Crystal River Cruises Announces 2023 Deployment

Nearly 200 departures ranging from five to 17-nights feature options to suit every travel preference 

Popular 7-night cruises return with more than 150 departures exploring Europe’s most sought-after river destinations   

              Miami, May 12, 2021 – Crystal River Cruises announces the full 2023 deployment of its award-winning fleet, featuring 190 individual voyages exploring the majestic Danube, Rhine, and Moselle rivers along with the charming waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. The 2023 season offers travelers a greater variety of sailing length options than ever before, with new shorter five-night escapes as well as longer 14- to 17-night combination voyages that pair classic itineraries for immersive journeys. The line’s perennially popular seven-night cruises return offering travelers 150 cruise options including the best-loved Danube and Rhine itineraries, as well as sailings featuring springtime among the tulips, and the treasures of Southeast Europe. A collection of 10-night journeys of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys, cruises to Europe’s festive Christmas markets, and special holiday sailings featuring New Year’s Eve celebrations in Vienna, Budapest and Amsterdam, round out a wealth of choices to experience Europe’s number one river cruise line. Reservations open May 18, 2021.

Crystal River Cruises’ elegant fleet offers guests an intimate experience befitting the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line aboard four all-suite, all-butler, all-balcony Rhine Class ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel, as well as the timeless grandeur and elegance of Crystal Mozart, the most spacious river ship sailing the Danube. Voyages range from five- to 17-nights, visiting some of the most picturesque and captivating locales throughout Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Switzerland, as well as southeastern Europe destinations in Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia.

              “The destinations along these rivers have fascinated travelers for centuries and continue to enchant visitors – some seemingly frozen in timeless charm and others strikingly contemporary and innovative, but all distinctly full of character, intriguing history and wonderful traditions,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “Every year, we strive to create itineraries that blend both the destinations our guests love most, as well as new highlights and experiences. The 2023 deployment aboard our five beautiful river ships is designed to offer choices that will appeal to luxury travelers of all ages and interests delivered with the personalized service, culinary experiences, spacious all-suite accommodations and attention to detail only found with Crystal.

“We are seeing tremendous demand for our 2022 deployment as the pent-up desire for global travel increases and we have announced 2023 now to give luxury travelers even more options to plan their future vacations,” Littlejohn added.

Picturesque Escapes & Immersive Journeys

              New in 2023 are five-night sailings that offer travelers the relaxed and intimate experience of river cruising with shorter journeys that can be paired with optional pre- or post-cruise land programs to offer ideal ship-to-shore options. Danube Discovery aboard Crystal Ravel, cruises through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley from Vienna to Vilshofen, featuring a maiden call to explore the charms of Grein. Playgrounds of the Netherlands & Belgium aboard Crystal Mahler departs roundtrip from Amsterdam to explore the port cites and waterways of the Netherlands, from the contemporary buildings and museums of Rotterdam to the historic architectural jewels of Ghent and Antwerp. 

              For travelers interested in unique extended voyages Crystal River Cruises has combined intriguing itineraries to create spectacular immersive journeys. The 14-night Pearls of the Danube voyage aboard Crystal Ravel pairs the picturesque Wachau Valley and the iconic landmarks of Vienna and Budapest, with historic sights and natural wonders cruising through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, including a daylight transit through the dramatic landscapes of the Iron Gates Gorge. The 15-night Vineyards, Castles & Masterpieces sailing from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Crystal Mahler matches the charming waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium with the iconic architecture of Germany, including daylight cruising through the Middle Rhine Valley. Grand Rhine & Moselle, a 17-night sojourn aboard Crystal Mahler, combines an exploration of the quaint waterways of the Netherlands with the endlessly charming villages of the Mosel Valley Wine Region. The voyage will feature the iconic cities of Amsterdam, Cologne and Strasbourg and the breathtaking castles of these two glorious European rivers.

