Trio of top chefs brings Swan Hellenic world-class on-board gastronomy

Jörg Lehmann, Andrea Ribaldone and Sang Keun Oh bring internationally-acclaimed gastronomic expertise to iconic cultural expedition cruise leader

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday 17th June, Swan Hellenic announced that it has appointed Jörg Lehmann as Executive Chef of its first 5-star expedition cruise ship, SH Minerva, due to embark on its maiden cruise this November.

Jörg brings extensive cruise industry experience, having risen through the ranks and to the top of the market at Crystal Cruises, then Silversea and Seabourn, where he became the company’s youngest Executive Chef aged 26. Later moves on land saw him developing the gastronomic offering for a Kempinski Hotels’ luxury beach resort in Zanzibar and then his own hotel and restaurants in Sweden, with clients ranging from Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel to 007 actor Daniel Craig and the cast of the film “The Girl with the Dragon tattoo”.

Accepting an invitation to return to Seabourn as Guest Chef on a prestigious farewell cruise in 2015, Jörg rediscovered his love of creating gastronomic sensations for the discriminating guests on small expedition ships, subsequently working with SeaDream Yacht Club, Noble Caledonia, Hurtigruten and now Swan Hellenic.

As Executive Chef, Jörg is already deeply involved in creating the varied menus for SH Minerva, including creative Italian and Asian fusion dishes in partnership with recently appointed Consultant Chefs Andrea Ribaldone and Sang Keun Oh, working directly with them in Italy and Moscow respectively.

Andrea is an influential Italian chef with an extraordinary array of achievements to his name. These include gaining a Michelin Star for La Fermata, founding the gastronomy consulting company ARCO, being appointed Executive Chef at Eataly Tokyo, renovating Due Buoi in Alessandra and earning it, too, a Michelin Star, then managing Osteria Arborina in the Annunziata hamlet of La Morra and once again gaining a Michelin Star, as well as launching and managing a whole series of highly successful innovative dining concepts and venues.

Providing a different but no less distinguished perspective as Consultant Chef, the fabled Korean innovator Sang Keun Oh brings unrivalled experience of Japanese cuisine, acquired at the renowned Tsuji Culinary Institute, but equally of French cuisine, having risen to become Head Chef at the Franco-Japanese L’Étranger in London, which was awarded two AA Rosettes under his leadership. This led to a series of tremendous successes in Russia as Executive Chef of the Asian menus at the famous Moscow floating restaurants Lastochka and Chaika, followed by his own acclaimed restaurant Hibiki, serving modern Japanese cuisine. Sang Keun Oh is now sharing his unique insights to bring Swan Hellenic a gastronomic offering of exceptional quality, diversity and creativity.

“We’re overjoyed to have built such an extraordinary team of talents,” commented Swan Hellenic, SVP Hotel Operations, Hans Heger “ensuring our guests will not only see what others don’t, but also savour exceptional flavours and textures as they voyage. I have to confess I’ve already sampled some of the dishes being developed and they’re simply out of this world!”

“It’s a pleasure to work with such a professional team,” observed Consultant Chef Andrea Ribaldone, “all totally committed to creating a unique gastronomic experience. I’m delighted to play a role in bringing this iconic pioneer a further distinctive facet to its incomparable quality of life on board”.

“I’ve been really impressed by the dedication of the Swan Hellenic team,” agreed Consultant Chef Sang Keun Oh. “We’ve been working incredibly well together to create on-board dining that’s every bit as spectacular as the legendary company’s cultural expedition cruises.”

“It’s a great honour for me to work in such distinguished company, crafting an amazing variety of truly inspired dishes” concluded Executive Chef Jörg Lehmann. “I can’t wait to present our inaugural menus and see the faces of our guests as they dine on board!”

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

VIKING WELCOMES GUESTS BACK TO FRANCE AND PORTUGAL AS EUROPE BEGINS REOPENING TO AMERICANS

Following Restart of Ocean Operations in England and Bermuda, Viking Prepares to Restart European River Cruises 

Los Angeles (June 16, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) celebrated today that France and Portugal have reopened to American travelers. As of this week, both countries now allow vaccinated visitors from the U.S. to arrive without further restriction. Additionally, the European Union today recommended that its member countries begin lifting restrictions on American travelers, with a formal announcement expected on Friday. These positive developments come as Viking prepares to restart its European river operations in July 2021, starting with some of its most popular itineraries in Portugal and France. Offered exclusively for vaccinated guests as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, limited space is still available on these river sailings with departures as early as July 2021.

