MSC CRUISES BECOMES FIRST CRUISE LINE TO RESUME INTERNATIONAL SAILINGS FROM BARCELONA

MSC Grandiosa’s weekend call at Barcelona represented Spain’s first international cruise since March 2020

Addition of Barcelona enriches MSC Grandiosa’s itinerary to offer new embarkation port and new destination for guests to visit

Geneva, Switzerland (June 28, 2021) – The port of Barcelona reopened at the weekend for international cruises when MSC Grandiosa became the first ship to embark Spanish guests and vacationers from other Schengen countries.

The 7-night cruise calls at the Italian ports of Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Palermo, plus Valetta, Malta.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said, “Barcelona is an integral part of our year-round itineraries in the Mediterranean and to see it reopen for our guests from Spain and other countries in Europe is extremely gratifying.  This was a very welcome addition to the ever-increasing number of ports that are opening for business after such a long pause in operations. As the first cruise line to offer international cruises from Spain we are sure that our Spanish guests will enjoy the convenience of embarkation in Barcelona on Saturdays and enjoy the popular itinerary that MSC Grandiosa offers in the Mediterranean.” 

The port of Barcelona is of strategic importance to MSC Cruises’ position as the market leader in Europe and earlier this month the Company received the official approval to operate and manage an exclusive 11,670 m2 (≈125,615 sq. ft.) cruise terminal, which is due for completion in 2024.

MSC Cruises’ restart at the weekend in Barcelona follows approvals by the relevant Spanish authorities for the Company’s industry-leading health and safety protocol, which was designed and introduced in August 2020 to protect the wellbeing of guests, crew and communities visited by its fleet of ships. 

MSC Grandiosa’s itinerary from the end of July will see the addition of another important Spanish port, Valencia with embarkation on Fridays. The ship will then call Barcelona, and onto the Italian ports of Genoa, La Spezia for Florence and Pisa, and Civitavecchia for Rome. 

MSC Grandiosa is one of the most environmentally-advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet and features state-of-the-art selective catalytic reduction and advanced wastewater treatment systems. MSC Grandiosa last year received the ‘biosafe ship’ class certification from classification society, RINA.

More ports will reopen in the coming weeks across Europe and MSC Cruises’ phased restart of operations is continuing as planned with the Company offering a choice of six different ships and itineraries this summer across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. 

MSC Seaview will start Baltic Sea cruises beginning July 3 from her homeport of Kiel in Germany with 7-night sailings to Sweden and Estonia and MSC Seaside on July 4 will mark the official reopening of Marseille, France to cruising.

MSC Magnifica resumed sailings last week in the East Mediterranean to join MSC Splendida and MSC Orchestra in the region.   MSC Virtuosa since May 20 has operated cruises around the UK for British guests only.

MSC Meraviglia from August 2 will resume cruises in The Bahamas from Miami, featuring MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. She will be joined by MSC Divina for 3, 4 and 7-night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Orlando (Port Canaveral) starting September 18.

MSC Seashore will come into service in August with voyages in the West Mediterranean before the Company’s newest flagship journeys to her new homeport in Miami for cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean. 

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Crystal Expedition Cruises Christens Crystal Endeavor

Vessel is first ever polar class expedition yacht “Made in Germany”

STRALSUND, Germany, June 26, 2021 – Today, Crystal Expedition Cruises officially welcomed its new 20,200 GRT luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor to the Crystal fleet as the ship was christened by Godmother Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Stralsund, Germany. Marking the occasion were executives from Genting Hong Kong (GHK) including Group President Colin Au; Crystal’s senior vice president, hotel operations, Bernie Leypold; the yacht’s master, Captain Jan Rautawaara; and MV WERFTEN’s president & CEO, Peter Fetten. Also, joining the milestone event was Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs & Energy, Peter Altmaier, and Harry Glawe, Deputy Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Health.

Almost 100 people attended the ceremony that took place on the helipad of the ship, which is docked at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, the shipyard that designed and built the vessel. Master of Ceremonies Keith Cox, Crystal’s vice president of entertainment, hosted the event which began with the playing of the German national anthem as Crystal crew members looked on from the upper deck of the ship. After a series of remarks and a musical performance by German Soloist Carina Smerdon Kärcher, Prime Minister Schwesig christened the ship. The event was livestreamed on the Crystal Cruises Facebook page so that members of the Crystal Family around the world could celebrate the occasion.