Popular Seven- & 10-Night Sailings

Returning to the lineup of luxury voyages are the popular seven-night Delightful Danube itineraries between Vilshofen and Budapest, offering guests the option to expand their Crystal vacation with three-night pre- or post-cruise programs to Prague. An overnight call in Vienna features an exclusive Crystal Signature evening event of art and music at the Belvedere Palace, showcasing the famed art collections of this stunning baroque landmark and its magnificent gardens overlooking the city.

For the first time ever, the popular seven-night Danube Serenade itinerary between Vienna and Budapest will sail aboard Crystal Mozart, the most spacious ship on Europe’s rivers. Guests will enjoy overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and explore the rich history of Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, from magnificent Buda Castle to one of Austria’s oldest wine estates in Krems.

Guests have a full season of departures to choose from for the seven-night Legendary Rhine and Romantic Rhineitineraries aboard three ships with voyages between Basel and Amsterdam. Daylight cruising through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals fairytale castles and quaint villages amidst forested hillsides, sweeping terraced vineyards, and the towering edifice of Lorelei Rock.  Guests aboard these voyages can explore the cobbled lanes and charming quarters of Zurich’s Altstadt with an optional two-night pre- or post-cruise land program.

The 10-night Splendors of the Rhine & Moselle voyages first introduced for Crystal’s 2022 season will take guests through the Rhine Gorge past famed Lorelei Rock and through the breathtaking Mosel Wine Region, where the winding river seems to reveal a Roman castle around nearly every bend. Visits to the region’s most historically beautiful ports include overnights in Strasbourg and Mannheim (for Heidelberg), a late-night stay in Bernkastel, the charming cities of Koblenz and Cologne, and the Roman and Medieval sights of Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a trove of architectural wonders.

Tulips and Windmills is a seven-night springtime exploration of the inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium bookended by overnight stays in Amsterdam. Guest will experience the rich history of the region along with its natural springtime beauty and blooming Dutch tulips as the Keukenhof Gardens, the most famous and largest flower park in the world, comes alive. Pastoral landscapes and 18th century windmills set a storybook scene in Kinderdijk, Netherlands, while the city center of Hoorn belies the treasures and history of the Dutch Golden Age. 

Christmas Markets & Holiday Sailings

Crystal River Cruises 2023 itineraries include new Christmas market season options, with the seven-night Dutch & Belgian Christmas Markets aboard Crystal Bach calling in stunning Dordrecht, known as the “Venice of Holland” and host to the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands; and the 10-night Christmas Splendors of the Rhine & Moselle on Crystal Mahler visiting the sparkling markets and seasonal sites most beloved by the locals. Christmastime on the Rhine, a seven-night itinerary between Basel and Amsterdam aboard Crystal Bach and Crystal Debussy, combines the beauty of the Middle Rhine valley with visits to Germany’s traditional Christmas markets.

Crystal Ravel’s seven-night Delightful Danube Christmas sailings feature overnights in Budapest and Vienna and cruising along the lovely Wachau Valley, while Crystal Mozart’s 10-night Danube Christmas Markets voyage is bookended by overnights in Vienna, cruises the Wachau Valley, and calls in some of the loveliest cities and liveliest Christmas markets in Germany, Austria and Slovakia.

Guests aboard Crystal Ravel’s 10-night Spectacular Danube Holiday will ring in the new year in Vienna during a special three-night stay that also includes an overnight in Budapest, calls in Germany and Slovakia, and an exploration of the Wachau Valley. In Austria, guests can visit the magnificent Benedictine monastery of Melk Abbey and tour Mariendom Cathedral, Austria’s largest neo-gothic church in Linz.

Guests will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam during a double overnight call on Holiday’s on the Rhine, a 10-night voyage aboard Crystal Debussy from Basel to Amsterdam. This romantic journey of ancient fortresses and medieval castles along the Middle Rhine Valley seems lifted from a fairy tale. Overnights in Strasbourg, France, and Mannheim, Germany, reveal UNESCO treasures and baroque palaces, while the German towns of Koblenz, Cochem, Trier, Bernkastel, and Cologne, teem with history, charm and remarkable architecture.

