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Exclusive Pre-sale Now Open: Silversea Unveils 86 New Voyages for Winter 2021/2022
Open exclusively to Venetian Society members, Silversea’s newest voyages include calls to 222 destinations in 67 countries, with eight maiden calls—designed to unlock immersive new experiences for the cruise line’s well-traveled guests.
Open exclusively to Venetian Society members, Silversea’s newest voyages include calls to 222 destinations in 67 countries, with eight maiden calls—designed to unlock immersive new experiences for the cruise line’s well-traveled guests.
(Monaco -- June 3, 2020) Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, today unveils 86 new itineraries for winter 2021/2022 and opens an exclusive pre-sale to members of its Venetian Society—the cruise line’s loyalty program. Departing between October 2021 and April 2022, the new voyages will call in 222 destinations in 67 countries, including eight maiden calls, with a focus on immersive new experiences for those well-traveled. The new itineraries will go on general sale from June 17, 2020.
“We are delighted to open this exclusive pre-sale on our new winter 2021/2022 voyages,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our Venetian Society members have traveled the world extensively, experiencing new and unusual moments that capture the spirit of discovery and authenticity. Our destination experts have crafted our latest voyage collection with our guests in mind: from a maiden call in Manama, the vibrant capital of Bahrain, to an in-depth exploration of the Amazon River, and an endless number of adventures in between, the range and quality of experiences on offer is simply unique.”
In addition to maiden calls in Manama, Bahrain; Miyako, Japan; Makassar, Indonesia; Phillip Island, Australia; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Geelong, Australia; Vigan Salomague Port, the Philippines; and Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador; Silversea’s new winter 2021/2022 itineraries will include:
Iconic favorites and lesser-visited jewels, as part of the most extensive Australia & New Zealand program to date: 12 voyages aboard Silver Muse and Silver Shadow will take guests deeper into Australasia and its surrounds than ever before. While travelers will gain fresh perspectives of iconic destinations—such as Wellington, Milford Sound, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland—they will also delve deep into the lesser-traveled jewels of Tasmania, Melanesia and Indonesia’s Java Sea, including calls in Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu, among others.
A diverse range of voyages in Asia, including an enhanced offering in Japan, deep discovery of Vietnam, and new itineraries to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea: Silver Moon, Silver Muse and Silver Shadow will take travelers closer to the delights of Asia in the winter 2021/2022 season. Guests will enjoy immersive discovery of Japan on four round-trip voyages from Tokyo, as well as alluring options in Southeast Asia, with a focus on captivating Vietnam, and unique experiences in Komodo, Makassar, and Bali, among others.
Feelings of exclusivity in the Caribbean, with an emphasis on the small islands, as well as calls at the classic destinations: Departing from both Fort Lauderdale and Bridgetown, Silver Spirit and Silver Whisper will journey through the Caribbean, unlocking the region’s authentic charm for guests in both small and iconic destinations. In the Eastern Caribbean, guests will discover the islands of St. Barts, Grenada, and St. Lucia, among others; while Mérida in Yucatán, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras await in the Western Caribbean; and Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao will fascinate travelers in the south.
New itineraries in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, plus new adventures in the Indian Ocean’s iconic destinations of India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar: A maiden call in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, will highlight a new itinerary in the Persian Gulf aboard Silver Moon, while calls in Muscat, Luxor, Petra, the Suez Canal, Israel, and Rhodes will showcase the best of the Middle East for guests on another remarkable itinerary aboard the same ship. In addition, Silver Moon will also take guests to Phuket, as well as the temples of Yangon on a three-day call, Colombo, Cochin, New Mangalore, and Mumbai from Valentine’s Day in 2022.
A 74-night circumnavigation of South America aboard new ship Silver Dawn, with an unprecedented exploration of the Amazon River: Sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, this Grand Voyage will take guests deep into the gems of South America, with multiple calls in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. A highlight of the voyage, guests will travel down the Amazon River to Manaus on the trip on a lifetime.
30 voyages aboard new ship Silver Origin, including longer holiday options of 10 and 11 days: The newly-launched Silver Origin will form deep connections between Silversea’s guests and the Galapagos Archipelago on 30 new voyages between October 2021 and April 2022. The acclaimed 7-day Western and North-Central itineraries will be integrated with two, longer holiday cruises: a 10-day round-trip voyage from December 18th and an 11-day New Year’s voyage from December 28th.
Silversea’s World Cruise, the Tale of Tales 2022: Journeying from 65°S to 65°N, Silver Whisper will visit 69 destinations across 32 countries, departing January 6, 2022. Accompanied by a celebrated line-up of illustrious creatives, Silversea’s guests will transit the Panama Canal, cruise the Chilean Fjords, step foot on land in Antarctica, walk among the spectacular wildlife of South Georgia, relax on remote beaches in the Seychelles, admire Petra in Jordan, discover the Holy Land and the highlights of the Mediterranean, before exploring the natural wonders of Northern Europe, as well as enjoying many more once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
On new bookings made before June 30, 2020, travelers will benefit from Silversea’s new Double Bonus offer, through which guests can reserve their voyage from just USD 1,000/CAD 1,250/BPS 750/EUR 900 per suite. Guests will also receive USD 1,000 to spend on board. This offer is fully combinable with the Early Booking Bonus, and, for select sailings, qualifies for Silversea’s Cruise with Confidence policy.