“Today is a landmark day as we christen Crystal Endeavor, the first and only Polar Class Six (PC6) expedition yacht to be ‘Made in Germany,’ and a testament to Crystal’s award-winning design and MV WERFTEN’S superb German engineering with system redundancies, including 100 percent additional lifeboat capacity, to handle extreme polar conditions,” said Tan Sri KT Lim, the Chairman of GHK.  “She combines the finest attributes of the award-winning Crystal Experience with unmatched technical capabilities including the most installed power per gross ton for any cruise ship at over 13 MW. The most luxurious and expensive ship ever built at $20,000 per gross tons, she sets a new high standard in luxury cruising including the largest space ratio, at over 100 gross tons per guest, and most importantly, the highest staff to guest ratio in the industry at one-to-one.  We are delighted that Crystal Endeavor, as the new pinnacle of expedition excellence, now commands the highest cruise fare per night of any cruise ship in the world.”

Crystal’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Bernie Leypold thanked the line’s travel partners and guests around the world for their support and loyalty and the Crystal Family, both onboard and shoreside for their devotion and service excellence to make the Crystal Experience so personal and so unparalleled. “We have the best officers and crew in the world,” Leypold said. “They are the reason travelers feel like family each time they embark, as they embody the spirit of Crystal at its very best.

“Crystal Endeavor is nothing short of superb in her design and technical features. Her details — great and small — add up to an unparalleled experience that has made Crystal’s brand stand out for more than 30 years offering travelers every convenience and indulgence they would expect from Crystal, as they venture to some of the world’s most remote and rugged places,” he continued.

Godmother Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the region where Crystal Endeavor was built, expressed her best wishes for the ship, captain and crew as she christened the ship, and offered her congratulations to the team at MV WERFTEN.

 “Crystal Endeavor’s naming ceremony is a sign of Germany’s relaunch as a shipbuilding location and I am honored to be named Godmother, and proud for our region and country to play an important role in the story of this unique ship,” Prime Minister Schwesig said. “Our shipyards are innovative high performers, with highly motivated experts and know-how acquired over decades. The employees at MV WERFTEN have successfully driven the transformation process from containership production via special-purpose shipbuilding to cruise ship construction in the last few years, demonstrating that even under difficult circumstances they can achieve top performances.”

“Today is a special moment of joy for all those who have contributed with great commitment to the creation of Crystal Endeavor,” said Peter Altmaier, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs & Energy. “She exemplifies the level of shipbuilding expertise and broad maritime know-how we have in Germany and want to retain even in the difficult times caused by the pandemic.”

At the beginning of June, the Federal Government agreed with the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to continue to support the shipyard with finance from the economic stabilization fund, Altmaier explained. “We want to further strengthen the competencies of high-quality shipbuilding and make shipping more climate friendly. The Federal Government is thus providing many hundreds of millions of euros for developing innovative solutions in shipbuilding. We wish Crystal Endeavor always a hand’s breadth of water under the keel.”

“We have shown that even under the most challenging conditions we in Stralsund can build ships of the greatest complexity that meet the highest standards,” said Peter Fetten, president & CEO of MV WERFTEN. “Crystal Endeavor is a unique vessel that will represent the art of German shipbuilding throughout the world. We would also like to take this special occasion to express our thanks to the federal government and state government for their commitment and support.”

Harry Glawe, Deputy Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Health also offered best wishes and praise, “A jewel has been created that widens the portfolio of MV WERFTEN in a special way and another milestone ‘Made in Germany’ can now take to the sea. That is a positive signal MV WERFTEN is sending during the pandemic, that new ships are being completed even in globally adverse times for shipbuilding.” 

A New Standard in Luxury Expedition Cruising

Luxuriously designed to offer discerning travelers elegantly expansive private and public spaces, Crystal Endeavoraccommodates just 200 guests in 100 well-appointed all-verandah, all-butler serviced suites, among the most spacious in expedition cruising. Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Umi Uma, the first and only Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship, fine Italian cuisine at Prego, 24-hour room service and optional Vintage Room experience; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – housing the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center; as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, an iconic Crystal design element.