The 11-night Mozart Grand Holiday Cruise aboard Crystal Mozart celebrates New Year’s Eve and Day with a double overnight in Budapest and features three days to enjoy the magic of Vienna. Guests can explore the gem of Passau at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, bursting with treasures from a 13-century fortress to the baroque masterpiece of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Every turn in the river brings new wonders and historic sites to behold.

In addition to optional pre- and post-hotel stays in Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest and Vienna, Crystal River Cruises offers exceptional overland journeys to Prague (from Vilshoven), Zurich (from Basel), Reims (from Trier) and Bucharest (from Giurgiu) allowing guests extended explorations of these history-rich cities featuring five-star hotels in every city.

The comprehensive roster of Crystal River Cruises’ 2023 itineraries include:

Rhine River

Legendary Rhine

Crystal Bach and Crystal Debussy (April through November), Crystal Mahler (June, August and November), 7 nights, Basel to Amsterdam

Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France; Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Koblenz (overnight), Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight).

Romantic Rhine

Crystal Bach (April through November), Crystal Debussy (March through November), Crystal Mahler (June, August, October and November), 7 nights, Amsterdam to Basel

Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight); Cologne, Koblenz (overnight), Rüdesheim and Mannheim, Germany; sailing the Middle Rhine Valley and Lorelei; Strasbourg, France; Basel, Switzerland.

Tulips & Windmills

Crystal Bach (April), Crystal Mahler (March and April), 7 nights, Amsterdam Roundtrip

Beginning and ending with overnights in Amsterdam, Netherlands; calling in Hoorn, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Antwerp, Ghent, Belgium; Middelburg, Netherlands.

Splendors of the Rhine & Moselle (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Mahler (April and May, July through October, plus November and December Christmas Market Cruises), 10 nights between Amsterdam and Basel

Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France (overnight on Southbound); Mannheim (overnight on Northbound), Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Trier, Bernkastel (overnight on Northbound), Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight).

Rhine & Moselle Summer Escapes (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Mahler (June), 5 nights between Amsterdam and Trier

Trier (overnight on Northbound), Bernkastel, Cochem, Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight on Southbound).

Danube River

Danube Serenade (Eastbound and Westbound)

Crystal Mozart (March through November), 7 nights between Vienna and Budapest

Vienna (overnight), Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Krems, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; Budapest, Hungary (overnight).

Treasures of Southeast Europe (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Ravel (May), 7 nights between Giurgiu and Budapest

Giurgiu, Romania (overnight); Vidin, Bulgaria (overnight on Southbound); Iron Gates cruising; Belgrade and Novi Sad (overnight on Southbound), Serbia; Vukovar, Croatia; Mohacs and Budapest, Hungary (overnight on Southbound).

Delightful Danube (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Ravel (March through November), 7 nights between Budapest and Vilshofen

Budapest, Hungary (overnight); Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna (overnight), Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Austria; sailing the Wachau Valley; Passau and Vilshofen, Germany. Southbound does not call in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Danube Discovery (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Ravel (April and May), 5 nights between Vienna and Vilshofen

Vienna (overnight), Melk, Grein (maiden call), Linz (overnight on Southbound), Austria; Passau and Vilshofen, Germany.

Holiday Sailings

NEW Dutch & Belgian Christmas Markets

Crystal Bach (December 10), 7 nights, Amsterdam Roundtrip

Amsterdam and Dordrecht, Netherlands; Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Belgium; Rotterdam, Netherlands.

NEW Christmas Splendors of the Rhine & Moselle (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Mahler (November 27, December 7, December 17) 10 nights between Amsterdam and Basel

Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France (overnight on Southbound); Mannheim (overnight on Northbound), Rüdesheim, Lorelei cruising on Southbound, Koblenz, Cochem, Trier, Bernkastel (overnight on Northbound), Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight).

