CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES CRUISE DIRECTORS FOR NEXT ROUND OF SHIPS RETURNING TO SERVICE THIS SUMMER

Ships Include Carnival Magic from Port Canaveral, Carnival Sunrise from Miami and Carnival Panorama from Long Beach

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MIAMI, July 13, 2021 – As part of its ramp up of returning more ships to service this summer, Carnival Cruise Line announced today the lineup of cruise directors who will entertain guests on the next round of ships entering service in August from Port Canaveral, Miami and Long Beach, marking the start-up of its West Coast operations.

At the helm of the excitement on board will be Gary Blair on Carnival Magic from Port Canaveral, Felipe Couto on Carnival Sunrise from Miami and Lee Mason on Carnival Panorama from Long Beach.

“We are back – and the fun is back – bigger and better than ever, and who better to lead the charge in that fun than our wonderful cruise directors,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment for Carnival Cruise Line. “As we continue to expand our guest operations and welcome guests back on board, it is so special and exciting to also bring our cruise directors back and to finally give our guests the amazing vacation experiences they know and love.”

Giving Mike Pack and his wife, former Carnival cruise director Emma Nixon, time to enjoy their newborn baby, Chris Williams will serve as Mardi Gras’ cruise director for its first series of voyages.

The line returned to guest operations in early July with Carnival Vista from the Port of Galveston and Carnival Horizon from PortMiami. Sailings on Carnival Breeze begin Thursday and Carnival Miracle later this month, followed by the debut of Carnival’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, on July 31.


Princess Cruises Anticipates Welcoming Guests Back Onboard with Enthusiastic Majestic Princess Captains & Teammates with More Than 100 Years’ Experience 

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (July 13, 2021) – When Princess guests embark Majestic Princess next week, they will be warmly welcomed by the ship’s Captain, senior officers and crew who are highly anticipating hosting guests for the first time in 16 months. 

Previously announced, the cruise line is slated to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings roundtrip from Seattle, with seven-day cruises scheduled to depart July 25 through September 26, 2021, onboard Majestic Princess.

Captain Dino Sagani and Captain Tony Draper will trade off at the helm of Majestic Princess, leading a senior officer team with more than 100 years of seagoing experience among them.

Captain Dino Sagani has served Princess Cruises for 26 years and had the privilege of being named the master of Majestic Princess when the ship first debuted in 2017. Captain Sagani has commanded a number of Princess vessels, including Sea Princess, Dawn Princess, Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess and served as relief captain for Royal Princess and Regal Princess. He was born in Trieste on the Northeast Adriatic coast of Italy. Following the family tradition, he studied at the Nautical College in Trieste, which is one of the oldest nautical schools in Europe. On completion of his studies, he joined the Italian Navy, serving on a minehunter during the first Gulf War. He then joined Princess Cruises in 1995, where he quickly climbed the ranks and was promoted to Captain in 2007, at the age of 37 which made him become the youngest Captain ever to be promoted in the history of the Company.

Captain Tony Draper has been in command of a number of the cruise line’s vessels since 2006, including the inaugural of Royal Princess in 2013, where he had the distinct honor of hosting the ship’s Godmother, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge. He has also been Fleet Captain and has captained Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess, Caribbean Princess, Dawn Princess, Sun Princess and Coral Princess, as well as ships for sister company P&O Australia. He began his seagoing career with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the civilian-manned supply and logistics division of the UK’s Royal Navy. In 1994, he not only gained his Master’s Certificate but also achieved a UK commercial pilot’s license, reflecting his lifelong interest in aviation. In 1995, he joined Princess as Navigator of the original Island Princess. 

Chief Engineer Massimiliano Imperiale, Hotel General Manager Charles Verwaal and Staff Captain Petar Lešić complete the leadership team. 

“On behalf of the entire Majestic Princess team, we couldn’t be more excited to be the first to welcome our guests back on board to reconnect and help them create lasting memories and connections,” said Captain Sagani. “We’ve been anticipating this moment for 16 months and we’re ready to deliver our world-class service and highly personalized MedallionClass experience.” 

Princess MedallionClass Vacation

A significant part of the guest services experience includes the cruise line’s effortless and personalized Princess MedallionClass vacation. 

Majestic Princess offers TrulyTouchless™ experiences with more ways to support physical distancing and personalization that simplifies the guest experience and delivers next-level service supporting new health protocols. 

