Swan Hellenic among first cruise lines to require COVID vaccinations for all ship’s staff and crew

Measure completes industry-leading package of health measure

Nicosia,Cyprus, Monday 15 February 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that it has introduced valid Covid-19 vaccination as a pre-embarkation medical requirement for all ship’s staff and crew.

The vaccination cycle will be carried out at recruitment centres or in the home countries of the crew members in accordance with current local guidelines and approved medical protocols.

This decisive action to protect staff and guests on the iconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s new ice-class ships completes an industry-leading package of health measures to ensure a safe environment on board.

First and foremost, its fleet of three new ships is being built with the very latest hygiene technology and to the highest standards in consultation with world-leading onboard healthcare and public health experts Vikand. All the onboard air conditioning plants, for example, are UV sanitised using the most advanced technology.

In addition, all Swan Hellenic staff are of course trained and monitored in implementing all the procedures and practices specified by industry standards and required by the authorities at time of sailing, including the routine regular pre-boarding and on-board tests, as well as rigorous sanitising of the ships’ public areas, staterooms, technical areas and crew and staff quarters.

For further peace of mind in these uncertain times, Swan Hellenic guests can book with total confidence, knowing they’re protected by a no-quibble cancellation policy that allows cancellation up to 30 days before departure, providing a Future Cruise Credit valid for 2 years.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito explained “We are totally committed to the health and peace of mind of our guests and crews, ensuring they can relax and focus entirely on the life-enriching opportunities we offer to see what others don't.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company 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 PC 5 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 PC 6 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. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.

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, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports its customers with close personal service worldwide.

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

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

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

Africa Experiences Celebrating Black Heritage

Africa is famous for its wildlife, yet the continent’s people are as equally fascinating. There are over 2,000 languages spoken and a myriad of cultures, including some of the world’s oldest, that call this beautiful continent home. To explore the diversity of Africa’s culture and heritage is one of the most rewarding experiences.  

We are sharing a video of incredible cultural experiences in Africa, narrated by African Travel, Inc.’s president, Sherwin Banda.

Below are different ways guests on safari can learn how art, nature and culture has helped shape Africa’s black heritage and how each guest can celebrate it in the future: 

Inspiring Change in Kenya: 

• Kenya is a magical mix where both the modern and ancient exist. It is also a place where many family roles have evolved, and people have learned to adapt to changes in modern society. You’ll hear these stories in conversations with your Masai or Samburu guides while on your safari plus enjoy the following experiences.

• See first-hand the progress taken to promote education and wildlife conservation at the Lewa conservancy. The local Samburu are learning to live in harmony with wildlife by eliminating poaching, which was once a normality for their pastoral lifestyle to protect their grazing herds.

• Your stay at the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy provides the opportunity to explore Kenya’s first elephant orphanage, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuaryand learn about the awe-inspiring women of Kenya. Here you can meet some of the Samburu women who proved they are great at taking care of elephants, but also are a living example of how gender equality in the workplace empowers not just women in her community but in her country and the continent.

 South Africa’s Voices: 

• A historic figure for equality and peace, Nelson Mandela paved the way for human rights in South Africa and is one of the most respected black leaders in modern history. We can arrange to meet Christo Brand who can share his experience as friend and guard during Mandela’s infamous 27-year prison stay at Robben Island. Or you can visit the island to see how Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life in Cape Town and Johannesburg through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places he touched in his efforts to end apartheid.

• Hear about the fascinating history of South Africa through its artists while exploring the Ellerman House collection and spend some time with artists at Ardmore who create colorful home decor, lively paintings, beautiful jewelry and delicate ceramics that demonstrate Zulu traditions.

Namibia’s Wild Existence

• Namibia is also home to the statuesque Himba people who are one of the last true nomadic tribes on earth. On safari, learn about their fascinating way of life. While based at Hoanib Valley Camp, you can visit one of the remote villages and learn why they live in cone-shaped homes, why Himba womenfamously rub their bodies with a red ochre cream to protect their skins, and how the Himba are able to continue their traditions today.

Rwanda’s Symbol of Hope: 

• For a country that was in turmoil just 25 years ago, today a united Rwanda stands as an extraordinary example of the best of humanity. A guided tourof Kigali Genocide Memorial gives a deeper insight into Rwanda’s darker history. The museum uncovers the history of the divisive colonial experience in Rwanda and background of the horrific genocide against the Tutsi tribe in 1994, which spanned 100 days.