Find out more information about Silversea’s new winter 2021/2022 itineraries:
Windstar Cruises Announces New 2021 Small Ship Cruise Schedule
“Save Now & Sail Later” Offer Begins May 29, 2020
“Save Now & Sail Later” Offer Begins May 29, 2020
SEATTLE, WA, May 29, 2020 – Small ship cruise operator Windstar Cruises releases a new schedule of cruises for its fleet of six yachts in 2021 and launches the “Save Now & Sail Later” offer to celebrate. With three Star Class yachts emerging in 2020 and 2021 from a major transformation and “stretch” in Italy, new schedules affect the three yachts.
“We’ve made changes to our 2021 cruise schedule to accommodate new launch dates of the Star Class yachts and a desire for more sailings from U.S. and Caribbean ports,” said Xanterra and Windstar Cruises CEO Andrew Todd. “And though bookings are ahead of where they were at this time last year, we want to offer the best deal we can to travelers ready to cruise in 2021.”
The “Save Now & Sail Later” One Week Sale is open from May 29-June 4 and features a variety of cruises in 2021 with rates starting at $1,299 per guest based on double occupancy. In addition to reduced prices on select itineraries (as well as cruise tours with overland components) in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Tahiti, Caribbean, Alaska, U.S. Coastals, Canada, Asia, Mexico and Panama/Costa Rica, guests can receive up to $1,000 in shipboard credit per stateroom. See more details below.
Fresh from a major transformation adding suites and amenities on board, 312-guest Star Breeze begins sailing October 27, 2020. Her new schedule includes four cruises in the Mediterranean before she heads to the Caribbean to sail among the islands from late December 2020 to March 2021. Weeklong cruises on two itineraries sail roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico for convenient U.S. flight arrangements.
In late April, the yacht sails two new Central American cruises departing from Miami – a first for the cruise line
– before beginning to make its way north along the coast cruising new itineraries in Costa Rica and Panama, Mexico, and along the West Coast to Vancouver, B.C. where she begins her summer of cruising in Southeast Alaska. In September, Star Breeze sails for Asia and then on to her first season in Australia and New Zealand in December 2021.
312-guest Star Legend is scheduled to emerge from renovations in March 2021 and will sail in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Central America.
312-guest Star Pride leaves the shipyard in June 2021 and begins sailing in July in Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. On October 23, 2021, she departs New York City for San Juan, Puerto Rico and Caribbean island itineraries.
148-guest Wind Spirit will be the first yacht to resume sailing on September 3, 2020 in Tahiti after Windstar suspended operations due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Wind Spirit sails seven, 10-, and 11-day cruises year-round in Tahiti with convenient eight-hour non-stop flights from Los Angeles. Windstar offers an all-inclusive air, cruise and hotel package with cruises in French Polynesia.
342-guest Wind Surf resumes sailing in the Caribbean on November 29, 2020, where she sails until an April ocean crossing takes her to the Mediterranean for the rest of the year.
148-guest Wind Star begins sailing on January 23, 2021 in Costa Rica and Panama, and then heads to the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.
Windstar’s Travel Assurance Booking Policy allows travelers to cancel their cruise up to 15 days prior to departure and receive a 100 percent future cruise credit based on money paid on the booking to be used on all sailings through December 31, 2021.
The health and well-being of guests, crew, land-based employees and people in the communities visited is always a top priority. During this temporary pause in operations, Windstar’s staff is reviewing and updating its health and safety practices including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, additional medical staff on board, expanded dining times with outdoor dining, and crew training.
Re: the “Save Now & Sail Later” shipboard credit (SBC), details are as follows:
Guests cruising on voyages 14 days or more in a premium suite (Owners Suites, Classic Suites, Wind Surf
Suites, Bridge Suites) will receive a $1,000 per stateroom SBC ($500 per guest)
Guests cruising on voyages under 14 days in a premium suite (Owners Suites, Classic Suites, Wind Surf Suites, Bridge Suites) will receive a $400 per stateroom SBC ($200 per guest)
Guests cruising on voyages 14 days or over in any other category will receive a $400 per stateroom SBC ($200 per guest)
Guests cruising on voyages under 14 days in any other category will receive a $200 per stateroom SBC ($100 per guest).
Sample itineraries include:
Dreams of Tahiti – a seven-day voyage on a graceful sailing ship in the South Pacific, with rates starting from $1,399 per guest. There are 24 dates to choose from as part of the sale.
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal – a seven-day journey full of natural and man-made wonders, with rates starting from $1,499 per guest. There are five departure dates to choose from as part of the sale.
Yachtsman’s Caribbean – a six- or seven-day cruise to hidden coves and tiny harbors typically only private yachts frequent, with rates from $1,399 per guest. There are five different dates to choose from as part of this sale, plus a variety of similar Caribbean itineraries.
Windstar operates a fleet of six small yachts carrying from 148 to 342 guests and is known for visiting small ports and hidden harbors around the world.
Oceania Cruises Unveils Remember the Future Campaign
Miami, FL – May 29, 2020 - Today, Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled its new ‘Remember the Future’ print and digital brand campaign.
Premiering in consumer- and trade-facing print publications as well as digitally and across social mediums, the new branding is emotive, evocative, and tinged with romance. Developed in conjunction with the London-based creative Latitude Agency, the campaign reminds travelers why they love travel and aims to inspire them to look to the future.
“We wanted to create something fresh and uplifting while remaining sensitive to the current moods of our guests and the traveling public,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Our loyal guests are eagerly booking for 2021 and 2022, and the ‘It’s All Ahead of You’ messaging poignantly underscores the hopefulness and anticipation of future travel and the bright days ahead of us all.”