“We applaud the governments of France and Portugal for encouraging international travel while keeping public health a top priority,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our guests are eager to return to Europe, with France and Portugal at the top of many travel lists. We look forward to welcoming guests back on board our Longships in France and Portugal in a few short weeks.” 

Viking successfully restarted operations in May and has been sailing in England with British guests since May 22. Nearly 100 percent of guests on these sailings provided exceptionally high ratings. Yesterday, the company welcomed American guests back on board in Bermuda for the first of eight sailings of Bermuda Escape. Later this month, Viking will launch Welcome Back sailings around Iceland and in the Mediterranean.  

              With new summer and early fall 2021 sailing dates now available Viking’s Welcome Back river voyages in France and Portugal include:

River Departures – Voyages Beginning in July 2021

• Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon to Porto) – Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia’s oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain. Multiple sailing dates July through October 2021.

• Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris to Rouen to Paris) – Explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked – the setting that inspired many of his masterpieces. Trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen. Walk hallowed ground at Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches. Savor Normandy cuisine. This 8-day cruise along the Seine River celebrates history, art, food and customs in the country’s most dazzling urbane and pastoral settings. Multiple sailing dates July through December 2021.

• Lyon & Provence (8 days; Avignon to Lyon) – Tap into your inner van Gogh at an Arles painting class. Discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes amphitheater and the Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes. Excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy. Savor Beaujolais wines. Hunt for truffles and see how chèvre cheese is made. Come witness the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall on this 8-day Rhône cruise. Multiple sailing dates July through November 2021.

• France’s Finest (15 days; Paris to Avignon) – Pay your respects at Normandy’s World War II beaches. Walk in Joan of Arc’s footsteps at Rouen. Luxuriate in Paris’s sophistication. Savor Lyon’s culinary heritage. Toast the Beaujolais vineyards. Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes. Celebrate the Provençal lifestyle. Art, cuisine, style, joie de vivre—if you love everything Français, this is for you: a 15-day journey that combines our popular Paris & the Heart of Normandy and Lyon & Provence cruises into one tour de force. Multiple sailing dates in August and September 2021.

Those who sail Welcome Back 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—and a strong network of dedicated shoreside labs for Viking river ships in Europe—all guests and crew will receive frequent 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.

Booking Details

              Limited space is still available on 2021 summer sailings. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent.

AN ICON IS BORN AS ROYAL CARIBBEAN STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON REVOLUTIONARY SHIP

Revealed as Icon of the Seas, the Cruise Line’s First LNG-powered Ship will Make Waves in fall 2023

MIAMI, June 16, 2021 – An iconic day for the cruise industry’s next iconic ship took place on Monday, June 14 when Royal Caribbean International marked the start of construction on its first Icon Class ship. To celebrate the milestone, the world’s largest cruise line held a steel-cutting ceremony at Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku, where the revolutionary ship’s name was revealed as Icon of the Seas. 

In attendance at the ceremony was Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International; and Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. The initial step in the ship’s years-long journey to completion also officially begins Royal Caribbean’s next chapter in building a clean-energy future as the leader in innovative ship design. Debuting in fall 2023, Icon will be the cruise line’s first of three ships to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas). LNG and the state-of-the-art ship’s additional environmentally friendly applications, such as shore power connection, will boost energy efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint. More details about Icon’s advanced environmental technologies will be revealed at a future date.

“We made our commitment to making clean power at sea a reality – and soon the norm – when Icon Class was first announced in 2016, and we’re excited to see construction underway on what will truly be a ship unlike any other,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Our decades of work in ocean conservation, energy efficiency and continuous improvement will be evident all throughout Icon. We look forward to revealing more of the game-changing features our guests and crew have in store as she begins to take shape.” 

Royal Caribbean is already known for its decades of work in making strides on energy efficiency and reduced emissions through such technologies as air lubrication, which sends billions of microscopic bubbles along the hull of a ship to reduce friction, and advanced waste heat recovery systems that turn waste heat into extra energy, up to 3 megawatts, to help power the ship’s operations. Use of such technologies, including LNG, will result in further reduced emissions overall, virtually zero sulfur dioxides and particulates, and a significant reduction in the production of nitrogen oxides.