The cruise line’s award-winning OceanMedallion wearable device replaces the traditional cruise card and pairs with embedded IoT (“Internet of things”) - driven innovative technology to significantly expand touch-free options and personalization on board Majestic Princess. The cruise line just announced CrewCallTM service on demand is available on stateroom TVs as well as the MedallionClass app and leverages the innovative OceanMedallion wearable to guide a crew member to a guest’s exact location to be of service to the guest. Additional features include:

  • Touchless embarkation and disembarkation

  • Keyless stateroom entry

  • Completely contactless commerce

  • Simplified safety training

  • On-demand food, beverages and retail items delivered anywhere on board

  • Guest service requests via mobile device chat

  • Location-based gaming and wagering

  • Entertainment content via smart devices

Majestic Princess offers the best Wi-Fi at sea, MedallionNet™, so guests can stay connected to the things and people they love and share vacation memories with ease. MedallionNet offers unprecedented connectivity that’s fast, unlimited, reliable, and affordable with an access point in every stateroom, so guests can stream favorite movies, shows, games and music; connect to favorite social media sites; and video chat from anywhere on the ship.

Cruise with Confidence

The 2021 Princess Alaska cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

As of now and subject to change as CDC guidance, medical, and public health guidance evolves, the line’s Cruise Health program provides steps to enhance public health. Please check regularly, as there will be updates as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols may evolve.

Updates to the cruise line’s Cruise with Confidence program are also being implemented, providing peace of mind for booked guests who may encounter an unexpected trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19. Guests can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit for any cancellation fees and a refund of additional funds received to the original payment method. As an enhanced benefit, guests may cancel and receive the same Future Cruise Credit and refund within 30 days all the way to sailing day if they test positive for COVID-19. Full details can be found here

Alaska 2021 cruises can be booked through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.


Crystal Cruises Announces New Luxury Bermuda Escapes for Crystal Symphony First Cruise Ship to Sail from Boston and New York Since Industry Pause

Seven-night cruises depart round-trip from Boston beginning on August 22 and New York beginning September 24

MIAMI, July 13, 2021 – Today, Crystal Cruises announced that Crystal Symphony will re-deploy to sail from U.S. homeports in Boston and New York for its new Luxury Bermuda Escapes, a series of seven-night voyages to Bermuda beginning in August. The first four voyages will depart round-trip from Flynn Cruiseport Boston beginning on August 22, 2021, featuring Sunday-to-Sunday itineraries, followed by nine voyages set to depart round-trip from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal beginning on September 24, 2021, featuring Friday-to-Friday itineraries.

When Crystal Symphony sets sail in August with reduced capacity, all guests and crew will be vaccinated as a requirement of the company’s Crystal Clean+ protocols, a set of measures established in response to COVID-19. Additionally, Crystal’s guests and crew will follow all local health guidelines and protocols when visiting Bermuda. 

Crystal Symphony’s Luxury Bermuda Escapes will feature two full days and two nights in Bermuda with the opportunity for travelers to enjoy the service and amenities of luxury cruise travel close to home. These new voyages will replace Crystal Symphony’s previously scheduled 10-night voyages round-trip Antigua and St. Maarten.

“As the entire travel industry emerges from the restrictions of the global pandemic, flexibility has been key in re-establishing meaningful experiences for travelers. For cruising, in particular, the recent positive developments of ships sailing from U.S. ports have prompted U.S. travelers to show an increased preference for more direct access to luxury cruise options closer to home,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s president. “The Luxury Bermuda Escapes out of Boston and New York are a perfect fit, allowing us to welcome guests back on board to enjoy the service and amenities of the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line. Guests can enjoy a gorgeous destination famous for its pink sand beaches, turquoise seas, historic harbors and UNESCO World Heritage sites, paired with the ease and convenience of departing from these well-connected travel hubs both for those driving to the pier or those flying into the cities.”

“We are delighted to welcome Crystal Symphony’s guests to Bermuda’s 21-square miles of beautiful open spaces and pink sand beaches and invite them to relax and enjoy all the culture, adventure and fun we have to offer knowing that stringent protocols ensure them a healthy, safe and pleasurable experience,” said Bermuda’s Minister of Transport, The Hon. Lawrence Scott, JP, MP.

