Polar Expedition Expert Pablo Brandeman joins Swan Hellenic

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer enhances expert team with seasoned expedition leader

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Wednesday the 12th of May, Swan Hellenic announced that polar expedition expert Pablo Brandeman had joined its ranks. An all-rounder born in Patagonia, Pablo has had a strong love of the wild since young, making his way into Expedition Cruising as an Expedition Leader in his early twenties. Since then, he has completed over 170 trips with specialist cruise operators all over the Antarctic Peninsula and Southern Ocean, working in a wide range of roles, from Logistics and Kayak Operations to Polar Bear Guard, Zodiac Driver, Camp Master, Assistant Expedition Leader, Lecturer and Expedition Leader. More recently, he also became a drone pilot, assisting several scientific and film crews with their projects in the white continent.

His personal passions are hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, kitesurfing and wakeboarding. On top of which he also plays the guitar.

“We are delighted to welcome Pablo on Board,” said Pierre Thomas, Swan Hellenic Director of Expedition Operations. “He’s a highly-experienced expedition leader, hands-on teacher and lecturer who will unquestionably enrich our guests’ experience of Swan Hellenic’s unique cultural expedition cruises. What’s more he’s wonderful company: a great storyteller with many great stories to tell!”

Pablo Brandeman commented: “It’s a pleasure and an honour for me to join such an iconic company, which will enable me to really up my game, bringing our guests a truly in-depth as well as up-close experience on our voyages together.”

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 the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

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

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic North America, please contact:

Nam Contact Number: +1 – 800 537-6777.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE PROVIDES UPDATE ON POSSIBLE RESTART PLAN FROM SELECT U.S. HOMEPORTS, NOTIFIES GUESTS OF CRUISE CANCELLATIONS

MIAMI, May 11, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line today notified its guests and travel advisor partners of cancellations for additional sailings as it works toward plans for a possible July restart in the U.S. on select ships.

Carnival hopes to begin operating sailings on three ships from Florida and Texas, including Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze from Galveston, and Carnival Horizon from Miami.  Further, if Carnival can find a solution to allow cruise ships to visit Alaska, Carnival Miracle will assume some of Carnival Freedom’s departures from Seattle. Given that there is still some uncertainty in our ability to operate these cruises, guests booked on those sailings who wish to make alternate summer vacation plans may cancel without penalty by May 31, 2021 and receive a full refund. 

The company is cancelling sailings on all other ships through July 30, 2021.   Guests whose cruises are cancelled are eligible for a future cruise credit (FCC) and onboard credit (OBC) or a full refund. 

“We continue to have constructive discussions with the CDC but still have many questions that remain unanswered.  We are working diligently to resume sailing in the U.S. and meet the CDC guidelines,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “We sincerely appreciate the continued patience and understanding of our guests and travel advisor partners and will share additional information as quickly as we can.” 

Separately, late last week Carnival notified its guests that Carnival Splendor’s pause out of Sydney was extended another month, as it cancelled sailings from Aug. 19 to Sept. 17, 2021.

Swan Hellenic partners with award-winning Oasis Travel Network

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer announces partnership offering superior support to Travel Advisors and their customers

US Office, Fort Lauderdale, USA: Today, Tuesday, the 11th of May, Swan Hellenic, the iconic brand with a long and rich history of pioneering cultural expedition cruises, announced it has formed a preferred supplier partnership with OASIS Travel Network, the award winning, independent contractor division of Palm Coast Travel, bringing its customers attentive expert service.

The relaunched Swan Hellenic is currently constructing three elegant ice-class ships designed especially for cultural expedition cruises, which will be sailing all seven continents, offering uniquely immersive experiences of discovery in Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland/Iceland, the British Isles, the Russian Far East, Eastern Canada, Northern Europe, Southeast Asia & the Southern Pacific.

The five-star boutique ships feature comfortable Scandi-design interiors with spacious, window-walled, light-filled public areas offering stunning views. In-depth presentations by renowned guest speakers on board complement the up-close shore experiences, many exploring industry-first destinations, including a full complement of zodiac and kayak expeditions led by expert guides. The varied fine dining explores cuisine from around the world with regional specialties and drinks every day.

