Cunard takes Shakespeare to the high seas with the Royal Shakespeare Company

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VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard will be taking Shakespeare and new work to the high seas in 2022, as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage. 

"We are excited to offer unique access to exclusive contemporary RSC performances and Shakespeare's finest work."

Available exclusively on board flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances by the RSC, which creates captivating theatre by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and other literary legends past and present. The performances will be available for all guests on board, including a unique blend of Shakespeare's iconic love scenes in a brand new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley. 

Guests will also have the opportunity to see critically acclaimed new work from the RSC with Miss Littlewood: a musical by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre's most playful and radical figures, making its transatlantic debut.

For those interested in learning what it takes to be an RSC actor, the on board cast will be leading a series of workshops that explore their craft. Guests will also be able to access "Shakespeare Tales," intimate, informal events where the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience. 

"What a thrill to welcome the Royal Shakespeare Company to Cunard! Our Transatlantic voyages are known to feature dazzling onboard experiences, and our new partnership with the RSC continues, and elevates this tradition," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard, North America. "To offer our guests unique access to exclusive contemporary performances and of Shakespeare's finest work is something special, an unforgettable experience that our guests will fully immerse themselves in."

Erica Whyman, RSC Acting Artistic Director, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Cunard to bring our performances to the guests of Queen Mary 2 together with unique opportunities to get close to working theatre artists and learn more about our house playwright.  The RSC ignites imaginations and expands horizons, and Shakespeare's plays allow us to imagine new and remarkable worlds, so this partnership has a perfect synergy.  Boundless as the Sea, which is what Juliet calls her love for Romeo, will be a heartwarming taster of all the ways Shakespeare explores love and romance, and we are also very pleased to be presenting a version of the joyous, quirky and toe-tapping Miss Littlewood. This is an exciting new venture for us, and we look forward very much to meeting new audiences on board."

In addition, Queen Mary 2 will host a touring exhibition, "Digital Diorama: An Augmented Journey Through Shakespeare's Stratford." Guests will use devices to experience scenes from his plays come to life before their eyes. Some of the RSC's most popular productions in recent years including Hamlet, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like it will also be screened in Cunard's on board cinema, Illuminations.

The three year partnership will begin on May 29 until August 12, 2022 and then again from September 15 to November 13, 2022, and will offer this bespoke programme exclusively to Cunard guests on Queen Mary 2 throughout these two periods. Guests will experience either Boundless as the Sea or Miss Littlewood on each featured voyage. Dates for future years to be announced at a later date. 

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. 

About the RSC 
The Royal Shakespeare Company creates world class theatre, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world, performing plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as commissioning an exceptionally wide range of original work from contemporary writers. 

The Royal Shakespeare Company is committed to creating world class theatre for, with and by audiences and theatre makers of all ages. Their transformative Learning Programmes reaches over half a million young people and adults each year. As a Teaching and Learning theatre, the RSC has trained generations of the very best theatre makers and continues to nurture the talent of the future. The RSC is also a leader in creative immersive technologies and digital development. 

The RSC recognises the climate emergency and work hard to embed environmental sustainability into its operations, creative work and business practice, making a commitment to continually reduce its carbon footprint.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Jethro Beck Named Vice President of Marine Operations for American Queen Voyages™ 

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Fort Lauderdale, FL – Jan. 13, 2022 – American Queen Voyages™,  part of Hornblower® Group, announces Jethro Beck as vice president of marine operations, overseeing the company’s River fleet. In this capacity, he is responsible for all American Queen Voyages River marine operations, including nautical, technical, compliance, safety and security. 

“I have followed the growth of American Queen Voyages over the last decade and am eager to join this cruise line that has played such a role in the growth of river and small-ship cruising in North America,” said Beck. “I look forward to getting to know each of the vessels, respective crews and being a part of this company’s rich legacy.”

Jethro Beck joins American Queen Voyages with an extensive career as a marine operations leader. Most recently, he served as head of marine operations for ultra-luxury start-up The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Beck’s passenger operations career has spanned nearly two-decades, most of which were with Holland America Group as operations director and also serving Seabourn, Princess Cruise Lines and P & O Australia within the Carnival Corporation. He is a captain himself and has operated vessels for Holland America, Shell Oil and Global Marine Systems.