The campaign also reinforces Oceania Cruises’ core pillars of Exquisitely Crafted Cuisine, Curated Travel Experiences, and Small Ship Luxury. “These core tenants not only guided the creation of the campaign, they embody and encapsulate the Oceania Cruises Experience and the foundation of our brand,” added James Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. ‘Remember The Future’ will debut in the Departures July/August issue and in Travel + Leisure’s August edition.
Socially, travelers and travel advisors should use the hashtag #RememberTheFuture to showcase their upcoming travels and travel dreams. The ‘Remember The Future’ social campaigns will include guest experiences and insightful destination recommendations, memory-making service stories from our guests and crew, and rich, engaging content from Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin, Sirena Godmother Claudine Pépin, Director of Culinary Enrichment & Executive Chef Chef Kathryn Kelly, our acclaimed Artists-in-Residence and more.
Silversea Congratulates Steve Mccurry on Being Awarded the Cherry Kearton Medal by the Royal Geographical Society (With Ibg)
(Miami, FL -- May 28, 2020) Internationally renowned photographer and Silversea’s eye on the world Steve McCurry has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Cherry Kearton Medal and Award for 2020, bestowed by the London-based Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) (RGS-IBG) for ‘photography that encourages reflection on the interaction with peoples, landscapes and wildlife across the world.’
The Cherry Kearton Medal and Award from the RGS-IBG
The prestigious accolade is among a number of medals and awards that the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) presents annually to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding contributions to geographical research, fieldwork and teaching, and public engagement.
"I am honored to be the recipient of the Cherry Kearton Medal and Award and to be among men and women whom I admire," says McCurry. "My work with Silversea has allowed me to explore new regions of this incredible world we live in. It has also given me the opportunity to photograph the animals that inhabit these otherworldly habitats in places such as Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic. As humans, we have a responsibility to build a stable ground for future generations. It is critical today to have an understanding of the times we live in, as well as how people interact with each other in their communities and the environment."
Steve McCurry’s Travels with Silversea Cruises
Through his collaboration with Silversea, the iconic visual storyteller has traveled deeper and farther to capture meaningful moments in human and wildlife activities across myriad landscapes. Since 2017, McCurry has undertaken 27 journeys with Silversea and his travels with the cruise line have unlocked the wonders of dozens of destinations to all seven continents, from the farthest reaches of Asia and the polar realms, through Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Australia, to the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.
Among other remarkable landscapes and experiences, McCurry's lens has revealed the authentic beauty of:
Hot spring-bathing Japanese macaques in the forests of the Jigokudani Valley, Japan;
Chinstrap Penguins frolicking among Antarctica's icy landscapes;
the multicolored spectacle of the Egun mask dancers in Benin, West Africa;
the Kazakh people of the Altai Mountains in Mongolia, who survive harsh winters by hunting with eagles;
Barcelona's stunning human towers of intrepid performers standing atop one another;
And the breathtaking scenery of Flåm, Norway, with its fjords, waterfalls, and the famous Flåm railway.
"We are delighted to learn that the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) has honored Steve with its Cherry Kearton Medal and Award, and wish to congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition," says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Steve McCurry's artistry and storytelling are at the heart of our creative collaboration. His images not only take you on a journey, but compel you to see how precious our world is. Our guests share Steve’s passion for travel and, like Steve, find gratification and enjoyment in the unique experiences that they enjoy with Silversea."
Professor Joe Smith, Director, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), comments: “The Society is delighted for Steve McCurry to be the recipient of the Cherry Kearton Medal and Award which reflects a lifetime of insightful documentary photography of people and places taken all over this extraordinary planet”
Read an interview with director Denis Delestrac for a behind-the-scenes insight on Steve’s travels:
https://discover.silversea.com/steve-mccurry/pursuing-the-human-story-director-denis-delestrac-on-filming-steve-mccurry/
To follow Steve McCurry on his travels with Silversea, and view behind-the-scenes videos, visit Discover, the company's travel blog:
https://discover.silversea.com/category/steve-mccurry/
About Silversea
Silversea Cruises, in which Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio serves as Executive Chairman, is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Silver Muse – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both Polar Regions and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of five new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Origin, and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog Discover and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.
About Steve McCurry
Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike -- yet always retains the human element. A born storyteller with the soul of an explorer, his unique ability to capture what is left of the authentic beauty and truth in the world made him the natural choice when Silversea sought a global creative collaborator in 2017. His unique mission would be to chronicle Silversea's immersive travel experiences, with a focus on revealing the world's beauty and fragility. With scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name, McCurry has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. These include the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the National Press Photographers Award, and four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest.
About the RGS-IBG
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 for 'the advancement of geographical science', today they deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. They aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of the world. They hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it, and have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer’.
Small Ship Cruise Operator Windstar Cruises Plans to Resume Cruising in September 2020
Wind Spirit returns to cruising in Tahiti first, followed by other yachts later in 2020/2021
Wind Spirit returns to cruising in Tahiti first, followed by other yachts later in 2020/2021
SEATTLE, WA, May 19, 2020 – Small ship cruise operator Windstar Cruises announced today the 148-guest Wind Spirit will be its first yacht to resume sailing after suspending operations further due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Wind Spirit will resume sailing in Tahiti with its first cruise departing on September 3, 2020.