Danube Christmas Dreams

Crystal Mozart (November 25), 7 nights, Budapest to Vienna

Budapest, Hungary (overnight); Bratislava, Slovakia; Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Krems, Vienna (overnight), Austria.

Danube Christmas Markets

Crystal Mozart (December 2, December 12), 10 nights, Vienna Roundtrip

Beginning and ending with overnights in Vienna, calling in Melk, Linz, Austria (overnight); Passau (overnight), Vilshofen, Germany; Krems, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia.

Delightful Danube Christmas (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Ravel (November 25, December 2, December 9, December 16), 7 nights between Budapest and Vilshofen

Budapest, Hungary (overnight); Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna (overnight), Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Austria; Passau and Vilshofen, Germany. Southbound does not call in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Christmas Time on the Rhine (Northbound and Southbound)

Crystal Bach (November 26, December 3), Crystal Debussy (November 25, December 2, December 9, December 16), 7 nights between Basel and Amsterdam

Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France; Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Koblenz (overnight), Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight).

Holidays on the Rhine

Crystal Debussy (December 23), 10 nights, Basel to Amsterdam

Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France (overnight); Mannheim (overnight), Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Trier, Bernkastel, Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands (two overnights including New Year’s Eve).

When reservations for Crystal River Cruises’ 2023 voyages open May 18, 2021, travelers will benefit from 2-for-1 cruise fares from $2,799 per guest and up to $2,000 Book Now Savings per guest, ensuring the best fares available for those who plan ahead and book early. 

Together, the Crystal River Cruises fleet comprises the most spacious and luxurious ships sailing Europe’s rivers with generously sized guest suites, expansive social spaces, open-air Vista Decks and the highest crew to guest ratio at 1 to 1.55.Crystal Mozart sets the standard for space and is the only river ship to feature a wrap-around Promenade Deck, the largest onboard spa, two onboard fitness centers, four restaurants and four lounges.

Crystal’s four Rhine Class ships accommodate just 106 guests with an intentional focus on maximizing personal and public spaces throughout their 135-meter hulls (a size typically designed to accommodate twice the number of guests). The ships are the industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, butler-serviced vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the waterline. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity bathrooms are featured in most categories. 

All Crystal’s River ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include Michelin-inspired cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés, Blue (on Crystal Mozart) and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the riverside scenery. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.

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 and 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 visitwww.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.

Princess Cruises Cancels Select Cruise Vacations In Mexico, California Coast, Caribbean and Mediterranean

Alaska Sailings Held for Possible Cruise Restart in United States   

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 12, 2021) – While Princess Cruises continues to work with various government and port authorities to finalize its additional plans for return to cruising and due to ongoing international travel restrictions, the company is cancelling the following cruise vacations:

• California Coast and Mexico sailings on Ruby Princess through August 21, 2021

• Caribbean sailings on Caribbean Princess through August 21, 2021

• Remaining 2021 Mediterranean season on Enchanted Princess

Princess continues its discussion with various United States and Canadian government officials to try to preserve a portion of the Alaska 2021 cruise season. 

“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 Jan Swartz, Princess Cruisespresident. “We know our guests are just as eager as we are to begin sailing, and we appreciate their patience as we get close to resuming cruising.”   

For guests booked on a cancelled cruise, Princess will offer to move guests to a choice of an equivalent cruise in 2021 or 2022. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests’ 2021 fare on their replacementcruise. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 USD) or a full refund to the original form of payment.    

Requests must be received through this online form by June 15, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022.   

Princess will protect travel agent commission on bookings that were paid in full in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.  

The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.   