“We look forward to welcoming cruise passengers back to Flynn Cruiseport Boston this summer and providing an opportunity for New England residents and others to experience Bermuda,” said Massport Port Director Michael Meyran. “Pre-pandemic, the Cruiseport served more than 400,000 passengers aboard 20 major cruise lines and generated $100 million to the local economy. Massport and Crystal Cruises are actively working on a port agreement that will align with local and state public health authorities, as well as meet all the necessary CDC protocols.”

“Ports America is extremely pleased to welcome Crystal Symphony back to New York City as her homeport,” said Steve Loevsky, vice president, Cruise Ports America. “We have had a long-standing partnership with Crystal Cruises for many decades serving their vessels at Manhattan Cruise Terminal and throughout many ports in the U.S. and we look forward to a successful return this fall.”

According to Anderson, the line unfortunately had to cancel Crystal Symphony’s Caribbean voyages this year due to the redeployment. “We would like to thank our friends in Antigua, St. Maarten and the Caribbean for their partnership as well as their understanding as we make this change,” Anderson said. “We look forward to calling on these wonderful destinations, as we always have, in future deployments.”

In Bermuda, Crystal Symphony will call into the Royal Naval Dockyard, a British stronghold for more than 150 years, now home to historic architecture, shopping, galleries, restaurants, and more. The crystal-clear waters of Bermuda offer endless adventures including reefs and shipwrecks for snorkeling and diving, sport fishing, sailing, kayaking, and more. Whether exploring the centuries-old brick streets in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George, biking the scenic Bermuda Railway Trail for cross-island sightseeing or visiting the spectacular Crystal Caves, guests will encounter endless wonders and stunning natural beauty.

Designed with inherently abundant personal and social space throughout the ship, Crystal Symphony will also return to sailing with reduced capacity, increasing its social spaciousness even more. As the eagerly anticipated return to cruising approaches, Crystal is excited to welcome its guests home to a luxurious shipboard experience punctuated by spacious guest staterooms, suites and social areas; diverse and engaging choices for activities and enrichment; elegant surroundings and amenities; and, most importantly, the genuine, personalized service provided by Crystal’s celebrated crew.

In addition to the ease and convenience of departing from a U.S. home port, Crystal is enticing travelers with compelling savings, reduced deposits, and an extended final payment date to 60 days prior to first date of service, as well as other incentives. Best Available cruise fares for the new Luxury Bermuda Escapes cruises start at $1,999 per guest, including $1,000 Book Now Savings. Guests will also enjoy reduced deposits of just $100 per passenger; $125 As You Wish shipboard credit per passenger; Crystal Society Savings doubling to five percent; new-to-Crystal guests saving 2.5 percent; and solo fares starting at just 125 percent. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these sailings. 

A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive experience with award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; globally-inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s only seagoing restaurants; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits 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 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.


Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Hurtigruten Expeditions Partners with California Ocean Alliance to Study and Protect Whales in Antarctica

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: A curious whale greets guests in a Hurtigruten Expeditions' zodiac in Antarctica. Photo: GENNA ROLAND/Hurtigruten Expeditions

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: A curious whale greets guests in a Hurtigruten Expeditions' zodiac in Antarctica. Photo: GENNA ROLAND/Hurtigruten Expeditions

Whale research to gather evidence supporting our understanding and management of whale behavior in Antarctica.

Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world leader in exploration travel and advocate for sustainable travel, is strengthening its partnership with the California Ocean Alliance (COA), a research, conservation, and education organization, to better understand and protect whales and other marine mammals in Antarctica.

A pilot trial was launched in late 2019 but paused due to the pandemic. But as Hurtigruten Expedition’s restarts the 2021/2022 Antarctica season, California Ocean Alliance scientists will be part of several Antarctica sailings onboard the MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first battery hybrid powered expedition cruise ship.

The team will collect acoustic data to study ambient noise conditions, the myriad sounds that marine animals make, and the influence of human presence on the soundscape. 

The research of how different whales behave near humans will allow Hurtigruten Expeditions - and also other cruise lines - to adapt to ensure they minimize interference with whales.

“Our research will be some of the most challenging we have ever conducted, in one of the most difficult parts of the world. So to have a partner like Hurtigruten Expeditions that supports us is a huge gift to us. With this research, we can create programs that are tailored so guests can have close encounters with whales while ensuring minimal impact on the different whale populations in Antarctica,” said Dr. Ari Friedlaender, Associate Researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Director of Research for COA.