• We recommend a few days in Kigali, perhaps staying at The Retreat, which showcases Rwandan arts, photography and more. Meet local artisans at the Inema Art Centre and revel in colorful dance and musical performances

• With the help of an interpreter, you can visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Center and work with a local weaver who educates you on importance of the craft, where the vibrant colors come from, and helps you make your own earrings or small Agaseke baskets.

SILVERSEA CRUISES HOSTS EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE OF NEW WORLD CRUISE 2023 WITH ITS LARGEST-EVER CREATIVE PRODUCTION

(MONACO – February 10, 2021) Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, today hosted an exclusive virtual premiere for selected guests, presenting its new World Cruise 2023, entitled ‘South Side Story – All the World’s A Stage.’ The innovative premiere comprised a pre-produced show—which represents Silversea’s largest-ever creative production—hosted by Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society, and a Q&A session with Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO, and Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing Officer. The event replaced the usual onboard launch and marked the opening of an exclusive pre-sale to past and future world-cruising guests.

“We are continuously seeking innovative ways to nurture our strong relationships with our guests, Silversea’s extended family, as we await the moment in which we can be reunited aboard our ships once more,” says Roberto Martinoli. “As is the case on board our ships, we are committed to delivering special moments that exceed our guests’ expectations and our investment in our World Cruise 2023 premiere encapsulates this commitment. I am delighted to be able to share our pioneering new product with our valued guests in such an inspiring way and I hope it goes some way in conveying the incredible range of experiences that are in store.”

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE: WORLD CRUISE 2023 – SOUTH SIDE STORY

Replicating the production of a cinematic film, Fernando’s triumphant show demanded a herculean effort from over 50 talented professionals, who worked around the clock. Five weeks in the making, the immersive production was filmed over an entire week. It included 18 different sets—individually selected over the course of three weeks from over 3,000 options—each of which comprised various props that were displayed in front of a changing452 sq. ft. LED backdrop. Fernando—who is, by now, no stranger to the camera—travelled with seven suitcases to accommodate his array of costumes. The team recorded more than eight hours of footage—files totaling 800TB—before crafting a 27-minute narrative that was designed to transport guests into featured destinations.

“Entitled ‘South Side Story,’ Silversea’s World Cruise 2023 will take inspiration from the Southern Hemisphere’s most captivating cultures—their arts, their people, and the concept of performance as a means to engage with each destination,” says Jose Vuolo, Silversea’s Global Creative Director. “It was fitting, therefore, to leverage on the famous Shakespeare phrase, ‘All the World’s A Stage,’ which is an invitation to our guests to play their parts in this great story, while enjoying the spectacle of the world. What we have created is an unprecedented theatrical performance, combining a cinematographic style reminiscent of the 50s and 60s with the most advanced film technology available today—the virtual set. But this production would not have been possible without inspiration from passionate travelers, such as Fernando with his incredible stories, and from Steve McCurry who showed me how to look at the world differently, and whose photos enrich some of the show’s most evocative sets. To stage such a long journey, while at the same time conveying a calm, luxurious, relaxed voyage, was the real challenge.”

“Together with our close-knit world-cruising guests, I take great delight in celebrating the annual launch of our new World Cruises,” says Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society. “While we await the moment in which we can be reunited at sea once more, I am thrilled to have been involved with this innovative project to open an exclusive pre-sale on our pioneering World Cruise 2023, ‘South Side Story.’ With a focus on the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere, our guests will enjoy new, immersive experiences as they befriend like-minded travelers aboard our recently refurbished Silver Shadow.”

DOOR-TO-DOOR COMFORT: 66 DESTINATIONS IN 34 COUNTRIES OVER 139 NIGHTS

Silversea’s newly announced World Cruise 2023, ‘South Side Story,’ will depart Sydney on January 9, 2023, arriving in Fort Lauderdale on May 28. Over 139 nights, Silver Shadow will cross five continents to unlock immersive experiences for guests in 66 destinations, taking in 34 countries. A total of 40 destinations have not been visited on Silversea’s recent World Cruise itineraries. Guests will enjoy 20 overnight calls in 17 cities, as well as 10 bespoke events—five of which will be exclusive to world-cruising guests.

For the first time in Silversea’s history, the World Cruise 2023 will include a door-to-door service for guests’ convenience, transporting them to Sydney in utmost comfort. Guests will journey from their homes to their departure airport in private executive transfers, benefit from private assistance to their gate/lounge, and gain access to designated airline lounges. They will then enjoy a superior flight experience from selected US and UK gateways to Sydney, Australia, experiencing a new level of comfort in Qantas Business Class with more space to relax and a dedicated cabin. World Cruise passengers will taste the freshest seasonal ingredients and enjoy Australian hospitality in-flight, presented by Qantas Airways in partnership with Silversea. Once in Sydney, travelers will then experience VIP arrival assistance, private executive transfers, and priority embarkation. Silver Shadow’s butlers will then be on-hand to assist guests in unpacking, should they wish.

