, before landing on a glacier with a Glaciologist
  Exclusive to guests embarking on the full Grand Voyage, a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits travelers during a call in Nuuk. Silversea’s guests will soar high above the breathtaking Greenland Ice Cap in a helicopter, before landing on a glacier in the company of an experienced Glaciologist. Enjoying remarkable panoramic views and expert insight, travelers will learn about these spectacular ice formations from an expert speaker, discovering how the melting of glaciers can impact our planet’s natural environment.

• Take a scenic helicopter ride to embark on a traditional husky sled ride atop a glacier
  After taking an awe-inspiring helicopter flight to a mountain-top glacier in Qeqertarsuaq, guests will experience a fascinating tradition that endures as a means of transport in just a few places around the world: husky sledding. Reserved only for those completing the full Grand Voyage Arctic 2021 itinerary, this husky sledding experience showcases a historical local custom at its most authentic and promises to live long in the memory.

INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED GUEST SPEAKERS

Enhancing the experience for guests, many internationally-acclaimed guest speakers will join the Grand Voyage Arctic 2021, inspiring travelers with enriching lectures and sharing their passion for this magical region.

In addition to Silversea’s multinational, renowned Expedition Staff, Silver Cloud’s epic Grand Voyage will feature the following guest speakers:

• Lewis Pugh: A record-breaking swimmer who has pioneered distance swims around the world, an environmentalist, and a United Nations Patron of the Oceans, Pugh has negotiated Marine Protected Area status for over two million square kilometers of ocean.

• Ann Daniels: The leader of the first all-female team to ski to both Poles, Daniels has now undertaken a project to measure the thickness of the North Pole Ice Cap, leading her team over 1,000 miles of frozen Arctic Ocean.

• Tobias Thorleifsson: An esteemed Polar explorer and lecturer, Thorleifsson holds a Master’s Degree in Polar history and has worked extensively on climate literacy projects with the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and the Environment. He has conducted many expeditions in Greenland, Franz Josef Land, Antarctica, and the Canadian Arctic.

• Dr. Chadden Hunter: A celebrated Director and Producer, Hunter has worked on some of the best-known natural history series ever made. He has dodged armed bandits, survived brain-parasites, and filmed everything from indigenous tribes in Africa to being chased by polar bears in the Arctic.

• Thomas Nilsen: Thomas Nilsen is Editor of the Barents Observer, the northernmost English language newspaper in the world. Nilsen reports on stories from northern Scandinavia and the Arctic, covering topics such as security, business development, climate change, geopolitics and cross-border cooperation.

• Mike Stevens: An experienced musician with a humanitarian focus, Mike Stevens has long used his musical talents to engage the Indigenous youth in remote Canadian communities. Stevens founded the ArtsCan Circle charity to teach children new skills, promote self-esteem and creative self-expression.

• Margaret Bertulli: With 30 years of experience of working in the Canadian Arctic, Margaret Bertulli is the former Arctic Archeologist with the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and a Senior Archeologist with Parks Canada.

“Benefitting from the knowledge and experience of our industry-leading Expedition Team, while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences that showcase the very best of the region’s unique wildlife and incredible landscapes, our guests will undertake the journey of a lifetime on the Grand Voyage Arctic 2021,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Tour Operating and Destination Management. “Our guests will travel in unparalleled comfort aboard Silver Cloud, enjoying fine cuisine, Silversea’s trademark level of service, and other luxurious amenities, as they embark upon a unique journey of self-enrichment.”

SILVER CLOUD: THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP IN EXPEDITION CRUISING

As the most luxurious ship in expedition cruising, Silver Cloud welcomes guests in superlative comfort, offering ocean-view suites, sumptuous cuisine that adapts according to the sailed region, and the personalized service of butlers. 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. With 18 Zodiacs and 10 kayaks, Silver Cloud also offers guests a range of opportunities for on-water discovery.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE FARE?