“We have taken extraordinary measures to operate our yachts safely,” said Xanterra and Windstar Cruises CEO Andrew Todd. “While we look forward to welcoming guests aboard again, we believe this further suspension of operations is the responsible action to take. We have laid plans for a resumption of small ship cruising beginning in September.”
148-guest Wind Spirit: Resumes sailing September 3, 2020 in Tahiti on previously scheduled itineraries.
342-guest Wind Surf: Returns November 29, 2020 sailing in the Caribbean on previously scheduled itineraries before heading to the Mediterranean in April 2021.
148-guest Wind Star: Resumes sailing January 16, 2021 with Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings and then heads to the Mediterranean in April 2021.
312-guest Star Breeze: Due to a shipyard delay in Italy, sailings in Asia, New Zealand and Australia are canceled. Star Breeze will begin sailing October 27, 2020 in the Mediterranean before moving to the Caribbean in December 2020 to pick up sailings from Star Legend and Star Pride. Then Star Breeze will offer a few new Caribbean itineraries until June when it heads to Alaska. A new 10-day Alaskan Splendors sailing was added on June 3, 2021 after which it resumes its previously scheduled Alaska itineraries.
312-guest Star Legend: Due to a shipyard delay in Italy, some sailings are canceled and others will be picked up by the Star Breeze. Star Legend begins sailing March 1, 2021 in the Mediterranean and will pick up some sailings previously scheduled for Star Pride.
312-guest Star Pride: Due to a shipyard delay in Italy, some sailings are cancelled and others will be picked up by Star Breeze. The Star Pride will begin sailing July 5, 2021 in Northern Europe.
Guests on cancelled cruises will receive a Future Cruise Credit valued at 125% of all monies paid on the booking to Windstar Cruises. Guests who prefer a refund can request their FCC be converted to a refund equal to the amount paid on the Windstar booking once they receive their FCC. Guests will have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their Future Cruise Credit. Windstar Cruises will protect Travel Advisor commissions on the affected bookings following the normal policy for cancelled bookings.
Windstar’s reservations team is reviewing all affected bookings and will send a letter outlining details to guests with cancelled cruises and also to those with only a change in which Star class ship they’ll be aboard. The reservations team appreciates the patience and understanding of guests and travel advisors as they work through this process.
Windstar’s Travel Assurance Booking Policy allows travelers to cancel their cruise up to 15 days prior to departure and receive a 100 percent future cruise credit based on money paid on the booking to be used on all sailings through December 31, 2021.
The health and well-being of guests, crew, land-based employees and people in the communities visited is always a top priority. During this temporary pause in operations, Windstar’s staff is reviewing and updating its health and safety practices including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, additional medical staff on board, expanded dining times with outdoor dining, and crew training.
Windstar operates a fleet of six small yachts carrying from 148 to 342 guests and is known for visiting small ports and hidden harbors around the world.
De Hoop Defies the Odds: Silversea Prepares to Take Deliveryof New Ship Silver Origin
Demonstrating great resilience and ingenuity, the De Hoop Shipyard overcame unprecedented challenges during the construction of Silver Origin.
Demonstrating great resilience and ingenuity, the De Hoop Shipyard overcame unprecedented challenges during the construction of Silver Origin.
(Monaco – May 19, 2020) Silversea Cruises prepares to take delivery of new ship Silver Origin, following a great display of resilience, determination and fine European craftsmanship from Dutch shipyard De Hoop. Despite of the global lockdown, De Hoop implemented rigid safety procedures, reduced its workforce, and devised ingenious ways to overcome posed challenges, including a world-first during the ship’s sea trial.
200 SKILLED PROFESSIONALS GIVING 100% EFFORT
On March 15, 2020—four days after coronavirus was declared as a global pandemic—the Netherlands implemented a national lockdown, and the country ground to a halt to safeguard the health of its people. Relatively isolated in Lobith, a remote corner of the Netherlands, De Hoop shipyard offered its approximately 250 employees the option to cease working.
While many were forced to return to their families or to their country of origin before borders closed, approximately 200 employees—mainly skilled carpenters—opted to continue, working tirelessly to apply their craftsmanship to the ship’s guest suites. Many employees were accommodated in an on-site residential facility, Barge Rossini, which had a reduced capacity from 200 to 100 for safety purposes.
In addition to the rigorous protocol imposed by the Dutch health authority, RIVM, De Hoop’s professionals were protected by sanitary procedures developed by the shipyard itself: they underwent daily temperature checks; enhanced cleaning procedures were established in the living quarters, the crew mess, and throughout Silver Origin; and strict social distancing measures were implemented, including a 1.5m separation rule and a one-way system throughout the ship.
As a result, contact circles were reduced, meetings were cancelled, and fewer people were allowed in each area of the ship. Video calls replaced face-to-face conversations, as flights were cancelled and contractors could no longer reach the yard. Necessary supplies were cut off: carpeting, loose furniture and the onboard art collection were delayed in arriving, while the closure of Italy disrupted the installation of the ship’s windows and galley. The stringent lockdown threatened the project’s progress.
Small hurdles became giant obstacles, but still the team persevered and as the world around it came to a stop, De Hoop pushed on. The shipyard fundamentally changed the way it operated to continue the project. None of the employees caught the virus and the team maintained an unwaveringly strong spirit as Silver Origin took its magnificent shape, symbolizing the resilience and craftsmanship of European industry.
