Portsmouth becomes first UK port to welcome back cruise, as luxury line SeaDream calls en route to the Caribbean

[Monday 19 October] Portsmouth welcomed the first international cruise call since sailings were suspended, as SeaDream Yacht Club’s vessel, SeaDream 1, stopped to pick up passengers for a transatlantic voyage to the Caribbean.

19 passengers joined the 112-capacity ship, following strict health protocols. These include the use of coronavirus testing 72 hours in advance and immediately before boarding the ship, alongside extensive cleaning and sanitation regimes.

In addition, all crew members are certified for the WHO's Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for novel coronavirus course and CoVid-19 Contact tracing course from Johns Hopkins University.

SeaDream 1 had previously called at Oslo and Rotterdam, en route to the UK, part of a 21-day trip to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Since the onset of the pandemic the port has implemented enhanced protocols, this includes a reconfigured terminal layout to maximise social distancing, and a temperature camera to check passengers, staff and crew.

Ian Diaper, Portsmouth International Port’s head of operations said: “It’s testament to everyone’s hard work that SeaDream Yacht Club was confident to use Portsmouth as the first UK port to manage a turnaround call since sailings were suspended.

“It was great to see a cruise ship in the port once more and pleased to see operations go to plan.

“We’re experienced at managing passengers in a Covid secure way, with ferry sailings taking place regularly since July following strict protocols. This had given us insight for what’s required and we’re ready to help the industry recover when cruise returns to its full capacity.”

Operations followed the government's recent Cruise Framework Agreement and the whole cruise call was overseen by port health and Portsmouth International Port staff. No passengers left the ship, and only 19 guests went on board.

Portsmouth International Port was the UK's first port to install a thermal imaging camera and to also receive official independent verification for its Covid-19 health measures by international auditors, DNV-GL.

After a covid-free summer in the Fjords, SeaDream 1 now heads to the shimmering southern Caribbean, for a fabulous value programme to and from Barbados featuring Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada starting from £2307 a week plus port fees. (www.cruiseline.co.uk Tel: 0800 008 6677)

Windstar Cruises Announces Enriched Loyalty Program

New tiers and benefits recognize and reward loyalty

SEATTLE, WA, October 19, 2020 – If your guests are loyal to you; be more loyal to them. It’s a logical philosophy, and it’s exactly what Windstar Cruises is doing with introducing a new point and tier system that provides recognition and rewards as guests continue to sail with Windstar.

The small ship cruise line is focused on delivering a fortified loyalty program based on feedback from their most frequent guests that features larger discounts on select cruises, as well as a new system that rewards cruisers in proportion to the points they have earned. Cruisers start earning rewards after their first cruise and progress from a One Star to a Four Star tier of benefits.

Windstar Cruises’ Yacht Club has always provided members special benefits and access including a five percent discount on all voyages and an additional five percent “welcome home” discount on cruises booked within 60 days of disembarkation from a qualifying cruise. Members also get a $100 shipboard credit referral gift both for themselves and each referred “first to brand” friend. Other perks include early notification on new ports and itineraries, advance notice on sales, private sales exclusively for Yacht Club Members, select Yacht Club Member sailings and additional discounts at sister Xanterra Travel Collection brands (such as a $200 resort credit at The Lodge at Sea Island), and insider experiences with the officers on board.

Now, Yacht Club Members will earn a point per cruise day (more points are earned daily for higher category suites), with discounts and benefits accumulating the more they sail. They will also enjoy a 20 percent savings on select Yacht Club Member sailings (not combinable with other offers).

Rewards include:

• Onboard credits that can be used for almost everything, from spa services to shore excursions

• Discounts on shore excursions, Wi-Fi, laundry service, a selection of logo merchandise, and two beverage packages

• Interactions with officers and the Captain

Windstar is kicking off the new program with a Yacht Club Member appreciation week and an exclusive private sale for club members the week of October 26th, including attractive pricing plus double alumni savings on all Windstar sailings in 2021 and 2022. Club members can save on Windstar’s Top 10 Cruises, which usually sell out, plus have early access to new itineraries visiting Israel, the Black Sea, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, Alaska, and cruises along the West Coast of the United States. The newly transformed Star Breeze will sail in Tahiti from November 2021 through March 2022 for a chance to experience a Star Plus Class ship in the islands.

But while Windstar is focusing on previous guests and frequent cruisers with this new program, the line is being discovered in record numbers by travelers looking for a different type of cruise experience – one on yacht-like vessels with itineraries that feature smaller ports and waterways, along with less populated shore experiences.