Guests travelling aboard Silver Cloud for the Grand Voyage Arctic 2021 will benefit from the following inclusions:

• Roundtrip economy-class air*

• $1,000 onboard credit (per guest)

• Exclusive shoreside events

• Overnight accommodation (pre-voyage)

• All Zodiac excursions & activities ashore

• Transfers (between airport/hotel and ship)

• Luggage service

• Complimentary laundry service

• Visa package**

• Special commemorative expedition gear

• Medical service***

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Find out more information about Silversea’s Grand Voyage Arctic 2021:
https://www.silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages-cruise/grand-voyage-2021-arctic.html

Two Silversea Ships Meet as Silver Whisper Becomes First-Ever Ship to Visit Antarctica on a World Cruise

(Miami, FL -- February 10, 2020) Guests traveling aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper enjoyed a rare moment in the cruise line’s history when the two ships met in Antarctica's Wilhelmina Bay on February 4, 2020.

The rendezvous was a pioneering moment in more ways than one, as Silver Whisper became the first-ever ship to visit Antarctica on a World Cruise: Silversea’s ultra-luxury ship embarked upon the seven-continent ‘Legends of Cruising’ on January 6, 2020, and guests spent a total of four days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula between February 4 and February 7. During the four-day Antarctica experience, travelers enjoyed many immersive expedition activities, including expert-led Zodiac tours and adventures ashore, as well as enriching onboard lectures and workshops from the cruise line’s Expedition Team.

"The meeting of Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper in Antarctica is truly an incredible moment for Silversea Cruises," said Conrad Combrink, Silversea's Senior Vice President of Expeditions and Experiences Development. "It signifies the range of experiences on offer with our cruise line: whether traveling on the first-ever seven-continent World Cruise or journeying deep into the White Continent on the most luxurious ice-class ship afloat, our guests can enjoy a wealth of unforgettable experiences in ultimate comfort."

From mid-November through February each year, Silversea’s guests travel deeper into Antarctica in ultimate comfort, exploring the region’s ice-dappled waters, glaciers and geothermal beaches, and admiring the continent’s unique wildlife. Starting in December 2021, Silversea is making it easier than ever to explore the White Continent with its revolutionary Antarctica Bridge—an ultra-luxury fly-cruise service that enables guests to fly over the Drake Passage in business-class comfort in approximately two hours each way.

Travelers seeking the ultimate expedition experience will be attracted to Silversea’s ‘Uncharted World Tour’—the first-ever Expedition World Cruise. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on January 30, 2021, guests traveling on this 167-day odyssey will enjoy an immersive exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, before tracing a path through the South Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and, ultimately, the Norwegian Arctic.

Carnival Magic to Set Sail From Four Cities Across Two Continents in 2021

Sailings Feature 33 Destinations Throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda, The Bahamas, New England and Canada

MIAMI (Feb. 4, 2020) – Carnival Magic will operate a diverse 2021 cruise schedule featuring two trans-Atlantic crossings, a series of European voyages, a summer schedule from New York and Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Carnival Magic will be among the newest and largest Carnival ships to sail from New York, providing consumers with a host of onboard dining, beverage and entertainment innovations as well as exciting outdoor attractions and experiences.

In total, Carnival Magic will sail from four cities across two continents visiting 33 different destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda, The Bahamas, New England and Canada in 2021.

Trans-Atlantic Voyages from Miami and Barcelona, Spring European Schedule

Carnival Magic will reposition for its 2021 European schedule with a 14-day trans-Atlantic voyage departing Miami on March 13 and arriving in Barcelona on March 27, 2021, calling at Bermuda; Ponta Delgada (Azores) and Lisbon, Portugal; and Malaga and Valencia, Spain.

The ship will then undergo a two-week-long dry dock followed by a series of seven- and eight-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona through April 25. These voyages call at some of the region’s most popular destinations, including Valletta, Malta; and Marseilles, France, as well as Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Messina, Italy. Details on the dry dock will be provided in the coming weeks.
Carnival Magic will then return to the U.S. on a 12-day trans-Atlantic voyage from Barcelona to New York May 3-15, 2021, calling at Cartagena and Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Summer Sailings from New York

Beginning June 17, Carnival Magic will kick off a summer schedule from New York operating four- to nine-day voyages to Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Canada and New England. The schedule runs through Sept. 24, 2021.

The program includes four-, five- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda, a four-day eastern Canada cruise, week-long fall foliage sailings to New England and eastern Canada, and seven- and eight-day Caribbean departures featuring top destinations like Amber Cove, Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

Carnival Magic’s New York season also includes a nine-day Carnival Journeys voyage featuring tropical ports throughout the eastern Caribbean as well as special onboard programming and activities.