Announcing the partnership, Mitchell J. Schlesinger, Swan Hellenic Director of North American Sales, explained: “Our mission in this introductory phase has been to build strategic partnerships with leading expedition specialists, worldwide destination tour operators and key retail travel agency organizations. Our partnership with OASIS Travel Network will enable Swan Hellenic to expand its product reach across a large network of members with a history of quality service in expedition and luxury sales”.

OASIS Travel Network, the award winning, independent contractor division of Palm Coast Travel, has more than 800 members across the USA selling a myriad of cruise products. OASIS Travel Network has received accolades for assisting members to become high-performing travel advisors through customized curriculum and ongoing support for their business. Kelly Bergin, President of OASIS Travel Network commented: “We are extremely excited to add Swan Hellenic to our portfolio of preferred suppliers. The company provides our members and their clients with a unique approach to cultural expedition experiences and commissions that richly reward our members.”

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 the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

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

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic North America, please contact:

Nam Contact Number: +1 – 800 537-6777.

SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES ITS RETURN TO SERVICE IN THE GALÁPAGOS WITH ENHANCED ITINERARIES ABOARD NEW SHIP SILVER ORIGIN

The two newest ships in Silversea’s fleet—Silver Origin and Silver Moon—will lead the cruise line’s healthy return to service from June 2021.

(Monaco – May 11, 2021) Silversea Cruises today announced its long-awaited return to service in the Galápagos Islands aboard new ship Silver Origin, which arrived in San Cristóbal on April 30. With Silver Origin departing on her inaugural season from June 19, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line will welcome guests on all-new itineraries, which have been enriched to take guests deeper into the archipelago, and to increase the quality and frequency of experiences on offer.

Full vaccinations will be mandatory for guests and crew embarking Silver Origin from June 19, forming part of a comprehensive, multi-layered set of science-backed protocols that will help to safeguard the health and safety of guests, crew, and visited communities.

“Having worked exceptionally hard on our healthy return to service plan, we are delighted to be nearing the moment in which our extended family is reunited aboard our two new ships, Silver Origin and Silver Moon,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ecuadorian Government and the Galápagos Government Council for their ongoing cooperation and their willingness to welcome cruising back to this remarkable archipelago. The first ship to join our fleet since Silversea Cruises joined the Royal Caribbean Group and our cruise line’s first destination-specific ship, Silver Origin is unique in her elegance. Following an extended period at home, our guests are eager to continue their discovery of our planet, and there are few destinations that inspire travelers with such unique natural beauty as the Galápagos Islands.”

“Our two new itineraries have been thoughtfully crafted by our destination experts to optimize the cruise experience in this extraordinary part of the world, providing more opportunities for guests to admire the archipelago’s iconic wildlife species, including the Galápagos Penguin, green sea turtles, endemic land and marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, Galápagos sea lions, and many remarkable bird species,” says Fernando Delgado, Vice President and General Manager of Silversea Cruises Ecuador. “And with Silver Origin offering the highest expert guide-to-guest ratio (1:10) and the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio (1:12.5) in the region, travelers will enjoy the most iconic experiences on offer with unprecedented insight and access. We thank the Ecuadorian Government and the Galápagos Government Council for their continued support and we look forward to inspiring our guests to safeguard this magical destination for generations to come.”

ENRICHED ITINERARIES

Silver Origin will sail on two alternating itineraries that incorporate five maiden calls, including the beautiful island of Santa Fe. Each itinerary will include calls in the iconic islands of Fernandina and Isabela—regularly described as the region’s must-visit destinations—and will each include enriched programs ashore. Sample itineraries include:

• WESTERN ITINERARY – San Cristóbal to Baltra

On the Western itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from San Cristóbal, calling at Kicker Rock, Isla Bartolomé, Buccaneer Cove (Santiago), Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela), Punta Espinoza (Fernandina), Tagus Cove (Isabela), Elizabeth Bay (Isabela), Post Office Bay (Floreana), Champion Islet (Floreana), Punta Cormorant (Floreana), Santa Cruz Highlands, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz), Isla Guy Fawkes, and Bahía Borrero(Santa Cruz), before arriving in Baltra. This varied itinerary showcases the geographical diversity of the Galápagos Islands, including a first-hand experience of the multiple ecosystems that exist within this small archipelago. Throughout these lands, and in their surrounding waters, guests will admire the Galápagos’ rich variety of wildlife, as well as its volcanic landscapes, while learning about the region’s history of whalers and pirates. Each experience will nurture a connection with the destination, fostering a deep appreciation for the majesty of nature here.