Betsy O’Rourke, Chief Marketing Officer of Windstar and parent company Xanterra Travel Collection, says that Windstar's 2021 bookings are double digits ahead of where they were at this time in 2019 for 2020 sailings. “We listened to our most loyal guests and have responded with a program that truly recognizes and rewards those who sail the most with us. We are also really pleased to see an increase in bookings from people who have never sailed Windstar before.” According to O’Rourke, “about 40 percent of our bookings are new to Windstar guests seeking our 180 degrees from ordinary small, intimate yacht experience.”

Recently the brand announced a new Beyond Ordinary Care program, which is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus EvaClean with PurTab to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht. The company worked with the Anschutz Medical Center department of epidemiology to design a multi-layered approach and believes this extra effort to provide a healthy environment on board will also give travelers (both avid past Windstar guests and new ones) confidence to book when paired with a Travel Assurance Booking Policy that gives flexibility to make plans and update them without fees if things change.

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. The line will begin operating again in January 2021. For updated information, reservations, and itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces Three Executive Appointments

New Luxe-adventure Cruise Brand Taps Industry Veterans as Company Continue to Expand

Newly appointed Atlas executives, from left to right: Christine Borrack, Chief Financial Officer; Carlos Garzon, Senior Vice President of Business Development; and Andrew Moris, Vice President of Guest Services.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Oct. 14, 2020 – Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today the appointment of three managing executives for the luxury adventure cruise brand. Christine Borrack has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer; Carlos Garzon is named Senior Vice President of Business Development; and Andrew Moris has been appointed Vice President of Guest Services. The three executive appointments are announced as Atlas Ocean Voyages continues to grow and prepare for the launch of World Navigator in July 2021.

“Christine, Carlos and Andrew’s appointments significantly strengthen Atlas’ management team,” said President Alberto Aliberti. “Christine has been pivotal in creating our financial framework and Carlos and Andrew bring their extensive industry experience to lead Atlas’ operations as we continue to expand through these unprecedented times. The three new appointees each have critical roles in managing our company as demand for our distinctive luxe-adventure expeditions continues to increase.”

Christine Borrack is promoted to Chief Financial Officer after having served as Atlas’ Director of Finance for more than a year. She has been instrumental in building the financial management framework of Atlas, as well as liaising with parent-company Mystic Invest and global investors. Christine has more than 15 years of experience in accounting, finance and operational management, and has played key roles in multiple company divestments and acquisitions with Cain Brothers, Ernst & Young and KPMH in her previous position as controller at Ambrosia Treatment Centers.

Carlos joins Atlas with nearly 20 years’ experience in Cruise and Travel Sales and Revenue Management, having worked for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. In his role, Carlos will lead the company’s revenue strategy and coordinate the strategic direction of Atlas’ commercial efforts. Carlos holds an MBA from Florida International University and is graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

Andrew Moris comes to Atlas with more than 25 years of experience in Contact Center management and is responsible for creating and leading the company’s newly expanded and reorganized Reservations department. He previously worked for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Alorica (PRC, LLC) and Sun International. Andrew will continue to elevate the Reservations Department; expand air/sea services; as well as foster and train the company’s talented team members to rise in the company.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a small ship, luxury adventure cruise brand designed for seasoned and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in active and awe-inspiring experiences in less-trodden, bucket-list destinations. Guests will enjoy one of the industry’s most-inclusive experiences with Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way. With All Inclusive All the Way, guests can be more carefree and enjoy features such as included emergency medical evacuation insurance for all guests; complimentary round-trip air travel; complimentary prepaid gratuities; premium wine and spirits and international craft beers; coffees and smoothies; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; complimentary shore excursions in select ports; Michelin-inspired dining; binoculars onboard; coffee, tea and personalized bar service in every room; butler service in suites; and engaging and knowledgeable service from every staff and crew member.

For her inaugural season, World Navigator will embark on seven- to 24-night itineraries in The Holy Land, Black and Mediterranean Seas, followed by nine- to 13-night itineraries in the Caribbean, South America and on Antarctic expeditions for winter 2021/22. Atlas’ newly constructed, safe, clean and green, small expedition ships foster a refined and convivial ambience and can accommodate up to 196 guests. World Navigator construction is on schedule and launches in July 2021, followed by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023. The ships are Polar Category-C and Ice Class-1B certified and will have all of the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into their design.

For more information, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and follow Atlas Ocean Voyage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises/). Travel Advisors can call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure journey.

Carnival Cruise Line Cancels Miami and Port Canaveral Cruises for November 2020

Five Additional Cruises Also Cancelled in Australia

MIAMI, October 12, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests and travel agents that it is cancelling the remaining cruises for the six total ships operating from PortMiami and Port Canaveral for November 2020.

It has also cancelled five cruises scheduled to operate from Sydney, Australia from Jan. 16 - Feb. 8, 2021.

Following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) decision to extend its no-sail order for cruise operations until Oct. 31, Carnival cancelled all but PortMiami and Port Canaveral cruises for the rest of the year. It has now determined that November 2020 operations will not be feasible.