Island-Intensive Caribbean Schedule from Port Canaveral

In November 2021, Carnival Magic will shift to Port Canaveral for a winter schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean voyages from the Space Coast.

Two different six-day itineraries are offered – one visiting Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay or Nassau while another features Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya. Eight-day eastern Caribbean cruises call at St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Grand Turk, while eight-day southern Caribbean voyages feature Aruba, Grand Turk, and Curacao or Bonaire. There are also seven-day voyages visiting sunny, tropical destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean. The program runs through April 23, 2022.

Exciting Onboard Offerings

One of the largest ships in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Magic introduced many of the line’s signature elements now featured on across the fleet, including the Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub, the Cucina del Capitano family-style restaurant and SkyCourse, a suspended ropes course with breathtaking views to the sea 150 feet below.

The ship also offers hundreds of balcony staterooms and suites – perfect for watching the passing scenery – along with a luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, the Ocean Plaza indoor/outdoor dining and entertainment promenade and a WaterWorks aqua park with two massive slides, a tipping bucket and a kiddie splash zone.

Additional Information and Reservations
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. Carnival can also be found on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Windstar Cruises Announces Transformative New Spa Concept That Takes Wellness and Travel to New Levels

An updated spa treatment room aboard Wind Surf

Seattle, WA, February 4, 2020 — With Windstar’s launch of its new World Spa by Windstar, the leading small ship cruise line is taking wellness to new places. Windstar Cruises, which operates six small ships sailing to 80 countries around the globe, features regional spa treatments and destination-themed therapies to enhance guests’ travel experience.

World Spa by Windstar debuted first on Wind Surf which emerged from a major renovation in December 2019. The spa will be included on the three all-suite Star Class ships—Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride—as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. The three reimagined ships will debut in May, September and December 2020. The look of these new spaces will be calm and serene, providing the perfect backdrop for a transformative experience.

“We’re delighted to expand upon Windstar’s partnership with One Spa World,” says Peter Tobler, Director of Hotel Operations for Windstar Cruises. “Now with the unveiling of World Spa by Windstar, our guests will be able to take wellness to a deeper level and partake in destination-inspired treatments with locally sourced ingredients.”

Travel on its own is a kind of therapy, but with the introduction of its innovative line of destination-themed treatments, the World Spa by Windstar will offer guests an even more profound sense of place. Natural elements are sourced from Windstar’s global destinations for use by spa therapists in a collection of Wanderlust treatments that will vary by region.

The Northern Lights Manicure and Pedicure, which is inspired by the aurora borealis itself includes a soak using seaweed sourced from the Baltic Sea, and warm LED lights modeled after the color-streaked midnight sky helps lessen signs of aging and improves the texture of the skin while also creating an unforgettable light show. A Remineralizing Glacial Mud Body Wrap from Alaska incorporates mud minerals and botanical extracts harvested directly from the remote waters of the Copper River in the Last Frontier. This wrap uses some of the purest ingredients found anywhere on the planet and will rid the skin of impurities while stimulating healthy cell regeneration. A Rosemary and Thyme Massage from the Mediterranean, which uses some of Italy’s most intoxicating ingredients—honey, rosemary and wine—conditions and calms. Additional regional treatments from Asia, Caribbean, Iceland and the South Pacific are on the menu.

In addition to therapies from some of the richest cultures on earth, World Spa by Windstar will introduce guests to a number of other wellness adventures. A range of facial therapies will fuse technology and high-level ingredients to transform skin on a cellular level. From an Aroma Stone Therapy to an Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub, massages and body treatments employ the world’s best ingredients and techniques, while kneading out stress and restoring inner peace. The World Spa is also bringing ancient healing remedies from the Far East to the high seas, including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Massage therapists and beauticians will be using products from Elemis, the luxurious British body and skincare line. And in keeping with Windstar’s dedication to providing the best in class in all areas, guests will now have access to a true spa and fitness center, with new and improved gym equipment from Technogym, an Italian company known for its cutting-edge designs.

