VIKING TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST EXPEDITION SHIP
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Debuting in January 2022, the New Viking Octantis Will Explore Antarctica and the Great Lakes
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Crystal’s Book Now Savings Deadline Expires on January 5
/Luxury travelers have only two weeks left to enjoy significant savings before prices increase on 70 all-inclusive voyages worldwide
MIAMI, December 22, 2021 – Luxury vacation seekers have just two weeks remaining to save thousands of dollars on a wide range of all-inclusive luxury voyages aboard the award-winning ships of Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises.
With fares increasing January 6 on 70 voyages departing through 2024, guests are encouraged to take advantage of Crystal’s exclusive Book Now Savings (BNS) offer, designed to reward those who book early with the best fares across Crystal brand experiences.
Before fares increase, guests continue to save up to $4,500 per stateroom on select Ocean Voyages, up to $4,000 per suite on select River voyages, and up to $10,000 per suite on select Expedition voyages.
The current savings are still available for a limited time on Crystal’s Ocean voyages that visit beautiful destinations across the globe, Crystal River Cruises sailing the great rivers of Europe and Crystal Expedition Cruises exploring the icy wonderland of Antarctica, as well as Iceland, Greenland, the Mediterranean and other locales, aboard the world’s most luxurious expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor. The BNS offer also includes four newly 10- to 15-night voyages to Antarctica, South America, Europe and a trans-Atlantic crossing recently added to Crystal Endeavor’s schedule for spring 2022.
The company also recently extended its current flexible payment and booking policies through December 2022 including relaxing the final payment deadline to 60 days prior to the first date of service, while guests who pay in full 90 days prior to the first date of service will continue to save an additional 2.5 percent off their cruise fare. Guests sailing in 2022 may also cancel their booking without penalty up to 60 days prior to their first date of service. Crystal is also extending reduced deposits of 15 percent and waiving administrative fees for all new 2022-24 bookings.
A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive experiences with globally inspired dining; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits; diverse enriching pursuits both onboard and ashore; and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference.
About Crystal
Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across 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, 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. In November 2021, Crystal Endeavor was named “Best New Expedition Cruise Ship” in The Points Guy’s Editors’ Choice Awards. Crystal was also named “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 and 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
MSC CRUISES LAUNCHES SUMMER 2022 SEASON CAMPAIGN TO ‘CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE’ FOR SAFE, FLEXIBLE AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAYS AT SEA
/Cruise line’s health & safety measures, flexible booking policy and full experience ashore confirmed for all cruises through summer 2022
The Company has safely welcomed over one million guests on board its ships during all phases of the pandemic, thanks to its pioneering protocol that led the restart of overall cruise industry
Protocol designed and continuously updated with input from ‘Blue Ribbon’ panel of external experts now extended to include experienced virologist and former US CDC Director, Dr. Robert Redfield
Geneva, Switzerland, December 22, 2021 – MSC Cruises today launched its summer 2022 campaign under the ‘Cruise with Confidence’ program that confirms its industry-leading health & safety protocol, clear & flexible booking policy, robust yet simple vaccination & testing requirements and return to independent exploration ashore will apply to all sailings through summer 2022.
The ‘Cruise with Confidence’ promise will cover all new and existing bookings for sailings through the end of the next summer season. Procedures implemented under ‘Cruise with Confidence’ have already allowed the Company to offer a safe, flexible and enjoyable cruise vacation to over one million guests throughout all phases of the pandemic, past and present.
Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said, “We were able to lead the restart of our industry in August last year thanks to a comprehensive and flexible health and safety protocol that was designed to adapt to the evolution of the pandemic ashore and has since set the standard across the travel and hospitality sector. With this, we were able to continue to offer the highest level of protection to our guests, crew and communities where our ships call to responsibly and safely welcome on board over one million guests for their getaway at sea.
With the pandemic continuing to evolve, we understand the importance of having clear information to reassure our guests that they can book a cruise with confidence and with flexibility to give them total peace of mind. We are thus extending our successful ‘Cruise with Confidence’ guarantee to all cruises through summer 2022 to continue to offer new and existing guests a safe, flexible and enjoyable vacation option. Reinforced with the required COVID-19 protection plan, this insurance gives guests extra security before and during the cruise. Finally, we also see the return of a full experience ashore with the reintroduction of independent shore excursions where local regulations allow - there really has been no better time to book a cruise vacation.”
