ROYAL CARIBBEAN LAUNCHES NEW ADVENTURES FROM BARBADOS

Grandeur of the Seas Debuts Three Distinct Itineraries to the Sought-after Islands of the Southern Caribbean, beginning December 2021

MIAMI, Jan. 13, 2021 –  Royal Caribbean International will for the first time call Barbados “home” next winter, offering travelers fresh ways to experience the southern Caribbean on Grandeur of the Seas. Three distinct 7- and 14-night itineraries will each feature a unique lineup of bucket-list destinations – including three new ports of call in the islands of Tobago, Trinidad and St. Vincent. Showcasing the natural beauty and cultures of the region, weeklong sailings will island hop to a different destination every day or offer late-night stays in the famed ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Grandeur’s longer escapes will tout an overnight stay in Aruba coupled with visits to Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, among others.

“We are excited to grow our longstanding partnership with Barbados and introduce Bridgetown as Royal Caribbean’s newest home port. Sailing from the heart of the Windward Islands unlocks new memorable vacations to share with family and friends in breathtaking places, such as Grenada, St. Lucia, and now St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The pink-sand beaches and unexpected adventures across Barbados also make it an ideal destination for our guests to experience even more of the Caribbean charm and culture before or after their cruise.”    

“After the year the industry and region have had, this is a shining light to look forward to this coming winter season. We have wanted to see for some time more homeporting operations from Barbados, the incorporation of pre- and post-stay vacations which expose cruisers to the best Barbados has to offer and at a regional level, the development of new itineraries that elevates the cruise experience throughout the Caribbean,” said Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados. “So, we are extremely pleased to extend the welcome mat for Grandeur of the Seas to Barbados. We are looking forward to displaying our Bajan hospitality, wide range of accommodations, rich culture, diversity of experiences, world class cuisine, unique attractions, and especially want to share the warmth of the Barbadian people. These are the things that keep visitors coming back for more!”

Barbados is known for its rich history and celebrated for its kind and hospitable people – a defining Bajan trait passed on for almost 400 years and still strong today. Adventure-seekers looking to discover the Bajan island vibe will have diverse experiences to choose from across the country’s 11 parishes – a mix of coastal, rural and urban neighborhoods, some sophisticated and luxurious, others immersive and based in nature. Spanning 166 square miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the island affectionately known as “Little England” is chock-full of natural and cultural heritage to satisfy wanderlust of all types.

Royal Caribbean’s new 2021-22 winter cruises from Bridgetown, Barbados open for sale today. The itineraries depart on Sundays and ports of call for each are:

• 7-night Southern Caribbean Island Hop: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting Scarborough, Tobago (new); Port of Spain, Trinidad (new); St. George’s, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent (new); Roseau, Dominica; and Castries, St. Lucia

• 7-night Southern Caribbean Adventure: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting St. George’s, Grenada; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Port of Spain, Trinidad (new)

• 14-night Ultimate Caribbean: Departing Bridgetown, Barbados (new) and visiting St. George’s, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent (new); Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba (overnight); Willemstad, Curacao; Port of Spain, Trinidad (new); Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Royal Caribbean’s inaugural season sailing from Barbados adds even more variety to the cruise line’s current 2021-22 winter season. New departure ports and destinations will bring a breadth of fresh experiences for travelers to make the most of their highly anticipated vacations.

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.  

NEW SHIP SILVER DAWN FLOATS OUT IN ANCONA

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR THE 10TH SHIP IN SILVERSEA’S FLEET

(Monaco/Trieste -- January 14, 2021) Silversea Cruises’ new ship Silver Dawn touched water for the first time today during her float-out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. The fitting out phase will now begin — during which Fincantieri’s skilled craftspeople will bring the ship’s elegant interiors to life. Silver Dawn will become the 10th ship in the leading ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet. With the delivery of both Silver Origin and Silver Moon in 2020, and with the delivery of Silver Dawn scheduled for November 2021, Silversea Cruises—and the global cruise industry in general—continues to demonstrate great resilience.

“We proudly celebrate this major milestone in the build of our beautiful new Silver Dawn,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “Our long-term collaboration with Fincantieri continues to push boundaries in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, while the ongoing support and expertise of the Royal Caribbean Group has been invaluable to the ship’s build. While Silver Dawn takes influence from our beloved ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, our guests will benefit from many pioneering enhancements aboard the tenth ship in our fleet. We look forward to revealing these in the coming months.”