In an effort to enliven both mind and body, World Spa by Windstar will also tap into fitness and nutrition to further empower guests’ journeys. Onboard fitness experts can design a custom program to help passengers achieve their wellness goals, using body composition analysis, nutritional consultation based on the prize-winning research of Dr. Barry Sears and scientifically backed personal training. Also offered are Body Sculpt Boot Camp, Pure-Form Pilates, Yoga and more.

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

Silversea Cruises Announces the Godmother of Silver Moon: Gaia Gaja, the ‘Queen of Barbaresco’

@Tim Akin

Rendering of Silver Moon

(Monaco – February 4, 2020) Hailed by many as the ‘Queen of Barbaresco,’ Gaia Gaja has been named as the Godmother of Silversea’s new ultra-luxury ship Silver Moon. Gaja is of the fifth generation to own and manage the renowned Gaja winery in the small Italian town of Barbaresco—a family-run business and iconic producer of fine Italian wine since 1859. As the ship’s Godmother, Gaja will be honored with officially naming Silver Moon at a dedicated ceremony in Trieste on August 5, 2020.

From an early age, Gaja was encouraged to take an interest in all aspects of the winemaking process, and even had a wine named in her honor—Gaia & Rey Chardonnay—before she learned to walk. Today, along with her two siblings, Gaja is a guardian of her family’s illustrious legacy, which has fostered an internationally acclaimed reputation as a leading producer of fine Italian wines. A knowledgeable purveyor of her craft, elegant, and with an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality, Gaia Gaja embodies the core values of Silversea Cruises. Moreover, the success of the Gaja Winery is predicated on a longstanding synergy between traditional knowledge and pioneering innovation, which stands true for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line.

“I feel great pride and honor to have been selected by Silversea Cruises as the Godmother of the beautiful Silver Moon,” says Gaia Gaja. “I passionately believe that food and drink facilitate profound discovery—into destinations, cultures and people—and that guests will nurture strong connections with amazing destinations as a result of S.A.L.T., the ship’s innovative culinary offering. My own experience with wine making has taught me that culinary discovery possesses limitless potential; here’s to the curious travelers who seek to unlock it.”

Gaja’s deeply-rooted connection with Italian culinary culture makes her the perfect choice for Silver Moon’s Godmother, as Silversea’s pioneering new culinary concept, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), will launch with the ship on August 6, 2020.

Adapting with each sailed region, Silver Moon’s S.A.L.T. program will elevate the role of food and drink as a means to travel deeper into a destination, by showcasing entire ecosystems around the culinary cultures of the world. In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the S.A.L.T. Lab, and the S.A.L.T. Bar, guests will develop an appreciation for regional ingredients and culinary customs, before venturing ashore under the guidance of experts to experience food and drink cultures first-hand. As well as foods and flavors, people will define Silversea’s pioneering new culinary program: culinary experts—like Gaja—from around the world will use storytelling to form meaningful connections between Silversea’s curious guests and the world’s most remarkable places, cultures, and communities.

“Our new S.A.L.T. program reflects our commitment to engaging with the places we travel through the lens of food, wine and culinary culture,” says Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Silversea’s Executive Chairman. “Given this culinary focus and Silver Moon’s proud Italian heritage, I can’t think of a better Godmother than Gaia Gaja who personifies Italian elegance, innovation and good taste. Like our cruise line, Gaia represents a lineage of excellence rooted in tradition and propelled by a forward-thinking, restless pursuit of innovation. I’m delighted she’ll be involved as Godmother, sharing her family’s vision of great taste as we begin this new journey aboard Silver Moon.”

Find out more information about Silver Moon and view the ship’s scheduled voyages:
https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-moon.html

Find out more information about Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. program:
https://www.silversea.com/salt-silver-moon.html

Carnival Cruise Line Announces Officers for Totally Transformed Carnival Radiance

Ship Set to Debut in Europe April 29 Following Extensive $200 Million Renovatio

MIAMI (Feb. 3, 2020) – Carnival Cruise Line has announced the senior leadership team for the totally transformed Carnival Radiance which is set to debut in Europe on April 29, 2020, following an extensive $200 million refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain.

Currently sailing as Carnival Victory, the ship will depart Miami March 2 for a 38-day dry dock and emerge as Carnival Radiance featuring all of the line’s culinary, beverage and entertainment innovations added as part of the line’s $2 billion fleetwide ship enhancement program.