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

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

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

Cunard Announces New Itineraries across Fleet

VALENCIA, CA - June 16, 2021 - Cunard resumes operations from July 19, 2021 as Queen Elizabeth welcomes guests on board for a series of UK voyages from Southampton, England; and beginning October 13, 2021, sailing internationally with new voyages including to the Iberian coast and the Canary Islands. Queen Elizabeth will then leave the UK in mid-February to resume her previously scheduled season in Japan from April 13, 2022.

Queen Mary 2 will resume sailing with a Transatlantic Crossing on November 14, 2021 as per her existing schedule, and will now sail on a series of voyages around the Caribbean between January and April 2022, with embarkation options from Southampton, New York and Hamburg before resuming her existing published schedule on April 24, 2022.

Queen Victoria will embark on three new voyages departing from Southampton from April 22, 2022 which includes Western Europe, the Baltics and the Iberian Coast before resuming her existing published schedule on May 20, 2022.

“On July 19 Queen Elizabeth’s crew and I will be welcoming guests on board as at long last we start our return to sailing,” said Simon Palethorpe, president of Cunard. “This will be a momentous day for Cunard as after a long pause we finally get back to doing what we love doing, hosting guests for fantastic vacations. To say we cannot wait would be an understatement!”

“Sadly, the path for a return to sailing across international waters is less clear and we are extremely sorry for the huge disappointment cancellations will cause for all guests who have been affected. Unfortunately, there are simply too many international ports of call affected by the ongoing complexities of COVID-19, which has sadly led to this decision.”

“We’re really excited about the new itineraries mentioned, such as Queen Mary 2’s sailings around the Caribbean, and hopefully these will appeal to those looking for some much needed winter sun and those looking for adventure later this year and in 2022.”

Due to the ongoing complexities of navigating global travel, Cunard has today announced that they will be cancelling the following voyages:

Queen Elizabeth’s sailings from the UK to Australia and her homeport season in Australia from October 18, 2021 up to and including March 9, 2022.

World Voyages on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in 2022 are now cancelled.

Queen Victoria’s sailings from September 10, 2021 up to and including April 29, 2022 are now cancelled.

However, five of Queen Victoria’s sailings will transfer onto identical voyages on sister ship Queen Elizabeth. These voyages are V126, V128, V129, V130 and V201.

All guests whose cruises have been cancelled will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125% of the standard deposit terms, and 100% of any additional monies paid.

Alternatively, 100% refund is available through completing the form on www.cunard.com

All new itineraries mentioned above will go on sale in July.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Agent, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For Travel Agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.

Windstar Cruises Promotes Paul Barrett to Vice President of Marine & Technical Operations

SEATTLE, WA, June 16, 2021 – As Windstar Cruises prepares to welcome guests back on board, President Christopher Prelog has made structural changes to the small ship cruise line’s operations team, including promoting Paul Barrett to Vice President of Marine & Technical Operations. 

Previously, Barrett was Vice President of Technical Operations, in charge of the safe, compliant, and efficient technical operation of the fleet, including repairs, maintenance and upgrade projects at dry docks. In addition to this, his new role includes marine operations, safety, compliance, and fuel procurement.

 “Paul has developed an incredibly strong team here in the technical department, and I’m confident he will continue his excellent leadership in his newly expanded role,” said Christopher Prelog. 

Barrett, who will be based in the company’s new Miami headquarters, will report directly to Prelog. A new executive role also based in Miami, Vice President of Hotel Operations, will soon be advertised and filled. The two positions will work in tandem to manage all of the operations aboard Windstar’s fleet of six yachts. 

Windstar recently announced the company will be moving its office from Seattle to Miami in June of 2022, with some corporate positions moving to Denver and others operating remotely from the Seattle area. The Miami office will accommodate mostly cruise operation functions and some direct supporting teams to operations. ST

 “This reorganization provides a solid framework for the future operations of Windstar and is a strong step in ensuring our new Miami office is poised for success,” Prelog said. 

Barrett has three-plus decades of marine engineering and technical operations experience. Before coming to Windstar in 2017, he worked for the Holland America Group. Prior to that Barrett was Vice President of Technical Operations at Princess Cruises. Barrett began his maritime career as an Engineer Officer aboard P&O Cruises in 1984. Barrett completed an Executive Management Leadership Program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from California Coast University. Barrett is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technologists in the U.K. and a member of the U.S.A. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. 