Carnival continues to work on protocols and procedures that would allow for the resumption of cruise operations, with a gradual, phased-in approach, designating Miami and Port Canaveral as the first two homeports for embarkations. Cruises currently scheduled for December from those two homeports remain in place for the time being while Carnival evaluates options. However, guests booked on cruises in December out of Miami and Port Canaveral still have the ability to voluntarily cancel their reservation and receive the same offer that all other impacted guests are receiving, which includes a combination future cruise credit (FCC) and onboard credit (OBC), or a full refund.

In Australia, Carnival is notifying guests and travel agents that five cruises on Carnival Splendor from Jan. 16 - Feb. 8, 2021 have been cancelled. Those guests will receive the same offer of the combination FCC/OBC, or a full refund.

Silversea Cruises Commends Skilled Craftspeople as Silver Moon Nears Completion

Silversea Cruises will take delivery of new ship #SilverMoon on October 30th, 2020—less than one month from now.

Over 390 companies have contributed to the Silver Moon’s build, with over 1,000 skilled craftspeople working simultaneously on the ship during the peak months.

Silver Moon will build on the success of her sister ship, Silver Muse, to epitomize 21st-century luxury travel

(Monaco – October 8, 2020) Taking influence from the success of her sister ship Silver Muse, Silver Moon will welcome guests in whispered luxury when the ship becomes the ninth vessel in Silversea’s fleet on October 30th, 2020. Many of the same craftspeople who contributed to the build of Silver Muse have plied their skills to Silver Moon too, bringing expertise from around the world while preserving Silversea’s elegant Italian heritage.

During the peak months of Silver Moon’s construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, over 1,000 skilled professionals were working on the ship simultaneously, with over 390 companies contributing to her build. Silversea Cruises spotlights just some of the talented craftspeople who were involved in Silver Moon’s build.

“Each and every element of Silver Moon’s interior spaces has been crafted to enhance guests’ experiences and comfort,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We value the craftsmanship of our distinguished suppliers—each of whom was selected for their commitment to exceptional quality. From our Savoir beds to our Lalique crystal artworks, the fine details of our new ship is reflected throughout our entire cruise experience. Silver Moon will push boundaries in the world of travel and I look forward to welcoming our guests aboard in the near future, as they discover the authentic beauty of the world in a new standard of comfort.”

HIRSCH-BEDNER ASSOCIATES – S.A.L.T. VENUES

Among the most innovative features of Silver Moon, Silversea’s new culinary program, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), will inspire guests in three dedicated venues—S.A.L.T. Lab, S.A.L.T. Kitchen, and S.A.L.T. Bar—which were designed and built by multi-award winning design firm Hirsch-Bedner Associates. Work on Silver Moon’s S.A.L.T. venues took 18 months from initial brief to completion, with approximately 2,740 man-hours invested by craftspeople in London, Miami, and various locations in Italy. Across the three venues, around 330m2 of carpet was used, as well as 220m2 of tiles, 160 spotlighting fixtures, 137 chairs plus banquette seating, 81 tables, and one purpose-built wine cellar.

“Silver Moon will be the first of Silversea’s ships to incorporate an entire ecosystem for culinary discovery and the S.A.L.T. program is an innovation for the world of cruise,” says Matteo Pace, Associate at HBA. “Creating a synergy between the ship’s three S.A.L.T. venues, which evolves from day to night, and having such a strong sociable element to the immersive culinary experiences is completely unique. The brief was about finding a balance between land and sea, bringing the two together through the world’s culinary influences. Each space needed a bespoke design with a clear connection, driven by the overall flow. Tactile and surprising in their design, the spaces needed to bring to life places and personalities, and be experiences within themselves. The S.A.L.T. program will transport travelers on a journey of discovery from port to port, which is reflected in the design of the venues, with lots of unique objects that draw on influences from all over the world. The color palettes used in each venue enhance the guest journey, with lighter tones employed in the communal areas and cooking spaces in S.A.L.T. Lab; rich details and accents in the main restaurant, S.A.L.T. Kitchen; and a darker, more mysterious feel for S.A.L.T. Bar, evolving the guest experience as the day goes on.”

GEM – PUBLIC VENUES AND SUITES

Accommodating just 596 guests in 298 ocean-view suites - 96% of which have a private veranda - and with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.45, Silver Moon will maintain the small-ship intimacy and spacious accommodation which are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. As for Silver Muse, GEM was appointed as the architectural firm tasked with designing the public spaces and suites aboard Silver Moon.