Among Carnival Radiance’s many offerings will be the first-ever Big Chicken at sea restaurant created by the line’s Chief Fun Officer, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

Carnival Radiance’s senior leadership team comprises some of the most experienced mariners in cruising:

Captain Stefano Bonica/Captain Arik Mazzi: Captain Bonica will command the ship during dry dock while Captain Mazzi will take over once the vessel begins service in the U.S. Bonica attended Istituto Tecnico Nautico Caio Duilio in Messina and joined Carnival as a third officer in 2000. He was named captain in 2017 and has served on virtually every ship in the fleet during his two decades with the company. Hailing from La Spezia, Italy, Mazzi served in the Italian Navy and joined Carnival Cruise Line as a deck cadet in 2000. During his 20 years with the company, he has served on a number of ships in the fleet, most recently as captain of Carnival Fantasy, Ecstasy and Victory.

Chief Engineer Giovanni Lombardo: A 25-year Carnival veteran, Lombardo followed in his footsteps of his father, also a chief engineer with the company, when he joined Carnival as a third engineer aboard Carnival Ecstasy. After working on a number of vessels across the fleet, he was named chief engineer in 2007 and has served in this capacity primarily aboard the line’s Destiny-class ships.

Hotel Director Caroline Bourke: The Cork, Ireland, native and 16-year company veteran was part of the inaugural team that introduced Carnival Radiance’s sister ship, Carnival Sunrise, last year. Bourke joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2004 and was promoted to guest services manager in 2009 before being named hotel director in 2016. Her hospitality career began at the Hayfield Manor Hotel after earning her degree from the Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland.

These experienced mariners will lead a team of more than 1,000 crew members who will travel to Cadiz to prepare Carnival Radiance for her inaugural voyage - a 10-day sailing from Barcelona April 29, kicking off a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises. The ship will then reposition to New York to offer four- to nine-day cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean and eastern Canada, as well as five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk.

In November, Carnival Radiance shifts to Port Canaveral for six- to eight-day Caribbean voyages through May 2021 after which it will move to Galveston, significantly expanding the line’s offerings from that port.
New offerings added to Carnival Radiance during the bow-to-stern makeover will include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub. All of the ship’s spaces will be transformed including the water park, youth facilities, retail shops, Cloud 9 Spa and a new Liquid Lounge home to Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Takes Delivery Of The Ship That Perfects Luxury, Seven Seas Splendor

ANCONA, ITALY (Jan. 31, 2020) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, has welcomed to its fleet the new ship that defines luxury perfected, Seven Seas SplendorTM. Delivered at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, Regent’s fifth ship builds on the cruise line’s rich 28-year heritage offering guests An Unrivaled Experience TM with every luxury included.

At 55,254 gross tons and 735 feet in length, Seven Seas Splendor is Luxury Perfected. On board, the highest benchmarks of personalized service and comforts will be delivered by 551 professional crew members caring for 750 guests in 375 beautifully appointed suites, ranging from 307- to 4,443-square feet. Lavishly designed public spaces include five exquisite and unique restaurants and three elegant bars and lounges, while a $5 million curated art collection, more than 500 crystal chandeliers, and over an acre of Italian marble complement the ship’s sophistication.

“Wherever you turn on Seven Seas Splendor, you will be surrounded by elegance, comfort and hospitality,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Luxury travelers have anticipated this stunning new ship for more than two years. The day she opened for reservations was the busiest booking day in our company’s history. We thank the talented team at Fincantieri for collaborating with Regent to achieve our ambitious vision of creating the ship that perfects luxury. Seven Seas Splendor demonstrates how Regent continues to deliver An Unrivaled Experience for guests across our fleet.”

“Quality is a hallmark of both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Fincantieri, and it has been our privilege to construct this important and remarkable ship that reflects Fincantieri’s extensive abilities and its reference presence in the luxury cruise segment, a unique and competitive market niche in the shipbuilding industry,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager, Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division.