Guests can continue to choose an MSC Cruises vacation at sea, knowing that their health, booking security and enjoyment are being taken care of. From winter sun in the Caribbean to stunning Mediterranean cruises with the whole family next summer, guests can book and cruise with confidence thanks to the following elements:
All guests and crew vaccinated and tested
All guests aged 12* and above are required to be fully vaccinated. Further, all guests aged two and above are required to submit a negative test prior to boarding. All ship crew are also fully vaccinated, regularly tested and follow strict health & safety policies.
Booking flexibility free of charge
All cruises can be rescheduled free of charge up to 48 hours** prior to sailing, for any reason.
Peace of mind thanks to COVID protection plan
All guests and their bookings are fully protected by the required COVID-19 protection insurance, covering events such as testing positive before boarding or at any point during your vacation. And at the end of the cruise, it will be simple to meet any testing requirements for returning home thanks to antigen or RT-PCR testing available either onboard or in the terminal.
A full experience to make the cruise safe & enjoyable
Guests are free to disembark and independently explore ports of call wherever local regulations allow. MSC Cruises has worked in partnership with authorities in all the regions and countries in which the ships operate to ensure the Company’s protocol meets, exceeds and adapts to the required regional and national health and safety measures.
Additionally, the Company continues to monitor and adapt its industry-leading health and safety protocol that was developed last year by the Blue Ribbon COVID Expert Group. Together, the panel of highly qualified and internationally respected experts helped inform MSC Cruises’ operating protocol to protect the health and safety of guests and crew during every aspect of the guest’s journey, while maintaining the Company’s unique guest experience. Since its original inception, the panel has been reinforced with the addition of Dr. Robert R. Redfield, an American virologist and infectious disease clinician who most recently served as Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2018 to 2021.
Further, the panel is comprised of:
Dr. Ian Norton, Specialist Emergency Physician, currently managing director of Respond Global, formerly the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Team Initiative program
Prof. Christakis Hadjichristodoulou, Professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the Faculty of Medicine as well as its Vice President, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece
Prof. Stephan J. Harbarth, Hospital Epidemiologist, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Head of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and Faculty of Medicine
Prof. Camillo Ricordi, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami School of Medicine
Dr. Jesus Arroyo, Specialist Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Private practice, Geneva, Medical Affairs consultant, Trafigura Energy
To find out more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries, please visit here.
For more information on MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol and embarkation requirements, please visit here.
For flexible booking options, please visit here.
Discovery Princess℠ Marks Successful Sea Trials Milestone
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New Princess® MedallionClass® Ship Prepares for Spring 2022 Debut in Los Angeles
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2021) – Princess Cruises, the world’s leading international premium cruise line,achieved a major milestone in preparation for the debut of its newest ship - Discovery Princess - with the completion of sea trials.
Discovery Princess set out to sea from the construction dock at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through a series of paces to test the steering, navigation equipment and propulsion. After a successful five days of trials, Discovery Princess is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing to prepare for her maiden,seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise sailing roundtrip from the Port of Los Angeles on March 27, 2022.
The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild and shares all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess℠, Sky Princess®, Majestic Princess℠, Regal Princess℠ and Royal Princess℠. With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerizing new Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater.
In addition, Discovery Princess is the newest ship to join the fleet offering Princess Medallion Class Vacations which begins with the Medallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from expedited contactless 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. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best WiFi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows.
As the leading cruise line on the west coast, Discovery Princess will sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from March 27 – April 24, 2022, before heading up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle.
More information about Discovery Princess can be found at https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/xp-discovery-princess/
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
Crystal Expedition Cruises Adds New 10- to 15-Night Voyages to Crystal Endeavor’s Schedule for Spring 2022
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Currently Available for Sale, Sailings to Antarctica, South America and Europe
Visit 31 Stunning Ports in Nine Countries Across Three Continents
MIAMI, December 16, 2021 – Crystal announced today it has added a series of 10- to 15-night voyages visiting spectacular ports in Antarctica, South America, and Europe to Crystal Endeavor’s schedule for spring 2022 following the ship’s highly successful season of Antarctica voyages that began in November.
