WORLD NAVIGATOR TO FEATURE FIRST-AT-SEA LUXURY SEASPA BY L'OCCITANE

A rendering of the Serenity Lounge in World Navigator's SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Jan. 5, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages and L'OCCITANE en Provence are proud to announce the launch of the first-at-sea Luxury SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE. Guests on a World Navigator luxe-adventure expedition will be able to opt from a holistic and sensorial menu in the new luxury SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE to perfectly complement their exciting and awe-inspiring shoreside experiences. The new SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE will be featured aboard World Navigator when she launches her inaugural Holy Land and Black & Mediterranean Seas season in July 2021.

“We are glad to partner with L'OCCITANE to bring their signature treatments to the open seas,” said Mário Ferreira, Chairman of Mystic Invest, parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “World Navigator’s SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE will offer experienced, inquisitive and fun-seeking guests the luxury brand’s Mediterranean art-de-vivre with the same top-quality service and ingredients for which L'OCCITANE is world-renowned. Our two companies have already been working well together for Mystic Invest’s hotel brands and river vessels, and this is a positive, organic next step.”

“We are delighted to go further in our partnership with Mystic Invest and bring Spa L’OCCITANE unique experience to sea with Atlas Ocean Voyages,” said Frederic Darque, L’OCCITANE Global B2B & Spa General Manager. “Travelers at sea can enjoy the same high-quality treatments as they do on land, a fully integrated wellbeing journey to the sunny soils of the South of France.”

SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE treatments combine exclusive sequences, all hand-performed, with authentic ingredients from Provence, certified in origin and proven effectiveness. Guests can choose among L'OCCITANE exhaustive spa treatments menu, which features the Destination Deluxe 2020 award-winning treatment "Sleep & Reset Massage,” an innovative 90-minute massage with proven* effectiveness on sleep quality. (*Tests and results accredited by European Sleep Center in Paris.)

Located on the main deck, Deck 4, the new 947 sq. ft. (88 m2) SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE welcomes guests in a soothing reception room, featuring the Relaxing Pillow Mist, L'OCCITANE’s signature scent. Therapists invite guests into one of two treatment rooms for their SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE experience. Afterwards, guests can bask in their post-treatment glow and detox in SeaSpa’s infrared sauna or relax on plush loungers in the spa’s serenity lounge and enjoy soothing vistas of the passing oceanscape through expansive windows.

Additionally, all staterooms and suites will also include complimentary L’OCCITANE shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash, and handwash for guests to enjoy in their en-suite spa bathrooms.

ABOUT ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for seasoned and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in once-in-a-lifetime and awe-inspiring experiences in less-trodden, bucket-list destinations. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience for up to 196 guests and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides guests one of the industry’s most-inclusive luxury product and includes emergency medical evacuation insurance for all guests, as well as complimentary round-trip air travel, polar parkas, prepaid gratuities, premium wine and spirits and international craft beers, coffees and smoothies, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, shore excursions at every port, and locally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

For her inaugural season, World Navigator will embark on seven- to 24-night itineraries in The Holy Land, Black and Mediterranean Seas in summer 2021, followed by nine- to 13-night itineraries in the Caribbean, South America and Antarctic for winter 2021/22. World Navigator’s 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. Travel Advisors can call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure journey.

ABOUT L'OCCITANE GROUP
The L'OCCITANE Group is an international group that manufactures and retails beauty and well-being products that are rich in natural and organic ingredients. As a global leader in the premium beauty market, the Group has more than 3,000 retail outlets, including over 1,600 owned stores, and is present in 90 countries. Through its six brands – L'OCCITANE en Provence, Melvita, Erborian, L'OCCITANE au Brésil, LimeLife and ELEMIS – the Group offers new and extraordinary beauty experiences, using high-quality products that respect nature, the environment and the people in it.