“I am delighted to welcome Jethro Beck to the marine operations team as American Queen Voyages embarks on our largest deployment in the company’s history and our 10th anniversary,” said David Kelly, executive vice president, American Queen Voyages. “His extensive experience commanding large vessel fleets as well as shipyard management will be an asset to the team as we continue to grow our footprint across North America.” 

Born and raised in Scotland, Beck began his maritime career at 16 years of age, joining an LNG tanker out of Brunei as an engineering apprentice. He has earned multiple licenses including captain and will continue residing in Mississippi with his family.  

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces Norwegian Viva

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Second of Six Cutting-Edge Ships Opens for Sale

Launching June 2023, Norwegian Viva to Homeport in Four Marquee Mediterranean Destinations:
Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece

MIAMI (Jan. 12, 2022) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today unveiled Norwegian Viva, the next ship in its brand-new Prima Class. 

Providing guests with elevated experiences including more wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design and exceptional service, Norwegian Viva will begin sailing remarkable Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023, homeporting in key Southern European port cities including Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece. She will then sail the Southern Caribbean for her 2023-2024 Winter Season offering warm-weather getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Mirroring the upscale design and structure of her record-breaking sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, also built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, will debut at 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy. Travelers will live up every second of their journey in the most spacious accommodations including the brand's largest inside, ocean view and balcony category staterooms.

The world-class vessel will not only offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories and largest variety of suite categories available at sea, but will also boast a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept. The Haven’s public areas and 107 suites designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy’s most renowned designers, will feature an expansive sundeck, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

The Prima Class’ variety of recreational activities also make their elevated comeback on Norwegian Viva with only-available-on-Prima-Class experiences including the fastest freefall drop dry slides at sea with The Rush and The Drop and the largest three-level racetrack at sea with the Viva Speedway.

Norwegian Viva will feature Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walk way which wraps around the entire ship;  Indulge Food Hall featuring 11 varieties of eateries; The Concourse boasting an outdoor sculpture garden; expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach and Oceanwalk, showcasing glass bridges above water.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: "Norwegian Viva sets the standard in the premium segment, illustrating our commitment to pushing boundaries in four main areas: wide open space, service that puts guests first, thoughtful design and experiences beyond expectation. We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind."

Norwegian Viva will boast eye-catching hull art designed by Italian graffiti and sculpture artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as "Peeta," who also illustrated the exceptional hull design on Norwegian Prima. World-class architects who helped design Norwegian Prima including Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Miami-based Studio Dado, also have returned to influence the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas.

Onda by Scarpetta

"Norwegian Viva, the second of six Prima Class vessels being built with us, reinforces the great collaboration between Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri," said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division at Fincantieri. "We were extremely satisfied that Norwegian Prima, the first of the new class, earned record-breaking bookings and we are excited to see how Norwegian Viva will live up to her sister ship. As we proved our resilience during these challenging times, this announcement represents another testament to Fincantieri´s global leadership role in the cruise sector."

The first two Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will feature cutting-edge alternative technologies, such as a NOx reduction system (SCR), that reduce the ship’s overall environmental impact.  SCR catalysts filter out sulfur oxides up to 98% and nitrogen oxides up to 90%, ensuring the vessels meet Tier III NOx compliance. Further, they will be equipped with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), an Advanced Wastewater Treatment System to treat and clean all wastewater to meet stringent international standards and Cold Ironing functionality to connect to onshore power grids to further reduce emissions while in port. For more information about the Company’s environmental, governance and social efforts, please click here.

LIVELY ITINERARIES ON THE BRAND'S NEWEST SHIP 

Summer 2023: Mediterranean from Rome, Athens, and Lisbon

Following a string of inaugural cruises and beginning June 2023, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship embarking in the Mediterranean. From June 15, 2023 to Nov. 6, 2023, she will sail a series of eight, nine and 10-day voyages from Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean’s Spanish, Italian and Greek regions.