Expedition-specific amenities will include high-tech enrichment spaces, designated mud rooms, an Expedition Lounge and even a Helicopter Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and a six-guest submersible and two helicopters in select regions of the world.

Crystal Endeavor has been designed with an incredible cadre of ecologically minded features, state-of-the-art technology and systems that demonstrate extreme care to navigate the oceans and waterways of the world in the most responsible manner possible. A dynamic positioning capability enables the ship to remain in one place utilizing GPS and its thrusters, rather than dropping anchor, avoiding any potential damage to delicate reefs. As part of its responsible cruisingefforts, the company has equipped Crystal Endeavor to connect to shore power while in port, installed several water treatment systems and will clean exhaust emissions through a Selective Catalytic Reductant system – just a few examples of the yacht’s environmental best practices elements and the company’s commitment to eco-friendly world exploration.

Inaugural Voyages, Iceland, the Arctic Circle and Europe

As the first and only true luxury expedition yacht to restart cruising in the Arctic and Northern Europe, Crystal Endeavor will set sail beginning July 17 with five 10-night immersive voyages circumnavigating Iceland’s most dramatically beautiful and fascinating locales. The Luxury Iceland Expedition voyages will sail round-trip from the ship’s homeport of Reykjavík, affording travelers convenient air options, just six hours from New York City, three hours from London and with frequent non-stop flights from many major cities in the U.S. and Europe and will be followed by the 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway from Reykjavík to Tromsø departing September 5, 2021. 

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 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.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Swan Hellenic’s first bespoke expedition cruise ship SH Minerva floated out

Helsinki Shipyard floats out first of three next-generation ships under construction for cultural expedition cruise pioneer

Nicosia, Cyprus: Yesterday, Wednesday the 23rd of June 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Minerva out of dry dock. Her twin ship, SH Vega, was floated in dry dock on the same day. Moreover, a few days earlier, steelwork production started for the third and largest vessel commissioned from Helsinki, which currently has the project name Vega 3. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together on schedule to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises, some already entirely sold out.

All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.

SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 115 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with HEPA filters and UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences from extensive open views, SH Minerva features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a gym, spa, sauna, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.

SH Minerva will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in October 2021, SH Vega in Spring 2022 and the third ship, temporarily named Vega 3, in Autumn 2022.

“SH Minerva is very much a next-generation expedition ship and we are very proud of our contribution to everything she represents,” commented Esko Karvonen, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard. “The construction of her ice-strengthened hull, for example, benefits from Helsinki Shipyard's solid experience in building ice class vessels."

“We are delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work,” added Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “It’s wonderful to see our vision realised so well. We know guests will be wowed from the moment they step aboard, but even more so after they become familiar with the unique lifestyle experience.”

https://swanhellenic.filecamp.com/s/SH_Minerva_floatout/fo

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, please contact:

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

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

MSC CRUISES NAMES SECOND SEASIDE EVO SHIP AT COIN CEREMONY, ONE OF TWO VESSELS FINCANTIERI IS BUILDING TO SUPPORT THE LINE’S LONG-TERM GROWTH PLANS

• MSC Seascape named to pay homage to the stunning sea views to be enjoyed from the ship thanks to her innovative design

• New ship planned to come into service in November 2022

Monfalcone, Italy (June 24, 2021) — MSC Cruises held a traditional coin ceremony today for its second Seaside EVO class ship at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy where the keel was laid.  

The name of the new ship was revealed – MSC Seascape, paying homage to the beauty of the ocean and the stunning sea views guests will enjoy from the ship, thanks to its innovative design features.

Long-standing employees Monica Somma, Category Manager – Retail, MSC Cruises and Jolette Vincenzi – Production Supervisor from Fincantieri performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers. The pair placed two coins within the ship’s keel as a historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the construction of the ship and her future life at sea.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises said, “The coins we lay today, to mark a key construction milestone of one of our ships, are an important symbol of our confidence in the cruise industry and the future of travel and tourism. As a family owned business, we can plan for the long term and make these commitments despite the challenging context we all face in the short term. When she joins our fleet, MSC Seascape will generate meaningful economic impact not only for the shipbuilding industry and its entire supply chain but for all the ports and destinations that she reaches, strengthening coastal tourism and supporting the vital economic recovery of local communities.”