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri, stated: “Based on the very successful design of Silver Muse, Silver Dawn is the fourth ship we will have built for Silversea. For a shipbuilder there can be no better acknowledgement than the one of a demanding and prestigious owner who welcomes innovation with enthusiasm. We are therefore extremely proud to celebrate the launch of this ship. She consolidates the technological and management leadership of our Group which takes on even greater value in the very challenging situation we are experiencing.”

The third ship in the Muse-class series, and part of a long-term plan to grow and enhance the cruise line’s already luxurious fleet, Silver Dawn will be a sistership to Silversea’s Silver Muse, built in the Fincantieri shipyard of Sestri Ponente (Genoa) in April 2017, and Silver Moon, which was delivered in Ancona in October 2020. 

Accommodating just 596 guests in 298 ocean-view suites – 96% of which will have a private veranda – and with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.45, Silver Dawn will maintain the small-ship intimacy and spacious accommodation which are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. She will offer guests many exciting enhancements when compared to Silver Muse and Silver Moon, which will be unveiled in due course. Providing superlative comfort and an enhanced onboard experience, she will unlock authentic travel experiences for Silversea’s discerning guests in the world’s most spectacular destinations.

View Silver Dawn’s scheduled voyages: 

https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-dawn.html

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.

About Fincantieri

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and number one for diversification and innovation. It is leader in cruise ship design and construction and a reference player in all high-tech shipbuilding industry sectors, from naval to offshore vessels, from high-complexity special vessels and ferries to mega yachts, as well as in ship repairs and conversions, production of systems and mechanical and electrical component equipment, cruise ship interiors solutions, electronic systems and software, infrastructures and maritime constructions as well as after-sales services. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 vessels built, Fincantieri has always kept its management offices, as well as all its distinctive engineering and production skills, in Italy. With over 9,500 employees and a supplier network that employs nearly 50,000 people in Italy alone, Fincantieri has enhanced a fragmented production capacity over several shipyards into a strength, acquiring the widest portfolio of clients and products in the cruise business. To hold its own in relation to competition and assert itself at global level, Fincantieri has broadened its product portfolio becoming world leader in the sectors in which it operates. The Group now has 18 shipyards operating in four continents, nearly 20,000 employees, and is the leading Western shipbuilder; its clients include the world’s biggest cruise operators and the Italian and the US Navy as well as numerous foreign navies. Fincantieri is also a partner of some of the main European defense companies within supranational programs. Fincantieri’s business is widely diversified by end markets, geographical exposure and by client base, with revenue generated from cruise ship, naval vessel, Offshore and Specialized Vessel construction and from the supply of solutions for electronic systems and software and for maritime infrastructure and works. Compared with less diversified players, such diversification allows it to mitigate the effects of any fluctuations in demand on the end markets served. www.fincantieri.com

OCEANIA CRUISES RELEASES EPIC 180-DAY 2023 WORLD VOYAGE

Around The World in 180 Days Is the Most Extensive, In-Depth World Cruise to Date 

Miami, FL – January 14, 2021 - Today Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled its 2023 Around The World in 180 Days voyage which opens for public sale on January 27th.

Departing San Francisco on January 15, 2023, world travelers sailing on this voyage aboard the 684-guest Insignia will experience 96 fascinating destinations in 33 countries across four continents. Guests will have myriad in-depth and immersive experiences with multi-day stays in 20 ports of call from South America to Africa to Asia and Alaska as well as the unprecedented opportunity to witness the splendor of Antarctica first-hand with three full days cruising in Admiralty Bay, Paradise Bay, and Half Moon Island.  

“We now know how irreplaceable these experiences are and cherish the privilege of travel more than ever,” stated Bob Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceania Cruises. “Travel connects us through shared experiences, creates lifelong bonds, and enriches us in ways we never would have imagined. That was the mindset that guided us in crafting this epic around the world voyage for our guests.” 

The itinerary provides access to more than 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites and guests sailing the full world voyage will have the opportunity to take part in five included shoreside events.

• An Argentinian Cultural Exposition in Buenos Aires including an equestrian show and tango lessons, fine food and wine, capped off by a grand display of music and dance.