Winter 2023-2024: Southern Caribbean from San Juan

Norwegian Viva will become the largest new ship to ever homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On Dec. 15, she will depart San Juan on a seven-day Caribbean voyage with her first stop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. She will then make her way to Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s, Antigua; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands for her last stop before returning to San Juan on Dec. 22. Future sailings will also include notable ports in the Caribbean for seven- and nine-day sailings.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

SCENIC LUXURY CRUISES CHOSES DE WAVE GROUP AS MAJOR CONTRACTOR FOR SCENIC ECLIPSE II

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Double-digit million-euro contract for ultra-luxury suites and technical areas entrusted to cruise ship outfitting leader

Genoa, Italy, Today, Tuesday, the 11th of January 2022

The De Wave Group announced it has been selected as a major contractor for the outfitting of Scenic Luxury Cruises’ newest ship, the Scenic Eclipse II, currently under construction by the MMK Yacht Division of the Scenic Group in Rijeka, Croatia. The ship follows the path trailblazed by her sister Scenic Eclipse I, to which De Wave contributed, which set new standards in ultra-luxury ocean cruising. The De Wave Group will be creating some of the most prestigious luxury areas and advanced technical installations on board:

·      114 six-star guest suites

.    Guest suite wet rooms

·      Guest suite area corridors

·      Dining venues and provision plants, including kitchens and cold rooms

·      Crew cabins

·      Crew areas

·      Crew corridors

De Wave Group CEO Riccardo Pompili declared: “We are very proud to play a major role in bringing this ultra-luxury ship to life, especially the sumptuously appointed guest suites and extraordinary Spa Suites.” These concept suites ranging from 46 to 50 sq. m in size feature double hydromassage baths designed by Philippe Starck, colour therapy vitalizing mist showers, ultra-luxury accessories and the highest levels of sound insulation to be found on any ship according to the Bureau Veritas ship classification society.

As Scenic’s second “Discovery Yacht”, the Eclipse II will provide a superlative cruise experience. Pampering up to 228 guests in 114 six-star suites of exceptional comfort and style, she will take them to explore many of the most memorable lesser-visited places on earth, from the immense glaciers of Greenland to the majestic Norwegian fjords and geological splendours of Iceland. The expedition experience offered will be equally exclusive, guided by an expert Discovery Team to explore along, below and above the horizon by zodiac, submarine and helicopter.

The steel cutting ceremony for Scenic Eclipse II was held on the 24th of April 2020, and the De Wave order for 810 sq. m of suites, cabins and corridors, plus 763 sq. m of dining and catering areas, is scheduled for delivery in 2023.

About the De Wave Group

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

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

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

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

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Peter Szyszka Named Director of Expedition  for American Queen Voyages™ for Ocean Victory™ Inaugural Alaska Season  

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Fort Lauderdale, FL – Jan. 11, 2022 – American Queen Voyages™,  part of Hornblower® Group, announces Peter Szyszka to lead all expedition experiences as Director of Expedition for the cruise line. Bringing extensive expedition expertise to the highly anticipated inaugural Alaska season of Ocean Victory™, Szyszka will oversee a seasoned expedition team with both unique expedition experience around the globe and in the most intimate territories of Alaska. He will closely collaborate with the American Queen Voyages’ award-winning shore excursions team, Ocean Victory officers and crew and California Polytech University researchers exclusively onboard. 

“Alaska is the ultimate destination for adventure travelers yearning to experience an expedition cruise and get up close and personal to its breathtaking nature and cultural experiences,” said Peter Szyszka, director of expedition, American Queen Voyages. “Our expedition programming, paired with the innovation and the technology of the new Ocean Victory will showcase Alaska in a very special way.

Peter Szyszka adds over two decades of experience to the team leading expeditions across the globe including over 60 journeys in Antarctica. He brings a unique knowledge of the new Ocean Victory vessel, overseeing the 2019 build and fit-out of expedition areas of the Greg Mortimer, a sister vessel featuring a unique X-Bow design. Szyszka has played a key role in program development and delivery for multiple leading expedition brands. Also, an expert divemaster and Zodiaccaptain trainer, he has overseen kayaking, snorkeling, diving, expedition landings, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering and even photography programs throughout his career.  

“Investing in top talent continues to be a priority at American Queen Voyages and the addition of Peter Szyszka further illustrates our commitment to bringing in leaders that share our passion to deliver amazing experiences,” shares Shawn Bierdz, chief operation officer of American Queen Voyages. “I look forward to Ocean Victory guests experiencing our expeditions led by Peter and his team and creating encounter travel moments in Alaska this summer.” 