- A win-win for all of us

COMMITED TO RESEARCH: Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen. Photo: Rune Kongsro/Hurtigruten Expeditions

COMMITED TO RESEARCH: Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen. Photo: Rune Kongsro/Hurtigruten Expeditions

 

Offering small-ship adventures to some of the most spectacular and fragile destinations on earth, Hurtigruten Expeditions has longstanding partnerships and relationships with some of the world’s leading science institutions to ensure more sustainable exploration – and contribute to science and research.

“90 percent of the oceans remain unexplored. We are determined to change that by creating a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. The data collected during our research partnership with California Ocean Alliance, and the many others we carry out with other partners, will be used for executive decision making on future environmental issues, so it is a win-win for all of us”, said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen

Chief Scientist 

CHIEF SCIENTIST: Hurtigruten Expeditions' Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi. Photo: Hurtigruten Expeditions

CHIEF SCIENTIST: Hurtigruten Expeditions' Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi. Photo: Hurtigruten Expeditions

 

Guests always have access to scientists onboard all Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises. All Hurtigruten Expeditions ships feature a state-of-the-art science center, overseen by the cruise industry’s only Chief Scientist, Dr Verena Meraldi.

“Ambient sound research has not been properly conducted in Antarctica before, so we are incredibly enthusiastic about this partnership and that we have the right tools for the scientist to carry out their research by already offering the quietest ships in Antarctica. We hope this will be a long-term partnership that will benefit all parties, but most importantly, the Antarctic whale and wildlife populations,“ said Dr. Meraldi.

Wide range of science partnerships

Hurtigruten Expeditions’ industry-leading Science Program includes a wide range of Citizen Science research projects that guests are encouraged to participate in during their expedition cruise. Project focus depends on the destination, and for Antarctica, it includes surveying the penguin population, studying leopard seals, or research seabird distribution, among many other programs.

The well-equipped onboard Science Centers features museum-style exhibits, and activity areas giving guests hands-on experiences to complement the lecture program.

The team from California Ocean Alliance will work alongside Hurtigruten Expeditions’ on-board expedition teams to provide unique educational opportunities for passengers through lectures, demonstrations, and real-time analysis of scientific data.

As part of the research, the scientists will also collect skin and blubber biopsy samples from whales to evaluate individual animal health, population growth rates, and stress levels.

“Our scientists will also share their findings with the guests onboard, allowing them to partake in real-time science, and during our presentations, they will educate as we go, which will be a truly unique experience“, said Dr. Ari Friedlaender.

California Ocean Alliance’s scientists will be onboard the MS Roald Amundsen sailings departing January 11, January 27, and February 12, 2022.

HYBRID POWERED: MS Roald Amundsen, the world's first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship, hosts scientists on every cruise as she explores unique destinations such as Antarctica and Alaska. Photo: DAN AVILA/Hurtigruten Expeditions

HYBRID POWERED: MS Roald Amundsen, the world's first battery-hybrid powered cruise ship, hosts scientists on every cruise as she explores unique destinations such as Antarctica and Alaska. Photo: DAN AVILA/Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions - World leader in exploration travel

With sustainability and exploration at core, Hurtigruten Expeditions founded expedition cruising in 1896. Today, Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line. 

Building on 125 years of experience, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers big adventures on small ships, taking guests to over 250 spectacular destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Hurtigruten Expeditions operates a fleet of small, custom-build expedition cruise ships, including the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ships. All Hurtigruten Expeditions Galapagos cruises are carbon neutral.

Hurtigruten Expeditions is part of Hurtigruten Group, the world leader in exploration travel, which also operates Norwegian Coastal Express, known as ‘the most beautiful voyage in the world’ and extensive land-based activities – including hotels, restaurants and more – through Hurtigruten Svalbard.


Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES NAMES PAUL GIROUARD REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR, NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., July 12, 2021 – Continuing to grow, Atlas Ocean Voyages named industry veteran Paul Girouard as Regional Sales Director, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Paul joins Atlas with more than 35 years of experience in luxury cruise sales and will work with travel advisors and consortiums to create unforgettable, luxury vacations in remote and captivating destinations for travelers with the luxe-adventure cruise brand. His appointment comes right before the August 4th launch of World Navigator, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ first small, luxury expedition ship, which will sail Egypt and Greek Isle voyages this summer. For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

“We are glad to bolster Atlas’ strong and agile sales team with Paul,” said Carlos Garzon, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Paul’s extensive experience and business relationships will expand Atlas’ reach as we continue to support and educate our valued travel advisor partners about the industry’s first luxury product in more than two decades.”