Currently open for sale, the new voyages will take place from March 1 to April 29, 2022, collectively visiting 31 ports in nine countries across three continents with extended stays and several overnight calls in charming and historic cities, including Málaga and Seville in Spain, as well as Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto Del Rosario in the Canary Islands.
The new voyages replace four cruises to West Africa that have been canceled given ongoing uncertainty of the Omicron variant and its potential impact within the region. Following these newly added voyages, Crystal Endeavor will operate its previously announced schedule of voyages to Europe, Iceland and Greenland, including summer Arctic voyages, beginning April 29, 2022, before heading back for another season in Antarctica in November 2022.
“We are very pleased that our talented itinerary planning team was able to create these immersive new sailings aboard the new Crystal Endeavor which has garnered worldwide acclaim for her unique onboard experience that combines bold adventure with the finest in luxury travel,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal president. “We wish to thank our valued guests and travel partners for their patience and understanding. We made these changes in an abundance of caution as the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew are always our top priority,” he added.
The 14-night “Remote Expedition” to the rugged sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia features intrepid adventures including Zodiac landings to explore the island’s extraordinary wildlife from its massive penguin and seabird colonies to its tremendous population of fur and elephant seals. The next four voyages, including a 15-night trans-Atlantic Crossing and three 10-night cruises exploring the Canary Islands, archipelagos of Spain and Portugal and playgrounds of the Mediterranean are designated as “Cultural Discovery” sailings. These feature destinations are renowned for their history, art and nature, and delving into the cultural heart and iconic wonders of each locale with guest lecturers and unique excursion options.
From up-close looks at king penguin colonies and playful fur seals in South Georgia to exploring volcanic landscapes, ancient forests and UNESCO-listed biospheres in the Canary Islands and marveling at stunning, centuries-old Moorish architecture and enjoying culinary-themed adventures with opportunities to savor local food and drink, guests sailing on these voyages have a seemingly endless array of onshore experiences from which to choose, all from a luxurious expedition yacht that can call at off-the-beaten-path locales. And with such a broad spectrum of embarkation ports, cruise durations, destinations and overnight calls, the cruises are ideal for attractive back-to-back voyages, creating the ultimate longer-length springtime seagoing vacation.
The new 10- to 15-night voyages include:
14-Night Voyage from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (March 1-15, 2022): The two-week-long “South
Georgia Wildlife Expedition & Uruguay” voyage will spend four full days exploring breathtakingly remote South Georgia with two Zodiac landings planned each day to encounter penguins, seals and more as well as a visit to the final resting place of famed explorer Ernest Shackleton, before visiting the Uruguayan ports of Punta del Este and Montevideo. Simply an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Guests on this voyage enjoy complimentary one-way chartered air from Miami to Ushuaia and a luxury pre-cruise hotel stay in Ushuaia, offering convenience and ease of travel.15-Night from Buenos Aires to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (March 15-30, 2022): Highlighted by a multi-day trans-Atlantic crossing, this “Buenos Aires to the Canary Islands” voyage calls at Montevideo and Punta del Este before offering guests the chance to unwind and lean into Crystal luxury and relaxation on an eight-day journey across the Atlantic followed by a visit to Sao Filipe (Fogo Island) in the Cape Verde Islands featuring picturesque streets dotted with colonial-style homes, historic churches and cemeteries, distinctive black-sand beaches and fortresses dating back to the mid-1600s.
10-Night cruise from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Lisbon (March 30-April 9, 2022): This “Canary Islands & Madeira Archipelago Discovery” sailing offers a truly in-depth exploration of the region with visits to Santa Cruz de la Palma, Puerto de la Estaca/El Hierro, San Sebastian de la Gomera, Puerto Del Rosario (overnight call), and Arrecife in the Canary Islands, followed by stops at Funchal (overnight call), Ilha De Porto Santo/Madeira and Lagos, Portugal. In addition to awe-inspiring UNESCO-designated national parks and biosphere reserves, guests can visit Spain’s highest peak, the 13,000-foot Mount Teide, with charming mountain villages and volcanic wineries.