• NORTH-CENTRAL ITINERARY – Baltra to San Cristóbal

On the North-Central itinerary, Silver Origin will depart from Baltra, before calling in Daphne Major, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa), Darwin Bay (Genovesa), North Seymour, Sullivan Bay (Santiago), Punta Mangle (Fernandina), Punta Moreno (Isabela), Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), Isla Santa Fé, Gardner Bay (Española), Punta Suarez (Española), Rodriguez Breeding Centre (San Cristóbal), and Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal), ahead of arriving in San Cristóbal. Preserving the main highlights of the original route, the enhanced North-Central itinerary will introduce experiences that will appeal particularly to bird and nature lovers. Guests will snorkel with sea turtles in Fernandina and meet the iconic Galápagos Penguins in Isabela, but will also have the opportunity to discover the ‘bird islands’ of Genovesa and Espanola, as well as the brand-new destination of Santa Fé island—home to an endemic iguana that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Another highlight is Punta Mangle, with its mangroves, lava fields, and Flightless Cormorants.

SILVER ORIGIN

Integrating the latest state-of-the-art technology and designed with a focus on the pillars of sustainability, destination on board, expedition experience, authentic local culture, and comfort and service, the all-suite, all-balcony, 100-guest Silver Origin will welcome travelers year-round in the unique Galápagos Archipelago. The ship will provide guests with the ultimate destination experience, inspired by Silversea’s accrued expertise and founded on a deep respect for the fragility of the natural environment, while maintaining the cruise line’s trademark quality of service.

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ALL-INCLUSIVE OFFERING IN THE GALÁPAGOS

Silversea’s all-inclusive offering is the most comprehensive in the Galápagos Archipelago. Included as standard are 

• International roundtrip flights*

• Roundtrip flight between Ecuador and the Galápagos

• Two pre-cruise hotel nights in Quito and one post-cruise day-use hotel** in Guayaquil

• Quito by night tour

• Transfers and luggage handling

• National Park and immigration fees

• Highly-qualified Expedition Team, comprising experts in their field

• Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shore-side activities

• Enrichment lectures by our Expedition Team

• Complimentary backpack, water bottle, snorkeling mask, and snorkel

• Complimentary use of wetsuits and snorkeling fins

• Butler service in every suite category

• Onboard gratuities

• Multiple open-seated restaurants, serving diverse cuisine and an in-suite 24-hour dining service

• Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including sparkling and selected wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and more

• Unlimited Wi-Fi

Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.

View all Silversea voyages in the Galápagos:

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/galapagos-islands-cruise.html 

Read related content on Silversea’s travel blog, Discover:

https://discover.silversea.com/category/destinations/galapagos/

Find out more information about Silversea’s health and safety protocols:
https://www.silversea.com/lp-silversea-hrts-consumer.html

Silversea’s ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy and its COVID-19 protections enable guests to book with full peace of mind. Find out more information:
https://www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on a variety of external factors. Please refer to https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html for the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel.

* Except in some countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. A non-use credit will be offered, should guests book their air independently.

** Depending on the flight schedule of Silversea’s air program.

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.

A ‘Suite’ Deal at the Five-Star Milestone Hotel & Residences

Indulge in The Milestone’s ‘Home Suite Home’ offer With Third Night Free - Inclusive of Afternoon Tea, a Private Concierge and London Sightseeing

The Milestone Hotel & Residences are excited to welcome their guests back with a special three-night offer on their luxury suites in 2021. 

To celebrate re-opening their doors on May 17th, the hotel is offering guests a  three-night stay in one of their beautiful suites, inclusive of breakfast, with the third night complimentary.

You will be personally welcomed with an expertly mixed drink by General Manager, Andrew Pike, with a bottle of wine waiting in your suite from the family-owned vineyard Bouchard Finlayson, and complimentary canapés prepared specially by the Executive Chef.

During your stay, enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea and a private concierge appointment to perfectly plan your time in London. On your last night, staff will spoil you with a carefully selected Turndown gift, as a special thank you for support.

For an additional experience, guests can partake in a Cocktail Masterclass with Angelo Lo Greco, the hotel’s expert mixologist, choosing from an old favorite or something new, such as their signature Smoking Old Fashioned. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade, or just sit back and enjoy watching your nightcap being prepared.