For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com. 

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES REDEPLOYS WORLD NAVIGATOR TO EGYPT AND GREEK ISLES FOR INAUGURAL 2021 SUMMER SEASON

All-inclusive, Luxe-adventure Journeys Exclusively Bring Travelers to Egypt this Season

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., June 16, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages, the luxe-adventure cruise brand for fun-seeking, discerning travelers, announced new summer 2021 itineraries for its first, newly constructed expedition ship, World Navigator. Alternating departures from Athens (Piraeus), Greece, and Cairo (Alexandria), Egypt, starting August 4, World Navigatorwill be the industry’s first and only cruise ship to bring travelers to Egypt and deliver a distinctly different, safe and luxurious regional travel experience. The five new itineraries, ranging from seven to 12 nights, feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites at nearly all of the 14 unique ports of call, and include multiple nights in either Cairo or Mykonos, Greece, so guests can enjoy each destination’s vibrant nightlife. On the August 4, maiden voyage, guests will also be hosted at an included celebration dinner and party on the Giza Plateau overlooking the iconic Pyramids, which will be illuminated into the evening exclusively for World Navigator guests. These itinerary changes reflect Atlas’ response to geopolitical uncertainty in Israel as part of the cruise brand’s commitment to guests’ safety and health. Throughout, World Navigator guests will enjoy Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way promise, which includes complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at each port, prepaid gratuities, shipboard gourmet dining, premium beverages, and much more. For more information about and to book World Navigator’s new 2021 Egypt and Greek Isles voyages, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

            “The safety and health of our guests and staff is our top priority,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “While we would have liked to carry out our original Holy Land itineraries this summer, the region’s geopolitics does not make it prudent. However, we created World Navigator’sEgypt and Greek Isles voyages to offer travelers a new, unique and superior choice of exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, in true luxe-adventure style.”

            Due to her small size, World Navigator will also exclusively call at small and authentic Greek islands where larger ships cannot reach. At port, World Navigator guests can enjoy a choice of a complimentary shore excursions that showcase must-see attractions, as well as optional immersive experiences not offered by other cruise brands. Captivating complimentary tour options include Ano Mera, perhaps the most traditional of Mykonos’ villages; a visit to Akrotiri, ranked among the world’s top 10 archeological sites; and Alexandria’s National Museum and its iconic Library. Guests seeking to delve deeper into Egyptian and Greek heritage can opt for premium escorted overland tours, which include all the major sites of Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor and Athens. 

            All shore excursions and overland tours will be conducted in small groups, led by expert and screened local tour guides and aboard full-size motorcoaches operated at less than 50 percent occupancy to provide ample personal space. Wireless headsets will also be used to allow guests to remain socially distant while still enjoying the guides’ commentary.

            Offering one of the industry’s highest guest-space ratio, World Navigator is newly constructed with the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art, elegant design. All staff and crew are trained in and will observe stringent health protocols, and guests will participate in a screening tests prior to boarding and during the voyage.

            Atlas’ expansive list of complimentary inclusions also covers emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, in-room coffee, tea and personalized bar service, as well as butler service in suites.

            Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited and compelling destinations where only small ships can visit. World Navigator, Atlas’ expedition ship launching this summer, fosters a refined and convivial ambience and features SeaSpa, the first L’OCCITANE spa at sea. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. Four additional sister ships, World Traveller, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, will join World Navigator by the end of 2023.

            Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new’ in the brand’s marquee marketing campaign “At Last… Atlas” (www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

VIKING CONTINUES SUCCESSFUL RESTART AND WELCOMES FIRST U.S. GUESTS BACK ON BOARD IN BERMUDA

Viking Orion Currently Sailing First of Eight Roundtrip Departures from Hamilton; Space Still Available

Los Angeles (June 15, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) welcomed American guests on board for the first time in 15 months today in Bermuda, as the company continues its successful restart of operations. Guests boarded the award-winning Viking Orion® in Hamilton and will sail the new Bermuda Escape itinerary. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, this is the first of eight roundtrip sailings from Hamilton planned for summer 2021. After departing the capital city, the eight-day journey continues with scenic sailing around the British island territory and an overnight call in King’s Wharf.  