REMOTELY OPERATED SEA TRIALS
While shallow waters on the Waal River delayed Silver Origin's float out from November to December 30, 2019, the months of January and February brought heavy rain to Western Europe in 2020, leading to unusually high water levels. This prevented Silver Origin and Barge Rossini from passing beneath the 12 bridges that separate De Hoop Shipyard from the sea. Only on March 26 was a safe passage to Rotterdam accessible—more than a month later than originally planned. This left just four weeks between arrival in Rotterdam and the sea trial.
Held from April 27th–29th off the coast of Goeree-Overflakkee, Silver Origin’s sea trials were a great success, offering the Captain the chance to put the ship through its paces and enabling the shipyard to demonstrate proper operation of the machinery systems.
Necessitated by the travel ban, which prevented sub-contractors from reaching the ship, Silver Origin’s sea trials included a historic world-first: during the dynamic positioning acceptance test - which tests the ship’s ability to remain within 10cm of a fixed point without dropping anchor - the ship’s dynamic positioning system was remotely tuned and calibrated by a third party in St. Petersburg, Russia—over 1,800km away. A fast internet connection was set up on board to enable near-instant communication between both parties and, using a headset and a camera, an operative from St. Petersburg completed maneuvering tests. The ship’s Captain, meanwhile, acted as his lookout from on board.
“This was the first time such an operation has been completed remotely during a sea trial,” says Fre Drenth, the Director of De Hoop Shipyard. “The tuning was successful and took no longer than usual. It demonstrates that it is possible to tune dynamic positioning systems remotely. It could potentially save a lot of travelling time for engineers in the future. I am enormously proud of my team for their work.”
“We usually have a large team that participates in the sea trials, but this year was different because of the extraordinary situation,” says Vesa Uuttu, Director of Newbuilds & Site Office NL, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Hence, a limited team participated—enough to comply with regulations. It was a proud moment to see the ship perform as it did—for all involved, especially the team at the De Hoop Shipyard who have worked tirelessly to complete the project in these tough circumstances.”
THE FINISHING TOUCHES
“We are so grateful to the professionals at the De Hoop shipyard,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “In the face of such adversity, their efforts were extraordinary and represent the resilience of European industry. Silver Origin looks magnificent. Our pioneering new ship represents the dawning of a new age of travel in the Galapagos Islands and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard when the time is right.”
The finishing touches are now being applied to Silver Origin, ahead of the ship’s delivery in the coming weeks. And the De Hoop team is still finding innovative ways to progress, in spite of the challenging circumstances. Currently docked in Pernis in the Netherlands, Silver Origin will set sail for the Galapagos Islands after being delivered to Silversea Cruises. 45 members of De Hoop’s workforce remain on Barge Rossini, and the shipyard intends on maintaining their strict new sanitary protocols for the long-term.
Silversea Cruises is using this time of pause, as well as the information that has become available, to improve its already exceptional sanitary standards further still, with the health and safety of guests and crew as the top priority. The cruise line is currently working on enhanced sanitary protocols across its fleet to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to resume safe and healthy cruising when the time is right.
Read a first-person account from the Director of De Hoop Shipyard, Fre Drenth, and watch a video of Silver Origin underway:
https://discover.silversea.com/on-board/building-silver-origin
Find out more information on Silver Origin and view the ship’s scheduled voyages:
https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-origin.html
Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces Autumn 2021 Caribbean and South America Journeys
Adventurers enjoy up to $2,000 savings, included air travel
Adventurers enjoy up to $2,000 savings, included air travel
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., May 18, 2020 – Atlas Ocean Voyages today announced that the Luxe-AdventureSM Expedition Cruise brand is augmenting its inaugural-year offerings with four new, exciting Transatlantic, Caribbean and South America itineraries in October and November 2021. World Navigator, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ first ship, will cruise the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to the Southern Caribbean islands before bringing guests along South America’s east coast to Tierra del Fuego. Launching in July 2021, World Navigator, will bring fun-seeking adventurers, explorers and like-spirited travelers on authentic, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime Luxe-Adventure experiences to the world’s most sought-after and remote destinations, including the Holy Land; Black, Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas; South America and Antarctica. World Navigator’s 29 inaugural-year journeys are now open for booking.
“Beginning July 2021, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ distinct, excitement-driven Luxe-Adventure journeys will offer new world explorers an unmatched travel experience aboard our new, safe, small, clean and green ship, World Navigator,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “We’ve adjusted our inaugural-year deployment to bring World Navigator to the Caribbean so U.S. and Canadian travelers can embark on an adventure closer to home. And, the new Transatlantic, Caribbean and South America itineraries provide our valued travel advisor partners more options when discussing future 2021 travel with their clients and to take advantage of our GET PAID NOW offer.”
Adventurers, modern explorers and like-spirited travelers save up to $2,000 per suite and stateroom, and receive free air travel and more, on bookings made by June 30, 2020:
$1,000 savings plus FREE business-class air travel per suite guest
$500 savings plus FREE economy-class air per Horizon- or Veranda-stateroom guest
Reduced, 50-percent deposit
FREE changes to any itinerary, departing before March 31, 2022.
“We’re expanding our GET PAID NOW offer, the industry’s most generous and immediate incentive program, to include our new Caribbean and South American Luxe-Adventure journeys to recognize Travel Advisors for their hard work,” said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships. “In addition to their 15 percent commission, we will reward them with a $500 or $750 gift card now. Their clients also have confidence that they can change – for free – their Luxe-Adventure journey of a lifetime to any other itinerary through March 2022.”