• An afternoon at the renowned Boschendal Winery in Cape Town with an elaborate farmer’s market featuring exquisite cuisine, Boschendal’s acclaimed wines and live music.

• An evening at Al Maha Desert Dune in the Arabian Desert outside of Dubai where guests take part in the ultimate Bedouin experience featuring tribal music and dance, a private falcon show and an amazing dinner under the stars catered by the famed Al Maha Luxury Resort and Spa.

• A Burmese Monk Donation Ceremony in Yangon, Myanmar. Duringhis once-in-a-lifetime experience guests have the privilege to witness one of the most sacred rituals of Buddhism – the Donation Ceremony, where we will make a special contribution in support of more than 200 robed monks present along with more than 100 villagers. After the ceremony, guests will enjoy an elaborate spread of canapes and refreshments accompanied by traditional music and dance.

• A candlelit evening at Vung Duc Cave in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay outside of Hanoi. The evening starts off with a captivating welcome Dragon Dance followed by an ethereal candlelit dinner show featuring local entertainers and music. Guests will be treated to an elaborate feast of local delicacies accompanied by specially selected wine pairings.

Voyage Highlights

• Continents visited: 4

• Countries visited: 33

• Time zones crossed: 24

• Islands visited: 27

• Ports visited: 96

• UNESCO World Heritage sites accessible: 61

• Overnight stays (including two-night stays): 20

• Oceans cruised: 3

• Seas cruised: 14

• Number of times equator crossed: 4

• Largest population: Tokyo, Japan

• Smallest population: Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

All guests on the Around the World in 180 Days voyage will receive their choice of 64 FREE shore excursions, or a FREE beverage package, or a FREE $6,400 shipboard credit. 

In addition to the extraordinary value of the inclusions listed above, all guests will receive Oceania Cruises’ Exclusive Prestige Package which includes:

• Free first-class roundtrip airfare from more than two dozen select North American air gateway

• Free pre-paid gratuities – a value up to $8,200

• Free onboard medical care

• Free unlimited internet

• Free laundry services

• Free exclusive shoreside events

• Free visa package

• Free luggage delivery for guests from the U.S. and Canada

• Free 1-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in the port of embarkation

• Free roundtrip transfers for all guests and for residents within 50 miles from the cruise departure port

Savor the Experience and Sail Longer

For guests who wish to extend their travels, Oceania Cruises offers travelers the ability to extend their Around The World experience up to a total of 218 days. 

January 15, 2023 – 180 Days – San Francisco to San Francisco

January 15, 2023 – 200 Days – San Francisco to New York

December 28, 2022 – 198 Days – Miami to San Francisco

December 28, 2022 – 214 Days – Miami to Miami

December 28, 2022 – 218 Days – Miami to New York

For additional details on Oceania Cruises’ 2023 Around The World Voyage, please contact your preferred Travel Advisor, view the itinerary online, or browse the comprehensive 56-page brochure.

FIRST STEEL CUT FOR NEW CARNIVAL CELEBRATION

Next Excel-Class Ship Set to Debut from PortMiami in 2022

MIAMI, January 13, 2020 – The maritime tradition to mark the first steel cut for a new ship took place for Carnival Celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, as Carnival Cruise Line prepares for its next Excel-class ship that will debut next year. 

A sister ship to the highly anticipated Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is scheduled to begin sailing from PortMiami in November 2022, part of Carnival Cruise Line’s year-long 50th birthday festivities.

Following the ceremony – which was attended by Carnival’s Senior Vice President of New Builds Ben Clement and Meyer Turku’s CEO Tim Meyer – work officially began on Carnival Celebration’s innovative offerings, many of which have made Mardi Gras one of the most anticipated ships in cruising.  Like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration will also include BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, along with unique design features created specifically for this vessel, and new signature venues that will be specific to this ship.   

“The steel-cutting ceremony marks the beginning of yet another exciting chapter for Carnival Cruise Line.  Not only will Carnival Celebration feature signature amenities from Mardi Gras but usher in a new era for Carnival Cruise Line with some special innovations created just for her that we’re sure our guests will enjoy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “We’re equally excited about Carnival Celebration’s role in our 50th birthday festivities which will serve as an unforgettable way for our fans to mark this exciting milestone in our company’s history.”