              “Today is an extraordinary milestone as the world continues to reopen for international travel. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we are delighted to welcome our loyal American guests back on board,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We applaud the government of Bermuda for its collaboration and support as we have restarted our operations. Bermuda has been a favorite destination among our guests since our ocean ships began calling there in 2017, and we look forward to introducing even more Viking guests to the island’s history, culture and phenomenal natural beauty.” 

Viking successfully restarted operations in May and has been sailing in England with British guests since May 22. Later this month, Viking will launch Welcome Back sailings around Iceland and in the Mediterranean – and will restart its European river operations in July 2021 with select itineraries in Portugal, France and along the Rhine. 

Those who sail Welcome Back 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 aboard-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—and a strong network of dedicated shoreside labs for Viking river ships in Europe—all guests and crew will receive frequent 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.

Booking Details

              Limited space is still available on 2021 summer sailings. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent.

Media Assets

For more information, images and b-roll for Viking, contact vikingpr@edelman.com.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises. In its first five years of operation, Viking has been rated the #1 ocean cruise line in Travel + Leisure’s 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 “World’s Best” Awards. In addition to the Travel + Leisure honors, Viking has also been honored multiple times on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” as well as recognized by Cruise Critic as “Best Overall” Small-Mid size ship in the 2018 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, “Best River Cruise Line” and “Best River Itineraries,” with the entire Viking Longships® fleet being named “Best New River Ships” in the website’s Editors’ Picks Awards. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

MSC SPLENDIDA BECOMES NEXT MSC CRUISES SHIP TO WELCOME BACK GUESTS WITH A FOUR-COUNTRY EAST MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER ITINERARY

MSC Splendida to homeport in Trieste and offer popular East Mediterranean itinerary with calls in Italy, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro

Geneva, Switzerland (June 14, 2021) — MSC Splendida at the weekend became the latest MSC Cruises ship to restart summer sailings with her 7-night itinerary to the enchanting landscapes of the Eastern Mediterranean from the northern Italian port of Trieste.  

Calls are to Ancona, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bari, Italy; the Greek island of Corfu and Kotor in Montenegro or Split in Croatia before the ship returns to Trieste with embarkation available in each of the Italian ports.

Ancona was recently added to the itinerary to enrich the experience for guests with an opportunity to discover the capital of Italy’s picturesque Marche region.

MSC Splendida offers a wide choice of restaurants, bars and lounges, four swimming pools, a fully-equipped gym and luxurious spa, award-winning family activities and facilities as well as the MSC Yacht Club with 71 spacious suites and personalised 24/7 butler service. 

MSC Splendida represents the Company’s fifth ship to resume cruises this summer.  MSC Grandiosa and MSC Seaside are sailing in the West Mediterranean, MSC Orchestra is operating in the East Mediterranean and flagship MSC Virtuosa is cruising in the UK for British guests only.

The ship will be supported by MSC Cruises’ industry-leading health and safety protocol, which has protected tens of thousands of guests, as well as crew members and local communities visited by the Company’s ships, since it was first introduced in August 2020 on MSC Grandiosa. 

MSC Magnifica will resume sailings on June 20, 2021 from Italy for voyages in the East Mediterranean, MSC Seaview will restart on July 3 from Kiel in Germany for sailings in the Baltic Sea to Sweden and Estonia followed by MSC Seashoremaking her maiden sailing from the end of July in the West Mediterranean.

ADVENTURE IS BACK: ROYAL CARIBBEAN MAKES LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO THE CARIBBEAN

Adventure of the Seas Sails from The Bahamas with Fully Vaccinated Crew and Guests

MIAMI, June 13, 2021 – A milestone more than 15 months in the making: Royal Caribbean International and the communities of the Caribbean celebrated the cruise line’s highly anticipated return to the region as Adventure of the Seas set sail from Nassau, The Bahamas yesterday. The first of Royal Caribbean’s ships to resume cruising in the Western Hemisphere, Adventure welcomed more than 1,000 vacationers on its opening cruise. The ship set sail with fully vaccinated crew and fully vaccinated guests 16 years of age or older, who make up 94% of all guests on board while the remaining 6% of guests are children younger than 16. The ship now begins a summer lineup of 7-night sailings to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas; Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas; and Cozumel, Mexico.