10-Night cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona (April 9-19, 2022): This “Seville, Andalucía & Balearic Islands Discovery” adventure will feature a call in Portimão, Portugal following a full two-day call in Seville, along with visits to Málaga, Alicante, Castellon de la Plana, Port de Soller and Mahon, Spain. This seagoing adventure is distinguished by the rare opportunity to cruise the Guadalquivir River through the gorgeous Andalusian countryside and dock in the heart of Seville, one of Spain’s most fascinating cities, along with a visit to the fishing and shipbuilding town of Portimão, in Portugal’s Algarve region, home to quaint seaside cottages, ancient forts and gorgeous beaches.
10-Night cruise from Barcelona to Málaga (April 19-29, 2022): This “Rivieras & Mediterranean Isles Discovery” takes place in the spring, providing the perfect environment for peacefully strolling through eight stunning European destinations, including some of the continent’s most famous resort towns: St. Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight call); Nice, France; Portofino, Italy; Bastia (Corsica), France; Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Italy; Ibiza and Málaga, Spain (overnight call), which serves as the gateway to Granada, and the stunning Moorish palace The Alhambra.
A game-changer in the cruise industry, the 20,200-ton, German-engineered Crystal Endeavor offers innovative new features and the company’s hallmark amenities highlighted by personalized, six-star and a 1:1 crew to guest ratio. Crystal Endeavor is luxuriously designed for discerning travelers with elegantly expansive private and public spaces, and all-verandah, all butler-serviced suites that are among the largest and most spacious in expedition cruising.
PALM COURT @RogerPimentaPhotography
Guests enjoy Crystal’s signature all-inclusive amenities and keen attention to detail: 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.
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, 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. In November 2021, Crystal Endeavor was named “Best New Expedition Cruise Ship” in The Points Guy’s Editors’ Choice Awards. Crystal was also named “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 and 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
CARNIVAL FREEDOM MAKES LINE’S FIRST CALL TO GRAND TURK SINCE RESUMING SERVICE
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Captain Mario Imbimbo, Chief Engineer Antonio Colotti, Hotel Director Renil Kuruvilla, Hotel Director Trainee Rene Jewell, HR Director Jacinta Peel, and Housekeeping Manager Arlie Brooks
GRAND TURK, Dec. 15, 2021 – As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s successful return to guest operations, Carnival Freedom arrived in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, today, marking the line’s first time back to the port since resuming service.
The six-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departed PortMiami Dec. 12, and featured ports include Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove.
“We are delighted to bring Carnival Freedom back to Grand Turk and to offer our guests the opportunity to experience all of this port’s beauty once again,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “On behalf of Carnival, I would like to thank the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and all our partners on the ground in Grand Turk for working with us to make this opportunity possible.”
By year’s end, Carnival will have 19 ships in operation as the line’s successful restart of operations continues. All 22 of Carnival’s 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.
Princess Cruises Brings Back Best. Sale. Ever. Offering Five Princess Perks
/All Worldwide Cruises & Cruisetours Offered During Biggest Sale of the Year
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (December 15, 2021) – Enthusiastic cruisers seeking the best sale of the year can take advantage of Princess Cruises Best .Sale. Ever to book their 2022/2023 vacation experiences. The sale runs from Dec. 15, 2021 through March 2, 2022 and includes five Princess perks - drinks, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, stateroom location upgrade and specialty dining - for the ultimate cruise vacation to destinations all over the world.
Available on all cruise and cruisetour bookings, the Best. Sale. Ever offers guests a huge value and savings to celebrate incredible travel experiences to sought-after destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the Mexican Riviera and more. Details can be found at www.princess.com.
The five Princess perks offered in the Best. Sale. Ever., a value of at least $695 on a 7-day cruise include:
Drinks: The Premier Beverage Package is applied to guests who are 21 years or older and includes hand-crafted cocktails, wine, beer, fountain soda, specialty coffees and more. Guests who are under 21 will receive the Premier Coffee & Soda Package, which includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Unlimited Wi-Fi: MedallionNet Wi-Fi, the best internet at sea, offers land-like connectivity for guests to make video calls from anywhere on the ship, share their vacation experiences in real time with friends and family onsocial media platforms, and stream sports, movies, music and videos. Unlimited MedallionNet Wi-Fi will automatically apply when guests sign on to activate their device and applies to all guests in stateroom (up to four devices).