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Norweigian Prima

First of Six Vessels in New Groundbreaking Class Officially Opens for Sale with Sensational Itineraries Sailing Northern Europe, The UK, The Caribbean and Bermuda 

Industry's Most Spacious New Cruise Ship Offering the Most Outdoor Deck Space and the Most Expansive Accommodations of Any New Build 

Cutting-Edge Ship Launches Multiple NCL Firsts with Indulge Food Hall, Infinity Beach, Oceanwalk and The Concourse

MIAMI (May 12, 2021) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking boundaries, today opened for sale the first of six ships within its highly anticipated next class of vessels, Prima Class, the Brand’s first new class of ships in nearly 10 years.

With voyages beginning in summer 2022, Norwegian Prima, the first of the six ships, will be 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons and able to accommodate 3,215 guests at double occupancy. The vessel will be a game-changer for NCL, offering guests exciting itineraries, more wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, a variety of new experiences as well as Norwegian’s exceptional service.

"Despite not having sailed in more than a year, we never stopped working and innovating, we never once pressed pause," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. "In fact, we doubled down on our brand investment in order to deliver unforgettable guest experiences that go well beyond expectations. Not only will we begin cruising this July, we’re so proud and so incredibly happy to announce the start of an exciting new chapter as we introduce the Prima Class and the first ship in a line of unrivaled vessels with Norwegian Prima."

Sommer continued, "An exemplary representation of our brand evolution, bringing together our ‘Guest First’ philosophy and our spirit of innovation, Norwegian Prima personifies everything our guests love about NCL and raises the bar. This brand-new class of ships is truly designed to put our guests first."

The show-stopping vessel built in Marghera, Italy by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri features striking hull artwork designed by Italian graffiti artist Manuel Di Rita, known commonly as "Peeta." For the first time on any NCL vessel, the captivating hull art extends to the forward superstructure of the ship. World-class architects that helped design Norwegian Prima include Italian designer Piero Lissoni and powerhouse architectural firms Rockwell Group, SMC Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, YSA DESIGN and Miami-based Studio Dado who conceptualized and composed the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas on board.

"The name ‘Prima,’ which means "first" in Italian, is a natural fit that ties into our legacy of firsts in the industry and a fitting tribute to our new Italian shipbuilding partners at Fincantieri," added Sommer.

"We are very honored to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line for the development of its next class of ships," said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri. "Norwegian Prima marks the beginning of our collaboration, which will see the delivery of six next-generation vessels that are designed to take guest experiences to a new level focusing on elevated, spacious and thoughtful design. As we emerge from this global crisis, this announcement marks a strong sign of hope for the cruise sector and is a testament to Fincantieri’s global leadership role in the industry."

Wide-Open Spaces and Elevated Experiences That Go Beyond Expectation

"We innovated with purpose and created Norwegian Prima to push the boundaries of conventional cruising, offering our guests more wide-open spaces, thoughtful art and design and world-class service which places our guests at the heart of it all," added Sommer.

Norwegian Prima will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, delivering an unrivaled guest experience. She will offer the largest variety of suite categories available at sea with 13 suite categories as well as the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise ship and the Brand's largest-ever inside, oceanview and balcony staterooms, including the Brand's largest-ever bathrooms and showers for standard stateroom categories. Norwegian Prima will also offer the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship including more total pool deck space than any other ship in NCL's fleet as well as multiple infinity pools and vast outdoor walkways allowing guests to take in the sea, the ocean breeze and a variety of elevated experiences.

The Elevated Haven By Norwegian

To provide guests with an unrivaled experience in luxury cruising, The Haven by Norwegian on Norwegian Prima has been elevated to offer the Brand's most exclusive and centralized suite complex. Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, the ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept provides guests with private amenities, dedicated services and the most luxurious accommodations on board. For the first time, the Cruise Line relocated all 107 Haven suites to the aft (the rear of the ship) within close proximity of private elevators exclusively reserved for Haven guests. These elevators rise directly into The Haven public areas on decks 16 and 17. NCL evolved The Haven's design to be more open to the sea than ever before. For the first time, every public area in The Haven offers stunning sea and destination views. The Haven Courtyard on Norwegian Prima has been transformed into an expansive Haven Sundeck, boasting a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

Pushing the boundaries of exclusive design within the reimagined exclusive space, all public areas and suites in The Haven have been designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy's preeminent designers. Lissoni provided an elegant and sophisticated design to The Haven Sundeck, The Haven Restaurant, The Haven Lounge & Bar and the Outdoor Spa: Sauna and Cold Room.