ABOUT SPA L'OCCITANE
With over 100 spas in 30 countries, Spa L'OCCITANE is a natural extension of the L'OCCITANE Brand. Spa L'OCCITANE combines authentic ingredients from Provence, with certified origin and proven effectiveness, with the best of traditional massage therapies from all around the world. Fused in exclusive sequences, all hand-performed, all of our rituals offer an unforgettable well-being escape to the sunny soils of the South of France. Treat yourself to a one-way sensorial trip to Provence with our Spa L'OCCITANE, and experience the brand through a holistic journey inspired by the Mediterranean art-de-vivre.

Carnival Cruise Line’s New Mardi Gras Docks in Rotterdam for First LNG Refueling

Dec. 22, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras made its first port call this morning in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where the ship will refuel its innovative Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system for the first time after delivery.

Mardi Gras, set to begin sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., next year, will be the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by LNG.

In its liquefied state, LNG is odorless, colorless, more environmentally friendly and less expensive than other fuels.  LNG is considered the marine industry’s most advanced fuel technology.  LNG does require, larger, custom-built tanks than conventional fuel as well as specialized refueling stations, such as the one in Rotterdam.

One of the most technically advanced ships at sea, Mardi Gras is equipped with four medium speed LNG engines that will be run in port and at sea.  The ship can operate for two weeks between refuelings.

Mardi Gras, which was delivered to Carnival last week at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, is scheduled to depart Rotterdam tomorrow and then sail to Barcelona, Spain, before making its eventual arrival in the U.S.  The ship’s inaugural voyage from Port Canaveral is scheduled for April 24, 2021.

SILVERSEA CRUISES EXTENDS SEASON’S GREETINGS WITH S.A.L.T.-INSPIRED FESTIVE FEAST

(Monaco – December 21, 2020) Season’s greetings from Silversea Cruises look slightly different in 2020, but are sure to taste delicious. Extending well-wishes to its extended family, Silversea has unveiled a S.A.L.T.-inspired festive feast to showcase three of Europe’s most appetizing culinary traditions. Channeling the immersive spirit of S.A.L.T., the cruise line’s new culinary program which will launch aboard new ship Silver Moon, the three recipes from celebrated chefs represent typical fare from Malaga, the Faroe Islands, and Sicily—three destinations that will feature among 72 on Silversea’s first-ever European Grand Voyage in 2022.

“Since we’ve all got a case of wanderlust this holiday season it seemed fitting to share some transporting recipes and seasonal traditions from a few of the stops on the European Grand Voyage 2022,” says Adam Sachs, Director of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program. “On Silversea’s first Grand Voyage in the region, we’ll experience Europe’s richest culinary traditions, as S.A.L.T. unlocks each destination’s most compelling stories around food and drink. We hope these three sample recipes will whet the appetite for future culinary adventures to come, while inspiring and enriching your holiday table.”  

MALAGA, SPAIN: Malaga-style Sardines by Alexandra Raij

On May 3, 2022, Silver Moon will call in Malaga, Spain, during the European Grand Voyage, taking guests deep into the heart of Spanish culture, including its rich culinary customs. Chef Alexandra Raij, a specialist in the country’s fare and owner of three Spanish-inspired restaurants in New York, recommends Malaga-style sardines as one of the region’s staple dishes.

“You can’t go to Malaga and not indulge in the tradition of grilled sardines beach-side. This dish is especially beautiful in the violet hour with beer or a dry Moscatel wine from the region, or by day with Manzanilla sherry. […] Start with grilled sardines and follow with New Year’s Eve campanadas, crunching a sweet grape with every bell chime until the clock strikes midnight. The sardines are easy to make at home since you don’t need to do much cleaning—you just need to be comfortable pinching your fish on the bone and sopping up the juices with grilled bread.”