Travel Advisors can take advantage of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ GET PAID NOW offer for all deposited World Navigator 2021/22 bookings and receive:
A $750 gift card per suite NOW
A $500 gift card per Horizon and Veranda stateroom NOW
15% commission
Bridging the Old and New Worlds, World Navigator will depart October 4, 2021, on a 13-night voyage, from Lisbon, Portugal. Guests will follow the winds of colonial explorers and call at some of the Atlantic’s most beautiful islands, including Madeira, Tenerife, St. Lucia and Barbados.
From Barbados, a 10-night itinerary, departing October 19, will bring guests on an epic equatorial crossing, via the north coast of South America, to Recife, Brazil. On this journey, World Navigator contrasts the charm of small and elegant Tobago Island against French Guiana’s rugged Devil’s Island, en route to the historic and colorful cultures of Brazil’s Fortaleza and Natal metropolises and the mouth of the mighty Amazon at Belem.
The subsequent, 13-night journey, departing October 29 from Recife, to Montevideo, Uruguay. Guest visit laid-back Brazilian ports of Buzios, and Paraty; explore the steep, cobblestone streets of one of South America’s oldest colonial cities, Salvador de Bahia; and revel in Uruguay’s resort city of Punta del Este. World Navigator guests also enjoy overnights in Rio de Janiero and in Itajai, where samba and adventure await.
Adventurers and like-spirited travelers can also explore the ecological diversity of Patagonia and the Falkland Islands on World Navigator’s November 11 departure from Montevideo. This eight-night itinerary provides a late-night stay in Buenos Aires for guests to immerse in the city’s art, culture, and architecture, and savor dinner and a tango, before heading to Patagonia’s northernmost city, Puerto Madryn, and the Falkland Islands for incomparable wildlife-spotting of large indigenous birds, whales, sea lions and seals, five species of penguins, and more. World Navigatorthen charts a course towards Tiera del Fuego to begin her inaugural winter-2021/22, Antarctica Expeditions season.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-inclusive, luxury cruise brand defined by simple elegance and deliver authentic, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime Luxe-AdventureSM experiences in the world’s most sought-after and remote destinations. Adventurers, explorers and like-spirited travelers will find community aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ safe, small, all-inclusive luxury ships and come together in welcoming and lively venues to share their day’s exploits.
Guests indulge in one of 98 luxe suites and staterooms, all with an ocean view and most with a private balcony. All Atlas Ocean Voyages journeys include complimentary gratuities; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; a free shore excursion in select ports on every itinerary; meals and snacks; binoculars, coffee and tea service and butler service in suites.
World Navigator’s construction in Portugal is on schedule and the ship will launch in mid-2021. Safety is the basic building block for the Polar Category-C and Ice Class-1B, expedition ship, and all of the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures are incorporated into World Navigator’s design. The ship also utilizes underwater, forward-looking sonar to confidently navigate coastal, harbor and icy polar waters. In addition to propeller propulsion, World Navigator’s alternate hydrojet propulsion system, helps guests quietly cruise into wildlife-rich waters without disturbing marine wildlife. Furthermore, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships are among the first to employ the latest conservation and sustainability technologies – leaving nothing behind but footprints– to help preserve the breathtaking locales and waters they ply for future generations to enjoy. The ship’s Rolls-Royce hybrid power management and propulsion system maximizes World Navigator’s fuel efficiency, consuming as low as one-fifth the fuel compared to cruise ships with conventional systems.
For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com; and follow @AtlasCruises on Facebook and Twitter, and @AtlasOceanVoyages on Instagram. Travel Advisors can call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable Luxe-Adventure journey, and register as an Atlas Ocean Voyages Advisor at www.atlasoceanvoyages.com/contact-travel-advisors/.
Hurtigruten extends suspension of operations – plans gradual phase-in
PLANS FOR JUNE RESTART: Hurtigruten hopes to gradually restart operations from June - and again operate cruises to places such as Norway's iconic Geiranger fjord. Photo: AGURTXANE CONCELLON/Hurtigruten
As a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hurtigruten – the world’s largest expedition cruise line – will extend the temporary suspension of worldwide sailings to Mid-June. The company aims to gradually restart operations from June 16.
- We are two months into what is a truly extraordinary situation. In one way or another, the consequences of the pandemic impact us all, Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.
As the company extends suspension of pole-to-pole operations of their fleet of small, custom built ships until June 15, Skjeldam says Hurtigruten hopes to gradually restart their cruises from Mid-June.
- There is still a lot of uncertainty in what the next weeks and months will bring. However, we do see international restrictions gradually being lifted. Step by step, the pandemic is being brought under control. Businesses are re-opening and everyday life is slowly getting back to a degree of normality, Skjeldam says.
Step-by-step restart
CEO: Daniel Skjeldam. Photo: Rune Kongsro/Hurtigruten
In Norway – where Hurtigruten is headquartered and which is one of the most popular destination for Arctic cruises - schools, kindergartens, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers are already open and travel restrictions are gradually lifted.
- Gradually restarting operations within Norwegian waters are natural first steps towards a normalization for us. The size and scale of our step-by-step restart is dependent on national and international travel restrictions, government support and other external factors outside of our control. But we are eager to welcome guests on board our ships again, Skjeldam says.
Hurtigruten also plans to gradually restart Arctic expedition cruises this summer, according to Skjeldam “in areas where restrictions are lifted – where and when we believe it is safe”.
- Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our crew and guests. We are working closely with all relevant authorities, experts and agencies to ensure a safe and sensible restart of our expedition cruises, Skjeldam says.