Helmed by Captain Serena Melani, the first female captain to take charge of a brand-new ocean cruise ship, Seven Seas Splendor sails her first official voyage on February 6, 2020 from Barcelona, Spain to Miami, Florida. The ship will be christened on February 21, 2020 by her Godmother, the legendary supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley, at a glamorous and elegant ceremony at PortMiami. Seven Seas Splendor will also be showcased to global media and travel partners on preview sailings throughout February and March.

Following her christening event, Seven Seas Splendor cruises the tropical paradises of the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, which includes two crossings of the Panama Canal and one unique Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami to New York City. In spring, Seven Seas Splendor will traverse the Atlantic Ocean once more for its inaugural European season, offering cultural and historically rich ports of call in one of the world’s most popular regions, the Mediterranean.

About Seven Seas Splendor

Seven Seas Splendor, the ship that perfects luxury, offers her 750 guests the most luxurious accommodations as she sails to the world’s iconic destinations and less-familiar hidden gems.

The all-suite, all-balcony ship features more than 46,000 square-feet of Italian marble, and her 375 suites include nearly 52,000 square-feet of balcony space – among the largest balconies at sea. The beautifully appointed suites range from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite.

The Regent Suite sets the tone for Seven Seas Splendor’s 14 other astonishing suite categories in offering the most luxurious accommodations at sea. It features the ultimate comfort of a $200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat featuring a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area with unlimited spa treatments, unobstructed 270-degree views over Seven Seas Splendor’s bow from the 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda, and a glass-enclosed solarium sitting area on top of the bridge for a Captain’s view to see the world’s most beautiful destinations. Guests in the Regent Suite also enjoy first-class air accommodations, a dedicated personal butler to manage all the details of the guests’ experience, and a personal car with driver and guide in every port.

Seven Seas Splendor features a Culinary Arts Kitchen with 18 stations for hands-on gourmet cooking demonstrations presented by master chef instructors, and Serene Spa & WellnessTM, a new globally inspired spa brand created for Seven Seas Splendor offering exclusive treatments that integrate techniques and ingredients from destinations around the world to soothe both the body and mind.

The ship’s exquisite restaurants include Compass Rose, the largest specialty restaurant at sea; Pacific Rim, a dramatic Pan-Asian restaurant with a mythical dragon greeting guests; Prime 7, an intimate and elegant steakhouse; Chartreuse, featuring classic French fare with a modern twist; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, serving guests authentic Italian specialties and featuring stunning, over-water alcove seating that juts out over the ocean for an even closer connection to the sea, surrounded on three sides by inspiring, magnificent views.

During her inaugural 2020 season, Seven Seas Splendor sails the Caribbean and Mediterranean, helmed by 30-year veteran Captain Serena Melani.

MSC Cruises Takes Additional Precautionary Public Health Measures on All Ships Globally

Geneva, Switzerland (January 30, 2020) – In light of the coronavirus outbreak in China, MSC Cruises is immediately taking further precautionary measures for the health and well-being of its guests and crew on all of its global fleet.

MSC Cruises has undertaken a series of actions since January 24, and due to the latest coronavirus developments, today implemented additional public health measures across its fleet. While there are no cases of coronavirus on board any of MSC Cruises’ ships these measures are additional steps to secure the health and well-being of all guests and crew.

Guests from all nationalities are required to fill out a pre-embarkation questionnaire to ensure no-one boards their ship who has traveled from mainland China or visited mainland China in the past 30 days. Anyone who has traveled from mainland China or visited mainland China in the past 30 days will be denied access to the ship;

Mandatory non-touch thermal scans conducted for all guests and crew prior to embarkation for every cruise operated by the company anywhere in the world, and persons with signs or symptoms of illness such as fever (≥38 C°/100.4 F°) or feverishness, chills, cough or difficulty breathing will be denied embarkation;

Elevated deep-sanitation on every ship in the line’s entire fleet;

Guests who may have fever symptoms will be isolated in their stateroom and the same measure applies for their close contacts, including guests staying in the same stateroom and family members, as well as any crew member who may have served these guests.

These measures follow previous actions that were taken last week. Guests and crew who traveled last week from mainland China were already screened for symptoms upon embarkation, and were requested to report any symptoms of illness to the onboard medical center.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in China, MSC Cruises has been closely monitoring the public health and safety situation in each of the regions its ships sail. The company has been consulting with international and local health authorities to follow their advice and recommendations.