Outdoor Living on Ocean Boulevard

Furthering the elevated experience that places guests first and understanding the important connection they have with the outdoors and proximity to the sea, NCL reimagined its industry pioneering The Waterfront by doubling the space and adding a greater variety of experiences and dining options than ever before by introducing Ocean Boulevard.

Located on deck eight, Ocean Boulevard at 44,000 square feet long, wraps around the entire deck, allowing guests to walk around the entire ship and experience amazing ocean views while having the choice to partake in numerous exceptional outdoor activities.

Global Cuisine with Indulge Food Hall

As part of the multifaceted experiences offered on Ocean Boulevard, NCL introduced the Brand’s first-ever upscale open-air marketplace with Indulge Food Hall. Created to elevate the guest-sensory experience on Norwegian Prima, Indulge Food Hall offers visitors diverse menu items from a variety of culinary venues as well as a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.

NCL’s first-ever food hall was thoughtfully designed, offering various cuisines and showcasing captivating colors and smells with 11 venues including returning guest culinary favorites Coco’s, serving artisan sweet treats; Q Texas Smokehouse, boasting delicious American Southern comfort food and barbecue; and Starbucks. Indulge will unveil first-ever dining venues including Seaside Rotisserie, offering a wide array of rotisserie-cooked dishes; Nudls, an emporium serving noodle dishes from around the world, from Italian to Thai cuisines; Tamara, preparing classic Indian dishes and multiple vegetarian food options; The Latin Quarter, serving classic Latin food with a twist; Tapas Food Truck, cooking elevated Spanish-inspired street food; Garden Kitchen,where guest can order customized salads with more than two dozen ingredients to choose from; Just Desserts, featuring classic dessert items such as pies and cakes and Just Ice Cream serving all guest favorite ice cream flavors and over-the-top decadent creations.

Hybrid Dining on Ocean Boulevard

Adding to the culinary offerings available on Norwegian Prima’s Ocean Boulevard, the site will host three additional dining venues offering both indoor and outdoor seating including Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill. Onda by Scarpetta, which debuted on Norwegian Encore in 2019 and also available on Norwegian Spirit, will showcase the rich and bold flavors for which the modern Italian land-based, award-winning Scarpetta restaurants are recognized. The venue, designed by esteemed design firm Studio Dado, features an elegant atmosphere, modern design and expansive indoor and outdoor ocean views. Los Lobos, the Brand’s premium Mexican restaurant, returns on Norwegian Prima to boast traditional Mexican flavors with modern flair set in a contemporary atmosphere also designed by Studio Dado. The revamped Local Bar & Grill set in an upscale beach club atmosphere will showcase live music where guests can relax and enjoy cocktails and classic Americana cuisine.

A Day on Ocean Boulevard: The Concourse, Infinity Beach, Oceanwalk and La Terraza

Created to be a destination in and of itself within Norwegian Prima and furthering the day-to-day elevated guest experiences available on Ocean Boulevard, the Company unveiled additional "firsts" for the Brand including The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden features an art wall designed by famed artist David Harber and six installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw featuring immersive art inspired by ancient mythology and contemporary abstract forms. The seven sculptures, valued at over $2 million, offer stunning effects that change as the sun sets, making them perfect for photos and social media posts. Guests can also relax at Infinity Beach featuring two infinity pools, one located on each side of the ship and close to the ocean surface, which is an industry-design first that allows pool-goers to take in the vastness of the ocean while soaking in the open air. The two Oceanwalk glass bridges, also new to the Brand, will provide guests with photographic, breathtaking views that will make them feel as if they are walking on air over the water. La Terraza, an open-air lounge, features a quaint retreat for visitors to catch stellar forward-facing sea views.