Read the full recipe

FAROE ISLANDS: Traditional roast duck with prunes and port by Teitur Christensen

As Silver Moon sails north for the latter half of the European Grand Voyage 2022, guests will discover the remote Faroe Islands in Northern Europe. Teitur Christensen—chef at Fútastova and Áarstova, two classic restaurants in the old part of Tórshavn—shares a recipe for the Faroe Islands’ traditional dish of roast duck, which ranks alongside goose as the archipelago’s festive favorite.

“The most common festive dish in the Faroe Islands today is roast duck or goose, inspired by the Danes. In the old days, the traditional Faroese Christmas dinner was fermented cod or fermented lamb. Fermented cod is no longer traditionally eaten for Christmas, but in some Faroese homes, fermented lamb is still a popular Christmas dish. The subarctic coastal climate in the Faroe Islands, combined with the salty brisk air, creates the perfect conditions for air-drying and fermenting meat. Around Christmas time the meat is usually perfectly fermented and ready to eat. Since it would be difficult for people with no connection to the Faroe Islands to prepare a dish with fermented lamb, I would like to share this duck recipe with you which is also quite traditional for the holidays. Enjoy!”

Read the full recipe

SICILY, ITALY: Buccellati (Fig and nut-filled holiday cookies) by Fabrizia Lanza

Guests travelling aboard the European Grand Voyage 2022 will develop an appreciation for Sicily’s distinctive tastes—particularly the island’s famously sweet pastries and cakes—during calls in Giardini Naxos and Palermo, on April 18 and 19, respectively. Sicilian chef Fabrizia Lanza—who runs the Anna Tasca Lanza cooking school and culinary center on her family’s famed estate, Casa Vecchie—recently featured on Silversea’s S.A.L.T. Lab Radio and shares a recipe for traditionalBuccellati. The fig and nut-filled cookies are usually prepared throughout Sicily in an array of variations during the holiday season.

“Buccellati is a regional dish we make all over Sicily with great pride. I feel it is very Middle Eastern in influence. In North Africa they do a similar version with dates; in Malta with figs; and there are other variations in Lebanon and Armenia. The idea of using preserved fruits is per se a treat, as you are capturing the very essence of sweetness for the cold months.”

Read the full recipe

S.A.L.T. and the European Grand Voyage 2022

Connecting the Mediterranean Grand Voyage and the Northern Europe Grand Voyage for those in search of a longer, more immersive discovery of the Old Continent, Silversea’s first-ever European Grand Voyage will depart from Piraeus (Athens) on March 30, 2022. Travelling aboard Silver Moon, Silversea’s guests will explore 72 destinations in 22 countries over 90 days, enjoying seven exclusive events and eight overnights in iconic cities—including Istanbul, Sorrento, Bordeaux and Saint Petersburg, among others—before arriving in Stockholm on June 28. Dedicated S.A.L.T. experiences, both on-board and ashore, will enable guests to travel deeper through a range of culinary insights, including a trip to the Benanti Winery from the port of Giardini Naxos, where guests will explore the vineyards before dining on a traditional Sicilian lunch and sampling the winery’s finest vintages.

View and download all three recipes:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xwpyumvs3ickumi/AADOb2Xtdh3w1pjfPTJA_Jx7a?dl=0

 Find out more information on Silversea’s European Grand Voyage 2022:

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages-cruise/grand-voyage-2022-europe.html

 Read more S.A.L.T.-related content on Silversea’s blog, Discover:

https://discover.silversea.com/category/to-the-curious/salt-kitchen/

 Listen to related podcasts on Silversea’s S.A.L.T. Lab Radio:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

 Please refer to https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html for the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel.

 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, Silver Muse and Silver Moon – 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 three new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Dawn and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox. 

For more information on Silversea Cruises, please call toll-free (888) 978-4070,

or contact a travel agent.

VODOHOD for 2020 Adds Brand-new 5-star vessel and new destinations

Mustai Karim1

Moscow, December 16, 2020 – LLC VODOHOD, the largest Russian operator of river cruises, despite the unprecedented challenges the whole world faced with, had a jump on the season 2020 with a brand-new vessel and new destinations.