MSC Seascape, like her sister ship MSC Seashore, is an evolution of the already ground-breaking Seaside class. The Seaside EVO ships are enhanced and extended with a variety of brand-new features, spaces and experiences for guests. MSC Seascape is designed to connect guests with the sea through the ship’s innovative design features, including 13,000 m2 (≈139,930 sq. ft.) of outdoor space. Scheduled to enter service in November 2022 the 169,400 GT ship will be able to accommodate 5,877 guests. 

Mr. Vago added, “Furthermore, MSC Seascape represents our continued investment in this yard and region as well as our drive to advance with our long-term vision to achieve net zero-impact cruise operations. As every new vessel that we build, we are equipping MSC Seascape with some of the latest environmental technologies and solutions, including cutting edge emissions reduction and wastewater treatment systems. She will also break new ground in terms of guest entertainment and will be our first vessel to feature the dynamic and exciting RoboCoaster experience.”

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, stated: “The coin ceremony is one of the oldest maritime traditions and also for the shipbuilder it always represents a special moment. With the welding, we address a good wish to future passengers and crew, who in this way symbolically board for the first time. I am sure that soon travelers will be able to sail the sea again as before, also on this splendid ship that is taking shape in our shipyard”.

The milestone ceremony was a private event attended in person by MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Finacantieri’s CEO Giuseppe Bono, plus members of the ship owner’s and shipyard’s management and project teams for MSC Seascape and was held in full compliance with the current health regulations.

State-of-the-art environmental technology:

MSC Seascape’s environmental credentials include selective catalytic reduction systems on each of the vessel’s four Wartsila 14V 46F engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent by converting the gas into harmless nitrogen and water and hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems to removes 98 percent of sulphur oxide from ship emissions.

The vessel will have advanced wastewater treatment systems with purification standards — that are higher than most wastewater treatment facilities on land — advanced waste management systems, ballast water treatment systems approved by the United States Coast Guard, the latest-technology systems for the prevention of oil discharges from machinery spaces, and various effective energy-efficiency improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED lighting.

The ship will also feature an underwater radiated noise management system to reduce the potential effects on marine mammals.

Designed to connect guests with the sea:

As with her sister ship, 65 percent of MSC Seascape’s public spaces have been re-imagined, enhancing the guest experience and offering guests different venues and locations to connect with the sea:

• 2,270 staterooms with 12 different types of cabins and suites with balconies including coveted aft suits

• 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges with plenty of options for dining and drinking al fresco

• Six swimming pools including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean views

• The MSC Yacht Club will be the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000 m2 (≈32,291 sq. ft.) of space with sweeping ocean views from the foredecks of the ship

• An expansive 1,772 ft. waterfront promenade close to the water

• A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique vantage point of the ocean

MSC Seascape is one of three vessels currently under construction as part of the Company’s continued long-term growth plans.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

SILVERSEA ANNOUNCES NEW VENETIAN SOCIETY REUNION VOYAGES FOR 2022

(Miami, FL -- June 24, 2021) Leading ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises today unveiled two new Venetian Society Reunion sailings for 2022, offering members of Silversea’s close-knit loyalty program the chance to reunite at sea. As well as saving 5% on the cruise fare, Venetian Society members will enjoy an array of benefits, one-of-a-kind events, and exclusive experiences ashore, reconnecting with friends and meeting like-minded travelers in a convivial atmosphere.

Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Silversea's President's Ambassador to the Venetian Society, will host both sailings – one of which will be held aboard new ship Silver Dawn. An esteemed member of the Silversea family for over 26 years, Fernando also serves as the Cruise Director of Silversea’s World Cruises and is especially excited to greet travelers in the Mediterranean and Asia in 2022.

“Silversea’s Venetian Society really is a large family and I can’t wait to catch up with old friends, and make new ones, after our brief hiatus,” says Fernando. “I am proud to host these two reunion voyages, which celebrate our loyal guests and their passion for discovering this beautiful world in which we live. Sailing deep into the Mediterranean and Asia, we’ll mingle at exclusive receptions and once-in-a-lifetime events – curated by our destination experts. There will also be a few unexpected surprises!”