Strict measures
SMALL SHIPS - BIG DIFFERENCE: Hurtigruten operates a fleet of small, custom built ships - taking you away from the crowds, without the crowds. Photo: ØRJAN BERTELSEN/Hurtigruten
Even before the global outbreak, Hurtigruten imposed strict measures and protocols to combat the spread of the virus. Hurtigruten have not had any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on any ships. The lessons learned is the basis of our new, strict procedures that will be imposed before the restart of our operations.
- In total, we will implement hundreds of small and larger measures to keep our guests and crew safe and healthy. Some of them are transitory, some will be permanent. But from even stricter hygiene protocols to reduced guest capacity to allow social distancing, this will give you a safer voyage without impacting the experience, Skjeldam says.
Flexible rebooking policy
As there still is a lot of uncertainty surrounding international travel restrictions in the following weeks and months, Hurtigruten has introduced a flexible rebooking policy.
To give explorers the confidence needed for their travel plans during these extraordinary times, Hurtigruten offers free rebooking for all guests on all voyages departing before 30 September.
The guests are offered rebooking and a future discount of 10%, to any future Hurtigruten cruise - Expedition or Norwegian Coastal – in 2020 or 2021.
For full policy and rebooking options, please click here to visit Hurtigruten’s dedicated information page.
Operations update May 11 2020
Following the latest developments of the pandemic, including local and global travel restrictions and advisories, government support, Hurtigruten have decided to extend the temporary suspension of operations.
Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Voyages:
Operations on the scheduled Bergen - Kirkenes – Bergen voyages will be suspended until June 15 2020.
We are planning for a gradual restart of operations on the Norwegian coast. The first planned departure will be MS Finnmarken from Bergen on June 16.
Following June 16, we will make decisions for each and every voyage individually. We will update all booked guests on any changes that will affect their voyage as soon as possible, and no later than three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled ship’s departure.
In agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport, Hurtigruten has deployed two ships in an amended domestic schedule. The newly upgraded MS Richard With and MS Vesterålen is bringing critical supplies and goods to local Norwegian communities. This service will continue through Jun 15.
Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises:
All Hurtigruten expedition cruises are temporarily suspended, with a number of voyages affected - including voyages with battery hybrid powered MS Fridtjof Nansen to Norway and MS Roald Amundsen to Alaska and the Northwest Passage, as well as some cruises to Svalbard and Iceland. A full an updated list of cancelled voyages can be found here.
Hurtigruten plans to gradually restart expedition cruises in areas where restrictions are lifted – where and when we believe it is safe. We will make decisions on each individual voyage, and update all booked guests on any changes that will affect their voyage as soon as possible, and no later than three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled departure.
Oceania Cruises Launches the Ultimate Sale Major Price Reductions With New Lower Fares Starting at $999
Miami, FL – May 7, 2020 - Today, Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, launched The Ultimate Sale featuring major price reductions with fares starting as low as $999 per guest for inside staterooms and $1,399 per guest for veranda staterooms.
Discerning travelers can select from more than 400 voyages departing in 2020, 2021, or 2022 sailing throughout Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia-New Zealand, the South Pacific, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, South America, Africa and Arabia, and even Grand Voyages that traverse the continents.
“The Ultimate Sale offers unrivaled value with our hallmark exquisitely crafted cuisine, curated travel experiences, and small ship luxury combined with dramatically lower fares that start at just $999 per guest,” stated Bob Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceania Cruises.
Signature Sailings
Several Specialty Cruises are highlights of The Ultimate Sale. These Specialty Cruises are hosted by Bob Binder, President, CEO, and Co-Founder; James Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing; Jacques Pépin, Executive Culinary Director; or Claudine Pépin, daughter of Jacques Pépin and Godmother of the Sirena; each offers an array of engaging and insightful onboard programming and special events.
2020 Oceania Club Reunion Cruise. Departing October 26, 2020 aboard Regatta from Tokyo to Singapore. Hosted by Bob Binder - President, CEO, and Co-Founder.
2021 Oceania Club Reunion Cruise. Departing July 9, 2021 aboard Regatta from Seattle to Seattle. Hosted by James Rodriguez - Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
2021 Claudine Pépin Cruise. Departing July 27, 2021 aboard Sirena from Copenhagen to Stockholm. Hosted by Claudine Pépin - Godmother of Sirena, and her husband Rollie Wesen, Professor of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University.
2021 Jacques Pépin Cruise. Departing August 29, 2021 aboard Marina from Copenhagen to Stockholm. Hosted by Jacques Pépin - Executive Culinary Director, and his wife Gloria.
For additional information about The Ultimate Sale, click here: The Ultimate Sale
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Successfully Secures Over $2 Billion of Additional Liquidity in Oversubscribed Capital Markets Transactions
Well-Positioned to Weather COVID-19 Impacts Upon Completion of Proposed Transactions
Well-Positioned to Weather COVID-19 Impacts Upon Completion of Proposed Transactions
MIAMI, Florida – May 5, 2020 – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) (the “Company”) today announced it successfully secured over $2 billion of additional liquidity in response to impacts of the COVID- 19 global pandemic on the Company and the cruise industry, including the temporary suspension of voyages, and to safeguard against a further downside scenario.