“The return of Adventure of the Seas marks a start in the tremendous step forward our guests have been waiting for and we’ve been working toward for more than 15 months. This is all possible thanks to the government of The Bahamas, the support of our partners and the hard work of our teams across Royal Caribbean,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“We are excited to welcome back our guests and crew, and to help our Caribbean family regain the benefits of tourism their communities depend on. This is just the beginning, as we get ready to set sail from the U.S. for the first time on July 2.”  

Hot on the heels of the cruise line’s return to the Caribbean, 11 Royal Caribbean ships are set to cruise from the U.S. and Europe once again, beginning in July and August. The complete lineup of Royal Caribbean’s 2021 cruises is available here.

Healthy and Safety Measures for Adventure of the Seas Bahamas Cruises

Vacationers sailing on Adventure can cruise with peace of mind, knowing that all crew members and guests are tested and fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Travelers 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated, and as of Aug. 1, guests age 12 or older. Vacationers younger than the eligible age must undergo testing and follow other protocols. The vaccine requirement is one of the many layers of measures that safeguard the well-being of our guests and crew as well as the communities we visit. These additional health and safety protocols include our fully vaccinated crew, the robust onboard ventilation system, enhanced cleaning and sanitization. A full list of the travel requirements for summer cruises from The Bahamas on Adventure are available here.

Royal Caribbean will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve and in compliance with various government and health authorities. With cruises sailing to and from different destinations that have different sets of laws and guidelines, protocols will vary accordingly.

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

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

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

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE CONFIRMS FIRST SAILING FOR MARDI GRAS; ANNOUNCES MORE SHIPS RETURNING IN AUGUST

MIAMI, June 10, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line today laid out plans for its next wave of the summer restart of guest operations, including the first cruise for Mardi Gras and the return of additional ships in August.  Highlights of the plan include:

• Mardi Gras will start operating her seven-day cruises from Port Canaveral on Saturday, July 31, with pre-inaugural sailings to the eastern and western Caribbean.

• Carnival Magic will return from her dry dock – and with her new hull design – and homeport from Port Canaveral where she will pick up four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean that were previously scheduled for Carnival Elation, effective Aug. 7 through Oct. 7. Guests already booked on Carnival Elation will be re-accommodated on Carnival Magic, and because she is a larger ship, additional stateroom inventory is being made available on Carnival.com and other sales channels. Carnival Magic will also operate three new six-day cruises and one new eight-day cruise from Port Canaveral between Oct. 11-31.

• Carnival Sunrise will enter service from Miami, effective Aug. 14, sailing four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

• Carnival Panorama will enter service from Long Beach on Aug. 21, sailing her seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises.

• Carnival Vista and Breeze (from Galveston), Carnival Horizon (from Miami) and Carnival Miracle (from Seattle to Alaska) will continue with their cruises through August that are part of the line’s restart plans in July.

• Given the above plans, Carnival has extended its pause for other ships through Aug. 31, 2021, as follows: Carnival Pride (Baltimore), Carnival Sunshine (Charleston), Carnival Dream (Galveston), Carnival Ecstasy (Jacksonville), Carnival Liberty (Port Canaveral), Carnival Conquest (Miami), Carnival Sensation (Mobile) and Carnival Glory (New Orleans).

• Guests and travel agents are being advised of the August schedule plans and Carnival will be providing more details directly to them next week on guidelines and protocols. Carnival plans to operate these August sailings with vaccinated guests.

“We are very excited to finally welcome guests on Mardi Gras,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “With our desire to preserve summer vacations for our Mardi Gras guests, we are going to find a later date to formally christen her so that we can operate these pre-inaugural sailings just as soon as we can.”

Duffy also noted that Carnival intends to expand its initial restart from Florida,  Texas and Washington to California, with the return of Carnival Panorama from Long Beach in late August.  “We are excited to resume our West Coast operations and intend to sail Carnival Panorama with vaccinated guests starting August 21.  We are working with state and local officials to finalize the necessary plans,” Duffy said.

Carnival will continue to ramp up more ships and homeports in September and beyond, bringing hundreds of crew on board each week to be vaccinated, complete CDC-mandated quarantine and then begin work to prepare for guests and the return to guest operations.

“Our focus remains on the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve and visit,” said Duffy.  “We are taking a deliberate approach so we can execute with excellence and deliver a fun experience to our guests, who have been tremendously patient and supportive throughout this pause.”