Spend the Holidays in Luxury with Crystal Ocean, River and Expedition Voyages 

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Prices Begin at $2,499 Per Person for These Unforgettable Celebrations

MIAMI, November 17, 2021 - With the holidays right around the corner, there’s no better time for guests to book their luxury celebration at sea with Crystal whose ocean, river and expedition voyages provide the ultimate winter-time retreat. 

This year, five Crystal ships will offer port-intensive 10- to 15-day voyages departing in late December that visit not only warm-weather hot spots but the remote icy wonderland of Antarctica and legendary waterways of Europe, providing unforgettable luxury vacation experiences with opportunities to explore some of the world’s most picturesque locales.

During the holidays Crystal ships will be adorned with decorations, special menus with delicious multi-course meals, and, of course, the best New Year’s Eve party in cruising culminating in a champagne toast at midnight as 2021 turns into 2022. Prices begin at $2,499 per person for these incredible holiday celebrations.

“The holidays aboard Crystal are truly one-of-a-kind and this year we’re more excited than ever to welcome our Crystal Family to come onboard and create a lifetime of wonderful memories as they relax and reconnect with their friends, families and loved ones,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal.

Here’s a look at Crystal’s 2021 holiday cruise offerings:

 

 

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. 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.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

THE ASCENT BEGINS CELEBRITY CRUISES CUTS STEEL ON FOURTH EDGE SERIES SHIP -- CELEBRITY ASCENT℠

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Traditional shipbuilding moment goes beyond its traditional meaning - represents the resilience and recovery of the cruise and travel industry, consumer confidence

SAINT-NAZAIRE, FRANCE (Nov. 17, 2021) – As company executives signed the ceremonial first cut of steel for the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Edge Series at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the cruise line that took consumers to the Edge® and ApexSM of luxury travel, and will soon show consumers BeyondSM what anyone thought possible for a cruise ship, revealed it will climb even higher with the beginning of construction on Celebrity Ascent.  

The ceremony signaled the next chapter in a remarkable year for Celebrity Cruises as it led the cruising industry out of the pandemic with Celebrity Edge,  the first ship to sail from a U.S. port on June 26, 2021; formally launched the second Edge Series ship, Celebrity Apex, in an emotional naming ceremony on Nov. 2, 2021;  and shared more details throughout the year on the series’ third ship due in late April, 2022, the highly-anticipated Celebrity Beyond. 

“The name of this new ship is very apropos as the industry rebounds, but also as Celebrity continues to lead the industry as an unmatched new-luxury brand and cruise line,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Ascent will take the industry to new heights as it pushes the boundaries of what people can experience on a ship and how they experience it.”

“What another wonderful moment for our brand, our company and our industry to be in this incredible shipyard making the traditional first cut of steel on this magnificent ship and signaling the bright future that lies ahead,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “While I wish I could share what we have in store for this ship, I can tell you our ‘Ascent’ will be Celebrity Beyond’s sister ship in every way, and then some.” 

"This is a momentous occasion and a new milestone in the long success story we have with Celebrity Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Group,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l'Atlantique. “Celebrity has been on the forefront of pushing the industry forward on multiple levels, and it’s our privilege to partner and collaborate with them as we bring Celebrity Ascent to life.”

Celebrity Ascent is expected to make her debut in early 2023.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Windstar Cruises Adds All-Inclusive Pricing for Luxury of Choice

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À La Carte Cruise Option Remains for Those Who Enjoy the Freedom to Choose

SEATTLE, WA, November 16, 2021 – U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises is changing the way it sells cruises. Previously the small ship line had a base cruise fare, with an option to add things like alcohol, gratuities, and other onboard services on top. 

“In an effort to be more in line with other luxury offerings in the cruise industry, particularly with the rollout of our newly transformed all-suite Star Plus Class yachts, we’re now giving the option of an all-inclusive price for all of our sailings,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “We didn’t want to take away the à la carte option from guests who enjoy going that way. We want our guests to have the choice based on their preference, what they need on board, and their general vacation philosophy.”

The all-inclusive prices are now listed on Windstar’s website and all sales materials, along with the base cruise fares, which are listed per person in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy. For Windstar, all-inclusive means unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails; Wi-Fi; all gratuities; as well as the cruise fare. The new fare is available for the Wind Class yachts as well. 

“We thought about only offering the all-inclusive fare on the newly transformed Star Plus Class yachts,” said Prelog. “But after talking and listening to our repeat guests and valued Travel Advisors, we found some like to go à la carte and only purchase amenities as they go. After discussing internally, we all came to the same conclusion – why not offer both on all our yachts? We offer a choice between sailing yachts and all-suite yachts, and now a la carte or all-inclusive. That seems to fit the Windstar brand.”

Windstar’s Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety plan requires guests and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  Beginning January 1, the line’s policies include a free COVID-19 antigen test at the pier for embarking guests. To ease travel back home at the end of the cruise, guests may also choose to purchase antigen ($69) or PCR tests ($135) in advance of their cruise or on board to take prior to departure from the yacht to comply with CDC policies currently requiring negative tests prior to flying into the United States.  Any additional testing required by specific ports during the cruise may be purchased on board for guests’ convenience. 

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

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE RESUMES GUEST OPERATIONS FROM TAMPA WITH CARNIVAL PRIDE

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TAMPA, Nov. 14, 2021 – Continuing its successful restart, Carnival Cruise Line resumed guest operations today from Tampa, Fla. with Carnival Pride. A second ship, Carnival Paradise, will join Carnival Pride, in March 2022.

To commemorate the special day, Carnival held a “Back to Fun” event at the Port of Tampa. Carnival’s Vice President of Guest Operations Sarah Beth Reno, Carnival Pride Captain Rino Costanzo, and Port Tampa Bay’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Raul Alfonso cut a ceremonial ribbon to much fanfare and officially welcomed the first guests on board. Carnival Pride is set to depart today on a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean with stops in the Mexican ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel, as well as Belize and Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras.

“We have been a proud member of the Tampa community for more than 25 years, having been the first cruise line to sail from Tampa in 1994, so we’re absolutely thrilled to provide our guests an opportunity to get Back to Fun from the port while supporting the local economy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

“We are so pleased to have Carnival Cruise Line returning to Port Tampa Bay today. The return of cruising has a far-reaching impact on our region, with many local businesses standing to benefit. It’s estimated that a ship like Carnival Pride generates an average of $334,000 in passenger and crew onshore spending per call,” said Raul Alfonso, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Port Tampa Bay. 

Carnival Cruise Line launched the first year-round cruise program from Tampa in 1994 on the since-retired Tropicale, carrying 28,000 passengers a year. The line has since increased passenger capacity nine-fold, making it one of the largest cruise operators in the area. Cruise operations in Tampa are part of Carnival’s close-to-home ship deployment strategy which positions ships near large U.S. population centers along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico to make cruising convenient for everyone. 

Carnival Pride’s offerings from Tampa include six-, seven- and eight-day Western Caribbean sailings.

With more than half of its U.S. fleet already in guest operations, additional ships will resume service in the coming weeks and months as Carnival’s successful restart of operations continues. All 22 of its U.S.-based ships will be back in guest operations by March 2022. 

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.

SILVERSEA CRUISES TAKES DELIVERY OF 10TH SHIP SILVER DAWN FROM FINCANTIERI IN ANCONA

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(Monaco/Ancona -- November 12, 2021) Leading ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of new ship Silver Dawn at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Executives from Silversea Cruises and Fincantieri today attended an intimate delivery ceremony to welcome the 10th ship to the cruise line’s fleet. 

Following a video screening of the official coin and flag ceremonies, Roberto Martinoli—Silversea’s President and CEO—penned his signature to officially take delivery of Silver Dawn. Richard D. Fain—Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group—and Jason Liberty—Executive Vice President and CFO, Royal Caribbean Group—each connected via video feed to deliver a speech. Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, was also in attendance. A testament to the strength and resilience of the global cruise industry, Silver Dawn is the third ship to join Silversea’s fleet since the start of 2020.

“In welcoming the beautiful Silver Dawn as the 10th ship in our fleet, we have reached a huge milestone on our mission to take our guests deep into the world in luxury,” says Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO, Silversea Cruises. “As well as the tireless efforts of the teams at Fincantieri and Silversea Cruises, I would like to recognise the great contribution of the Royal Caribbean Group. I am grateful for the Group’s continued support, which has proven invaluable once again. Silver Dawn represents an evolution of luxury cruise travel; she builds on the innovations of her sister ships, Silver Moon and Silver Muse, with Otium – our pioneering new wellness programme. With Silver Dawn, we affirm our position as the leader in ultra-luxury cruising. I look forward to welcoming our guests aboard Silver Dawn from spring 2022.”

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, stated: “In spite of the pandemic, we have been able to keep all deliveries in line with the contractual dates. That’s why I am particularly pleased to celebrate the delivery of Silver Dawn, just a few months after the successful delivery of her sister vessel, Silver Moon. We have cooperated with Silversea for many years, realizing a line of distinctive vessels, but we are already looking ahead to the new challenges we will have to face—ready for a new generation of cruise vessels.”

Silver Dawn: An Evolution of Ultra-Luxury Cruise Travel

The third ship in the Muse-class series and the fourth ship to result from Silversea’s longstanding collaboration with Fincantieri, Silver Dawn is a sistership to Silversea’s Silver Muse—built at the Fincantieri shipyard of Sestri Ponente (Genoa) in April 2017—and Silver Moon, which was delivered in Ancona in October 2020. Silver Dawn accommodates just 596 guests in 298 ocean-view suites – 96% of which have a private veranda – and has a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.45.

In total, over 390 companies contributed to Silver Dawn’s construction. In the peak months, an average of 1,000 professionals were working simultaneously on the ship. Over 15,000 steel plates and profiles were cut for her construction, approximately 95,500 litres of paint were applied, and 18 contractors installed approximately 1,690,000m of electric cable. 

The Otium Wellness Program: The Original Art of Comfort

Building on the success of Silversea’s innovative culinary program, S.A.L.T., which launched aboard Silver Moon, Silver Dawn introduces a pioneering new wellness program, Otium. In a nod to the cruise line’s Italian heritage, Otium takes inspiration from the leisurely nature of the ancient Roman lifestyle. In Roman culture, Otium was a period of time dedicated to leisure, in which people bathed, conversed, sung, theorized, drank, ate, and relaxed. Diverging from existing wellness programs, Otium encourages balanced indulgence, pampering, and pleasure over sacrifice and delayed gratification. It will provide guests with a customized, multi-dimensional wellness journey throughout Silver Dawn, starting in some of the most spacious suites at sea, growing with a curated range of treatments in the reimagined spa, and trickling out to permeate every moment of the cruise experience. The result is an elevation of Silversea’s unique take on luxury.

Steve McCurry Photographs Silver Dawn

For the first time in his illustrious career, world-renowned photographer and long-term Silversea collaborator Steve McCurry has cast his lens on a working shipyard. McCurry travelled to the Fincantieri facility in Trieste to photograph Silver Dawn from August 4, 2021. As well as photographing the shipyard’s workers as Silver Dawn neared completion, McCurry took the opportunity to photograph Silversea’s President and CEO, Roberto Martinoli, as well as the ship’s Master, Captain Samuele Failla. 

"I had never seen a ship in dry dock before, and was fascinated to see that the entire ship rested and balanced on a series of blocks,” says Steve McCurry. “It was especially interesting to see the part of the ship which would be underwater. The workers were meticulous as if they were working on a priceless work of art. I was reminded of watching a flower opening up into its full beauty.  The craftsmanship and skill with which they worked was extraordinary." 

Read an interview with Steve McCurry on his experience at the Fincantieri shipyard:

https://discover.silversea.com/steve-mccurry/silver-dawn-steve-mccurry/

Watch a video of Silver Dawn’s flag changing ceremony:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/72065h1jlx24zh2/SILVER%20DAWN%20-%20CHANGE%20OF%20FLAG.mp4?dl=0

View and download material, including key information and quirky facts, from Silver Dawn’s media kit.

Please refer to https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html for the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel.

About Silversea Cruises

Part of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Dawn, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Moon – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of two new ultra-luxury Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.

About Fincantieri

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures, and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, here employing 10,000 workers and creating around 90,000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and with over 20,000 employees.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Cunard Partnership with The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation Returns to commemorate the heroes of World War II on June 5, 2022 Transatlantic Crossing

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World War II Heroes to be honored Cunard Insights enrichment guests on flagship Queen Mary 2

VALENCIA, Calif., Nov. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation, Cunard will again pay tribute to the heroes of World War II, featuring several esteemed veterans on the fourth such powerful enrichment program on board a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing. This special voyage will depart New York and sail to Southampton, England, June 5 to 12, 2022.

On this 7-night voyage, guests will have the opportunity to attend lectures and interact with several WWII veterans, hearing first-hand about their experiences during the war. From the "Battle of the Atlantic," and the DDAY landings in Normandy, to the last living survivor of Pearl Harbor, these distinguished war heroes will engage in discussions and Q&A's, giving guests a very personal glimpse into the human elements of wartime service. 

A special new feature on this Crossing will be the inclusion of veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars. 

"We are honored to continue our relationship with The Greatest Generations Foundation, and to pay tribute to these esteemed veterans and their wartime service. Ever since we first introduced this very special program in 2017, guests have been riveted by their very moving and personal narratives, resulting in standing ovations every day," said Jamie Paiko, vice president, Sales, Cunard North America.  "We are both humbled and thrilled to welcome back some returning WWII veterans to our flagship, and to meet some veterans new to the Cunard experience."

Participating veterans scheduled to be on board will include:^

  • STEVE MELNIKOFF, 102, who experienced the full horrors of Omaha Beach, when he served in 1st Battalion, 175th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division and who earned three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his service.

  • MICKEY GANITCH, 102, who served as a Senior Chief Quartermaster in the United States Navy and witnessed Pearl Harbor.and went on the fight in 17 battles throughout the Pacific.

  • HAROLD ANGLE, 98, who served in the 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, and who marched down the Champs-Elysées on August 29, 1944, in the Liberation of Paris.

  • JAMES BLANE, 98, Corporal of the 4th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps and served in the battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

  • HAROLD RADISH, 97, served with the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 90th Infantry Division, as a combat intelligence observer. During the battle of the BULGE, RADISH, a Jewish-American, was captured by the Germans and served the rest of the war as a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany.

  • IRVING LOCKER, 97, remembers in vivid detail the brutally cold winter of 1944-45 when he was a 19-year-old staff sergeant with the 116th AAA Gun Battalion of the 1st Army's 7th Corps. They fired 90mm anti-aircraft, anti-tank guns at the Germans in Hitler's last desperate effort to avert inevitable defeat in the European Theater of WWII.

  • ROBERT FISHER, 88, is a 1955 Naval Academy graduate and career Marine Corps officer who retired in 1982. At that time, he also studied four guerrilla wars in Southeast Asia and obtained the Malaya Jungle School Syllabus at Johore Bahru and went on to train 20,000 Marines, Navy Seals, Sea-Bees, and Army Special Forces Teams for Vietnam.

  • RICHARD PRINCE, 76, was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion 5th Marines and assaulted the Dong Ba Tower in Hue. Pictures of his bravery were featured in Time Magazine and on the cover of Stars & Stripes Magazine during the war. He was severely wounded in the neck and medevac'd out of Vietnam to the United States during this action.

  • JESSE "BUD" ALLEY, 80, served two years active duty; a complete twelve-month tour in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division (Airmobile)-August 1965-August 1966. His award-winning book The Ghosts of the Green Grass documents his experience in the Vietnam War.

  • KEVIN BREWINGTON, 38, served with the U.S. Army and was two months into his Afghanistan deployment as an infantryman with the 125th Special Brigade Combat Team when he stepped on a landmine. He woke up four days later in a hospital in Germany. BREWINGTON lost both his legs and part of his right arm in the blast and has spent seven years recovering and rebuilding his life.

Q&A's and other discussions with the World War II veterans will cover topics including:

  • The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941

  • D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944

  • The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge, 1944

  • Blood Sand: The Battle for Iwo Jima, 1945

  • Vietnam War: The Forgotten Generation

  • Afghanistan: The Forever War

Jeremy Hubbard, current co-anchor of FOX31 Denver News will join the voyage and act as a moderator of the panels and lectures. Prior to joining the FOX31 Denver News team, Hubbard, a native of western Colorado, worked as a New York-based correspondent for ABC News where he contributed and reported for all ABC News broadcasts including: Good Morning America, World News with Dianne Sawyer and Nightline. 

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

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

^ Schedule subject to change.

Cunard
Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. 

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best World Cruise Itineraries' and 'Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Crystal Endeavor Named ‘Best New Expedition Ship’ in The Points Guy Editors’ Choice Awards

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Game-Changing Expedition Vessel Begins Inaugural Antarctica Season November 18

MIAMI, November 10, 2021 – Crystal Endeavor – a game-changing expedition yacht that has garnered rave reviews from guests and travel advisors since its debut this summer – has been named “Best New Expedition Ship” in The Points Guy’s (TPG) Editors’ Choice Awards.

The annual awards are presented based on the expert opinions of TPG editors who comprise some of the most seasoned and experienced writers and editors in the travel and hospitality industry. 

The luxury expedition yacht’s highly anticipated Antarctica season launches November 18 with the first of eight voyages round-trip from Ushuaia ranging from 11 to 19 nights exploring incredible wildlife within this remote icy wonderland, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and lands beyond the Antarctic Circle.   Complimentary round-trip airfare between Ushuaia and Miami, along with luxury hotel stays in both cities, is also available. 

Gene Sloan, TPG’s principal writer for cruise and travel who sailed on Crystal Endeavor in September, commented that the ship “stands apart to us here at TPG particularly when it comes to luxury travel,” stating that it “brings a new level of luxury and service to the niche.”  Sloan was particularly impressed with Crystal Endeavor’s specialty dining options noting that the restaurants feature “superb interior design, sophisticated menus and graceful service that was impeccable.”

“We designed Crystal Endeavor to take expedition cruising to an entirely new level and this award is a wonderful validation of these efforts,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.  “And while Crystal Endeavor itself is a game-changer what really makes her stand out is our amazing onboard Crystal Family, including an experienced expedition team, who take our guests on unforgettable journeys to some of the world’s most remote and picturesque locales.” 

Accommodating just 200 guests in 100 well-appointed suites, 20,200-GRT Crystal Endeavor is purpose built and designed for the Arctic and Antarctic sailings with superior operation, safety and performance in polar conditions with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification featuring German engineering focused on power, reliability, and painstaking craftsmanship. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort. 

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 offers 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.

Crystal hallmarks accent guests’ onboard experience can be found throughout the ship: 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 include high-tech enrichments spaces, designated mud rooms, an Expedition Lounge, and even the option of exploration in a two-guest submersible.

Crystal continues to be a leader in its response to COVID-19 with its Crystal Clean+ protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022.

 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. 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.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

OCEANIA CRUISES REVEALS NEXT PHASE OF OCEANIANEXT ENHANCEMENTS

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Culinary Expansions Include New In-Room Dining Menus, Wine Tasting Programs and More

Miami, FL, November 10, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced the second phase of culinary enhancements rolling out across the luxurious small-ship fleet as part of its OceaniaNEXT program. Following the May introduction of new thoughtfully crafted dining experiences, menus and elevated service levels, this next phase brings new wine tasting programs, expanded in-room dining offerings and a soufflé of the day in The Grand Dining Room. These updates have already launched on board Marina and Riviera and will debut on Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena as each vessel returns to sailing. 

“The OceaniaNEXT enhancements continue to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea® to be even better than ever,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Never resting on our laurels, we continue to challenge ourselves to raise the bar to continually delight our guests. Across all six of our ships, the creativity and dedication of the Oceania Cruises culinary team continues to create memorable experiences for our guests.”

Additions to the 24-Hour In-Room Dining Experience

With such comfortable suites and staterooms, dining in can be as enjoyable as dining out. Evolving from traditional room service, the Oceania Cruises culinary team has revitalized the in-room dining menu to include more exquisite options for every meal. New appetizers include Plant-Based California Rolls, an Antipasti Plate, and Shrimp Cocktail, with new soups and salads including Grilled Salmon Salad and Miso Ramen Soup. The new burger menu brings an Alaskan Salmon Burger and an Impossible Burger to the in-room dining experience, while new entrées include a Petite Beef Filet, Thai Coconut Red Curry, a Hawaiian Poke Bowl, and a Mezze Platter. For those with a sweet tooth at any hour, new dessert options include Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream, “Pure Energy” Smoothies, and a Chocolate Mousse Cake. In addition, the most important meal of the day has been enhanced with the addition of a full hot breakfast for all staterooms and suites. Guests can choose from an array of options including eggs prepared to one’s liking (scrambled, over easy, hard-boiled, etc.), omelets, avocado toast, pancakes or French toast along with sides including bacon, sausage, and hash browns. The in-room dining remains complimentary to all guests.

Soufflé of the Day

Oceania Cruises believes the dining experience should be indulgent and an experience worth savoring. With this in mind, the culinary team has added the Soufflé of the Day in The Grand Dining Room. This decadent dessert is a favorite on board, so the culinary team developed a rotating menu of delectable daily indulgences, including some reimagined spins on the classic. These include:

●      Coco-Malibu Soufflé with Pineapple and Lime

●      Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate Soufflé Topped with Cacao Nibs

●      Green Apple Martini Soufflé

●      Pistachio Soufflé with a Cherry Ragout

●      Grand Marnier Soufflé

●      Passion Fruit Soufflé with a Mango Ragout

●      Lime and Limoncello Soufflé with a Berry Compote

●      Chestnut Soufflé with Pear Ragout

New Wine Tasting Programs on Every Sailing

Building on Oceania Cruises’ already impressive wine menu, the new wine tasting programs will bring guests on a journey to some of the world’s best wine regions, all from the comfort of the ship. Offered on every voyage, sommeliers will lead guests in interactive tasting sessions like Top California Cabs, Mediterranean Jewels, Stars of the Southern Hemisphere, Forever French, 360 Degrees of Reds, and The Red Challenge, which pits two different wine regions against each other, like Napa vs. Bordeaux. In addition to learning about tasting notes, terroir, and more, each deep dive features complementing canapés.

Local Flavors, Wines and Spirits in La Reserve and Baristas

Guests can now experience a curated array of local wines, spirits, and tapas during the evening wine bar service that is offered in La Reserve or Baristas aboard Marina and Riviera on select evenings. Here, our chefs and cellar masters present a food and wine fueled destination immersion by showcasing local wines and spirits from ports of call along with many market-fresh tapas dishes, small-plates, and cheeses.

More Enhancements to Come

The next phase of enhancements will be unveiled in the coming months, highlighting another new facet of the guest experience.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

About OceaniaNEXT

OceaniaNEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. This ambitious brand initiative will elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic Re-inspiration of the brand’s six ships, guests will savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea, be pampered aboard small and luxurious ships, and be enriched through in-depth destination exploration.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry no more than 1,250 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has an additional 1,200-guest Vista Class ship on order for delivery in 2025.

With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027, comprising approximately 24,000 berths.

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