Bucket-List Itineraries on the Industry's Newest Ship

Summer 2022: Northern Europe and The UK

Following a string of inaugural cruises and beginning August 2022, Norwegian Prima will be the newest ship embarking in Northern Europe. From Aug. 17 to Sept. 13, 2022, she will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark, offering guests the opportunity to explore the continent's Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords and Baltic regions.

Fall/Winter 2022: Bermuda and The Caribbean

On Sept. 23, Norwegian Prima will depart Southampton, England, on a 12-day transatlantic voyage visiting Lerwick, Scotland with an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, before arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and ending her journey in New York to commence a five-day roundtrip itinerary on Oct. 10 to Bermuda, where she will make her debut as the newest ship sailing the fall and winter season. On Oct. 15, she will depart from New York on a 12-day open-jaw immersive Caribbean itinerary where she will be the newest ship in the region and for the first time ever for NCL, the vessel will visit Galveston, TX. She will have calls to Willemstad, Curacao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba, with all visits featuring between nine and 10 in-port hours. On Oct. 31, Norwegian Prima will kickstart her Caribbean season departing from Galveston, TX, to Miami on an 11-day itinerary with visits to Willemstad, Curacao; Kralendijk, Bonaire, and the Company's recently enhanced private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 3, Norwegian Prima will sail from Miami offering three, seven-day Western Caribbean cruises visiting Harvest Caye, the Company's private resort destination in Belize, in addition to other notable ports including Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan Island, Honduras.

Fall/Winter 2022-2023: Western Caribbean Voyages Homeporting from Orlando, Fla. (Port Canaveral)

From Dec. 11, 2022, to March 19, 2023, Norwegian Prima will homeport in Orlando, Fla. (Port Canaveral), sailing 15 roundtrip Western Caribbean voyages featuring five, seven, and nine-day port-rich itineraries visiting notable destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.

Spring 2023: Bermuda

Starting March 28 to May 7, Norwegian Prima will sail a mini-season of five and mostly seven-day roundtrip Bermuda voyages from New York. She will call at Norfolk, Virginia – the gateway to Virginia Beach and the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. The vessel will also sail to the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, where itineraries include one or two overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard to allow flexibility for guests to explore its shops, restaurants and pristine beaches on their own time.

Spring and Summer 2023: Northern Europe

On May 14, Norwegian Prima heads back to Iceland and Northern Europe, departing on an 11-day transatlantic journey from New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland, visiting Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, before making calls to several immersive Icelandic ports, including Akureyri, which resides on the longest fjord in Iceland and Isafjordur, where guests can take in Icelandic Viking history and unspoiled natural marvels. The voyage culminates in Reykjavik with an overnight stay, where guests can partake in the cosmopolitan experiences of Iceland's capital and largest city featuring contemporary art, a growing culinary scene and thriving music culture while also maintaining a connection to the great outdoors with geothermal springs and whale watching activities.

From May 25 to Sept. 7, Norwegian Prima's summer 2023 season will offer a mix of 10 and 11-day Norway and Iceland sailings from Reykjavik, Iceland, and Southampton, England, featuring extensive port time between nine and 14 in-port hours to offer guests an immersive experience. Throughout her voyage, guests will have the unique opportunity to cruise through the remarkable Heritage Fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Norwegian Prima will be one of the few ships that meet the criteria to sail in these environmentally protected waters. Other bucket-list worthy destinations include a call to Geiranger, Norway, featuring 14 hours in port where guests can visit Norway's most famous fjord, Geiranger Fjord, an awe-inspiring deep blue UNESCO protected nine-mile fjord surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush vegetation. The world famous Seven Sisters and The Bridal Veil waterfalls are just two of the numerous cascades that run down the steep mountainside throughout Geiranger Fjord. Norwegian Prima will also call to Olden, Norway, and feature 10-hours in port with access to the jaw-dropping Briksdal Glacier, a branch of the famous Jostedal Glacier, where guests can partake in once-in-a-lifetime hikes and nature trails.