Following are highlights of the two Venetian Society Reunion voyages in 2022:

• Barcelona to Lisbon – November 2-9, 2022

Silversea's newest addition to its fleet, Silver Dawn, departs Barcelona for Lisbon on November 2, 2022, to host the year's first Venetian Society Reunion. On this seven-day sailing focused on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, guests will discover sun-kissed beaches, ancient towns, artistic treasures and delectable culinary traditions as they voyage to Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, and Cádiz, where the ship overnights. Enriching the experience is Silver Dawn's innovative S.A.L.T. culinary program, featuring dedicated onboard venues, enrichment activities and immersive shore excursions that will spotlight each region's food and drink culture. Early Booking Bonus fares start at USD 4,320 per guest, based on double occupancy.

• Hong Kong to Singapore – November 10-24, 2022

After departing Hong Kong on November 10, 2022, this 14-day voyage aboard the elegant Silver Shadow traces a southward route along the South China Sea to unlock the unique cultures and authentic beauty of the Far East, arriving in Singapore on November 24. Along the way, intriguing destinations like Ha Long Bay, Chan May (Hue/Da Nang), Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok will dazzle guests during overnight or multi-night stays. A rich selection of included shore excursions enables guests to travel deeper with such experiences as sailing along Vietnam's Perfume River in a dragon boat, savoring a cup of tea on a farm in the Mekong Delta, and riding through bustling Bangkok in a tuk-tuk to visit one of the city's iconic temples. Showcasing the captivating Vietnamese culture, an exclusive gala dinner in Ho Chi Minh City’s botanical gardens will highlight the voyage. Guests will enjoy cocktails, canapés, fine Asian cuisine, and a range of cultural displays in an enchanting setting. Early Booking Bonus fares start at USD 7,200 per guest, based on double occupancy.

Silversea’s Venetian Society members save 5% on selected cruise fares. View the cruise line’s Venetian Society sailings:

https://www.silversea.com/best-luxury-cruise-deals/venetian-society.html

Learn more about Silversea’s resumption of cruising:
https://www.silversea.com/information-on-itinerary-changes.html

 For complete details on Silversea’s Venetian Society program, visit:

https://www.silversea.com/other-resources/venetian-society.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.

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.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Silversea Cruises Taps Barbara Muckermann as New Chief Commercial Officer

Travel industry veteran to spearhead global, guest-centered market approach for iconic luxury line

(Monaco – June 23, 2021) Silversea Cruises, the leading global, ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, today announced the promotion of Barbara Muckermann to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective immediately. In her new role, Muckermann, who most recently served as the line’s Chief Marketing Officer, will focus on strengthening the company’s guest-centric approach across the sales and marketing channels to further enhance the cruise experience for patrons of the Monaco-based luxury line.

As part of her expanded responsibilities, Muckermann will oversee all aspects of Silversea’s guest relations, sales and marketing, revenue management functions, strategic communications, and brand recognition. Muckermann’s strategic duties will encompass initiatives that will enhance the customer experience across operations for Silversea Cruises, a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group.

“Barbara’s unparalleled experience and extensive knowledge of the luxury travel industry, paired with her intimate understanding of guests’ and travel advisors’ needs, make her the perfect leader to drive the profitable growth of Silversea Cruises globally,” says Jason Liberty, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “Barbara has a proven track record of success and is deeply respected across the industry. Her expertise will prove pivotal in strengthening Silversea’s presence on the global stage as the recognized leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” adds Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea.

Muckermann joined Silversea Cruises in October 2001, returning in 2016 after stints with multiple luxury and cruise brands from 2005. She was at the forefront of Silversea’s brand evolution, helping to establish Silversea as the world’s leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. Muckermann spearheaded numerous successful marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships, including Silversea’s ongoing collaboration with iconic photographer Steve McCurry. She pioneered such product innovations as the Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) deep-dive culinary program, the most immersive travel concept at sea, among others.

“I am truly honored to work with such a talented senior leadership team at one of the world’s most iconic brands, recognized as the pinnacle of luxury travel,” says Muckermann. “This is an exciting year of opportunity for the company, and Silversea is uniquely positioned within the industry’s return to service to capture growth in the global market, placing our guests at the center of the luxury experience.”

An accomplished professional in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience to her new position. She has been an innovator and leader in the cruise industry. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from the London Business School and Colombia University.