Created for intimate access with an innovative X-Bow design, the vessel sails 12 and 13-day journeys through the less-traveled regions of Alaska’s Inside Passage led by a seasoned expedition team. Like-minded explorers will deploy kayaks and Zodiacs with expedition guides, view wildlife from sliding observation platforms, witness marine research by California Polytech University students in real-time and have engaging discussions with First Nation leaders. Accommodating only 186 guests, the focus of the expedition program is exploring Alaska up close.

The brand new, expedition ship Ocean Victory will sail between Vancouver, B.C. and Sitka, Alaska on 13-day journeys and feature ports of call that larger ships cannot access, including Baranof Island’s eastern coast. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel stay in Vancouver, B.C.; Canadian Inside Passage; Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet); Ketchikan/Metlakatla; Misty Fjords National Monument; Wrangell/Stikine River Wilderness; Waterfall Coast/Baranof Wilderness; Petersburg/Le Conte Glacier; Tracy Arm/Endicott Glacier; Kake/Frederick Sound/Five Finger; and Sitka, Alaska. Sailings available in May; June; July; Aug.; and Sept. 2022.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

American Queen Voyages’™ Ocean Voyager™ Embarks on 2022 Lakes & Ocean Season with Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula Debut

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-Fleetwide ‘Winter Savings Event’ Begins Now- 

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Jan. 5, 2022 – American Queen Voyages™,  part of Hornblower® Group, has welcomed guests for the cruise line’s first Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula voyage. Arriving in Cozumel on Jan. 4 and embarking on a land-tour immersive adventure, guests will board Ocean Voyager™, formerly Victory I®, today and visit ports and sites including Campeche, Progreso and Valladolid. Highlights of the inaugural voyage include a visit to Malecón de Campeche, a sunrise visit over El Castillio and Temple of Kukulkan, a visit to El Gran Museo del Mundo May de Mérida and two nights at the Mayaland Hotel, a world-class jungle resort adjacent to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Ocean Voyager will operate four Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula sailings before returning to the Southeastern U.S for its roundtrip Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach) sailings.  

“Expanding our experiences beyond U.S. river cruises to immersive international small-ship itineraries has been a company goal for some time and it is exciting to now offer our guests these new content-rich cultural adventures,” said Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer, American Queen Voyages. “Later this year we will embark on Southeast U.S. voyages, itineraries touching all five Great Lakes, an inaugural expedition season in Alaska with Ocean Victory™   and much more.” 

Winter Savings Event 

In celebration of 2022 and all River, Lakes & Ocean and Expedition vessels welcoming guests onboard, American Queen Voyages announces the Winter Savings Event of up to $5,400 bonus savings per stateroom on bookings made by Feb. 28, 2022 on select voyages. 

Winter Savings itinerary highlights include: 

Cincinnati to Memphis

Heartland Splendors on the Ohio River 

This nine-day sailing takes guests on a journey along the Ohio River, with stops visiting its most charming port cities. A visit to river gem Paducah, Ky., a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, is sure to inspire guests. History buffs will enjoy a stop in Brandenburg, Ky. with the option to visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, tour the Lincoln Museum and explore the legacy of General George S. Patton at one of the United States Army’s most renowned military complexes, Fort Knox. Ports of call on this itinerary include Madison, In.; Brandenburg, Ky.; Owensboro, Ky.; Henderson, Ky.; Paducah, Ky.; New Madrid, Mo.; and Memphis, Tn.

Portland to Toronto 

New England Splendors 

A 13-day journey around the northeast corner of the United States and into Canada, Ocean Navigator sails through a classic collection of ports into the St. Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario. In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, guests can enjoy the scenic capital packed with tremendous spirit and vibrant natural displays. Beachside vistas will embrace emerald pastures with a charming city center as a port community. Ports of call include Portland, Me.; Halifax, Ns.; Charlottetown, PEI.; Quebec City, Qc; Montreal, Qc. and Toronto, On. 