On Sept. 17, Norwegian Prima concludes her summer 2023 season with a 14-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton, England, featuring between seven and 10 in-port hours with notable calls to Dublin, Ireland; Isafjordur and Akureyri, Iceland, with an overnight in Reykjavik; and visits to Geiranger, Olden, and Stavanger, Norway.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

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.

Azamara® Reveals Health and Safety Protocols for Return to Sailing in August

Following the announcement of Azamara’s return to sailing in Greece, the cruise line has revealed its ‘Explore Well at Sea’ program, building upon the brand’s health and safety commitment

MIAMI, May 11, 2021 – Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to reveal the brand’s ‘Explore Well at Sea’ program ahead of the line’s return to service in August.

Through Azamara’s commitment to wellness, the cruise line is implementing new standards with the launch of its ‘Explore Well at Sea’ program to enhance the onboard experience, keeping guests’ safety and peace of mind a top priority. With the guidance of the Healthy Sail Panel – a group of the best minds and leaders in public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, hospitality and maritime operations – travelers can expect advanced screening protocols such as fully vaccinated crew and guests, enhanced sanitation measures, and enhanced medical services. Azamara will continue to evaluate these protocols and update them as public health standards and the global situation evolves. Booked guests and travel partners will be advised of the latest requirements prior to voyage departure.

“Since we suspended our sailings over a year ago, we’ve had time to develop a strong restart plan and build on our existing health and safety protocols to ensure peace of mind for guests and crew, especially when it comes to traveling within our new world,” said President of Azamara, Carol Cabezas. “Cruising is one of the safest places to travel, which is attributed to all the enhanced protocols set in place, and we are extremely fortunate to be guided by the Healthy Sail Panel for a healthy return to service in Greece beginning on August 28, with five back-to-back Country-Intensive Voyages and one classic Mediterranean sailing.”

‘Explore Well at Sea’ Program Highlights:

Testing & Screening: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated two weeks prior to sailing, as an added layer of protection to keep guests and crew safe, in addition to providing a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result. Once aboard, complimentary COVID-19 testing and medical evaluations will be available.

Air Filtration: With new HVAC filtration systems, the air indoors aboard each of Azamara’s ships is comparable to the fresh sea air. This advanced filtration system takes in fresh sea air and moves it through a two-stage filter, plus copper coils, to eliminate 99.99% of germs, making the transmission of aerosol particles between spaces extremely low to virtually impossible. 

Cleaning Protocols: Advanced cleaning protocols and guidelines approved by the CDC and recommended by the Healthy Sail Panel will be followed. Every nook of the ships, from bow to stern, will be regularly cleaned and sanitized. New standards include enhanced team member training, use of EPA-certified disinfectants, and techniques like electrostatic spraying. 

Medical Capabilities: An enhanced medical facility will be found on board each Azamara vessel, with more equipment, a dedicated infectious control officer, and new isolation staterooms to provide comfortable and complimentary care. New agreements will be in place with local governments, hospitals and transportation partners to ensure guests a safe return home. 

For more information on Azamara’s health and safety protocols, please visit: www.azamara.com/explorewell

About Azamara

Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences. Presently with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world, and an additional fourth ship scheduled to join the fleet in 2022. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, less-visited hidden gems. Azamara’s commitment to creating immersive experiences allows guests to travel deeper with longer stays, more overnights, and night touring.  Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, select beverages, exclusive cultural events and more. For more information visit www.azamara.com.

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.