Crew Appreciation: To ensure the crew are taken care of, too, Princess will cover crew appreciation on guests’ behalf.
Stateroom Location Upgrade: Guests can rest easy knowing they can choose their preferred location within their stateroom category. Offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, upgrades are subject to capacity and availability and apply in like-to-like stateroom types (interior to interior, oceanview to oceanview, balcony to balcony and mini-suite to mini-suite). Not offered in the suite category. Cruises 66 days or longer are not eligible for this offer.
Specialty Dining: Dine at one of Princess’ award-winning restaurants, where every meal feels like a celebration.Valid for all guests in the stateroom, vouchers will be delivered upon embarkation and are not redeemable for cash. Guests must dine at the same time in the same reserved seating.
The Best. Sale. Ever. cruise sale starts at 12am PT on December 15, 2021 and runs through 11:59pm PT on March 2, 2022.It is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia. More details and exclusions can be found at www.princess.com.
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
Enchanted Princess Officially Named in Original Production from Princess Cruises “Our World, Enchanted”
/45-Minute Show Now Available to Watch On Demand
from left to right: Princess Cruises Commodore Nick Nash, Enchanted Princess Godmothers, Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan and Enchanted Princess Cruise Director Dan Falconer celebrate naming of Enchanted Princess
from left to right: Carnival Corporation Chief Operations Officer, Josh Weinstein, Princess Cruises President John Padgett, Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison, Enchanted Princess Godmothers (Jennifer Austin, Captain Lynn Danaher, and Dr. Vicki Ferrini), Group President Jan Swartz and Carnival Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, Arnold Donald at the Enchanted Princess Naming Ceremony
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2021) – Enchanted Princess, the fifth royal-class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, was officially named in a ceremony and celebration as part of an original production “Our World, Enchanted,” that premiered earlier today on the cruise line’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
“Our World, Enchanted” is now available to watch on demand here. Hosted by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan and Enchanted Princess Cruise Director Dan Falconer, the show introduces viewers to the innovative features and amenities of the MedallionClass ship, shares some of the history of Princess as an industry and destination leader and culminates in the official naming to welcome Enchanted Princess into the Princess global fleet.
The ceremony honors three members of The Explorers Club who serve as the godmothers of Enchanted Princess. The notable godmothers have been recognized for their achievements in expeditions, oceanography and mapping the oceans – Captain Lynn Danaher, Dr. Vicki Ferrini and Jenifer Austin.
“Our World, Enchanted” includes appearances by newly appointed Princess Cruises President John Padgett, Group President Jan Swartz and 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, with various 10-day Southern Caribbean itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale.
More information about Enchanted Princess can be found at www.princess.com/enchanted.
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
Hurtigruten Expeditions more than doubles Galápagos offering
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NEW ADVENTURES ON NEW SHIP: Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Galápagos guests will be the first to experience the “new” MS Santa Cruz II. Photo: Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten Expeditions is significantly expanding its Galápagos offerings. From 2023, the world leader in exploration travel will add three new, year-round itineraries.
Hurtigruten Expeditions' inaugural Galápagos expedition cruise departs on January 7, 2022, but the company has already revealed an additional three new itineraries available for 2023 and 2024.
Guests will be able to choose from four different small-ship expedition cruises, ranging from four to eight nights – essentially covering the full span of the remote 19-island archipelago considered one of the most unique places on Earth.
"The iconic Galápagos can be considered a planet within planet Earth due to its distinct wildlife and pristine landscape. This is one of the most distinct and pristine destinations there is. We are exceptionally proud to offer even more chances to sustainably connect with this adventure travel treasure,” said Asta Lassesen, CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions.
PROLIFIC NATURE: The biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands is uniquely rich. Photo: Getty Images / Hurtigruten Expeditions
The six-night Eastern Galápagos itinerary that launches this January will be complemented with a four-night Northern Galápagos cruise, a four-night Western Galápagos cruise, and an eight-night combination covering Northern and Western Galápagos. All four options are now available to book for travel in 2023 and 2024.
MASHPI MAGNIFICENCE: The award-winning Mashpi Lodge offers a different luxury deep in the rainforest. Photo: Metropolitan Touring.