Carnival Celebration is scheduled to debut in November 2022 and will offer year-round service from PortMiami’s new Terminal F being constructed specifically for Carnival Cruise Line.  The addition of Carnival Celebration to Miami will maintain PortMiami's position as the top embarkation port for Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival’s 50th Birthday festivities begin in March 2022 – the company’s birthday month – with a series of commemorative sailings that will feature special entertainment and itineraries and continuing all year long, culminating with Carnival Celebration’s arrival in November.  Additional information on the March 2022 sailings is available at www.carnival.com/sailabration.

For additional information and reservations on Carnival Celebration or any of the line’s ships, contact any travel advisor, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

MSC CRUISES EXTENDS TEMPORARY PAUSE OF US-SAILINGS THROUGH TO AND INCLUDING MARCH 31, 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 11, 2021) - MSC Cruises announced today a further extension of the temporary pause of its US-based sailings through to and including March 31, 2021. 

The decision will affect the schedules of four ships based in Florida: MSC Seaside and MSC Divina scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral, and MSC Meraviglia andMSC Armonia scheduled to sail from PortMiami.

Guests paid in full and booked through MSC Cruises USA or affiliated US-based travel advisors on the impacted sailings will be offered a 125 percent future cruise credit (FCC) of the original cruise fare where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice — on any ship, and any itinerary — through April 30, 2022, or can request a refund. 

The 125% FCC provides guests with opportunities to upgrade their stateroom category and add pre-purchases such as specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, or spa treatments to their booking.

For additional details, guests should contact their travel advisor or MSC Cruises directly.

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES ANNOUNCES ATLAS ASHORE, COMPLIMENTARY SHORE EXCURSION AT EVERY PORT FOR ALL GUESTS ON ALL SAILINGS

HELLO 2021! Promotion Offers up to $3,000 Value in Complimentary Upgrade and $600 Land Credit for all 2021 Sailings; plus 50% Reduced Deposits

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Jan. 11, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the all-inclusive, luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers is including more. All guests on all sailings will enjoy a choice of complimentary shore excursions at every port, known as Atlas Ashore, and is part of the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ALL Inclusive ALL The Way commitment. Launching in July 2021, Atlas’ first newly constructed, small, expedition ship, World Navigator, will bring guests on once-in-a-lifetime, luxury adventures, which includes 285 complimentary Atlas Ashore options in 107 port calls in the Holy Land, the Black, Mediterranean, and Caribbean Seas, and South America. Additionally, travelers who make a new booking between now and Mar. 31, 2021, will enjoy 50 percent-reduced deposits and receive a complimentary one stateroom-category upgrade and an additional $600 per stateroom, based on double-occupancy, to apply toward pre-cruise purchases of additional shore excursions. For more information about Atlas Ashore, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/offers.

“Atlas Ocean Voyages is already one of the industry’s most-inclusive luxury brands and we now deliver even greater value to all of our guests with the new Atlas Ashore program,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Atlas’ unique itineraries to less-traveled and bucket-list destinations provide travelers the highly anticipated return-to-cruise that they are planning right now. And Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Atlas Ashore augments our already distinctive All Inclusive All The Way experiences, as we continue to add more complimentary Atlas Ashore options.”

“Atlas Ashore was initially conceived as a limited-time offer, but the strong response from travelers and our valued travel advisor partners convinced us that it should be a fundamental part of our product definition,” said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships. “Our All Inclusive All The Way commitment includes most everything and helps make doing business with Atlas easy for travel advisors. And travel advisors who recommend Atlas Ocean Voyages will deliver greater value and peace of mind for their clients with Atlas’ Plan With Confidence flexible travel policy.”

Atlas’ Plan With Confidence flexible travel policy provides travelers a 100 percent refund of deposited funds up to 91 days prior to sailing. Plus, they can change their reservation as many times as they want, up to 15 days before their voyages’ sail date. They can even change their destination and sail with Atlas in another part of the world or choose to cancel at least 15 days or more prior to the departure date and be assured of a 100 percent future cruise credit.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides guests a complete, seamless and worry-free experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in exciting and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited, 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.

World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and her construction is on schedule for delivery in July 2021. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something new’in the brand’s new marketing campaign “At Last… Atlas”(www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Also, please follow Atlas Ocean Voyage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (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 expedition.