This year, Vodohod’s fleet operated on the domestic Russian market and its 14 of 26 ships took part in the navigation 2020 as the rest of the fleet was laid up because of the embargo on international clients. Since its first voyage in late June 2020, Vodohod had the great pleasure of providing more than 35’000 guests from Russia the singular opportunity to travel. That’s 438 departures to-date that Vodohod operated from June to November of 2020.

What’s new

Vodohod launched the Mustai Karim, the first luxurious 5-star vessel built in Russia in several years, and fully refurbished the Maxim Gorky, a ship for Siberia expedition cruising down the Yenisei River.

In August 2020, Vodohod continued its year by launching a new-brand river-sea vessel – the Mustai Karim. Featuring modern European design, the ship interior resembles a five-star hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows, SPA area, beautiful and intimate restaurants and bars featuring specially created menus designed by a multi-award-winning chef. The 5-star ship successfully carried out several cruises between the most popular routes from Moscow to St. Petersburg visiting the Kizhi Ensemble of wooden architecture, the UNESCO World cultural and natural heritage site.

In September 2020, the Mustai Karim pioneered a completely new innovative itinerary with cruises on the Azov Sea and the Black Sea to Rostov-on-Don and received many rave reviews from its Russian clients.

In July 2020, Vodohod initiated the first expedition river cruise through the heart of Siberia from Krasnoyarsk. Expedition cruises on the Yenisei River is a completely new product on the Russian market and Vodohod’s mission is to show the undiscovered rivers and places of wild Russia to the world.

Expedition cruises are carried out onboard the Maxim Gorky, a small newly refurbished and custom designed 5-star vessel named after a famous Russian writer. The ship can accommodate just 94 guests, which guarantees the personal attention and satisfies even the most sophisticated tastes. Guests onboard the Maxim Gorky will enjoy spacious cabins with a modern natural design, SPA area, entertainment complex and a high-level service. The ship sails from Krasnoyarsk to Dudinka and vice versa visiting ethno cultural complexes, local tribes and old believers’ villages, wild nature of Siberia including the Putorana Plateau, the area of which is five times bigger than Belgium and has the UNESCO World Heritage status.

Continuing a series of successful innovations, Vodohod commenced cruises to the Solovetsky Islands, the cultural and historic ensemble, which has a unique church complex including the Solovetsky Monastery – the crown jewel of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

To reach a unique archipelago located in the western part of the White Sea, Vodohod renovated the four-deck ship, the Alexander Pushkin, taking into account all-important technical features. The ship is equipped with everything necessary for clients’ comfortable stay. In season 2020, cruises to the Solovetsky Islands became a highlight among clients what even made the Alexander Pushkin almost fully booked for 2021.

Covid-free or how onboard service operates

The outbreak of the coronavirus infection is a serious trial for the entire tourism industry and it has brought us a new challenge. This year, Vodohod had to react promptly in order to achieve evidence-based adaptable and sustainable solutions. The resulting Health and Safety Plan has been created taking into account the regulations of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing and the most valued international requirements and recommendations. Based on current regulations, the following measures were implemented:

pre-boarding health questionnaires were required,

guests and crew were both subject to daily temperature checks,

crew had received in-depth updated training,

express Covid-19 testing on a regular basis,

a hands disinfection with non-contact sanitizers,

daily disinfection of cabins and common areas,

the disinfection of the ship’s ventilation system using virucidal disinfectants,

social distancing and some others.

The health and safety of passengers, crew, and the communities where ships visit are an operational imperative and the top priority for Vodohod. Vodohod will continue to update its plans as global responses to the pandemic evolve, incorporating all the latest knowledge, guidelines, and protocols.

What’s coming

Vodohod remains focused on the future and has its fleet and crew ready to resume sailing on the Russian waterways in spring 2021, as long as international travel restrictions are lifted and guests can travel safely.