Chicago to Toronto 

Splendor of the Great Lakes 

An 11-day exploration of all five Great Lakes dives into North America’s maritime legacy on board the Ocean Voyager™ and Ocean Navigator™ with an exclusive embarkation or debarkation at downtown Chicago’s Navy Pier. A port highlight is Mackinac Island on Lake Huron, a destination known for its most extensive historical preservation, earning a listing as a National Historic Landmark. Horses and bicycles are a primary mode of transportation on the island and a stop at the famous Grand Hotel is a must. Ports of call include Chicago, Mackinac Island, Mi.; Little Current (Manitoulin Island), On.; Detroit, Mi.; Cleveland, Oh.; Niagara Falls, (Port Colborne), On. and Toronto. 

Vancouver to Sitka

Authentic Alaska  

Vancouver, B.C. to Sitka, Alaska |12-day (or reverse |13-day)

Explore Alaska over 12-days on the brand new, Ocean Victory™ expedition vessel calling on remote ports inaccessible by large vessel. Explore the native Tlingit community of Kake, for a traditional dance performance and the site of one of the world’s largest one tree-totems treasures. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel stay in Vancouver, B.C.; Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet); Ketchikan/Metlakatla; Misty Fjords National Monument; Waterfall Coast; Petersburg, Tracy/Endicott Arm; Kake/Frederick Sound; and Sitka, Alaska. Sailings available in May; June; July; Aug.; Sept. 2022.

For more information on American Queen Voyages’ Winter Savings Event, sailing dates, and to book a reservation, contact your travel professional or call 833-598-0119 or visit www.AQVoyages.com. 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Our Response to Current CDC Travel Advisory on Cruise Travel

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CDC Travel Advisory

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a warning about cruise travel. As stated on their website:

 Key Information for Cruise Ship Travelers

  • Avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.

  • The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you are fully vaccinated and have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

  • Outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships.

  • If you travel on a cruise ship, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel and get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if you are eligible.

  • People who go on a cruise should get tested 1–3 days before their trip and 3–5 days after their trip, regardless of vaccination status or symptoms

You can find the CDC guidance here.

Our Response

The first two bullet points shown above would indicate an admission by the CDC that the “vaccines" are not very effective. Even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants. Therefore, “vaccines” do not prevent getting or spreading the virus. Prior claims by the CDC and government officials promising an end to COVID-19 if everyone would just get vaccinated were apparently false and misleading. Unfortunately, these admissions now have many Americans questioning everything we have been told about COVID-19 and the “vaccines.”

The third bullet point The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high has us scratching our heads. Is the virus more likely to spread between people in close quarters on a cruise than it is in a restaurant? How about an airplane? What about people in close quarters in a grocery store, or perhaps standing in line waiting to get a Covid test? Yet, there are no warnings for these venues, only for cruise ships. Why?

The fourth bullet point from the CDC states that Outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships. Since there have been a few thousand people testing positive on cruise ships, while hundreds of millions have tested positive around the world, would that not indicate that there have been many more outbreaks in places other than cruise ships?

The fifth bullet point is almost in contradiction with the first. If you travel on a cruise ship, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel and get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if you are eligible. But wait, I thought the vaccine did not guarantee protection against contracting or spreading the virus?

The sixth bullet point is almost nonsensical. People who go on a cruise should get tested 1–3 days before their trip and 3–5 days after their trip, regardless of vaccination status or symptoms. Every cruise line that I am aware of has been requiring a negative COVID-19 test withing 2 days of boarding for the past several months. In fact, that is the CDC's own protocol! It is statements like this that make us question the competence of the people in charge of our health and safety.

Royal Caribbean recently reported that since the restart of cruise operations in 2021, 1.1 million guests have returned only 1,784 positive test results. That is a 0.02% positivity rate. Compare that with Ft. Worth, Texas that recently reported a 24% positivity rate! Royal Caribbean went on to report that of the 1784 positive cases, only 41 were hospitalized. And, there have been no hospitalizations with the Omicron variant.

The Omicron variant is rapidly replacing the Delta variant as the dominant variant, which is very good news since it appears to be much less virulent than previous variants. It is likely that sooner rather than later, everyone, regardless of 'vaccine' status will be exposed to the Omicron variant. Fortunately, many who are infected with the Omicron variant are asymptomatic and only become aware of the infection after having been tested. While the "vaccines" and boosters may reduce the risk of death, serious illness or hospitalizations from Omicron, they have little, if any, effect on transmission of Omicron.