Swan Hellenic opens North America office for close customer support across the US, Canada and Mexico

Cultural expedition cruise leader now nearing global direct customer service

Cyprus, Monday 11 January 2021, Swan Hellenic announced the opening of its North America office based in Fort Lauderdale to offer the close personal service to which it is committed across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including through a dedicated call centre.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Swan Hellenic’s new North America office takes the cultural expedition cruise leader impressively close to offering global direct customer support less than year after it relaunched.

The dynamic North America team of highly-respected cruise industry veterans is headed by GM Tom Russell, previously President of Cruise & Travel Executives, COO of Global Voyages Group and COO & Managing Director North America of Silversea. Joining with him are Mitchell Schlesinger as Sales Director North America (previous extensive experience leading the sales activities of Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Line and Voyages to Antiquity), Andrea Corman as Customer Relations Director (extensive guest-service experience with Voyages to Antiquity, Uniworld River Cruises and Oceania Cruises) and Nick Giersdorf as Marketing & Digital Director (ex-Chief Marketing Technology Officer at Global Voyages Group).

With such a high-calibre team dedicated to its North America customers, it’s clear that Swan Hellenic is totally confident and committed to bringing its unique cultural expedition cruises and renowned personal service to adventurous-minded and creative explorers around the world.

So, seventy years on from its pioneering English origins, Swan Hellenic is now back stronger than ever, ready to take sophisticated cruise-lovers to “see what others don’t”, discovering incredible destinations up-close, exploring fascinating cultures, and connecting with nature and locals in the company of like-minded individuals from around the world.

Three state-of-the-art expedition ships are being built at Helsinki Shipyard, Finland, the first two providing 152 guests with an elegant, intimate and personal five-star onboard experience delivered warmly by 120 highly-trained and knowledgeable staff, including expert expedition guides, lecturers and creatives. The first ship, SH Minerva, will set sail for Antarctica in November 2021, while the second will embark on its maiden voyage in April 2022.

Alfredo Spadon, Swan Hellenic’s Senior Vice President Global Sales and Marketing, commented: “Historically, North America was always one of Swan Hellenic’s most enthusiastic markets, so we’re delighted to welcome such an accomplished team to once again support it with the high standards of service our heritage demands.”

Tom Russell, GM Swan Hellenic North America, observed: “It’s a privilege for me and my amazing new team to bring the iconic Swan Hellenic to North America. We can’t wait to introduce sophisticated cruise-goers across the States, Canada and Mexico to the unique exploration, cultural and creative possibilities of cultural expedition cruising.”

About Swan Hellenic [https://swanhellenic.com]

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in September 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company had pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger P6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Swan Hellenic supports its customers with close personal service worldwide.

CV-Resume Profiles

Tom Russell, Swan Hellenic USA - Nord America General Manager

Russell is a recognized expert in new product development, product planning and itinerary development, marketing plan development, consumer marketing, strategic and tactical marketing promotions, successful retail trade distribution strategies and revenue management.

With more than 25 years of senior executive level travel management experience, he is one of the few North America travel executives with direct, hands-on management experience and success in every aspect and segment of the cruise industry.

From deep-water travels to adventure/expedition and river cruising (domestic and international), Russell has had a direct hand in the creation, re-creation and executive management of many successful cruise brands including Silversea Cruises, Silversea Expeditions, Windstar Cruises, Society Expeditions, Cruise West, Sitmar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

Russell attended California State University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing and an MBA focused on Operations and Finance.

Mitchell J. Schlesinger, Swan Hellenic Usa – Sales Nord America Director

Schlesinger has an extremely diverse career in the travel industry and is best known for his innovative and creative approaches in prominent roles as a senior sales & marketing executive at prominent cruise brands; Norwegian Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Orient Lines, Voyages to Antiquity.

As one of a few select cruise executives with in-depth experience in both the small and medium ship worldwide immersive destination as well as mega-ship contemporary segments, brings unique perspectives to his analysis of industry trends and developments.

Schlesinger has co-authored the book; “Marketing and Sales Prescriptions for Today’s Economy and Beyond, an RX for Travel Agents to More Effectively Use Their Dollars & Sense”. He also provides ongoing sales and marketing education to the travel agency community through his articles focused on “Clients for Life”. 

Andrea Corman, Swan Hellenic Usa – Customer Relations Director

Having worked in all sectors of the cruise & travel industry, with a special focus on providing best-in-class service excellence, she will leverage her extensive background to support and grow Swan Hellenic's presence in North America.