“In true Silversea style, Silver Moon certainly whispers luxury—just like her sister ship Silver Muse,” says Lorenzo Mortola of GEM. “Beyond the introduction of the S.A.L.T. program, the overall guest experience has been enhanced, with guest feedback from Silver Muse informing the new ship’s design. Many venues have been enriched aboard Silver Moon: the enlarged La Dame Restaurant will now accommodate 56 diners and is decorated with 11 handcrafted Lalique crystal panels; the popular Atlantide Restaurant has been increased aboard Silver Moon, with a capacity of 220; the Connoisseur’s Corner now includes a sophisticated outdoor area; and the Dolce Vita Lounge, at the heart of the ship, will also enjoy a new layout, with a warm atmosphere that changes throughout the day. Guests will experience various other enrichments as they explore the ship. Each enrichment will contribute to Silver Moon’s status as one of the most luxurious and comfortable ships afloat.”

LALIQUE – HANDCRAFTED CRYSTAL ARTWORKS

Another bespoke embellishment aboard Silver Moon, 11 handmade crystal artworks by Lalique adorn the walls of La Dame Restaurant. A team of around 15, including a designer from the Lalique Interior Design Studio, an engineer, and a team of specialised Lalique artisans, completed the project over an 18-month period. Lalique’s craftspeople spent approximately 30 hours on producing each bespoke panel, applying their ancestral know-how in the company’s historic French factory, which dates back to 1922. Before being installed on Silver Moon, each of the crystal panels underwent two essential stages during the manufacturing process. During the hot glass process, Lalique’s glassmakers braved extreme temperatures in the workshop to gather, clean, shape, and reheat the crystal. Next, in the cold glass process, the artisans applied unwavering attention to detail to sculpt and finish each creation, forming a characteristic contrast between clear and matte crystal—a hallmark of Lalique’s design.

“Both the Lalique and Silversea teams showed remarkable prowess during the accomplishment of this project,” says Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique. “We are thrilled that these entirely bespoke Lalique interior crystal panels will be sailing aboard the ultra-luxurious cruise ship Silver Moon, enriching to the unique cruise experience for Silversea’s guests.”

SAVOIR – AMONG THE BEST BEDS IN THE WORLD

Silver Moon will be one of the most comfortable ships at sea, with unusually high space-to-guest ratios and the personalized service of butlers in every suite, yet, in the ship’s top 10 suites – four Owner’s Suites, four Grand Suites, and two Royal Suites – travelers will experience a distinctive level of comfort even as they sleep. Widely considered as the world’s most illustrious maker of beds, Savoir has crafted 10 bespoke beds for Silver Moon. A masterpiece of longevity and comfort, each bed was handcrafted by Savoir’s artisan craftspeople in the company’s bedworks in Wales, with each piece taking over 30 hours to complete. As well as hand-teased horsehair and soft lambswool, the 10 beds comprise 72kg of needled cotton, 72kg layered cotton, 30kg wool, 32,560 mattress spring units, and 720 tufts. Each bespoke mattress offers dual tension, meaning guests can choose between firm support on one side and soft on the other. The result is perfect support and a rejuvenating night’s sleep. Each element of the beds - the box springs, the mattresses, and the toppers - were signed and dated by the craftsperson who created it, symbolizing the ultimate mark of pride in one’s craftsmanship.

“Savoir has a rich history as a bed provider for the world’s finest hotels and luxury cruise ships, starting with The Savoy,” says Alistair Hughes, Managing Director of Savoir. “We are thrilled to work with Silversea Cruises to offer guests the bespoke comfort of a Savoir bed on board Silver Moon. Like all our beds, the handcrafted Savoir toppers and mattresses will offer guests the ultimate cloud-like comfort.”

Read an article on Silver Moon’s interior design:
https://discover.silversea.com/on-board/a-taste-of-s-a-l-t-on-silver-moon

View Silver Moon’s scheduled voyages:
https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-moon.html

About Silversea

Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise 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 Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of four new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

Silversea Initiative Wins Seatrade Cruise Award for Sustainability

The Silversea Fund for the Galapagos was recognized at the prestigious cruise awards.

(Miami, FL -- October 7, 2020) Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, was the winner of the 2020 Seatrade Cruise Award for Sustainability, sponsored by Cruise Baltic. The award recognizes the recipient for having shown that it put sustainability, both socially and environmentally, at the forefront of its business operations over the past 12 months. The winner was announced on October 6, 2020, during the Seatrade Cruise Virtual event, and was determined by an independent panel of 14 experts from across the international cruise community.

The company was recognized for its pioneering Silversea Fund for the Galapagos, which is among a number of Silversea efforts aimed at enriching the communities and landscapes visited by its ships.

"Seatrade's Sustainability Award is an important recognition of our efforts to protect the natural environment and wildlife of the Galapagos through education and building relationships with the local communities. We are truly delighted to receive this award," says Fernando Delgado, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador.