Choose from a selection of intricately designed suites at The Milestone, including: 

The Hermes Suite: Timeless elegance and design, with an iconic bronze four-poster bed and vintage collection of Hermès scarves.

The Ruhlmann Suite: Inspired by the work of Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, our Ruhlmann Suite is a stunning homage in black and chrome.

The Noel Coward Suite: An exceptional Grand Master Suite which seamlessly blends a strength of presence with refined modern style.

Summary of offer includes:

• Welcome drink with our General Manager, Andrew Pike

• Full English breakfast daily in Cheneston's restaurant

• Bottle of complimentary Bouchard Finlayson wine from our family-owned vineyard

• Complimentary canapés prepared specially by our Executive Chef, Dan Putz

• Daily Turndown with gift on last night of your stay

• Afternoon Tea for two, once during stay to be served in The Park Lounge

• A private concierge appointment on one occasion during your stay to plan out the perfect day for sightseeing around London. You will also receive a one-day travel card for two (Zones 1 - 4)

• Third night free

• Children staying under the age of 12 years of age stay and eat for free when dining with a full paying adult

• Early check-in/checkout

OUR REVIEW OF MILESTONE HOTEL

You can read our review of The Milestone Hotel here.

Crystal Cruises Announces 15 New Luxury Caribbean Escapes for Crystal Symphony with Departures from St. Maarten Beginning August 2021

New 10-night voyages from St. Maarten expand travel options for Caribbean Escapes, allowing guests to sail round-trip from either St. Maarten or Antigua 

Miami, May 7, 2021 – Crystal Cruises continues to expand choices for travelers eager to return to the peerless excellence of the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line with the addition of 15 new Caribbean sailings departing roundtrip from St. Maarten aboard Crystal Symphony this August through December. The newly added voyages are part of Crystal Symphony’s 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes* and offer guests the option of cruising roundtrip from either Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on 15 voyages beginning August 2nd, or the previously announced voyages departing roundtrip from St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, on 15 voyages beginning August 5th. All of Crystal’s 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes, including a holiday cruise, will explore the tropical beauty of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago**, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. Reservations for the new 15 voyages from St. Maarten open May 12, 2021.

The addition of St. Maarten as a port of departure expands the air options for guests as major U.S. cities provide airlift into the country. The itineraries, together with the recently announced 10-night Luxury Iceland Expeditions aboard Crystal Endeavor and 7-night Luxury Bahamas Escapes aboard Crystal Serenity, comprise the resumption of service of 97 percent of Crystal’s ocean-going fleet.

“Crystal continues to be at the forefront of the return to cruising, and true to our Crystal hallmarks of Service, Space, Quality, Choices and Destinations, our goal is to ensure guests have abundant options to tailor their travel experiences to their personal tastes,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal.  “As we look toward welcoming our Crystal family back to explore the Caribbean and the globe with us, the five pillars of the Crystal experience remain at the core of everything we do as they have for more than 30 years, providing our guests with confidence and certainty that we will continue to deliver the finest experiences on carefully crafted itineraries with uncompromising service and near limitless options.”

Crystal Symphony’s Luxury Caribbean Escapes feature overnights in St. John’s, Bridgetown and Philipsburg, and while uniformly spectacular, each locale boasts its own character and highlights for Crystal guests.

• Phillipsburg, St. Maarten – This tiny land mass boasts a robust local culture that stretches beyond the predominant Dutch-French sides. Travelers here will find innovative fine cuisine and a passion for the great outdoors with all kinds of water sports as well as hiking and zip lining. With the extra day here, guests can also explore farther with a visit to neighboring Saba, the untouched “Queen of the Caribbean.”

• Roadtown, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – The capital of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is a haven for beachgoers, scuba enthusiasts who will relish exploring shipwrecks, and hikers who will find rewarding views of bougainvillea-covered hills. A brief ferry ride takes travelers to Virgin Gorda, where The Baths’ granite boulders lay out an impressive geological wonder across the breathtaking beach.

• St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – With its UNESCO-listed English Harbour on the south coast and an enduring British heritage, St. John’s is the starting point for Antigua’s rich historic highlights, but it’s the 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – that make the island a picture-perfect destination.