Corman will manage the newly established contact centre for consumers and travel agencies, working closely with the global Marketing, Sales and Operations team to ensure top-notch service throughout the customers' journey ashore, during, and after a voyage.

Before joining Swan Hellenic, Corman was the North America Sales Manager with Rescompany Services Ltd, a travel technology company, and Guest Services Director with Voyages to Antiquity of Oxford, UK, with operational offices in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Corman, who has visited all seven continents, has held senior Product Development and Customer relationship roles with both large, and entrepreneurial travel and cruise organizations. Such as Oceania Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises, Vantage Deluxe World Travel, Orient Lines, Silversea, and Frontier Expedition Cruises.

Nick Giersdorf, Swan Hellenic Usa – Marketing and Digital Director

Giersdorf has been a Digital Strategist for over 12 years, with progressive experience in direction, design and production of digital marketing. He has developed various strategic marketing programs that drive brand and product awareness, boosting profitability and optimizing conversion rates.

A strong thought leader; Giersdorf is able to identify digital marketing trends, new technologies, evolving best practices, competitor activity, and testing opportunities that help drive untapped revenue.

Having the distinction of working with top travel Industry clients (Hurtigruten, Uniworld, Scenic Cruises, Ponant, Trafalgar, Windstar, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn, Insight Vacations, Contiki, Starwood Hotels, Vantage Deluxe Travel).

Prior to Swal Hellenic Giersdorf was the CMTO at Global Voyages Group, the Web Executive (NA) at Hurtigruten Pluss AS in Oslo, a producer at OnRequest Images and the Studio Manager at Peak Creative Media (Gold Magellan Award Winner - The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards).

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com 

or call 1-800- 537-6777

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

Mario Bounas, VP, Global Marketing: mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com 

For Swan Hellenic North America, please contact:

Mitchell Schlesinger, Sales Director North America: mitchell.schlesinger@swanhellenic.com

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MSC CRUISES TO RESUME SCHEDULED SAILINGS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN FROM JANUARY 24

• After the forced suspension of operation over the holidays, starting on January 24 MSC Grandiosa will resume her scheduled weekly cruises in the Western Mediterranean departing from Genoa, Italy

• On February 14 MSC Magnifica will also return at sea to perform her scheduled itineraries of 11 nights in Italy, Greece and Malta

Geneva, Switzerland (January 7, 2021) – As a result of the extension of the restrictive measures related to movement within Italy, as set out in the latest decree from the Italian government preventing access to and use of ports of embarkation until January 15, MSC Cruises today announced that it is forced to cancel the cruises of MSC Grandiosa departing from Genoa, Italy on January 10 and, as a measure of precaution, to also cancel the cruise departure of January 17. As a result, the first cruise of MSC Grandiosa following the temporary suspension of operation in connection with the implementation of these same measures during the Christmas and end-of-year festivities, will now depart from Genoa on Sunday, January 24.

The Company's flagship will resume her planned weekly cruises leaving every Sunday from Genoa and calling the Italian ports of Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo and Valetta in Malta, with embarkation available in each port in Italy. MSC Grandiosa will offer these itineraries until March 21, after which she will remain in the Western Mediterranean to offer cruises from the summer program with a new itinerary.

From February 14, MSC Magnifica will also resume her operation departing from Genoa for 11-night cruises designed to enable guests to discover the West and Eastern Mediterranean in Italy, Greece and Malta.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE NOTIFIES GUESTS OF CRUISE CANCELLATIONS

MIAMI, Jan. 6, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests of additional cruise cancellations, including extending its pause in all operations in the U.S. through March 31, 2021, as well as select ships and homeport operations related to itineraries and dry dock work.

Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations and their options for a generous future cruise credit and onboard credit package, or a full refund.

In summary, the cancellations include:

• All embarkations from U.S. homeports through March 31, 2021

• Carnival Freedom from Galveston through April 10, 2021 (which includes a repositioning of the ship from Galveston to Seattle and a 17-day Carnival Journeys cruise which is not allowed under the current guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))

• Carnival Miracle from San Diego and San Francisco through September 16, 2021 (which includes many 10-day and longer itineraries not allowed under the current CDC guidelines)

• Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral from September 17-October 18, 2021 (to accommodate rescheduled dry dock work)

• Carnival Sunshine from Charleston from October 11-November 13, 2021 (to accommodate rescheduled dry dock work)

• Carnival Spirit’s 15-day cruise from Singapore to Brisbane on June 12, 2021 (consistent with the current limitations on international travel in place in Australia).