"We are thrilled to be recognized by Seatrade's distinguished panel of judges for our contributions to such an important region. This award affirms our commitment to the long-term conservation of the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, which reflects our approach in all destinations," adds Barbara Muckermann, Silversea's Chief Marketing Officer.

SILVERSEA FUND FOR THE GALAPAGOS

Established in partnership with the Galapagos Conservancy -- the only U.S.-based organization focused exclusively on protecting the Galapagos' unique ecosystems and biological integrity -- the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos educates and supports the archipelago's local communities by financing projects related to youth empowerment; education and training; and science, technology and conservation. The fund welcomes both formal and grassroots project proposals from the Galapagos' four inhabited islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana.

The fund builds on Silversea's existing efforts to make a positive impact on the natural and economic environment of the Galapagos Islands, including its contribution to the Floreana Island Ecological Restoration Project. Guests traveling aboard Silver Origin can donate to the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos during their voyage. Each person who donates between USD 200 to USD 1,000 will receive a Future Cruise Credit in a matching amount that may be applied towards any future voyage aboard any ship in Silversea's ultra-luxury fleet.

SILVER ORIGIN: BUILT WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND

The newest addition to Silversea’s fleet, the all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin is slated to begin year-round voyages in the Galapagos later this year, and has been built entirely with the Galapagos’ unique environment in mind. Silver Origin incorporates environmentally low-impact features to comply with future rules and regulations, in addition to the Galapagos National Park Directorate regulations. The latest technological innovations mean a reduction in fuel consumption and fewer exhaust emissions; the ship's dynamic positioning system will be used when positioned over delicate seabed ecosystems to prevent the anchor from causing damage; suites incorporate freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water, thus drastically reducing the use of plastic on board; and a wastewater treatment system will meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market. Moreover, all waste will undergo a rigid segregation procedure on board and will be delivered to a local waste management enterprise for it to be recycled or shipped out of the islands.

Donate to the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos and find out more details about the Future Cruise Credit: https://galapagos.bsd.net/page/contribute/silversea

Find out more information about Silver Origin:
https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-origin.html

About Silversea

Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise 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 Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of four new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

About the Seatrade Cruise Awards

Seatrade Cruise Awards forms part of the series of global Seatrade events, websites, and publications that covers every aspect of the cruise and maritime industries, bringing together key people to encourage innovation and to produce powerful learning, networking, and promotional platforms. Founded in 1970, the Seatrade brand is part of the events portfolio for Informa PLC – a leading international events, intelligence, and scholarly research group.

Crystal Takes Top Honors in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards

Both Crystal Cruises and Crystal Yacht Cruises Named Best in Category Crystal River Cruises Finishes in the Top Two

MIAMI, October 6, 2020 – Discerning travelers have once again recognized Crystal as the very best in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. Crystal Cruises and its Ocean ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity earned first place in the “Best Medium-Ship” category, while Crystal Yacht Cruises’ Crystal Esprit took the top spot in the “Best Small-Ship” category. Crystal River Cruises, which won Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best River Cruise Line this year, was also honored by Condé Nast Traveler readers as one of the best in the “Best River-Ship” category. Every year, Condé Nast Traveler invites its readers to vote for the awards, recognizing excellence throughout the travel industry. The 2020 awards mark the 27th year that Crystal has earned top acclaim.

“To earn the continued recognition of the world’s most discerning travelers is truly humbling and an honor we do not take lightly,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO. “These awards are a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff and crew fleetwide, professionals who welcome every guest aboard as family whether they travel with us by Ocean, River, Yacht or soon, Expedition. On behalf of our entire Crystal Family, I extend our sincere gratitude to the guests who voted for us and who continue to choose Crystal.

“The 2020 awards are especially poignant as we remember and honor the tireless expertise and passionate enthusiasm of Toni Neumeister, our senior vice president of hotel operations who passed away earlier this year. The steady leadership of Tom Wolber (former president & CEO) over the last three years as well as the support of the travel advisor community whose expert knowledge is valued by savvy travelers have also played critical roles in Crystal’s receipt of these accolades.

“This year has presented challenges for our company and our industry, and we know that travelers are eager to begin exploring again. As we continue preparations to welcome them back on board, we are focused on the well-being of our guests and crew, restoring trust in our shoreside service and continuing to elevate the experience aboard each and every Crystal ship,” Anderson continued.

Crystal’s Ocean ships remain the most awarded luxury ships at sea, inherently designed to offer more social space than most ships of similar size. Multiple globally inspired dining venues, an array of entertainment and acclaimed enrichment programs, fitness and wellness pursuits and a philosophy rooted in catering to the personal preferences of each guest continue to distinguish the Crystal Experience. Crystal Yacht Cruises’ Crystal Esprit is a distinctly exclusive destination unto itself. The 62-guest yacht offers the exceptional caliber of cuisine, service and elegant suites for which Crystal is known, in an intimate atmosphere that mirrors that of a private yacht. Crystal Esprit’s private marina is equipped for all manner of water adventures, complete with kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba gear and even a private submersible for deep-water exploration.