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.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE TO GROW FLEET BY TWO ADDITIONAL SHIPS BY 2023

Excel Class Rendering

           MIAMI, June 23, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to grow its fleet by two additional ships by 2023, taking the delivery position of an Excel-class ship that had previously been assigned to sister line AIDA Cruises that will arrive in late 2023, as well as taking ownership of Costa Magica from another of its European sister lines, with that ship going through a dry dock, renaming and Carnival-branded conversion and joining the fleet by mid-2022.

These two ships are in addition to the new capacity growth represented by Mardi Gras, Carnival’s first Excel-class, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship which starts sailing from Port Canaveral on July 31 and her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which will be delivered and sail from Miami starting in late 2022, as part of Carnival’s 50th birthday festivities.

Costa Magica

The addition of these four ships will bring the Carnival fleet to 27 by year-end 2023, and these ships bring many new amenities and features for guests, as well as environmental benefits and enhancements as Carnival continues to exceed and expand targets for emissions efficiencies.

“We are excited about these additions to our fleet which reflect the strong position that Carnival has established in the U.S., the pent-up demand we continue to see for cruise vacations, and the overall plans by Carnival Corporation to optimize capacity and growth in key markets,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “While our immediate focus is on our restart of guest operations this summer, this is another cause for excitement at Carnival, and we will be announcing more detailed plans about homeports, itineraries and ship names very soon.”

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Crystal’s Book Now Savings Deadline Expires June 30

MIAMI, June 22, 2021 – Luxury travelers have eight days remaining to save thousands of dollars on global voyages aboard the award-winning ships of Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises. Crystal’s current Book Now Savings (BNS) offer will expire on June 30, 2021 with fares increasing on more than 50 sailings across the fleet.

Before fares increase on July 1, guests continue to save up to $5,000 per stateroom on select Ocean voyages; $4,000 per suite on select River voyages; $3,000 per suite on select Yacht voyages; and $9,000 per suite on select Expedition voyages. 

BNS are designed to reward guests who book early with the best fares across all Crystal brand experiences and currently offer reduced deposits and relaxed final payment and cancellation schedules, providing travelers with added peace of mind as they plan to explore the world again. The current savings are still available for a limited time on hundreds of itineraries across Crystal River Cruises’ voyages on the great rivers of Europe and worldwide Crystal (Ocean) voyages through 2023, Crystal Yacht Cruises’ voyages in secluded yachting harbors in the Seychelles and Adriatic, and Crystal Expedition Cruises’ voyages exploring Iceland, Africa and Antarctica into early 2024.

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. All-inclusive experiences with globally inspired dining; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits; diverse enriching pursuits both onboard and ashore; and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across fourdistinct 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; 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 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.

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Small Ship Cruise Line Windstar Cruises Resumes Operations – First Cruise Underway in Romantic Greek Isles

Entire Fleet Will Sail with Vaccinated Crew & Guests

Windstar Cruises’ 148 maximum guest capacity Wind Star yacht resumes operations in Greece with vaccinated guests and crew

SEATTLE, WA, June 22, 2021 – U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is cruising again with vaccinated guests and crew on board. The first voyage set sail on June 19 from Athens, with the 148-maximum guest, four-masted sailing yacht Wind Star embarking on a seven-day roundtrip voyage to the Greek Isles. With the opportunity to visit Nafplio, Monemvasia, and Patmos, as well as the legendary islands of Santorini and Mykonos, guests on board have a chance to explore ports both on their own as well as on Windstar shore excursions. Windstar plans for the yacht to sail the itinerary on near-weekly dates through October. 

Windstar is returning to operations in a phased manner, with its fleet of six yachts debuting on various dates through November, while requiring vaccines of all passengers amongst a host of health and safety precautions including testing, social distancing, masks, and high-tech air filtration. All of Windstar’s crew aboard Wind Star have been vaccinated, and Windstar is ensuring that crew are vaccinated on all Windstar yachts when they begin sailing on revenue cruises with guests. Windstar was among the first cruise lines to require vaccinations for guests, with a goal of full crew vaccinations. Procuring doses for Windstar’s primarily international crew has been challenging, but line officials have now successfully sourced vaccinations for crew aboard all six yachts. 

An image of Wind Star in Mykonos is available here. 

Additional images and videos of Wind Star’s return to service are available here. 

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

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Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021