Yesterday, the Company announced the launch of a series of capital markets transactions, led by Goldman Sachs, to raise approximately $2 billion. The transaction has since been upsized to gross proceeds of $2.225 billion ($2.4 billion if the underwriters exercise their full overallotment options) due to significant oversubscription and demand across all three offerings. The transactions consisted of (1) $400 million public offering of common equity, (2) $750 million exchangeable senior notes offering, (3) $675 million senior secured notes offering and (4) $400 million private investment from global consumer-focused private equity firm L Catterton.
Contingent on completion of the transactions, the Company expects to have approximately $3.5 billion of liquidity. This significantly strengthens the Company’s financial position and liquidity runway and it now expects to be positioned to withstand well over 12 months of voyage suspensions in a potential downside scenario. While this is not the Company’s base case expectation, the Company has taken a swift and proactive approach to protect its future given the significant uncertainty and unknown duration of the COVID-19 global pandemic. When the transactions are completed, the additional liquidity alleviates management’s concern about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the next 12 months.
About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with approximately 59,150 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company will introduce nine additional ships through 2027.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this press release are“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by thePrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including,without limitation, those regarding our business strategy, financial position,results of operations, plans, prospects, actions taken or strategies being considered with respect to our liquidity position, valuation and appraisals of our assets and objectives of management for future operations (including thoseregarding expected fleet additions, our voluntary suspension, our ability to weather the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, any possible bankruptcy filings,operational position, demand for voyages, financing opportunities and extensions, and future cost mitigation and cash conservation efforts and efforts to reduce operating expenses and capital expenditures) are forward-looking statements. Many, but not all, of these statements can be found by looking for words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “goal,” “project,” “plan,”“believe,” “seek,” “will,” “may,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “future”and similar words. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the impact of:
● COVID-19 on our financial condition and operations, which adversely affects our ability to obtain acceptable financing in an amount equal to the resulting reduction in cash from operations, and the current, and uncertain future, other impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, including its effect on the ability or desire of people to travel (including on cruises), which are expected to continue to adversely impact our results, operations, outlook, plans, goals, growth, reputation, cash flows, liquidity, demand for voyages and share price;
● our ability to develop strategies to enhance our health and safety protocols to adapt to the current pandemic environment’s unique challenges once operations resume and to otherwise safely resume our operations when conditions allow;
● coordination and cooperation with the CDC, the federal government and global public health authorities to take precautions to protect the health, safety and security of guests, crew and the communities visited and the implementation of any such precautions;
● the accuracy of any appraisals of our assets as a result of the impact of COVID-19 or otherwise;
● the ability to obtain deferrals on our debt payments;
● our success in reducing operating expenses and capital expenditures and the impact of any such reductions;
● our guests’ election to take cash refunds in lieu of future cruise credits or the continuation of any trends relating to such election;
● trends in, or changes to, future bookings and our ability to take future reservations and receive deposits related thereto;
● our ability to work with lenders and others or otherwise pursue options to defer or refinance our existing debt profile, near-term debt amortization, newbuild related payments and other obligations and to work with credit card processors to satisfy current or potential future demands for collateral on cash advanced from customers relating to future cruises;
● adverse events impacting the security of travel, such as terrorist acts, armed conflict and threats thereof, acts of piracy, and other international events;
● adverse incidents involving cruise ships;
● adverse general economic and related factors, such as fluctuating or increasing levels of unemployment, underemployment and the volatility of fuel prices, declines in the securities and real estate markets, and perceptions of these conditions that decrease the level of disposable income of consumers or consumer confidence;
● the spread of epidemics, pandemics and viral outbreaks;
● our cash runway, lack of plans to file for bankruptcy and anticipated need for additional financing, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, and may be dilutive to existing shareholders;
● our ability to raise sufficient capital and/or take other actions to improve our liquidity position or otherwise meet our liquidity requirements that are sufficient to eliminate the substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern;
● an impairment of our trademarks, trade names or goodwill, including in connection with the preparation of our financial statements as of March 31, 2020;
● breaches in data security or other disturbances to our information technology and other networks or our actual or perceived failure to comply with requirements regarding data privacy and protection;
● changes in fuel prices and the type of fuel we are permitted to use and/or other cruise operating costs;
● mechanical malfunctions and repairs, delays in our shipbuilding program, maintenance and refurbishments and the consolidation of qualified shipyard facilities;
● the risks and increased costs associated with operating internationally;
● fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
● the unavailability of ports of call;
● overcapacity in key markets or globally;
● our expansion into and investments in new markets;
● our inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage;
● our indebtedness and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness that require us to maintain minimum levels of liquidity and otherwise limit our flexibility in operating our business, including the significant portion of assets that are collateral under these agreements;
● pending or threatened litigation, investigations and enforcement actions;
● volatility and disruptions in the global credit and financial markets, which may adversely affect our ability to borrow and could increase our counterparty credit risks, including those under our credit facilities, derivatives, contingent obligations, insurance contracts and new ship progress payment guarantees;
● our inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel or the loss of key personnel or employee relations issues;
● our reliance on third parties to provide hotel management services for certain ships and certain other services;
● future increases in the price of, or major changes or reduction in, commercial airline services;
● our inability to keep pace with developments in technology;
● changes involving the tax and environmental regulatory regimes in which we operate; and
● other factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2019.
Additionally, many of these risks and uncertainties are currently amplified by and will continue to be amplified by, or in the future may be amplified by, the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. There may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown.
The above examples are not exhaustive and new risks emerge from time to time. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections regarding our present and future business strategies and the environment in which we expect to operate in the future. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change of events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement was based, except as required by law.