Most recently, Paul was with Crystal Cruises and rose to lead the North American sales team as the continent’s Director of Sales. Before that, he was the Manager of Sales for cruise-tour operator, Ocean Cruise Lines and Pearl Cruises, which owned and operated the storied classic ocean liners Ocean Islander, Ocean Princess and Ocean Pearl.

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 remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator features SeaSpa, the first L’OCCITANE spa at sea, and is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All The Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, 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, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new’ in the brand’s ongoing 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.


Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

MSC CRUISES TO EXPAND SAUDI ARABIA PROGRAM WITH SUMMER 2021 CRUISES

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MSC Bellissima to homeport in Jeddah from July with 3- and 4-night cruises to Egypt and Jordan

Summer season to complement winter 2021/22 Red Sea itineraries 

Geneva, Switzerland (July 12, 2021) — MSC Cruises, the contemporary brand of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, today announced that MSC Bellissima, one of the line’s most modern ships, will sail 21 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah, the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia, between the end of July and late October.

The Meraviglia-class MSC Bellissima, which first came to service in 2019, will offer 3- and 4-night cruises to Safaga near Luxor, Egypt or Aqaba near Petra, Jordan before returning to her Saudi homeport.  MSC Bellissima will be the largest cruise ship ever to sail the waters of the Red Sea.

The summer sailings will add to MSC Cruises’ previously announced winter 2021/22 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah starting in November.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises said: “As the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia grows progressively for its own residents and international visitors, we at MSC Cruises are looking forward to make a positive and lasting contribution as more people explore and discover the rich heritage and incredible cultural attractions it has to offer.

“With our cruises this summer from Jeddah of MSC Bellissima and a ship dedicated for the winter season in the Red Sea we are committed to serve holidaymakers with the very best cruise experiences.  This, we believe, will accelerate the attractiveness of holidays at sea in the region and significantly help in the growth of tourism.”  

MSC Bellissima was delivered in 2019 and is one of MSC Cruises’ most innovative ships and fitted with a wide range of environmental features and innovative technology to reduce her environmental footprint, as well as endless hours of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. 

With both a 975-seat mainstage theater and an aft Carousel Lounge, the ship offers incredibly intricate performances, as well as a Grand Canyon theme for the aquapark with three exhilarating water slides, a full-size bowling alley, F1 simulator and XD cinema for guests of all ages. All this in addition to the award-winning kids offering and impressive 7,534 sq. ft. Kids Club.

MSC Bellissima also features an iconic Mediterranean-style promenade with a 262 ft. LED sky screen as the social hub of the ship and a shopping gallery with more than 200 brands will delight those looking for retail therapy.  For those looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, the authentic Balinese MSC Aurea Spa offers 79 different body and facial treatments along with a stunning thermal area.


Swan Hellenic announces new Antarctica and America cruises in response to Oceania extensions of pandemic isolation measures for international visitors

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From spectacular wildlife to archaeological wonders and remote communities, these new 2022 itineraries are set to attract voyagers with an eye for difference

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Monday the 12th of July 2021, cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic announced ten exciting new itineraries for its 2022 inaugural season in response to Australia and New Zealand’s extension of government restrictions to contain the ongoing pandemic. Ranging from Patagonia and the Antarctic to Mexico, Alaska and the Russian Far East, each will also be a superb introduction to Swan Hellenic’s new purpose-designed 5-star expedition cruise ship SH Minerva, which was recently floated out of her dry dock in Helsinki Shipyard.

The in-depth cultural expedition cruises, encompassing the whole American continent West coast connecting the extreme polar regions, will be departing Ushuaia, Valparaiso, Lima, Panama, Puerto Quetzal, Mazatlán, San Diego, Vancouver and Seward on 10-14-day itineraries between February and May next year, offering a massive choice of opportunities for wildlife, archaeological and cultural discovery. These range from encounters with penguins, seals and whales to Chilean fjords, glaciers and native settlements, (desert towns), volcanoes, Nazca lines , Moche and Zapotec remote archaeological sites, desert islands with rich marine ecosystems and the extraordinary wilderness areas and glaciers of the North.