Highlights of the World Cruise 2023 include:

• An in-depth exploration of the natural history of Tasmania and New Zealand;

• A deep discovery of Melanesia’s lesser-travelled coasts, including Papua New Guinea for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise;

• An immersion into Southeast Asia’s rich, multi-layered culture and traditions, with overnights in iconic cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City;

• Time spent in the Gulf of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, including opportunities to explore deeper inland;

• A three-day exploration of Madagascar, with new calls in Mauritius and Réunion;

• A seven-day discovery of the West Coast of Africa, starting with South Africa;

• An immersive trip into the Amazon River for the first time on a World Cruise;

• And new experiences in the Caribbean, with all-new calls in destinations like Ile Royale and Mayreau, among others.

 “As well as devising a groundbreaking itinerary, we have introduced unprecedented features for the World Cruise 2023, such as our new door-to-door service, which will enhance the seamlessness of guests’ journeys,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We look forward to revealing more details in due course, but for now, guests can get excited about the prospect of an in-depth tour of New Zealand, a foray into the lesser-travelled lands of Melanesia, and the first-ever exploration of the Amazon River on a World Cruise, among other remarkable experiences on our World Cruise 2023.”

For their roles played in the production of the exclusive World Cruise premiere, Silversea would like to extend thanks to Fernando Barroso de Oliveira for his special contribution; ZETA for production; Susanna Zerbini, Executive Producer; Massimo Sbaraccani, Director and Editor; Cristiano Casone, Cinematographer; Paolo Monzeglio, Set Designer; Elena Cavallaro, Stylist; and to EXTRA.it for facilitating the exclusive screening with a high-speed streaming service. Silversea Cruises proudly presents images from iconic photographer Steve McCurry in this production.

View Fernando’s exclusive preview of Silversea’s World Cruise 2023:
https://youtu.be/swMkuhao49A

 Read the full terms & conditions: https://www.silversea.com/terms-and-conditions.html

 Please note: general sales for Silversea’s World Cruise 2023 open on March 17th.

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.

Alaska Here We Come. UnCruise Adventures Sails Despite New Canadian Big Ship Ban

Seattle, WA, February 5th, 2021 – The award-winning small boat adventure brand, UnCruise Adventures will sail as scheduled despite Canada’s extended cruise ship ban into 2022. The U.S flagged and Alaska owned small boat operator does not fall under the ban, operating vessels with less than 100 passengers and crew. UnCruise Adventures will resume operations in May 2021 with 7–14-night itineraries offered into September.  The company may be one of the only cruise lines operating in Alaska in 2021, working to support the many people in the region who rely on tourism.

The company’s CEO held a virtual press conference this morning to address growing questions and concerns about the future of cruising. UnCruise Adventures has spent the past eleven months in preparation for positive progress to resume operations. Including their commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of guests and crew. The company has firm dates to sail in Alaska that include their COVID safety framework implemented in 2020 and their new triple test process. This three-test combination is a required PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival in Alaska, a follow-up antigen (rapid) test on check-in with an UnCruise Adventures representative, and a second antigen test upon embarkation. This provides a high degree of certainty that people will not be exposed to Covid-19 while aboard the 22-86 passenger boats.  

This new cruise ban comes on the tail of positive news of vaccination availability that has increased guest confidence in travel again,” states company CEO, Dan Blanchard. “If the ban continues, we may be one of the only boats cruising in Alaska this season. This is a great opportunity to educate people about small boat adventure options, but we would have preferred it without an extended cruise ban affecting so many.”

UnCruise Adventures has the ability to operate due to its small boat nature, providing small groups and a small environmental footprint. It does not require port stops and is foregoing visits to small cultural communities during its 2021 sailing season.

This is another strike to those who depend on travel and tourism for their livelihood,” says Blanchard “While other news would have been favorable and this is painful for all of us, including our big brothers in the cruise industry, we understand the Canadian government is working hard to keep its citizens safe.”

UnCruise Adventures will offer a special deal of $500 off their current bookings for cruisers who have had their 2021 cruise canceled on larger ships, with proof of their cruise cancellation. The offer is combinable with UnCruise's current offerings of $600 per cabin for a combined savings of $1100 per cabin. *New bookings only, offer good through February 28th, 2021.

Guests and travelers can speak with an Adventure Specialist at alaska2021@uncruise.com, 888-862-8881 or find more at uncruise.com