Vodohod created its first mobile app, which next year will be available in English. Here clients can find such functions and features as information about their cruise ship, available services, information about onboard purchases, audio guide, media player, chat with a hotel manager and news.

One more Vodohod’s innovation is a new booking engine, which helps both clients and travel agencies. Clients will be able to book additional services easily while purchasing a cruise online. The new booking system will also effectively simplify the work with travel agencies worldwide.

Furthermore, citizens of 52 countries will be able to visit Russia with an electronic visa starting January 1, 2021. The e-visa system is a timesaving process, which will definitely help to experience a stress-free travel and avoid a paperwork. Applications for electronic visas can be submitted on a special website of the Foreign Ministry or via a mobile application.

The warm and professional service, care and attention experienced during a river cruise with Vodohod remain as important as ever, and the new health and safety protocols just an additional peace of mind for Vodohod’s guests while on board. Vodohod is confident that the upcoming season will create incredible experiences and cherished memories that are well worth the wait taking into account all the new safety rules and preventive measures.

About Vodohod

Vodohod LLC is the largest river cruise company in Russia and a full cycle tour operator, uniting under its control all the links in the service chain: the development of travel routes, transportation, catering, excursions, entertainment, and staff training. For 16 years of its existence, Vodohod has brought to the market about 90 destinations both in the European part of Russia and in Siberia. A team of over 2000 people takes care of the guests, helping to discover the many wonders of Russia. Across Vodohod’s fleet of 26 ships (12 ships are dedicated to international guests), ranging from 3 to 5 stars Vodohod prides itself on offering an authentic Russian experience both onboard and on shore.

Follow Vodohod on Social Media:

Facebook: facebook.com/VODOHOD

Instagram: instagram.com/vodohod_intl/

Website: vodohod-cruises.com

Tel.: +44 2034 572896

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE TAKES DELIVERY OF MARDI GRAS

MIAMI, Dec. 18, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line today took delivery of its highly anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras, in a live virtual signing ceremony at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland.

When Mardi Gras begins guest operations in April 2021, the 180,000-gross-ton vessel will be the most innovative ship in North America as it will be the first ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), boast a suite of new technology, and BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea.  

The ship’s venues, dining and entertainment will be dispersed throughout six distinctive zones, and include a new restaurant by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, the line’s first-ever Big Chicken by Shaquille O’Neal, two dining venues led by Food Network star Guy Fieri, and a new restaurant concept by master chef Rudi Sodamin.  The centerpiece of the ship is a breathtaking three-deck-high atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows and movable LED screens that open up to a stunning ocean view. 

Mardi Gras will accommodate more than 5,200 guests and a crew of 2,000.  Guests will have the choice of more than 2,600 staterooms and 180 suites across 11 categories. 

Alchemy Bar

“We have been working tirelessly this year to get to this exciting day to take delivery of this beautiful ship, and the team at Meyer Turku has been an outstanding partner throughout this process,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “I cannot wait for our guests and crew to see and experience Mardi Gras.  Notwithstanding the delays related to the pandemic, there is tremendous enthusiasm and pent-up demand for this ship.  Next we will work on the development of her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which arrives in 2022 and has sold very well since inventory opened in October.”

“We are delivering a beautiful and highly advanced ship with world-class technology such as LNG propulsion, to name just one. With these sophisticated systems, she will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships to sail the North American waters. I am very proud of our team of shipbuilders and would like to thank everyone involved of their dedication during the building process”, CEO of Meyer Turku, Tim Meyer, states.

Duffy said Mardi Gras will depart from Turku later this month to begin her voyage to North America.  The ship will operate seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Fla., and Carnival has worked closely Port Canaveral to build a new cruise terminal to accommodate the Excel-class ship and also facilitate the new LNG fueling process.  The inaugural voyage for Mardi Gras is scheduled for April 24, 2021.