The expeditions by zodiac will offer varied activities, including snorkelling, kayaking and trekking, as well as expertly-guided wildlife watching and site visits, all supported by onboard expert lecturers .
“Our team have worked hard to create truly exceptional new itineraries with many varied discovery opportunities,” explained Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “So, although disappointed we can't explore Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) in first half of 2022 – and of course planning to be there in late 2022 and again in 2023 – we’re very excited to offer these wonderful new cruises to the curious-minded and adventurous voyagers for whom a Swan Hellenic cultural expedition cruise is the natural choice.”

Visit swanhellenic.com/new-itineraries to view newly added sailings

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 Fort Lauderdale serving the North America market, 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, Global Marketing: Mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com


Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Luxury Expedition Yacht Crystal Endeavor Departs Stralsund, Germany And Sails to Iceland for Inaugural Voyages

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First Polar Class luxury expedition yacht to be built in Germany, where almost all of the world’s largest, finest and most luxurious megayachts are made

Stralsund, July 10, 2021 – Today, Crystal Endeavor, the first “Made in Germany” Polar Class 6 (PC6) luxury expedition yacht, cruised out of MV WERFTEN shipyard in Stralsund where she was designed and built accompanied by the sound of Crystal’s beloved sail away song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. The yacht is now bound for Iceland and her inaugural voyages in the Land of Fire and Ice.

A pier-side sail away celebration was held at MV WERFTEN for employees and family members who offered a heartfelt sendoff of waving and wishes of “gute reise” and “bon voyage” to the intrepid new expedition yacht. The ship turned around in the Sudhafen (Southern Harbor) and then entered the Ziegelgraben en route to the Baltic Sea.Crystal Endeavor sailed from Stralsund with a full vaccinated crew and is scheduled for a July 15 arrival in Reykjavík, Iceland. She will depart Reykjavík on her inaugural voyage on July 18 after an overnight in the city on the first in a series of five 10-night voyages circumnavigating Iceland. 

“Today is a milestone day for Crystal as our new state-of-the-art expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor sails to Iceland from MV WERFTEN to set a new industry standard as the most spacious, most powerful and most luxurious expedition ship in the industry,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “We want to thank everyone at MV WERFTEN for their partnership and their uncompromising German engineering and design excellence in crafting an intrepid new polar class yacht that will offer our guests incredible adventures to the far reaches of the globe, with the highest standards of safety and sustainable features that demonstrate extreme care for our guests and the world’s oceans and the destinations we visit.”

“This is a great day for MV WERFTEN, and sister shipyard Lloyd Werft, with the delivery of two megayachts in 2021,” said Peter Fetten, MV WERFTEN’s president & CEO.  “Together, the ships cost more than a billion dollars to build, contributing to Germany’s export economy and reinforcing Germany as the country where almost all the world’s largest, finest and most luxurious megayachts are made.”

Crystal Endeavor was christened on June 26, in Stralsund with Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as the ship’s Godmother and she sent the ship and her crew her best wishes. "We send best wishes to the captain and crew of Crystal Endeavor as she sails from Stralsund,” said Prime Minister Schwesig. “Those involved in the construction have done a wonderful job crafting this unique ship with innovative technologies, especially when it comes to environmental protection. This is engineering and craftsmanship of the highest order."

Crystal Endeavor is the ninth ship in the award-winning cruise line’s worldwide fleet, the fastest and most powerful expedition ship in the industry and features a PC6 classification that enables her to sail in Arctic and Antarctic regions. At 100 gross tons and 10,000 cubic feet per guest and a passenger space ratio of more than 100, she has the largest space per guest of any ship at sea. Luxuriously designed to offer discerning travelers elegantly expansive private and public spaces, the ship accommodates just 200 guests in 100 well-appointed all-verandah, all-butler serviced suites, among the largest and most spacious in expedition cruising. A one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio delivers the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known.

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 enrichments spaces, designated mud rooms, an Expedition and Helicopter Lounge. 

The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht including a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and a six-guest submersible and two helicopters in select regions of the world. Exploration equipment includes a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) to view the sea at a 300-meter (almost 1,000 feet) depth and a Gimble long range camera mounted on the mast that can zoom in to view wildlife and scenery over a mile away. Guests can join in with the expedition guides in Palm Court and the Expedition Lounge who are operating the equipment to alert of sights they would like to see up close.

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’s maiden voyage sails from July 17 – 27, 2021 as part of a series of 10-night immersive voyages circumnavigating Iceland’s most dramatically beautiful and fascinating locales. The Luxury Iceland Expeditionvoyages 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. The series will be followed by the 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway from Reykjavík to Tromsø departing September 5, 2021. 