We see no reason to change our future travel plans based on the CDC warnings for cruise travel. If you choose to do so, we believe that is your right. We base our travel decisions on sound science and common sense, not media hype or hyperbole.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

New Year maiden cruise of Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva launches new era 

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Cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s purpose-designed new ship has left Ushuaia on a stunning 9-day New Year celebration Antarctic cruise.

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Friday the 31st of December 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that its new ship SH Minerva had left Ushuaia yesterday evening on her maiden cultural expedition cruise of the Antarctic, a 9-day New Year celebration of discovery.

Cruising in the expert hands of industry veterans Captain Tuomo Leskinen and Hotel Director Philipp Reutener, SH Minerva’s first guests look forward to celebrating the New Year deep in the splendours of Antarctica. Here, they will soon be exploring the inspiring sights and wildlife of the Peninsula and milder Shetland Islands in the company of Expedition Leader Pablo Brandeman, polar expert Steve Blamires and renowned ornithologist Andy Bunten.

Internationally acclaimed chef Jörg Lehmann is bringing Swan Hellenic’s distinctive new gastronomic vision to life on board, presenting varied menus of freshly cooked delicacies that include original Italian and Asian fusion dishes, created in partnership with multi-award-winning Consultant Chefs Andrea Ribaldone and Sang Keun Oh.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “We are immensely proud to have welcomed our first guests aboard this wonderful new ship to live unique new experiences that advance the revered Swan Hellenic tradition, taking them to see what others don’t in exceptional comfort and style.”

ABOUT SH MINERVA

SH Minerva is the first in a series of three extraordinary high ice-class cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium cruise experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC5 ice-strengthened hull with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 113 m, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

The vessel has been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations and is equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas. In addition, she is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles, enabling extraordinarily immersive cruise voyages.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva is operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Tonnage                                                    10 600

Propulsion                                                 5 MW

Length                                                       113 m

Breadth                                                     20.2 m

Draught                                                     5.7 m

Cruising speed                                          14 knots

Ice class                                                    PC5

Number of passenger cabins                    76

Number of crew cabins                            73

Classification                                            Lloyd’s Register

 About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Swan Hellenic's purpose-built ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. SH Minerva and SH Vega, two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships, respectively launched in December 2021 and arriving in April 2022, each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in the same distinctive comfort and style in 96 staterooms and suites will be arriving year-end 2022.

All three ships feature 3 dining venues, the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool bar & Grill, and are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements. Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

The crews include an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and almost equal the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale (serving the North America market) and Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, 

Visit www.swanhellenic.com or call +442078460271

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

Mario Bounas, VP, Marketing: Mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Holidays on Crystal:  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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Guests are encouraged to book now to reserve their spot on Crystal’s Ocean, River and Expedition holiday voyages in 2022!

MIAMI, December 23, 2021 – Holiday sailings on Crystal are like no other – a time to celebrate the season, reconnect with old friends and make new acquaintances, and ring in the New Year in a festive atmosphere of ornate decorations, caroling amidst faux snowfalls, elaborate gingerbread villages, special entertainment and, of course, authentic six-star service and those “only on Crystal” moments. And best of all, with menus featuring exquisite, Michelin-level inspirations of classic dishes created by Crystal’s talented chefs, there’s no cooking (or cleaning up!).

“The holidays are a special time on Crystal – there’s really nothing else like it – and many of our guests relish the opportunity to sail with us and repeat the celebration year after year,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal president.  “We encourage everyone, both longtime Crystal enthusiasts and those new to the brand, to see for themselves why a Crystal Ocean, River or Expedition voyage is the best way to spend the holidays.”

Crystal’s holiday sailings are extremely popular with repeat guests who often get a head start on their vacation planning by booking a holiday voyage while enjoying their current holiday sailing. Booking early ensures guests are able to secure the stateroom, itinerary and cruise duration of their choice – at the best prices, of course.

Today’s Crystal Insider blog illustrates why these sailings are so popular with guests who are definitely merry and bright as they trade snowflakes for sandals on Caribbean voyages, explore storybook Christmas markets on river cruises, marvel at the mysteries of the Middle East or celebrate with penguins and glaciers on Antarctica adventures.

Here’s a look at Crystal’s 7- to 15-night holiday offerings departing over Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s in 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, 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