“We are sorry to disappoint our guests, as we can see from our booking activity that there is clearly a pent-up demand for cruising on Carnival.  We appreciate their patience and support as we continue to work on our plans to resume operations in 2021 with a gradual, phased in approach,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

ICONIC BRITISH BROADCAST JOURNALIST ANNE DIAMOND TO BE GODMOTHER OF NEWEST VIKING OCEAN SHIP

Viking Venus to Join Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet in April 2021

Los Angeles (January 5, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced that revered British journalist and broadcaster Anne Diamond will be the godmother of its seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus®, which is scheduled to debut this spring. The 930-guest Viking Venus was “floated out” in June 2020 and is now under final construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

Anne is best known for her pioneering work on morning shows in the United Kingdom during the 1980s—along with a legendary career in frontline television that has lasted for more than 40 years. From the fall of the Berlin Wall, Australia’s bicentenary and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, to interviews with Bette Davis, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh—Anne’s impressive journalistic journey has made her a household name. She has also been an inspirational campaigner, having pioneered the 1991 UK cot death campaign, following the death of her own son, Sebastian. The campaign saved over 20,000 babies lives, and has inspired other life-saving campaigns worldwide. She is the only non-medic ever to hold the Medal of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. 

Additionally, Anne has been a key figure on Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv). Viking.TV went live in March 2020, in the early stages of the pandemic, and was conceived as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences while people are staying home, rather than traveling. Every Thursday since the launch of Viking.TV, Anne has interviewed a wide spectrum of significant figures with relationships to Viking, including world-renowned cellist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma; 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, OBE; Downton Abbey’s “Mrs. Patmore,” actress Lesley Nicol; polar explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft; NASA astronauts Dr. Anna Fisher and Dr. Richard Michael Linnehan; classical musicians Alma and Helen Deutscher; and bestselling authors Jeffrey Archer, Claire Cook, Robert Harris and Paul Schneider. Anne’s Thursday livestreams will continue in 2021, with upcoming guests in January to include former NASA astronaut Kathy Sullivan, who has made history in space and at sea as the first American woman to walk in space and the first woman to reach the deepest part of the ocean, and Sir Michael Palin the legendary British actor, broadcaster and writer. As with all Viking.TV content, Anne’s interviews are archived and available on-demand here.

“On behalf of the entire Viking family, we are delighted and honored to have Anne serve as the godmother ofViking Venus,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. “Since the day we paused operations, Anne immediately volunteered to help our guests and crew manage through this period of uncertainty. As Britain’s favorite face at breakfast and in the morning on British TV, Anne became the face of Viking.TV on her weekly Thursday livestreams, where she has interviewed many interesting friends of Viking, while brightening the days of nearly two million viewers. There is no one more deserving to become the godmother of Viking Venus than Anne.”

“I am thrilled and honored to be entrusted as godmother to the Viking Venus and cannot wait until we can celebrate her inaugural cruise in a safer and happier 2021. Back in March 2020, at the start of the global lockdown, when I rang my good friend Karine to ask if there was anything I could do, never did I think it might lead to such a fascinating journey. But exhilarating journeys are what Viking is all about! I am so proud to be part of the growth of the award-winning Viking.TV—with special thanks to all my inspirational interviewees—and now onwards, to the Viking Venus and a brighter outlook for travel,” said Anne Diamond.

Viking.TV

                For more than nine months, the award-winning Viking.TV has broadcast approximately 300 sessions featuring original cultural content and virtual Privileged Access to interesting people and places around the world. Livestreams and archived content on Viking.TV have been enjoyed by nearly two million viewers. The enrichment channel, where all content is free to watch, has resonated well with people during this unusual year; recently Viking.TV was honored with the “Silver-i Breakthrough Award for Innovation” at the 2020 Silver Travel Awards.

                Recognizing the importance of daily routines during times of stress and isolation, livestream sessions on Viking.TV are a set hour for positivity and learning, taking place every day at 2 p.m. Eastern Time / 11 a.m. Pacific Time; 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 from Viking Cultural Partners, with programming from TED, BBC’s Wonderstruck, Libera and more.