Additional autumn departures include the 13-night Norwegian Fjords & Scottish Isles Exploration from Tromsø to London, departing September 15, 2021, featuring the fjords and UNESCO treasures of Norway and an overnight in Edinburgh, and the 11-night Breton, Bordeaux and Beyond from London to Lisbon departing September 28, 2021, and highlighted by two nights in the heart of Bordeaux and an overnight call in London. 

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.


Coming to CruiseReport.com in July 2021

Princess Cruises Reveals Dining & Entertainment Onboard Majestic Princess for 2021 Alaska Summer Cruise Sailings

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (July 8, 2021) – For the upcoming summer 2021 Alaska sailings, Princess Cruises is announcing onboard entertainment and dining offerings in addition to the award-winning “North to Alaska” local culinary, entertainment and shore excursions series previously announced. Guests can enjoy signature specialty dining, Movies Under the Stars, production shows, Discovery@SEAprograms and more.

Princess Cruises, the No. 1 cruise line in Alaska, returns to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings roundtrip from Seattle. Seven-day cruises are scheduled to depart July 25 through September 26, 2021, onboard Majestic Princess - a MedallionClass® ship.

World-Class Dining
All dining venues will be open for guests to indulge in quick bites, traditional meals, and specialty restaurants. And with OceanNow®, guests have full control and flexibility when it comes to eating on board, including making Dine My Way℠ reservations for onboard dining rooms and restaurants, as well as ordering food, drinks, amenities, service on demand, including menu items from dining rooms and popular restaurants to be delivered to guests’ exact location on board. Eateries on Majestic Princess include: 

  • Allegro, Concerto and Symphony Main Dining Rooms – serving nightly multi-course meals freshly prepared by the Princess culinary team from Alaskan seafood to exclusive family favorites and decadent desserts shared by world-renowned chefs.

  • Specialty Dining:

    • Harmony - created in partnership with the former chef of Wing Lei – the first Chinese restaurant in North America awarded a Michelin star – Harmony features Chef Richard Chen’s interpretation of classic Chinese dishes.

    • Bistro Sur La Mer - guests savor casual French bistro-style dining with a modern twist created with Chef Emmanuel Renaut, who holds the prestigious title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsmen of France) and Chef of the Year by Le Chef, and whose Flocons de Sel restaurant has received three Michelin stars.

    • Crown Grill – featuring premium aged beef and seafood items unique to Alaskan voyages, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops, and seafood.

  • World Fresh Marketplace - food stations from around the world that offer endless variety, regional favorites, and customizable options for every palate. The new “East Meets West” street food specialty counter features comfort foods like French crepes, Asian noodles, German grilled sausages, and Japanese satays, to name a few. The Bakery serves made-from-scratch breads and pastries.

  • International Café - open 24-hours a day, this is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet coffee and tea beverages.

  • Alfredo’s Pizzeria - voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY, this charming sit-down venue offers an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas along with beer and wines by the glass.

  • Chopsticks Noodle Bar – offers freshly prepared noodle soups and classic wok-fried noodle dishes made for the perfect light repast, with an Asian twist.

 Dazzling Entertainment

From original musicals, magic shows, feature films, top comedians and original game shows, guests are sure to be entertained while onboard Majestic Princess. Options include:

  • During the Day – Sailaway Celebration (on embarkation day), SeaCRAFTS, Bingo, Trivia, Tai Chi, Movies Under the Stars, Games Under the Stars, Ocean Treks Adventure™ Culinary Demonstration, Zumba on deck and Princess Book Club.

  • At Night Sweet Soul Music and Encore Production Shows in the Princess Theater, guest entertainers including vocalists, comedians and magicians, Princess House Band and special guests, nighttime Bingo, game shows, Stargazing at Sea, Movies Under the Stars, tribute acts and the Captain’s toast.

    • Sweet Soul Music features an upbeat tribute to Rhythm and Blues.

    • Encore celebrates the traditions of pop, opera, and musical theater with an impressive onstage orchestra, and was inspired by the cruise line’s top-rated show “Bravo!”.

  • Good Spirits at Sea – Good Spirits takes viewers around the globe in search of extraordinary everyday people, sharing stories of spirits and collecting farm-fresh, local ingredients to inspire one-of-a-kind cocktail creations. Immerse yourself in the region as skilled bartenders lead you through an immersive cocktail experience.

  • Anytime & Anywhere – With OceanView® enjoy the enhanced video-on-demand system in your stateroom or on your mobile device that lets you watch live TV, movies and Ocean Originals anytime, anywhere!

Lotus Spa & Fitness Center

Full Lotus Spa menu services including facials, massages, salon services, MediSpa and acupuncture are available for guests to book.The Fitness Center is offering fitness classes, body composition consultations and personal training sessions. (Thermal Suites and Enclave amenities, including sauna, steam rooms, warm stone beds and hydro-therapy pool will not be open at this time.)

Casino and other wage-based gaming

Gambling enthusiasts can gather in the casino for Vegas-caliber gaming at sea, with slots, table games and Bingo. With Ocean® Casino enjoy endless options for wager-based gaming at your fingertips from sports betting to casino favorites to blackjack on your stateroom TV.

CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE

The 2021 Princess Alaska cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

As of now and subject to change as CDC guidance, medical, and public health guidance evolves, the line’s Cruise Healthprogram provides steps to enhance public health. Please check regularly, as there will be updates as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols may evolve.

Updates to the cruise line’s Cruise with Confidence program are also being implemented, providing peace of mind for booked guests who may encounter an unexpected trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19. Guests can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit for any cancellation fees and a refund of additional funds received to the original payment method. As an enhanced benefit, guests may cancel and receive the same Future Cruise Credit and refund within 30 days all the way to sailing day if they test positive for COVID-19. Full details can be found here

Alaska 2021 cruises start at $689 per person for Princess Savers and $1,079 for Princess Plus fare that includes drinks, Wi-Fi, and crew incentive.

Cruises can be booked through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.


MSC GROUP’S CRUISE DIVISION AND FINCANTIERI PARTNER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CRUISE TERMINAL AT PORTMIAMI

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  • New terminal will be capable of hosting as many as three latest-generation ships at the same time, handling up to 36,000 passenger movements per day

  • New terminal will allow the Company to deploy some of its most environmentally high-performing vessels out of PortMiami

  • Project is due to be completed by December 2023

Geneva, Switzerland and Trieste, Italy (July 8, 2021) – Today the Cruise Division of MSC Group and Fincantieri announced the signing of a contract with Fincantieri Infrastructure Florida for the construction of a new mega cruise terminal at PortMiami, the cruise industry’s hub in North America and the Caribbean. 

The new terminal reflects an investment of approximately EUR 350 million (≈$450 million USD) and will be made up of a multi-level central body to serve as many as three latest generation ships at the same time, with up to 36,000 travelers transiting every day. Designed by the award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the terminal is due to be completed by December 2023.

The new terminal will be able to accommodate the Company’s largest and most environmentally high-performing cruise ships. These include MSC Cruises’ newest flagship MSC Seashore, which is currently nearing completion at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone and due to begin cruising from Miami this November, as well as the line’s future LNG-powered World Class ships.

In line with PortMiami’s plans to enable shore power connectivity, the Company’s ships deployed there will be ready to plug in to the local power grid at berth.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, said“For the past 35 years MSC Group has been an important partner for the U.S. economy through our growing role as one of the world’s leading container shipping businesses as well as terminal operators for cargo and passengers alike. In this, Miami has always been a key hub and the new MSC Terminal at PortMiami consolidates our overall presence in this important maritime center.

Thanks to the Italian flair that Fincantieri will undoubtedly contribute to this project just like they do to many of our ships, this new state-of-the-art terminal will become a Miami landmark of style as well as comfort for passengers passing through what’s considered the cruise capital of the world. Moreover, it will serve as a platform to support and sustain the expansion of our Cruise Division across the region and in the Caribbean for years to come. It will also allow us to deploy there some of our most modern and environmentally high-performing vessels, representing together with our other investments in the U.S. our commitment to the local market, our trade partners and guests.” 

Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri CEO, commented: ““Miami is undoubtedly the center of world cruise tourism, as well as being the ideal hub for the entire Caribbean area, and is therefore the perfect showcase to host a work that will be representative of the best of made in Italy.”

In addition to state-of-the-art facilities for passenger services, the new terminal building will include office areas, a multi-level parking for at least 2,400 vehicles and a new road connection. 

As per the terms of the project, the Company will construct two new docks measuring 2,461 ft. in total. The Miami-Dade County will also build a third berth. 

The project also foresees the construction of the related seashore infrastructure, including water supply stations and four passenger embarkation decks.