Crystal’s award-winning brand experiences – Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and the upcoming Crystal Expedition Cruises – offer all-inclusive itineraries of just a few nights to more than 100 nights, spanning all seven continents across the globe.

The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal’s number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company’s expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. Crystal has suspended all voyages across its fleet for the remainder of 2020, and introduced Crystal Clean+ – an evolving, enhanced version of Crystal’s already stringent protocols. The policies were developed with the latest data available from health experts and will be updated as new information and announced guidelines become available.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across four distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; Crystal Yacht Cruises, offering boutique luxury and bold adventure in the world’s most elite harbors; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2020, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises and Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

Azamara Will Set Sail Again for the 2021 Europe Season with New Greek Country-Intensive Voyages

Following feedback from a series of guest surveys, Azamara has made the decision to suspend all sailings until its safe and comfortable to execute a full voyage

Destination-focused cruise brand – Azamara – has announced the decision to pause operations until the 2021 Europe season and return to service on March 20, 2021 for Azamara Quest’s originally scheduled 12-night Spain Country-IntensiveSM voyage, Azamara Journey’s April 9, 2021 voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona, and Azamara Pursuit’s new series of Greek Country-Intensive Voyages starting on May 9, 2021. The brand’s itineraries are all designed for more in-depth exploration to truly connect to the country’s authentic heart of local life and culture. The boutique cruise line has chosen to adjust its sailings as a result of individual country restrictions, as well as guest survey results indicating that Azamara guests will feel more comfortable waiting to cruise until 2021. Compensation options can be viewed here.

“After very careful consideration, we have made the decision to pause operations until the 2021 Europe season, as we are still confronted with the many global challenges resulting from COVID-19,” says Azamara's Chief Operating Officer, Carol Cabezas. “We plan to return stronger than ever next season, with reimagined guest experiences that will protect the wellbeing of our guests and crew yet remain true to the Azamara spirit of connecting people to cultures.”

Cabezas continues, “As we look at our long-term plan, we have already seen a strong demand to our 2022/2023 voyages, which was announced in mid-September. Within the first week of opening for sale, we experienced three times more bookings for new voyages compared to last year’s deployment of 2021 and Winter/Spring 2022 itineraries. This just further reinforces traveler’s commitment to cruising.”

Azamara is prioritizing the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities they visit. As part of the Royal Caribbean Group, an expert panel has been assembled called the Healthy Sail Panel. The panel is a group of the best minds and leaders in public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, hospitality and maritime operations. Their insights and recommendations are helping drive the way forward as the company works to strengthen current procedures and create new ones across the entire cruise experience.

Highlights of the upcoming Europe itineraries, including the new Greece Country-Intensive voyage in 2021 include the following:

Setting sail on March 20, 2021, Azamara Quest will start the Europe season with her originally scheduled 12-Night Spain Intensive Voyage, taking guests on an immersive journey through Spain. Starting in Lisbon, Portugal, Azamara Quest will make its way to Seville for an overnight stay to discover the architectural wonders of this Gothic city, including the ornate Alcázar complex and the Seville Cathedral—the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The itinerary includes an overnight in the dynamic city of Barcelona and overnight stays in Malaga, Spain and Valencia, Spain.

For travelers looking to explore the beautiful Iberian Peninsula, the Iberia Intensive voyage aboard Azamara Journey will begin April 9, 2021. In partnership with Perry Golf, one of the game’s leading providers of international golf vacations, this 4-round golf and sightseeing voyage will take guests to seven ports. Embarking from Lisbon and sailing overnight for Portimao, home to The Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort, for the first round on one of Europe’s best clubs. The Royal Seville Golf Club, a Jose Maria Olazabal design, is next along with the city of Seville, whose rich history, excellent wine and tapas will be enjoyed for two days and an overnight. With a late-night stay in Gibraltar, golfers will play Spain’s storied Valderrama, consistently rated among the top clubs in continental Europe, while sightseers can take the cable car to The Upper Rock.

The new Greek Country-Intensive series of Voyages beginning May 9, 2021 on Azamara Pursuit will embark from Europe’s historical capital city of Athens and sail on to Greece’s cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, where travelers can enjoy activities like an authentic Greek cooking class in a Mykonian home, a mosaic-making class, and boat rides along the coast. Additional highlights will include an overnight stay in the iconic Greek island of Santorini and the medieval island of Rhodes, where guests can see the Colossus of Rhodes, another of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World; the “Holy Island” of Patmos; and the island of Crete’s Heraklion region to visit the renowned Archeological Museum. The round-trip journey will return back to Athens for the opportunity to further explore ancient sights including the Parthenon and the Acropolis.