In addition, Hurtigruten Expeditions expands the land-based pre and post-program, adding the award-winning luxury rainforest hotel Mashpi Lodge, located a few hours northwest of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as a unique three-night pre or post-tour for any Galápagos cruise.
New small-ship experience
Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Galápagos guests will be the first to experience the “new” MS Santa Cruz II. Custom built for small-ship exploration, and with only 50 cabins and suites, the ship offers guests an intimate and comfortable way of exploring Galápagos. Leading up to the 2022 season, MS Santa Cruz II has undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade, including all public areas, cabins and suites – effectively operating as a virtually brand new ship with a light and modern Nordic design.
Besides the spacious Darwin Suites, the ship also has dedicated family and single cabins to suit diverse needs better. All cabins have also been upgraded with new mattresses and beddings. A separate upgrade is the dining menu, which now features vegan and more vegetarian options at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
UPGRADED FEATURES: The new Panorama bar and salon. Photo: Hurtigruten Expeditions / Metropolitan Touring
A Science Corner was also added during the upgrade in line with Hurtigruten Expeditions' industry-leading Science Program, offering guests to even deeper explore the true wonders of the archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
"Our guests are modern-day adventurers, eager to curiously explore the unparalleled beauty of our planet. There really is no other place like the Galápagos Islands. We therefore invite guests to participate in scientific activities to develop a deeper understanding of the region we are exploring together. We have installed a Science Corner onboard Santa Cruz II, and trained our knowledgeable and passionate guides on the two Citizen Science projects to help guests get a better understanding of what they will discover and experience in this remarkable destination," said Dr. Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at Hurtigruten Expeditions.
NEW ADDITION: Santa Cruz II's new Lecture library. Photo: Hurtigruten Expeditions / Metropolitan Touring
While Hurtigruten Expedition’s maiden Galápagos voyage will be January 2022, the team behind the expedition cruises builds on the deepest experience in the region. Hurtigruten Expeditions has entered into a long-term partnership with Ecuador's’ Metropolitan Touring, that effectively founded expedition cruising in Galápagos more than 70 years ago.
This gives Hurtigruten Expeditions guests unique access to the local experience and knowledge, as well as exclusive access to the best landing sites in the Galápagos archipelago.
“The added itineraries and experiences are the result of what has proven to be a very fruitful partnership for the benefit of our valued guests. Our expanded offering will truly cover all the key areas of the Galápagos, which are all distinctively different from each other, offering guests an otherworldly experience combined with incredible wildlife, " said Lassesen.
All Galápagos itineraries can be found at hurtigruten.com/destinations/Galápagos-islands.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
Windstar Cruises Names Karl Gulotta Corporate Executive Chef
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SEATTLE, WA, December 13, 2021 – U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises has hired Karl Gulotta as its new corporate executive chef. The leading line in small ship cruises places a distinct emphasis on an elevated culinary experience and sources ingredients locally whenever possible.
The position directs Windstar’s onboard culinary operations department to achieve the highest levels of guest satisfaction and product consistency. Together with Windstar’s director of food and beverage operations, Gulotta will be instrumental in setting the tone, look, and feel of all culinary operations, ensuring they align with the company’s high standards, commitment to sustainable practices, devotion to regional menus and products, and its ongoing relationship as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation.
Gulotta (who speaks English, French, and Spanish) is originally from Marseilles, France. He most recently worked with French cruise ship operator Ponant as executive chef, where he executed menus and recipes from acclaimed Chef Alain Ducasse. He previously held high-level culinary positions with Oceania Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and a litany of land-based fine dining establishments (more than five with Michelin stars) located around the globe.
“We are excited to add Karl to our team of culinary professionals at Windstar,” said Vice President of Hotel Operations Stijn Creupelandt, who oversees the corporate executive chef position. “His breadth of proficiency both with cruise ships and some of the best restaurants on the planet will no doubt enhance our cruise guests’ experience.”
Gulotta will work aboard Windstar’s three Wind Class sailing ships and three all-suite Star Plus Class yachts deployed to destinations around the globe; and will work at times at Windstar’s Miami headquarters when the new office opens in 2022.
Windstar’s Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety program requires everyone aboard to be vaccinated, including crew. For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
Editor’s Note: A high resolution image of Gulotta is available here.
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