• Bridgetown, Barbados – The Barbados UNESCO-listed capital still wears its British history proudly, with significant sites throughout the city to appeal to history buffs. From the original Trafalgar Square and Broad Street’s bustling shops to the island’s famous rum, beautiful Botanical Gardens and Harrison Limestone Cave, there is much to discover beyond the crystal-clear sea.

• Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago – The tiny, relaxed half of this two-island nation, Tobago is ideal for travelers seeking to connect with nature, offering rain forest hikes, spectacular dive sites and secluded bays. Pigeon Point Nature Reserve is a highlight, offering 125 acres of pristine natural landscape with boating, diving and wildlife observation opportunities.

• Castries, St. Lucia – Vibrant color and Creole flavor are at the heart of the town, while toward the pristine beaches travelers will find world-class scuba diving and lush surrounding forest punctuated by the UNESCO-listed towering green Pitons. Guests can also visit Sulphur Springs, the only volcano in the world where people can dive in for mud baths.

     Designed with inherently abundant personal and social space throughout the ship, Crystal Symphony will return to sailing with reduced capacity, increasing its social spaciousness even more. The onboard Crystal Family will welcome guests home to spacious staterooms, suites and social areas and to an experience that is punctuated by abundant choices for activities and enrichment; elegant surroundings and amenities; and most importantly, the genuine, personalized service provided by Crystal’s celebrated crew. 

Best Available cruise fares start at $2,999 with Book Now Savings of up to $1,000 per guest and As You Wish spending credits of $200 per guest. Returning guests will enjoy double Crystal Society Savings of five percent while New-to-Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent. Travelers can book their Crystal Symphony Luxury Caribbean Escape with a reduced deposit of just 15 percent and have until 60 days prior to departure to make final payment. Single supplements for these voyages begin at only 125 percent. Guests with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these voyages.

Crystal announced in February that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to existing, comprehensive Crystal Clean+ measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask requirements and health screening questionnaires.

A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. Underscoring the Crystal difference is an all-inclusive experience with award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; globally inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s only sea-going restaurants; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits; and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest.

* As more islands in the Caribbean begin to open, Crystal may add additional ports to the itinerary and will inform its guests and travel partners of any changes.

**Trinidad and Tobago is subject to government review with changing health and safety conditions. 

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 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River 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.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

VIKING EXPANDS “WELCOME BACK” COLLECTION WITH NEW MEDITERRANEAN VOYAGES FOR SUMMER 2021

Two Ships Will Homeport in Malta Starting in July 

Los Angeles (May 6, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) announced today that it will restart operations in the Mediterranean with new ocean voyages for vaccinated guests beginning this summer. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, Viking Venus® and Viking Sea® will homeport in the Maltese capital city of Valletta—a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site—and sail two different 11-day roundtrip itineraries in the Mediterranean. As a result of strong demand, Viking also announced today it is adding more sailing dates this summer for its Welcome Back voyages around Iceland and Bermuda.

Guests on the new Malta & Adriatic Jewels itinerary will overnight in Valletta and then sail to Montenegro and Croatia, calling in Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Šibenik, before returning to the Maltese archipelago, with a stop in Gozo and finally back to Valletta. Guests on the new Malta & Greek Isles Discovery itinerary will also overnight in Valletta and then sail to Greece, calling in Kalamata, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Souda Bay, before returning to Valletta. Viking Venus and Viking Sea will sail the itineraries between July and early October 2021. Delivered in April 2021, Viking Venus is Viking’s newest ocean ship and will be named in the England on May 17, 2021 by ceremonial godmother and iconic British broadcaster Anne Diamond.

              “We thank the government of Malta for its support and enthusiasm as we continue restarting operations,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Malta is a fantastic destination, with ancient history, rich culture and a central location in the Mediterranean. We began calling in Malta in 2016 and look forward to welcoming guests back to some of the most historically significant and naturally beautiful areas of the Med—in both the Maltese archipelago, as well as along the Croatian coast, and around Greek islands this summer.” 

Today’s news follows Viking’s recent announcements of Welcome Back ocean voyages in England, Iceland and Bermuda, beginning in May 2021. The company is actively working on developing additional Welcome Back itineraries in a variety of other destinations, with the goal of announcing further 2021 sailings as soon as government approvals are given.

Those who sail these new voyages will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety.