Majestic Princess Maiden Call to San Francisco is First Cruise Ship Visit Since Global Industry Pause

Princess Cruises Celebrates Return to San Francisco and 50-Year History of Sailing to the City by the Bay

Majestic Princess, docked at Pier 27, marks the first cruise ship to return to San Francisco since the cruise industry pause in operations.   

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2021) – Princess Cruises today celebrated its return to San Francisco with the maiden call of Majestic Princess, the first cruise ship to visit the City by the Bay since the industry global pause ofoperations. Guests onboard Majestic Princess experienced the iconic attractions of San Francisco during a port call on a seven-day Classic California Coast voyage, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles. 

Long-time partners from the Port of San Francisco welcomed Princess Cruises back, recognizing the beneficial financial impact to local businesses.

“Princess has a long history of visiting the iconic Port of San Francisco with our guests marveling at the bucket-list experience of sailing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Our guests remain eager to be back on board enjoying a safe and real vacation.”

“The Port of San Francisco is excited to welcome back a safe return of Princess Cruises and all cruises to our renowned waterfront and city,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “The city has worked with cruise lines to ensure all CDC guidelines have been met or exceeded. The return of cruise is an important milestone for San Francisco’s economic recovery and will support our small and family-owned waterfront businesses.”

Majestic Princess offers a MedallionClass vacation, delivering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship.

Princess Cruises sailings onboard Majestic Princess 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. All fully vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings. 

For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.

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CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES DURING FIRST THREE MONTHS OF RESTART

Nearly 100 Cruises and 237,000 guests sailed since July 

MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2021 – With half its U.S. fleet back in service and sailing from six U.S. homeports – the most in cruising – Carnival Cruise Line has had an accomplishment-filled three months since resuming guest operations this summer.

The company’s restart began on July 3, 2021 when Carnival Vista set sail from Galveston and since then 10 additional ships have resumed service, carrying 237,000 guests from homeports along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico all while guests were devouring nearly half a million Guy Fieri burgers and enjoying 11,000 adrenaline-fueled rides on BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea that debuted on the new Mardi Gras July 31, 2021.

But it’s more than just burgers and roller coaster rides, Carnival’s resumption of service has provided much-needed vacations to hundreds of thousands of loyal guests, a boost to the economies in its homeport and port-of-call communities and opportunities for its shipboard team members to support their families in 120 countries around the world. 

“Our first three months back in service has underscored our strong brand loyalty, the best customer base in the cruise industry and our team’s ability to deliver outstanding results and guest service,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “It has been an emotional experience for everyone involved, myself included, as we have resumed operations with a focus on health and safety while providing a positive impact for our guests, team members and the communities we visit.” 

Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to have 17 ships back in guest service by the end of 2021, with additional ships returning in January and February and the entire U.S. fleet back in guest operations by spring 2022.

A video update from Duffy detailing the line’s return to service can be viewedhere while an infographic detailing return to service statistics is available here.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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Majestic Princess Celebrates Maiden Call at the Port of Los Angeles

Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz and Port Executive Director Gene Seroka celebrate the maiden call of Majestic Princess to the Port of Los Angeles.  

Princess Cruises and Port of Los Angeles Highlight Economic Impact of the Return of Cruising

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2021) – Princess Cruises celebrated the arrival and return to service of Majestic Princess at the Port of Los Angeles today. Princess Cruises and the Port of Los Angeles highlighted the positive multi-dimensional impact cruising has on Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Every cruise ship visit infuses more than $1 million into the local economy. 

“We’re pleased to welcome guests aboard Majestic Princess today and celebrate the ship’s maiden voyage from the West Coast,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have we been sailing out of Los Angeles since our cruise line first began in 1965, and our guests and crew are helping the City of Angels generate substantial revenue for local businesses with our West Coast cruises homeporting from here year over year.”

Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line and leader on the West Coast, sails more frequently than any other cruise line in this region, contributing $594 million to the Los Angeles economy in 2019. Over the past decade, Princess had more than 700 ship visits in Los Angeles—the most of any line. The cruise line is also known for its co-starring role on the hit TV series “The Love Boat” and frequently sailed with the beloved cast members and famous guests stars from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera. 

“Our popularity as a leading west coast cruise port is directly connected to the longstanding partnership we have had with Princess Cruises,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The convenient and premium vacation experience that travelers enjoy on Majestic Princess and other Princess vessels have helped the Port of Los Angeles evolve into a year-around cruise port, and we are excited to be forecasting a record 200 sailings in 2022.”

Majestic Princess just completed a partial summer season in Alaska and is scheduled to depart from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on 14 roundtrip departures through the end of the year. Cruise itineraries include the Mexican Riviera, California Coast and West Coast Getaways, ranging in length from three to 10 days.

Majestic Princess offers a MedallionClass vacation, delivering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship.

 Princess Cruises sailings onboard Majestic Princess from the Port of Los Angeles 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. All fully vaccinated guests must alsoproduce a negative, medically observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings.

For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.

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Azamara® Makes its Return to South Africa this Winter Following the Reopening of International Cruising in the Region

The Destination Immersion® brand will immerse travelers with six back-to-back voyages – five of which are Country Intensive® itineraries – and travel even further to the heart of the destination with Micato Safaris for pre- and post-land explorations 

MIAMI, October 5, 2021: Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion experiences – is pleased to reveal its return to South Africa this winter, as the country reopens international cruising in South African waters and ports. Azamara Pursuit® will set sail from January to March 2022 with six back-to-back voyages – five of which are Country-Intensive itineraries – and will resume pre- and post-cruise land explorations with leading luxury safari operator, Micato Safaris, recently named the #1 World’s Best Safari Outfitter by Travel+Leisure for an unprecedented 10th time. 

“A trip to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the kind of travel Azamara is known for, which is why I am so pleased to confirm our guests are now welcome back to South Africa following the reopening of its ports to international cruising,” says Azamara President, Carol Cabezas.  “Once again Micato Safaris will deliver unrivaled pre-and post-cruise land programs, as they share Azamara’s love of travel, exploration and value of creating one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers.”

“Together with Carol Cabezas and her team, we have crafted a series of unique custom programs which showcase the very best of Southern Africa for Azamara’s discerning passengers,” says Micato Managing Director, Dennis Pinto.

Highlights from Azamara’s immersive pre- and post-land programs with Micato include: 

Greater Kruger National Park Safari & Winelands (five nights pre-cruise, five nights post-cruise): 

Azamara travelers will be introduced to two very different sides of South Africa – first exploring the Kapama Game Reserve, home to more that 40 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Then, visit the Western Cape, blessed with the perfect climate for making world-class wines, to explore the country’s wine region and sip local vintages from wineries like Vergelegen Estate followed by a gourmet meal from Tokara Restaurant. 

Victoria Falls & Chobe Game Park Safari (five nights pre-cruise, five nights post-cruise): 

Guests will travel through Zimbabwe to Botswana: Experience Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Then continue to Botswana to enjoy both dawn and evening game drives through Botswana’s Chobe National Park to scout out wildlife like Cape buffalo, lions, elephants and more.

 Azamara’s voyages in South Africa will offer 16-late nights and 11-overnights throughout the winter season, as well as five dedicated Country Intensive itineraries, allowing guests to travel deeper and visit more ports in one country. 

Highlights of the voyages include: 

PerryGolf Sailing:

Azamara’s South African voyages will also feature a 12-night Golf Voyage through its continued partnership with PerryGolf, the leading provider of international luxury golf vacations. Providing a seamless and truly integrated golf cruise program, the voyage will include five rounds, beginning with Humewood Golf Club, a true links course in Port Elizabeth which has hosted numerous PGA events, and is one of South Africa’s top-rated gold clubs, and will stop for play at notable clubs along the coast, including East London, Zimbali, Durban Country Club and Pearl Valley.

Immersive Destination Programming: 

On land, venture ashore on an Azamara shore excursion, operated by Abercrombie & Kent’s cruise division, Akorn. Experience Thula Thula, one of the oldest private game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal. Join rangers aboard an open-top 4x4 vehicle for a drive through the African bushveld, while watching for elephants, rhinoceros, leopard, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, birds, and more. The day will end with a delicious buffet featuring local African cuisine. 

On board, guests will be treated to a District Six themed Cabaret Show as part of Azamara’s Destination Celebration – a new program that brings the culture and heritage of the destination to life onboard with health and safety in mind. The show – starring international award winner and recognized veteran of SA entertainment, Alistair Izobell, and special guest Sasha Lee Davids – will take guests on a journey into the heart of District Six for an evening designed not only to entertain but educate through the popular musical production inspired by the rich history of Cape Town’s oppressive past that tried to destroy its vibrant community and spirit.

For more information on Azamara’s 2022 South African itineraries, please visit: www.azamara.com 

About  Azamara      

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

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Crystal Cruises’ Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples 2024 World Cruise is Now Open for Reservations

MIAMI, October 1, 2021 – Today, reservations opened for Crystal Cruises’ 2024 World Cruise, ‘Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples,’ aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity. Embarking in Miami on January 5, 2024, this epic 105-night adventure features 49 ports of call in 22 countries and destinations including the Panama Canal; Mexico; French Polynesia; the South Pacific; New Zealand; Australia; Indonesia; Sri Lanka; India; the Red Sea; the Suez Canal; and the Mediterranean isles of Cyprus, Crete and Sicily. 

This near circumnavigation of the globe marks the line’s 27th World Cruise and visits to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the striking Buddhas of Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves to the intriguing Land of Frankincense in Oman and the famed Mosaics of Paphos in Cyprus. Celebrated Cultures & Ancient Temples can be enjoyed as a 105-night World Cruise from Miami to Rome, or as an 89-night World Cruise from Los Angeles to Rome, both options affording Full World Cruise benefits. The itinerary is comprised of seven unique 13- to 18-night segments, which can be combined for customized regional explorations affording an exclusive five percent savings.

Fares for the Full 2024 World Cruise begin at $32,249 per guest, including Air Credit of $1,000 and up to $17,250 Book Now Savings. Each guest will also receive As You Wish shipboard credits of up to $2,000 per guest, a reduced cruise deposit of 15 percent, and either Crystal Society Savings of 2.5 percent or New-to-Crystal savings of two percent. Segment fares for the 2024 World Cruise begin at $4,849 including $2,250 Book Now Savings, both per guest, Crystal Society Savings of 2.5 percent or New-to-Crystal savings of two percent.

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. The all-inclusive experience features 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. 

About Crystal

              Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world on bold adventures. 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 and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

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

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE THIS WINTER WITH MSC CRUISES HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL

Cruise line confirms details of travel requirements and MSC Cruises health and safety protocol for Winter 21/22

Geneva, Switzerland, 1 October 2021 – This winter MSC Cruises is offering a rich and diverse winter programme with a choice of different ships and itineraries, and guests can choose their vacation with the confidence that MSC Cruises’ industry-leading protocol is in place to safeguard their health. Introduced in August 2020, the protocol has since protected the health of tens of thousands of guests during their cruise vacations on board one of MSC Cruises’ ships. MSC Cruises has worked with the authorities in all of the regions and countries in which the ships will operate this winter to ensure its protocol meets and exceeds the required health and safety measures.

For the winter programme, MSC Cruises will require guests will need to provide relevant documentation at embarkation in line with the travel requirements, such as a negative test result, proof of vaccination and COVID insurance documentation. A full overview of the specific requirements for each itinerary can be found here: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures.

Where proof of vaccination is required, this applies to guests aged 12 years and above with a complete set of vaccine shots received more than 14 days before the start of the cruise, with one of the approved vaccinations accepted by the authorities in the different regions. Guests aged from two years to 11 years need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test.

Many of the destinations that MSC Cruises ships will call require guests to have a COVID-19 insurance policy, as such MSC Cruises will require this as mandatory for all guests. The insurance needs to cover against COVID-19

related risks, i.e., cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and related expenses, as well as hospitalization and it is important that this includes coverage in the case of being a close

contact.

Guests who are fully vaccinated will be able to go ashore independently according to the requirements of the countries they will visit. Those guests who are not fully vaccinated or who have children in their traveling party will need to go ashore with an MSC Cruises protected shore excursion.

To enable guests to return home in compliance with the various national regulations, it is possible for guests to purchase and perform an RT-PCR or an antigen test during their cruise if this is required for them to return to

their home country. This service is booked and paid for on board and is organized through the Medical Centre.

As the situation is dynamic and subject to change by the different countries, it is important that guests carefully check the travel regulations at the time of booking and at the time of travel are according to their country of origin and destination as well as checking with their airline.

Health and Safety On-Board

MSC Cruises’ health and safety protocol includes elevated sanitation on board; wearing of masks in indoor public areas or where physical distancing cannot be implemented; a fully-equipped medical centre; a contingency response plan agreed in collaboration with the authorities ashore; as well as other key measures to protect the health and safety of the guests, crew and communities that the ship will visit.

To find out more about the embarkation requirements and the health and safety measures visit: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures.

OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS FOR REGIONS WHERE MSC CRUISES WILL OPERATE

• Caribbean – Cruises out of Miami and Port Canaveral: All guests 12 years and above need to be fully vaccinated. For U.S. residents, they will need to provide proof of a negative antigen or RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of their cruise departure, whilst non-U.S. residents will need a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure. All guests aged from two years to 11 years will need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure.

• Southern Caribbean: All guests 12 years and above need to be fully vaccinated and will need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure. All guests aged from two years to 11 years will need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure.

• Mediterranean: As with the summer programme, vaccinated and not-fully vaccinated guests from Schengen countries[1] will be able to book these cruises. To embark, these guests will either need to have a negative antigen or RT-PCR test taken with 48 hours of departure or be fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months. Non-Schengen guests will also be able to book these cruises and will need to be fully vaccinated, as well as providing a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure. Guests can only go ashore when participating in an MSC shore excursion and some excursions will require an official COVID certificate (e.g. EU Digital COVID certificate) to access some tourist venues, such as museums or churches.

• Northern Europe: All guests 12 years and above need to be fully vaccinated and guests aged from two years to 11 years old will need need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test or antigen taken within 48 hours of their cruise departure. Non-Schengen guests will also be able to book these cruises and will need to be fully vaccinated as well as providing a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure.

• Red Sea/Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates: All guests 12 years and above need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure. Guests aged from two years to 11 years old will need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure. For MSC Bellissima cruises in the Red Sea, a visa is required for entry into Saudi Arabia and guests who purchase an MSC Fly & Cruise package will have a visa for Saudi Arabia valued at €30 per person included in the overall cost. Guests need to register their vaccination status with the authorities from Saudi Arabia prior to arriving in the country. More information can be found here.

• Grand Voyages: All guests 12 years and above need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of an RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure and guests aged from two years to 11 years will need to provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of their cruise departure.

Measures and requirements for cruises in South America and South Africa will be confirmed soon.

To find out more about the Winter 21/22 programme visit: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/destinations.

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Swan Hellenic confirms Antarctica cultural expedition cruises

As Argentina announces reopening of its borders, company confirms inaugural Antarctica season and extends big return celebration savings so no-one misses out

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 30th of September 2021

Cultural expedition cruise leader Swan Hellenic confirmed that its inaugural cruises exploring Antarctica will all be sailing as planned following the Argentinian Government’s recent announcement that the country will reopen from 20th October. As a result, Swan Hellenic will be able to operate from Ushuaia, the home port chosen for the maiden season Antarctic cruises of its purpose-designed new ice-class flagship SH Minerva.

Recognising that guests may have postponed booking while awaiting this certainty and that the confirmation has arrived too late for them to take advantage of its Cruise Like a Swan return celebration, Swan Hellenic has extended it for a further month. So now all guests have until 31st October to benefit from savings of 20% off its brochure prices, a gift of $300 on-board spending per person, no supplement for single stateroom occupancy on selected cruises and a deposit of just 15% when booking. Moreover, guests can book with confidence, knowing their all-inclusive cruise will be protected by Swan Hellenic’s simplified no-quibble cancellation policy.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “We’re delighted we can embark on our inaugural season as planned and happy to spread the joy by extending our Cruise Like a Swan celebration. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard to see what others don’t, finally experiencing the elegant Scandi-design interiors with open views, the gourmet cuisine, expert lectures and insightful expeditions to some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth that we have worked so hard to create.”

Visit swanhellenic.com/cruises/antarctic to explore its spectacular Antarctic cultural expedition cruises.

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.

Swan Hellenic's 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, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale (serving the North America market) and Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam 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

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES DELIVERS GREATER PEACE-OF-MIND WITH NEW ATLAS ASSURANCE

Only Cruise Line to Include Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance for Guests Expands Coverage with Emergency Medical and Travel Assistance

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Sept. 29, 2021 – Providing guests with greater peace-of-mind for unexpected situations and possible complications while traveling, Atlas Ocean Voyages is augmenting its industry-innovative complimentary insurance coverage for guests with the new Atlas Assurance protection program. The luxe-adventure cruise line’s President Alberto Aliberti announced Atlas Assurance today at during Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading annual business-to-business event held in Miami Beach, Fla. Atlas Ocean Voyages was first in the industry to include emergency medical evacuation insurance as part of its innovative All Inclusive All The Way style. With the new Atlas Assurance, all guests are protected with medical, travel and legal coverage, in addition to emergency medical evacuation insurance for if, in the unlikely chance, they experience an emergency during their luxe-adventure voyage. Atlas Assurance is an additional complimentary inclusion in Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way.

“We are delivering greater peace-of-mind to our guests with the new Atlas Assurance program,” said Alberto. “While emergencies rarely occur, it’s comforting to know that our guests are protected with Atlas Assurance if something unexpected should happen and they need help. Atlas Assurance is part of Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way, which provides guests a safe, convenient and seamless experience on a luxe-adventure voyage.”

Atlas Assurance provides a breadth of emergency support and services anywhere in the world for guests traveling with Atlas Ocean Voyages. For a variety of medical, travel and legal emergencies, Atlas Assurance’s worldwide network of experts and resources are instantly ready to assist guests. Medical coverage includes emergency evacuation and return home transportation; emergency prescription and eyeglasses replacement; payment guarantee of medical expenses; dispatch of physician or specialist; worldwide hospital and physician referral, return of dependent children; and more. Travel services include lost document assistance; 24-hour emergency travel arrangements; embassy and consular assistance; traveling companion transportation; and more. Guests also are covered with worldwide legal and bail bonds assistance.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All The Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, unlimited premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, Atlas Assurance protection program, and L’OCCITANE bath amenities. In every stateroom, guests enjoy robes, slippers and binoculars to use throughout the voyage, personalized coffee, teas and bar service, and butler service in suites.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator, Atlas’ first ship, has begun service and will sail Caribbean, South America and Antarctica for winter 2021/22; and the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Arctic, and Central and South America in summer 2022. The cruise brand’s second ship, World Traveller,launches in July 2022, with three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, to join the fleet by the end of 2023. At 9,930 GRTs, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships are Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified.

The luxe-adventure cruise brand welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something brand new’ in its ongoing marketing campaign “At Last… Atlas”(www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, 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.

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Carnival UK Names Sture Myrmell as President

A proven leader who most recently served as president of Carnival Australia, Myrmell will now provide his expertise and strategic vision for the United Kingdom's largest cruise operator

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival UK, whose P&O Cruises UK and Cunard cruise line brands are part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today announced  Sture Myrmell as its new president, effective Oct. 18, transitioning from his role as president of P&O Cruises Australia and president of Carnival Australia. 

Formerly president of Carnival Australia, Myrmell will provide his expertise and vision to UK's largest cruise operator.

Myrmell, who will be based in Southampton, England, will also serve temporarily as president of Cunard during the recruitment for that position. He will report directly to Josh Weinstein, chief operations officer for Carnival Corporation, who also has responsibility for Carnival UK.

In his new role, Myrmell will lead all performance and operational aspects of Carnival UK, the UK's largest cruise operator. In addition, as interim president of Cunard, he will directly oversee Cunard's operations and its three ships – including the world's only operating ocean liner, Queen Mary 2. 

"Sture is a two-decade-plus veteran at our company, so we look forward to him bringing his deep experience, excellent leadership skills and proven track record of success to a new leadership opportunity," said Weinstein. "He will play a crucial role in our success in the UK, and we look forward to his contributions as we deliver to our guests the best holiday experiences in the world and as both brands launch new ships including LNG-powered Arvia for P&O Cruises in December 2022."  

"I am honored to join the passionate and dedicated Carnival UK team that delivers extraordinary holiday experiences to our guests every day," Myrmell said. "Carnival UK has been at the forefront of the industry for decades, and I look forward to working with our shipboard and shoreside personnel to continue our leadership role in the industry, while providing great holidays for our P&O Cruises and Cunard guests."

With over 20 years of experience with Carnival Corporation, Myrmell has served in multiple positions across the Princess Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn and P&O Australia brands. In his new role with Carnival UK, Myrmell replaces Simon Palethorpe, who will be leaving the company at the end of November after six years for a new opportunity.

"Simon has been a true asset for the company these past years, and we wish him the best with this new opportunity," said Weinstein. "He successfully revitalized the Cunard brand and then ably stepped into the role of president of Carnival UK for the past 15 months, leading both P&O Cruises and Cunard back into guest operations this summer with the Carnival UK executive team."

Effective Jan. 10, 2022, global travel and tourism veteran Marguerite Fitzgerald, most recently serving as the lead for Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) global lodging and leisure practice, as well as its global strategy business, will assume Myrmell's prior position serving a dual role as president of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia. Fitzgerald, a global travel and tourism veteran bringing deep expertise in all aspects of cruise operations to Carnival Corporation, will be based in Sydney and report directly to Jan Swartz, group president, Holland America Group, who also has responsibility for Carnival Australia.

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

DE WAVE GROUP RIDING HIGH WITH 4 PRESTIGIOUS NEW-BUILD CRUISE SHIP OUTFITTING PROJECTS

Strong 2021 performance sees interior outfitting Group make its mark in four state-of-the-art new cruise ships

Genoa, Tuesday 28 September 2021

The De Wave Group – a leading manufacturer and contractor serving the full spectrum of cruise ship and yacht interior outfitting from numerous shipyards and its own specialist manufacturing facilities worldwide – has announced the completion of four 2021 new-build cruise ship outfitting projects now that the vessels have been launched: Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam, MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Venus and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady.

In each case, De Wave was entrusted with some of the most prestigious and impactful areas of the companies’ latest showcase ships, with the Rotterdam, moreover, being Holland’s new flagship, MSC Seashore being the lead ship of MSC's Seaside EVO class and Valiant Lady taking pride of place as the “leading lady” in the Virgin Voyages fleet.

With these premium new builds, the De Wave Group further consolidates its outstanding reputation for quality workmanship using the finest materials while coordinating multiple teams, including in challenging technical areas.

The work on MS Rotterdam focused on the sophisticated spa, gym and beauty salon areas, including:

·      Massage rooms on Decks 9 and 10

·      Corridors on Deck 9 and spiral staircase between Decks 9 and 10

·      Gym, fitness area and dressing rooms on Deck 9

·      Beauty and Hair Salon on Deck 9

·      Thermal complex comprising Turkish bath with mosaic walls and cupola ceiling, sauna, swimming pool, horizontal shower and chromotherapy showers

Holland Rotterdam: Thermal complex Relaxation area

Holland Rotterdam: Turkish bath with mosaic walls and cupola ceiling

The Holland Rotterdam was delivered at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard on 30 July 2021.

On MSC Seashore, the De Wave Group coordinated a team of 80 skilled workers entrusted with some of the ship’s most prestigious and technically challenging areas:

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP area Concierge Reception on Decks 16, 18, 19 and 20

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP area Lounge on Deck 16 including Swarovski crystal staircase and moulded plaster ceiling

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP Open Deck area on Deck 16

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP Open Deck area on Deck 20

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP area Lobby Entrance on Deck 18

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP area Restaurant on Deck 18

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP area Pool Deck on Deck 18

· MSC Yacht Club private VIP area Pool Bar on Deck 18

· Offices on Deck 16

· Corridors on Decks 18, 19 and 20

· Arcade on Decks 18, 19 and 20, featuring staircase with onyx-effect light wall

· Main pool on Deck 20

· Bow Jacuzzi on Deck 20

· Bar on Deck 20

· Infinity Pool on Deck 08

· Infinity Whirlpool on Deck 08

· Infinity Bar on Deck 08

· Ice Cream Bar on Deck 08

· Open Deck Outdoor Steakhouse on Deck 08

· Wet Units for passengers and crew accommodation, totalling 3,084 units.

MSC Seashore: Swarovski crystal staircase 

MSC Seashore: Aft lower deck with Infinity Pool

MSC Seashore was delivered at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard on 31 July 2021.

The Viking Venus prides itself on advancing the sophisticated Nordic style that is Viking Ocean Cruises’ hallmark. De Wave Group therefore felt particularly honoured to be commissioned to bring to life some of the most quintessentially Nordic but also ultramodern areas on board:

· Health Centre

· Spa Area

· Retail walkway

Viking Venus: Spa baths

The Viking Venus was delivered at the Fincantieri Ancona shipyard on 15 April 2021.

The Valiant Lady is the second and “leading lady” ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet. De Wave Group worked on the construction of the following areas:

· Area VI family Pool

· Area VII Open Deck

· Passenger and Crew Cabins

· Passenger and Crew Wet Units

The Valiant Lady was delivered at the Fincantieri Sestri P. shipyard on 1 July 2021.

The total value of all four orders comes to approximately € 70 million, while further projects totalling in the region of € 26 million are already making steady progress towards delivery by the end of the year.

De Wave Group CEO Riccardo Pompili commented: “We are proud to have played a key role in helping these four leaders in high-end cruising make a strong return to the waves. Their trust and class-leading creativity have once again enabled us to showcase our diverse, industry-leading skills. We look forward to telling the world about the exciting projects we are currently working on as the respective ships launch in the coming months.”

About the De Wave Group

The De Wave Group is a global manufacturer and contractor with an annual turnover of 200 million euro, serving the full spectrum of cruise ship and yacht interior outfitting, from new builds through to refitting and after sales. Employing 600 skilled workers and benefiting from the support of its own specialist manufacturing facilities with a combined covered production area of 65,000 sq. m, the Group delivers industry-leading quality standards.

The Group comprises 3 specialist companies, each a leader in their field of Marine Interiors: De Wave for cabins and wet units, Precetti for catering areas and Spencer Contract for public areas and yachts

The De Wave Group is headquartered in Genoa, with offices and production facilities in Italy (Vazzola, Monfalcone, Venezia, Sovizzo, Scorzè and Trieste), France (Saint Nazaire), Germany (Papenburg), Poland (Lipno) and Finland (Turku). In addition, the Group has a Business Unit serving Asia and Oceania from Singapore and a Business Unit serving the United States from Miami.

This global presence enables the De Wave Group to work in numerous shipyards on every continent, building close partnerships with all the main players in shipping and yachting.

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion