Hurtigruten Expeditions launches even more West African expedition cruises for 2023/24 – including one of the least visited destinations and national parks on the planet. More off-the-beaten-track exploration of South America and more North American National Parks are also among the news.
Read MoreFor the first time in two years adventurous guests are again exploring Antarctica. “We are thrilled to share this long-awaited return with our guests”, said industry leader Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.
Read MoreBeginning December 2023, guests will experience bucket-list itineraries that take them to some of the wonders of the world while immersing them in the richness of the culture that is South America
Read More
14 ships to be deployed in the Mediterranean - the Company’s biggest ever offering with more than half of the fleet sailing over 40 different itineraries
MSC Virtuosa enriches its northern Europe offering, returning to homeporting in Southampton, UK, with a range of stunning itineraries including the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic Capitals
Pictured: The MSC Virtuosa, which will be homeporting in Southampton, UK,
for the summer 2022 season.
Geneva, Switzerland – December 2, 2021 – MSC Cruises today confirms that the Company’s entire fleet of 19 ships will be sailing during summer 2022 offering an outstanding choice of cruises. With almost 500 departures to choose from, different length cruises, an incredible choice of convenient embarkation ports and a modern fleet of ships offering an unparalleled onboard experience, there truly is something for everyone. Guests can enjoy round-the-clock onboard activities; award-winning entertainment; immersive kids and family programs; refined, international dining; and luxurious spas all while staying in a stylish and comfortable accommodations. There’s an itinerary and ship to suit every type of vacationer, from short cruises in the Mediterranean to longer scenic cruises in Northern Europe through and beach cruises in the Caribbean, and guests can book their dream getaway now.
MSC Virtuosa, one of the Company’s newest ships, will return from a season in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to enrich MSC Cruises’ offering in Northern Europe. The ship will replace MSC Magnifica and will homeport in Southampton, UK, starting in May. Guests wishing to experience the magic of Northern Europe next summer have plentiful choices with MSC Cruises offering five ships and more than 50 different itineraries including stunning Fjords, bustling cities, historic capitals and breathtaking landscapes, with a huge variety of itineraries ranging from three to 21 nights in length and multiple convenient embarkation ports. Meanwhile, MSC Magnifica will spend the summer in Northern Europe and will take on the cruises previously announced for MSC Orchestra offering the exact same itineraries out of Hamburg with 10-,11- and 14-night cruises. The ship is popular in this region and features the magrodome pool.
Those dreaming of a taste of the Mediterranean, one of the most popular cruise regions in the world, have more than 40 itineraries to choose from throughout the summer 2022 season, sailing on one of 14 glamourous, modern ships over the course of the season. This summer program marks the largest number of ships the Company has ever had in the region, with an extensive choice of convenient embarkation ports on offer allowing guests from all around the world to embark with ease, from mini-cruises to longer cruises of up to 21 nights.
There will be a brand-new itinerary for MSC Orchestra next summer calling regularly in Lisbon, Portugal. This will strengthen MSC Cruises’ offering guests from Portugal by providing the chance to cruise from a local port for the entire summer season with a rich itinerary featuring many interesting ports of call.
The new 10-night itinerary will call at Genoa in Italy, Marseille/Provence in France, Malaga, Cadiz/Seville, Alicante/Costa Blanca and Mahon/Menorca in Spain, Lisbon in Portugal and Olbia in Emerald Coast/Sardinia in Italy. Sales for MSC Orchestra will open soon.
MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Opera, MSC Splendida, MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside will be in the Western Mediterranean next summer, with MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia joining in autumn. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Mediterranean, guests can choose from MSC Musica, MSC Fantasia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia or MSC Lirica.
For autumn 2022, MSC Fantasia will offer 11-night cruises from Trieste with calls in Izmir/Ephesus or Istanbul. MSC Magnifica will offer 11-night sailings from Genoa to Morocco and the Canary Islands. MSC Preziosa will sail from Hamburg to the Northern Pearls on 7-night itineraries, while MSC Poesia will be deployed on mini-cruises in the Mediterranean Sea.
In the Caribbean, the Company’s flagship, MSC Seashore, will continue to sail out of PortMiami while MSC Divina will offer 3-, 4- and 7-night cruises out of Port Canaveral (Orlando), with both ships calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.
In the Far East, MSC Bellissima will be deployed in Asia with cruises in Japan and China.
Since August 2020, MSC Cruises’ guests have been sailing under the protection of the line’s industry leading health and safety protocol that was developed with the input of a Blue-Ribbon Panel of experts and has proven to be both safe and effective throughout the pandemic. This protocol was designed to adapt according to the situation ashore and, over the last 16 months, the measures in place have either been eased or tightened to match the evolution of the pandemic and continue to ensure the highest level of protection possible to guests and crew. All MSC cruise sailings are now open only to vaccinated guests and this will remain so through summer 2022. The line will continue to implement the appropriate measures to ensure that guests can enjoy one of the safest vacation options available while having a memorable time on board.
MSC Cruises wants to help guests book with confidence for their summer vacation next year. As a result, all new bookings that are made before December 31, 2021 – for both winter 21/22 and summer 22 sailings – will be subject to a flexible booking policy. This means that guests can book with a standard deposit and they will be able to reschedule their cruise free of charge up to 15 days prior to the cruise departure or 21 days prior to a Fly&Cruise booking. For further information, guests should speak with the MSC Cruises contact center or their Travel Agent.
For more information on MSC Cruises’ Summer 2022 itineraries, please visit here.
Float out of MSC’s first LNG-powered vessel, MSC World Europa, which will operate with significantly reduced emissions
Coin ceremony for second LNG-powered vessel, MSC Euribia, one the most environmentally high performing contemporary vessels ever built in France
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique confirmed the installation of a fuel cell pilot plant on board MSC World Europa
Pictured: The MSC World Europa (at left) and the MSC Euribia (at right). For images from the float out of MSC World Europa and Coin Ceremony forMSC Euribia, please visit here.
Saint-Nazaire, France, December 2, 202I – The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique today celebrated two significant newbuild milestones for the construction of the line’s next generation of environmentally advanced vessels. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first LNG-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year, representing an investment of approximately USD $3.4 billion in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) ships with the construction on World Europa II due to commence in early 2023.
These ships play an important role in the Company’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. LNG is by far the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale and it virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions such as sulphur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%) and particles (98%). In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation and the engines of these two ships have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. In addition, with the subsequent availability of Bio and Synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonized operations.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “Today is another important milestone in our journey towards net zero emissions by 2050 for our marine operations. Following billions of euros of investment, we are announcing significant construction developments in not just one but two of our next generation LNG-powered vessels, bringing us ever closer to our vision of an emissions free cruise industry. As the cleanest fuel currently available at scale for our operations, LNG is at the vanguard of the momentous energy transition we must go through.”
“We have a lot more to do, but I am pleased that despite all that we have faced from the pandemic over the last two years, we have still been able to achieve with our partners at Chantiers de L’Atlantique the launch of these new LNG vessels – the first ever made in France that will also introduce potential new fuel cell technologies to make them even more efficient. We now need to take even bigger steps and we will need the continued support of our suppliers, partners and Governments to achieve this. We all need to work together to achieve our green future.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “It is indeed a very special moment we are living today. This is not only because these ships are respectively the 15th and the 16th we are building for MSC Cruises, which shows the outstanding quality of the relationship we established between our two companies since the 90’s. This is not only because they will rank among the largest and the finest in the world’s cruise market. But it is also and especially because they represent a giant step towards what the cruise ships of the future will look like. At their delivery, they will have the best carbon footprint in the market, in terms of emissions per passenger and per day.”
It was also revealed today that MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique confirmed the installation of a fuel cell pilot plant on board MSC World Europa known as Blue Horizon, marking the first time an LNG-powered fuel cell has been used on a cruise ship. The technology will use LNG to convert fuel into electricity at one of the highest efficiencies of any power solution available today, producing electricity and heat on board. The fuel cell technology selected by Chantiers de l'Atlantique (CdA) and MSC Cruises is the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) developed by Bloom Energy. The SOFC will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by approximately a further 30 percent compared with a conventional LNG engine, with no emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles. It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as several low carbon fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. This project will form the building block for future larger installations and the beginning of an even closer collaboration between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique on Research & Development of fuel cell technology.
The traditional coin ceremony took place as the keel was laid for MSC Cruises’ second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, which will be one of the most environmentally high performing contemporary vessels built in France. Anne Claire Juventin, Responsible for Quality Control from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and Valentina Mancini, Brand Manager from MSC Cruises, performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers representing the ship owner and the shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as the historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the project, and the ship’s operational life at sea.
The float out of MSC World Europa, which will be the first LNG-powered vessel to join the MSC Cruises fleet, took place at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire where she will now be moved to a wet dock for work to continue on the ship until her delivery in November 2022.
MSC World Europa – a next-generation cruise experience
MSC World Europa is the first in the trailblazing MSC World Class - a brand new class of ships that introduces a completely new cruising platform. Boasting future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies, MSC World Europa will redefine the cruise experience with a variety of never-before-seen concepts and creative areas unlike anything at sea today. The ground-breaking design features a Y-shaped aft that leads to the impressive 341-foot-long half open, half covered Europa Promenade with breathtaking ocean views. Brand new balcony cabins overlook the breathtaking promenade, which features a striking architectural centerpiece in the form of The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, an 11-deck-high slide which will be the longest at sea.
The guest experience is elevated to a whole new level with a veritable world of different experiences with distinct districts, each boasting their own mood and experiences, from a tranquil zen district to the lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, to a separate family district with ten new kids’ facilities. Featuring 21 bars and lounges and 13 next-level dining venues, the dining on board offers a host of new innovations. These include the Chef’s Garden Kitchen focusing on flavorful microgreens and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. Fan favorites such as Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina will also return.
MSC World Europa will welcome her first guests from December 2022 and will spend her inaugural season in the Gulf region, providing guests the ultimate winter cruise experience. Guests will be able to enjoy 7-night cruises from Dubai to the nearby modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, on to Sir Bani Yas Island, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and the breathtaking Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then to Doha, the futuristic capital of Qatar, before returning to Dubai with an overnight in the city to discover all the marvels it has to offer.
Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea. In summer 2023, she will offer 7-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.
MSC World Euribia – a symbol of MSC Cruises’ respect for the oceans
MSC Euribia will become one of the most environmentally advanced ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet to date and is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas. In order to demonstrate the Company’s commitment to building environmentally advanced ships and to show the importance of respect for the environment, MSC Cruises has launched a global design contest for artists from around the world to create a unique work of art inspired by the sea and its important marine ecosystem. The winning design will transform the hull of MSC Euribia into a giant, floating canvas to communicate the importance of the marine environment that will be featured as a permanent design across the ship’s hull as she sails the world’s oceans.
For more information about MSC World Europa, please click here.
For more information about MSC Cruises, please click here.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
Silversea Announces Name of Project Evolution, Silver Nova, and Deepens Cruise Line’s Commitment to the Environment
Read MoreVALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise line Cunard and Orange County's acclaimed Pacific Symphony are embarking on a new partnership, with Cunard's exclusive sponsorship of the organization's premier Box Circle Club.
As the official cruise line of the Pacific Symphony, Cunard's support will enhance the organization's mission to engage, inspire and serve Orange County through exceptional music performances, education and community programming. Just as the Pacific Symphony's vision is to lead a classical music renaissance in the community through creativity and innovation, Cunard's credo mirrors those core values by providing an elegant and distinctive ocean travel experience featuring the line's renowned White Star Service, and providing guests unique special event opportunities.
Founded in 1978, Pacific Symphony began as a collaboration between California State University, Fullerton, and North Orange County community leaders led by Marcy Mulville. The Symphony has now been led by Music Director Carl St.Clair for over 30 years and has been the resident orchestra at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for 15 years. Currently in its 43rd season, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is recognized as a Tier 1 orchestra making strides on both the national and international scene. In April 2018, Pacific Symphony made its Carnegie Hall debut as one of two orchestras invited to perform during a celebration of composer Philip Glass' 80th Birthday.
Cunard has long supported and been passionate about classical music, featuring musical ensembles each year on flagship Queen Mary 2. Most notably is the much-anticipated, annual performances of Sir Anthony Inglis and the UK's National Symphony Orchestra.
The partnership with Pacific Symphony provides Cunard a rare opportunity for west coast cruise and classical music enthusiasts to learn more about the line's sailings in the region, as Cunard increases the fleet's presence in North America; Queen Elizabeth will be sailing north through Los Angeles en route to Alaska in late May, followed by her second Alaska season commencing in early June 2022.
"We are elated to partner with the Pacific Symphony, a beloved, cultural gem in Orange County," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard North America. "Our guests are passionate about classical music and we hope to have the future opportunity of bringing the Symphony on board a voyage for everyone to enjoy. We are eager to introduce Pacific Symphony and their patrons to Cunard's signature voyages, and are excited to support such an important organization in Southern California."
"Pacific Symphony is delighted to welcome Cunard as the exclusive sponsor of our Box Circle Club, and we are gratified that they have joined us as the Symphony official cruise line. Cunard's guests and Pacific Symphony's audiences share much in common in their love for the very finest in art, culture, and world-class experiences," said John Forsyte, President & CEO, Pacific Symphony.
Cunard and Pacific Symphony are evolving their partnership and look forward to announcing developments in the New Year.
For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.
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
Captain Lynn Danaher, Dr. Vicki Ferrini, and Jenifer Austin
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2021) – Celebrating the inauguration of a new cruise ship is a time-honored, maritimetradition and Princess Cruises today announced details about the naming ceremony of Enchanted Princess, which is showcased in an original production entitled, “Our World, Enchanted,” scheduled to broadcast globally at 1:00 pm PST / 4:00 pm ET on Dec. 13, 2021, on Princess Cruises’ YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Hosted by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan and Enchanted Princess Cruise Director Dan Falconer, the 45-minute show introduces viewers to the innovative features and amenities of the new MedallionClass ship and culminates in the official naming to welcome the ship into the Princess global fleet. It also honors three members of The Explorers Club who serve as the godmothers of the newest ship in the Princess fleet.
“This unique approach to the naming of Enchanted Princess honors our legacy of bringing people together and creating lasting memories on board our cruises by letting us share the excitement of the ceremony with more people than ever and giving Princess fans a more intimate look at our newest MedallionClass ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “It also allows us to recognize the contributions our godmothers – Captain Lynn Danaher, Dr. Vicki Ferrini and Jenifer Austin – have made to ocean conservation and stewardship, as the ocean provides our livelihood and serves as the home for our more than 25,000 employees who serve millions of guests while they explore the world on a cruise vacation with us each year.”
Since its inception in 1904, members of The Explorers Club have traversed the earth, the seas, the skies, and even the moon, on expeditions of exploration. This multidisciplinary, professional society is dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation. The three godmothers of Enchanted Princess have been recognized for their achievements in expeditions, oceanography and mapping the oceans and they include:
Captain Lynn Danaher
Captain Danaher has been a United States Coast Guard Licensed Master and Dive Master since 1994. She is a founding member and president of the Pacific Islands Research Institute since 2008 and co-founder of the Friday Harbor Film Festival since 2013. She joined The Explorers Club in 2005 and has served as chair of the Pacific Northwest Chapter for two years and the Board of Directors for six years. She has completed eight Explorers Club Flag Expeditions. Captain Danaher is an officer of The Explorers Club, serving as Vice President: Mission Programming and Chair of the Headquarters Renovation Committee. She is also a licensed Contractor in the State of Hawaii.
Dr. Vicki Ferrini
After completing her PhD in Coastal Oceanography, Dr. Ferrini extended her research interests from the coast to the hidden deep-sea world. The majority of the global ocean is unmapped, unexplored and uncharacterized, and her work aims to help solve that. A Senior Research Scientist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Dr. Ferrini leads several efforts focused on making sure data are preserved and can be accessed by scientists and the public alike. She is committed to building a vibrant international community of collaborators, and works with colleagues around the world to help build bridges between people and the ocean through data. Dr. Ferrini joined the Explorers Club in 2021 when she was selected as one of the Explorers Club 50 – fifty explorers changing the world.
Jenifer Austin
Jenifer Austin spent nearly 14 years at Google, where she co-led the team that launched the first virtual map of the ocean in the company’s consumer products Google Earth and Google Maps and also launched Underwater Streetview in Google Maps and Global Fishing Watch. She then started Oceanagenda.com to help bring together diverse groups to support holistic ocean conservation and stewardship. She is a scuba diver. A fellow of the Explorers Club (FN’14), she has served on the W40 Women’s Committee, speaking as a part of the Women of the Deep and hosting a panel in its finale Pathfinders Symposium. Austin is a mother of two children.
“Our World, Enchanted” naming ceremony program includes appearances by newly appointed Princess Cruises President John Padgett, Group President Jan Swartz, Commodore Nick Nash and provides a look into the beautifully designed interiors, elegantly appointed accommodations, world-class entertainment, gourmet dining and craft cocktails available on Enchanted Princess.
The 145,000-ton, 3,660-guest ship represents an evolution of the design platform used for her sister ships – Royal Princess (2013), Regal Princess (2014), Majestic Princess (2017) and Sky Princess (2019) – offering an elevation of spectacular style and elegance that is distinguished by Princess. The ship’s inaugural cruise season began Nov. 10, withvarious 10-day Southern Caribbean itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.
Notable features and entertainment offerings found onboard Enchanted Princess, include:
Sky Suites – First introduced on Sky Princess (2019), the new luxury Sky Suites offer inclusive amenities, attentive service and a dedicated Suite Experience Manager, luxurious accommodations for up to five guests and a 1,000 square-foot balcony featuring 270-degree views from the cruise line’s largest balcony at sea.
25 Bars & Restaurants – With extensive al fresco dining options, Enchanted Princess features Bistro Sur La Mer by Three Michelin Star Chef Emmanuel Renaut, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria with its own Pasta Room, Crown Grill Steakhouse and Bar, Crooners, Chef’s Table Lumiere, Gigi’s Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Gastropub, Gelato, three beautifully appointed Main Dining Rooms and more.
Aquatic Relaxation - In addition to multiple hot tubs, Enchanted boasts two deep-tank pools, adjacent to the top-deck bar. At the ship’s aft end, the infinity-style Wakeview pool and bar offer spectacular views of the horizon, while the Retreat Pool offers a quiet oasis.
Fan Favorite Original Production Shows – First debuted onboard Sky Princess to rave reviews, Enchanted Princess showcases Rock Opera, featuring incredible costumes inspired by glamorous avant garde fashion with a musical soundtrack spanning classic rock, opera and musical theater. In addition, 5-SKIES with its technologically enhanced production features a virtual gaming world, spectacular digital effects and acrobatics, intricate sets and contemporary music for one of the cruise line’s most visually advanced shows ever.
Take Five – First debuted on Sky Princess, Take Five showcases vintage footage, iconic imagery and intimate conversations that transport you to the heart of the jazz era. Guests can enjoy nightly live jazz while sipping cocktail favorites from Master Mixologist Rob Floyd and specialty gin cocktails crafted exclusively for Take Five.
Enchanted Princess also offers signature Princess venues and amenities including the Piazza, Lotus Spa, The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars, Princess Live!, Vegas-Style Casino, The Shops of Princess, Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center and Discovery at SEA programs.
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/.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
Miami, FL – December 1, 2021 - Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, revealed four new culinary experiences for guests to enjoy in Privée, the private dining room aboard the line’s acclaimed Marina and Riviera, as a part of its OceaniaNEXT program.
“We’re the world’s leading culinary-focused cruise line, so we never stop exploring, creating, and innovating. Privée has achieved almost legendary status over the years and is in great demand among our guests who are continually seeking not just new but celebratory dining experiences to enrich their travels,” said Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises.
Offering the most exclusive private dining experience at sea, Privée may be reserved for a single party of up to ten privileged guests per evening. Lavishly decorated with oversized white leather thrones, a one-of-a-kind custom-built table by famed architect Dakota Jackson set upon Ferrari-red carpeting and illuminated by a golden Venini chandelier, Privée transforms every aspect of dining into a sensory experience.
Privée now offers guests a total of five scintillating culinary experiences to choose from with a new Degustation Menu, Wine Pairing Menu, Best of Oceania Cruises Menu, Best of Polo & Toscana Menu and even an Executive Chef’s Menu with a specially curated selection of gourmet dishes from the onboard culinary team.
A sampling of the Degustation Menu includes:
Degustation Menu
Amuses-Bouches
Soufflé au Fromage
Cheese Soufflé
Risotto de Homard
Lobster Risotto
Bar en Croûte et Sauce Beurre Blanc
Sea Bass Filet Baked in Puff Pastry Crust with Beurre Blanc
or
Filet de Bœuf Rôti, Sauce Périgourdine
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras and Truffle Sauce
Brie de Meaux aux Noix et Laitue
Nut-Crusted Brie de Meaux with Boston Lettuce Hearts
Mille-Feuilles aux Framboises
Raspberry Mille-Feuille Prepared Tableside
Petits Fours
A sample Executive Chef’s Menu might include such delicacies as:
Sample Executive Chef’s Menu
Amuses-Bouches
Potato Fritters, Servuga Caviar, Vodka-Lime Cream
Maine Lobster Ravioli, Vegetable Primavera, Basil Foam
Roasted Teriyaki Black Cod with Sesame-Togarishi Crust
Parmesan Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Mole Negro Demi-Glace,
Truffled Semolina Gnocchi, Glazed Butternut Squash
Chocolate Cecile
Petits Fours & Macaroons
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 Allura 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.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
MIAMI, Nov. 30, 2021 – Proving that the first roller coaster at sea is both fun and a feat of modern engineering, Popular Sciencemagazine has recognized Carnival Cruise Line with its “Best of What’s New” engineering award for the innovation and design work that resulted in the July 2021 debut of BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea on board the line’s flagship Mardi Gras.
Since 1988, Popular Science annually reviews thousands of new products and innovations and chooses the top 100 winners across 10 categories. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its category.
“Normal roller coasters use gravity to send thrill-seekers zooming and looping. But if you want to build a ride on a cruise ship—where stable, level ground is far from guaranteed—you have to get creative,” according to Popular Science.
“As you’re whipping around the Mardi Gras’ funnel while riding BOLT, I doubt many people are thinking about how we got the roller coaster built, but this recognition from Popular Science underscores the tremendous work that went into making this happen,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “While ultimately, we’re about providing new ways for our guests to have fun, we’re also honored and appreciative of this incredible recognition for our team.”
A marvel in maritime engineering, BOLT is an all-electric roller coaster encompassing an elevated track across Mardi Gras’ upper decks with 800 feet of exhilarating twists, drops and turns, including hairpin turn around the ship’s iconic funnel. Riders can achieve speeds of up to 40 miles per hour as they enjoy views to the sea 187 feet below.
Established in 1872, Popular Science is one of America’s oldest and most trusted magazine brands with a legacy of bringing readers groundbreaking innovations and discoveries.
Sister ships to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee will also feature BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster when they debut in late 2022 in Miami and in 2023 in Galveston, Tex., respectively.
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.
Hi, we are Chris and Rickee and we have been cruise journalists since 2002. We have sailed on 146 cruises on 116 ships with 43 cruise lines. We love sharing our experiences on our website, blog and YouTube channel.
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