Guests can book one of the sailings for 2021 using Azamara’s Cruise with Confidence benefit. To learn more visit: https://www.azamara.com/cruise-with-confidence

About Azamara:

Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and the leader in Destination Immersion® experiences, with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller less-visited hidden gems. Azamara’s commitment to creating immersive experiences for travelers to connect with local cultures, allows guests to travel deeper with longer stays, more overnights, and night touring. Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, beverages, AzAmazing Evenings – an exclusive, bespoke evening designed specifically for Azamara guests to immerse themselves in their destination, and more.

Condé Nast Traveler Readers Again Name Viking the #1 River Cruise Line

Viking Rated Highest of All River Cruise Lines in 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards

Los Angeles (October 6, 2020) – Viking® (www.viking.com) has again been voted the Best River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. With the #1 winning score, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Viking higher than any other river cruise line. Also, after five years of operating ocean cruises, Viking was again named one of the Best Ocean Cruise Lines.

More than 715,000 readers submitted ratings and tens of thousands of comments as part of the 33rd annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Viking will also be featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions; the full results of the awards can be found at www.cntraveler.com/rca.

“We are honored to be voted the #1 river cruise line and one of the best ocean cruise lines again this year,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “During this unusual time when many of us are staying at home, we are pleased that our guests continue to fondly recall their Viking voyages and have cast their votes for us. Thank you to our guests and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for this honor; we look forward to welcoming you back to the familiar comfort of Viking.”

Today’s announcement from Condé Nast Traveler builds on the impressive list of recent accolades for Viking. Just recently, Viking’s enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv) – which launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences – won the “Breakthrough Award for Product Innovation” in the 2020 Silver Travel Awards. And over the summer, Viking was named the #1 ocean cruise line for the fifth consecutive year in Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Awards.

Viking continues to expand its award-winning fleet of river and ocean vessels. In 2021, the company will welcome new 168-guest Seine Ships and new 190-guest Viking Longships® on its popular European river itineraries, as well as the new 80-guest Viking Saigon℠ which is scheduled to debut on the popular Magnificent Mekong cruisetour. Also next year, Viking’s seventh 930-guest ocean ship, Viking Venus® is scheduled for debut and will join the award-winning ocean fleet of small ships which include Viking Star®, Viking Sea®, Viking Sky®, Viking Sun®, Viking Orion® and Viking Jupiter®.

Earlier this year, the company also announced Viking Expeditions, with two purpose-built 378-guest vessels, Viking Octantis® and Viking Polaris®, debuting in 2022 to sail voyages in the Arctic, Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. Additionally in 2022, Viking will launch its highly anticipated U.S. river cruises, with the debut of the 386-guest Viking Mississippi®, sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul.

Viking.tv Celebrates Six Months of Award-winning Programming

Launched at the Beginning of the Pandemic as a Way to Connect Travelers, Viking’s Enrichment Channel Marks New Milestones

Los Angeles (October 5, 2020) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today marked new accolades and impressive milestones for its enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv). Viking.TV went live in mid-March in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and was conceived as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences while people are staying home, rather than traveling. Now six months later, Viking.TV has broadcast more than 160 sessions featuring original cultural content and virtual Privileged Access to interesting people and places around the world. The digital platform, where all content is free to watch, has resonated well with people during this unusual year. Livestreams and archived content on Viking.TV have been enjoyed by more than two million viewers, which include past Viking travelers and Viking crew, as well as those who have not traveled with Viking. Additionally, Viking.TV was recently honored with the “Breakthrough Award for Product Innovation” in the 2020 Silver Travel Award.

“There is no doubt that we are living in an unusual time that has disrupted all of our lives. It is well known that having a daily routine is important during times of stress and isolation, so we launched Viking.TV to livestream at a set hour each day, when our guests, crew and other curious people can continue to explore the world and have a daily session of positivity and learning,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. “After just six months, we are honored to have welcomed so many esteemed viewers on Viking.TV and to have received such positive feedback. We look forward to once again traveling together, but in the meantime, we are pleased to continue fostering the Viking.TV community—with daily livestream sessions and conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating people.”

Viking.TV Highlights

Since its launch, Viking.TV has featured exclusive interviews and live Q&A with remarkable explorers, museum curators, musicians, astronauts, actors, artists, performers, photographers, filmmakers and more. Highlights include:

• Museum Mondays – Museum directors, curators and experts have hosted virtual Privileged Access to cultural institutions around the world, including Oslo’s Munch Museum and The Viking Ship Museum, The British Museum in London, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Iowa.

• Tuesdays – Viking Resident Historians, who typically provide a destination-specific curriculum on every ocean cruise itinerary, have shared Iconic Lectures about world history, including “Greek Civilization,” “The History of France,” “The Italian Renaissance,” and “The Vikings.” Additionally, Viking Resident Photographer Alastair Miller has hosted conversations with notable individuals such as filmmaker Ric Burns, wildlife filmmakers Amos Nachoum and Gavin Thurston and artists Magne Furuholmen and Alexander Talbot-Rice.

• (Explorer & Music) Wednesdays – In the spirit of exploration, Viking has hosted sessions with explorers from around the world including, Thor Heyerdahl, Jr., whose father famously crossed the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft; anthropologist Benedicte Ingstad, who has written biographies about her parents, famed Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad; and Paralympic skier Cato Zahl Pedersen. Other Wednesday sessions have been dedicated to arts and music and have included interviews with Los Angeles Opera Maestro James Conlon; Royal Academy of Arts curator Ann Dumas; and composer and conductor Debbie Wiseman, OBE.

• Guest Speaker Thursdays – Every week since the launch of Viking.TV, iconic British broadcast journalist Anne Diamond has interviewed significant figures, including Xander Parish, principal ballet dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre; the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon; the Duke of Devonshire; explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, OBE; former PBS MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton; Downton Abbey’s “Mrs. Patmore,” actress Lesley Nicol; polar explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft; and classical musicians Alma and Helen Deutscher.

• At Home Fridays – The Countess of Carnarvon has led more than a dozen virtual Privileged Access tours and glimpses of life at her home, Highclere Castle, widely recognized as the filming location of Downton Abbey. Additional “At Home” sessions hosted by members of the Viking family have provided insight into their local life in Basel, Reykjavik, Amsterdam, Sydney, Prague, Budapest, Russia, the Orkney Islands and more.

• Wellness Weekends – Yoga instructor Mona Therese has led Mind & Body yoga sessions every week since the launch of Viking.TV.

• Sissel Sundays – Sissel Kyrkjebø, a Norwegian National Treasure and one of the world’s most beautiful voices—and Viking Jupiter® godmother—will by Christmas have performed 52 songs for Viking.TV viewers.

  Livestream sessions on Viking.TV start every day at 2 p.m. Eastern Time / 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and all content is archived and available on-demand for anyone who cannot view at the original time of the broadcast. Also on Viking.TV there are more than 200 original short-form Destination Insight documentaries and 60 additional pieces of content in from Viking Cultural Partners, with programming from TED, BBC’s Wonderstruck, Libera and more.

This Week—Space Week on Viking.TV

As Viking.TV continues to plan new content, each month will feature one week dedicated to a single theme. This week is dedicated to taking viewers out of this world with space-themed content. Beginning today, “Space Week” features Viking Resident Astronomer Ray Arvidson speaking about the exploration of Mars; a conversation with photographer Benedict Redgrove, creator of the book NASA: Past and Present Dreams of the Future; and Anne Diamond will interview retired NASA veteran Charles Armstrong, who worked on a variety of projects including the Space Shuttle. The week will be capped by a special At Home Friday—"When Space is Home”—with broadcast journalist Lynn Sherr hosting a conversation between Dr. Anna Fisher, godmother of Viking Orion®, and three additional astronauts: Colonel Jack Fischer, Richard Linnehan and Barbara Morgan.

Viking.TV Viewer Feedback

Many travelers continue to write Viking with comments of appreciation for this new opportunity to explore the world in comfort…from home. Examples of viewer feedback include:

• “We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful 24 weeks of programs-one more interesting than the last!...We have loved every day of programs and have learned so much while whetting our appetites to once again begin cruising with Viking.” – Bob and Maryann O.

• “As a lifelong learner, I look forward to being able to access and view more from your library of weekly programs.” – Henriette and Klaus

• “Since I cannot be with you on board one of your fabulous ships, the next best thing is attending an enrichment…I only wish that I was sitting in the Star Theater or having success cake and tea or a glass of Prosecco in the Explorer’s Lounge.” – Brenda G.

• “I have learned and seen so many new things. My world during this lockdown has been opened.” – Valerie

• “I just wanted to say thank you again for offering your weekly yoga sessions through Viking tv. I have been following them since day 1 and enjoy the gentle spirit and guidance that Mona provides. I have done yoga before but I feel that this series is perfect for the challenging times we are experiencing because they are instructive, relaxing and geared to different levels and abilities. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks and Namaste!” – Jennifer A.

• “This has been such an enjoyable way to ‘travel’ and educate ourselves during the pandemic crisis - - - truly one of the "silver linings" in the clouds of our difficult and uncertain days…This is armchair traveling at its finest!” – Patti F.