SILVERSEA’S FLAGSHIP SILVER NOVASM TAKES DISCERNING TRAVELERS TO NEW HORIZONS ON 71-DAY GRAND VOYAGE TO SOUTH AMERICA

/

Calling in 38 destinations in 18 countries, Silver Nova’s very first Grand Voyage will include business class flights,  elevating the ultra-deluxe all-inclusive offering

(MONACO – February 8, 2022) Today, Silversea Cruises® launches its all-new 71-day Grand Voyage to Central and South America aboard Silversea’s latest ship Silver NovaSM. Setting sail on January 4, 2024, Silversea’s guests will journey deep into 38 destinations in 18 countries, traveling in the luxury cruise line’s trademark level of service aboard the soon-to-be-launched Silver Nova. For the first time, and for all subsequent Grand Voyages across the fleet, the Grand Voyage South America 2024 will include round-trip business-class flights.*

Set to unlock remote and remarkable destinations for travelers, Silversea’s Grand Voyage South America 2024 will circumnavigate Latin America, before taking guests deep inland along the meandering Amazon River to Manaus in the heart of the verdant rainforest. As well as enjoying a maiden call in Ilhabela (Brazil) – home to a vast UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve – guests will explore Ushuaia at South America’s southernmost tip, in addition to the continent’s striking glaciers and fjords. Immersing travelers into the vibrant Latin American culture, Silver Nova will call in Lima, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo, with an extended call in Rio de Janeiro – where guests will enjoy the famous Carnival with three overnights – showcasing a must-visit staple of South American discovery. Ahead of arriving in Fort Lauderdale on March 15, 2024, travelers will explore the Eastern Caribbean’s most spectacular destinations, with calls in Spanish Town, Castries, and Bequia. Guests will also experience the region’s rich culinary flavors – both on board and ashore – through Silversea’s highly lauded S.A.L.T. program.

Guests joining Silver Nova for the Grand Voyage South America 2024 will be among the first to experience one of the most environmentally conscious cruise ships ever built. Innovative, unprecedented, state-of-the-art technological solutions will make her the first hybrid, luxury cruise ship to be free of local emissions at port, with advanced hybrid technology featuring fuel cells paving the way for the future of luxurious, sustainable cruising.

“Curated by our destination experts, our new South America Grand Voyage 2024 – hosted aboard the pioneering Silver Nova – will link the continent’s most enriching experiences for our well-traveled guests,” says Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. “With the inclusion of business-class air, guests traveling on the South America Grand Voyage 2024, and on all future Grand Voyages with Silversea, will journey in superlative comfort. From three overnights to celebrate Rio de Janeiro’s famous carnival to an exclusive evening at Manaus’ beautiful opera house in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, the range of experiences on offer with this once-in-a-lifetime voyage is unique.”

Drawing on a connection to the culture, heritage and identity of each location, Silversea’s exclusive events for the Grand Voyage South America 2024 include:

  • Folklore Festivities along the Panama Canal: Guests will enjoy a traditional folkloric show, followed by a carnival party – complete with Panama hats and spirited salsa dancing – as they take the enchanting journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

  • Bespoke Heritage Tour at Callao Monumental: A full cultural immersion awaits guests with the curation of a personalised, and private, tour of Callao Monumental, considered Peru’s most important reference of social transformation through art. The tour will end with locally prepared, authentic culinary delights and cocktails to the backdrop of a salsa fiesta.

  • The Best Seats at the World’s Biggest Carnival: Guests will revel in the rhythmic magic of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Carnival across three days of exclusive parade access and the best seats to view the heart of the action.

  • Operatic Delights in the Amazon Rainforest: Under the shimmering stars and amidst the lush rainforest canopy, guests will experience a night at the opera like no other. Located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, Manaus’ opera house is a historical landmark and a spectacular example of Renaissance architecture. Guests will watch in awe during an exclusive performance, enjoyed with a decadent cocktail in hand.

  • An Exclusive Evening with Bridgetown’s Polo Elite: Guests will rub shoulders with the Bridgetown polo players – Barbados’s most iconic sports team – during an intimate dinner that follows an afternoon of adrenaline sport. Intricately prepared by an award-winning Bajan Master Chef, guests will savour local delicacies and sip champagne in the company of the island’s polo elite.

View the full itinerary of Silversea’s Grand Voyage South America 2024 and the full list of inclusions:

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages-cruise/grand-voyage-2024-south-america.html

Find out more information about Silver Nova:

https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-nova.html

For the latest health and travel advisories pertaining to cruise travel:

https://www.silversea.com/health-and-travel-notice.html

*Available from selected countries/markets. Read the full terms and conditions:

https://www.silversea.com/terms-and-conditions.html

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

About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 61 ships traveling to more than 800 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 12 ships on order as of December 31, 2021.  Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Princess Cruises Expands Contactless MedallionPay Payment into Destinations 

/

Guests Can Use Medallion to Make Purchases at Retail Locations in Cabo San Lucas, 

St. Thomas, Puerto Vallarta, and all Alaska Ports of Call 

and Get 7% Back as Onboard Ship Credit

Diamonds International, Cariloha Among Merchants Participating in MedallionPay 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 1, 2022) – Guests sailing on Princess MedallionClassTM ships now have a contactless purchasing option that eliminates the need for them to carry cash or credit cards into destinations on their cruise vacation. The premium cruise brand today announced the expansion of MedallionPayTM, the frictionless payment experience that lets guests use their Princess Medallion®wearable device to shop, play, eat and drink, with a number of merchants in ports of call in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and all Alaska ports of call, and also to now include 7% back on shoreside purchases as an onboard ship credit for the inaugural year.

MedallionPay

Previously exclusive to purchases made on board a Princess MedallionClass ship, MedallionPay expands the safety and convenience of contactless payment into ports, allowing guests to leave their wallets and smart phones in their stateroom safes and use their Medallion to shop with added security in stores displaying the MedallionPay seal in their storefronts.

“MedallionPay offers the ultimate in payment convenience and security for guests both on board and now in ports we visit seamlessly blending the onboard and destination experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “What makes MedallionPay extra special is the instant onboard value it delivers to guests in addition to base benefits with their associated credit card.” 

MedallionPay currently is available in St. Thomas, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, and Puerta Vallarta, with more destinations and merchants being added in the near future, including extensions into all Alaska ports Princess ships call on.  Among prominent merchants now accepting MedallionPay are Diamonds International and Cariloha, as well as more than 65 other retailers from restaurants, bars, souvenir stores, and jewelers to museums and excursion operators. MedallionPay is available to all retailers large and small with no setup or monthly fees to register as a MedallionPay merchant, no required long-term contracts and the software is free to use. Merchants simply pay a transaction fee that includes all credit card processing fees and can cancel service at their discretion.

“We are so excited to be partnering on the MedallionPay program with Princess Cruises,” said Wendy Tarapani, Diamonds International. “Our guests are finding it an easy way to make their purchases since MedallionPay is a natural extension to the onboard experience.”

Guests who make purchases with participating merchants enjoy the convenience, security and a 7% shipboard credit on purchases when they associate a credit card with a MedallionPay account. And it equates to even bigger rewards when guests associate their MedallionPay account with a cash back credit card.

“Being able to shop using my Medallion made purchasing easier and having a discount associated with it is fantastic,” said Lori Woodbury, a guest on Crown Princess who trialed MedallionPay during its St. Thomas trial in early 2020. “You don’t have to remember your room key, and you never have to have cash or a credit card with you.”

No credit card or personal information is stored on the Medallion. And the MedallionPay ecosystem exceeds the security levels used in financial institutions and passports by using the latest methods of tokenization, abstraction and encryption.

When making a purchase with participating retail locations in select ports of call, merchants securely confirm the transaction with two-factor authentication that exceeds typical credit card transaction.

Princess has offered MedallionPay contactless payment for all onboard purchases on MedallionClass since the Princess MedallionClass Experience debuted in late 2017.

Princess delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring world-class dining and entertainment, all elevated by the Princess MedallionClass Experience. The Medallion 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. 

My review of Celebrity Apex

CELEBRITY CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2024 SAILINGS TO THE GALAPAGOS  ISLANDS

/
 
 

OFFERING GUESTS AN UP-CLOSE LOOK AT EXQUISITE NATURE AND WILDLIFE ON A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE

MIAMI (February 3, 2022) - Celebrity Cruises® announced today its 2024 sailings to the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands, featuring breathtaking itineraries that offer guests opportunities to explore the destination’s unspoiled natural beauty and adventure. 

Setting sail in January 2024, aboard one of the brand’s three uniquely intimate and stunning ships – Celebrity Flora®, Celebrity Xpedition® or Celebrity Xploration® – guests will be able to choose from six seven-night itineraries that are carefully curated to ensure wanderlust travelers experience all this extraordinary archipelago offers. 

A naturalist’s dream, travelers will be immersed in an undiscovered paradise, complete with incredible flora, rare wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and exotic adventures. From walking among tortoises and snorkeling alongside penguins in their natural habitat, to hiking otherworldly volcanic moonscapes, a natural playground abounds in the Galapagos. 

For a deeper immersion, guests can also partake in twice-daily shore excursions guided by onboard certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park. Those who prefer some downtime during stops can relax on the sandy beaches or stay onboard and be treated to locally-sourced cuisine.   

“The Galapagos islands are indescribably beautiful, and an instant reminder of what a wonderful world we have,’” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Our new sailings take our guests to this special destination and offer experiences that will change their lives forever.”

Aboard the luxurious Celebrity Flora, a 100-passenger, state-of-the-art mega yacht, guests will be able to take in the beauty of the islands as they sail through either the archipelago’s inner or outer loops. Inspired by the islands and built with natural materials and new technologies, the ship merges seamlessly with the surroundings. And, to fully immerse travelers in this extraordinary landscape, certified naturalists from the Galápagos National Park are on board to guide the journey. Each itinerary will offer guests the opportunity to walk on the black-sand beaches or spot wildlife that is only found in the Galapagos.

The award-winning, 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition, and intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration will take guests on equally breath-taking adventures as they explore the Galapagos’ Northern and Southern loops. From the marine and land wildlife to the diverse ecosystem, guests will see and experience sites that are uniquely Galapagos, all while enjoying unrivaled luxury accommodations and world-class culinary dishes.

To satiate the most wanderlust travelers, Celebrity guests will be able to extend their itineraries with 10 to 16-nights vacation packages that allow them to soak in the vibrant culture of Ecuador’s capital Quito or take them high in the Andes of Peru, where they will visit the cities of Peru’s historic seaside capital Lima, the ancient Inca regions of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, and check another destination off their bucket list – the mystical Machu Picchu.

In addition to the Galapagos cruise, the all-inclusive vacation packages also feature air transfers, five-star accommodations and tours in each destination. As with all Celebrity Cruises vacations, guests will find everything included from accommodations and inspired food and drink to unlimited Wi-Fi and tips, all delivered with the brand’s world-class service. Shore excursions and flight transfers on vacation packages are also included with Galapagos sailings.

For more information on all Celebrity Cruises’ Galapagos sailings and vacation packages,  visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/destinations/galapagos-cruises.  

My review of Celebrity Apex

CELEBRITY CRUISES’ NEWEST AND MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP, CELEBRITY BEYOND, TAKES AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD HER APRIL DEBUT; SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

/

SAINT-NAZAIRE, FRANCE (Feb. 7, 2022) – The height of new luxury took one step closer to becoming a reality as Celebrity BeyondSM successfully completed her sea trials over the weekend and returned to the Chantiers de l’ Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. In less than 80 days, the fleet’s crown-jewel makes her highly anticipated debut on April 27, 2022, when she sets sail from Southampton, England. 

The latest ship in Celebrity Cruises®’ industry-changing Edge Series®, Celebrity Beyond conducted her sea trials during the first week of February in the Bay of Biscay near the shipyard. Overseen by more than 50 crew members, including Captain Kate McCue, engineers and nautical experts,  the ship showcased that its strength, excellence and superb sailing capabilities go beyond its breath-taking amenities. It displayed a superior level of comfort, safety, maneuverability and fuel efficiency, the latter due in part to the revolutionary design of the ship’s Parabolic Ultrabow.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to have completed this important milestone as it brings us that much closer to welcoming our guests onboard to enjoy their own ‘Journey WonderFULLSM,’ on Celebrity Beyond,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Beyond showed why there is so much more to her than just her looks. Like her sister ships – Celebrity ApexSM and Celebrity Edge® – she went beyond what was needed to demonstrate she’s ready.”

“Successfully completing these sea trials was a thrill of a lifetime for me,” said Celebrity Beyond Captain Kate McCue. “Her smooth sailing and maneuverability is a testament to her innovative design and I can’t wait to take the helm of this awe-inspiring ship and take our guests to equally beautiful destinations.”

Celebrity Beyond will not only hold the title of the largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, but the distinction as the brand’s most luxurious vessel.

Standing at 17 decks high and 21 meters longer than her innovative predecessors Celebrity Edge (2018) and Celebrity Apex (2020), Celebrity Beyond’s look and feel has been carefully curated with newly imagined spaces and expanded versions of the brand’s popular signature spaces, including:

  • The Retreat®, an exclusive area for suite guests, now featuring a two-story sundeck;

  • Transformational accommodations, from modern two-story villas with plunge pools to staterooms with Infinite Verandas®, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living;

  • An expanded Rooftop Garden and stunning resort deck featuring cantilevered float pools;

  • A stunning multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar, defining the ship’s aft, from American designer Nate Berkus;

  • A first-ever Daniel Boulud fine-dining restaurant at sea called Le Voyage;

  • A redesigned Grand Plaza spanning three decks and flanked by the new World Class Bar and Le Voyage;

  • And, the Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.

Celebrity Beyond will depart on her maiden voyage on April 27, 2022 from Southampton, England, on a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain.

She will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries through early October, when she then heads to the Caribbean. For more information on all of Celebrity Beyond’s 2022-2023 inaugural season sailings, visit www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond.

My review of Celebrity Apex

Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 plays host to 2022 Literature Festival at Sea partnering again with the Cheltenham Literature Festival

/

Stellar line-up includes renowned authors across the literature world

VALENCIA, Calif., Feb. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard announces the return of the extraordinary Literature Festival at Sea, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival aboard flagship Queen Mary 2 in 2022, featuring a line-up of some of the world's finest talent, including Bernardine Evaristo, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, Mary Beard and Richard Osman.

"Cunard is delighted to once again host a dazzling line-up of acclaimed literary talent on our flagship, Queen Mary 2"

The seven-night Transatlantic crossing, which departs New York for Southampton on December 3, 2022 will include a plethora of workshops, talks and readings as Queen Mary 2 sails across the Atlantic.

Guests will hear from award-winning authors about their life and work, go behind the headlines with The Times journalists and have the opportunity to improve their writing skills in workshops led by literary experts.

English scholar and one of Britain's best-known Classicists, Mary Beard, said, "I am beyond excited to travel, speak and engage with guests on a literary festival on the high seas. I am sure there will be plenty of wonderful distractions, but the pleasures of being literally away from it all with a chance to discuss bookish things…what could be better?"

Award-winning British writer, journalist and broadcaster, Damian Barr, who featured on the 2019 Literature Festival at Sea, and will return in 2022, said, "Books are a world away from the one we're all in—a portal to other places, an escape.  This unique floating literature festival adds another dimension to that feeling of freedom we get when we're lost in a good book.  Away from the world and all its concerns, I find that I think more deeply and have richer conversations with fellow writers and chance chats with passengers along the way. I am most looking forward to returning to this Literature Festival at Sea."

The seven-night Transatlantic Crossing is priced from $1,039 per person.

"Cunard is delighted to once again host a dazzling line-up of acclaimed literary talent who will headline our 2022 Literature Festival at sea," said Jamie Paiko, vice president, Cunard North America. "Our guests will truly relish this second-to-none ocean travel experience as they sail with these renowned authors amidst the elegance and style of our flagship, Queen Mary 2."

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

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE PROVIDES MORE UPDATES TO 2022 FLEET DEPLOYMENT PLANS

/

Two Ships to Leave Fleet in 2022 as Carnival Prepares for Its Two Additional Excel Class Ships and Costa Magica Transfer to Carnival Fleet 

              MIAMI, Feb. 3, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests and travel advisors of changes to its fleet deployment plan, including two ships leaving the Carnival fleet, as it continues to implement its successful restart of guest operations in the U.S. and adjusts for the continued uncertainty of cruising in Australia.

              Carnival had previously shared that Carnival Sensation’s restart was delayed, and that Carnival Ecstasy would move from Jacksonville, Fla. to Mobile, Ala. to operate what were previously planned as the Carnival Sensation itineraries, effective with the Mar. 5, 2022 restart.  In addition, Carnival said that Carnival Spirit would go to Jacksonville to take over the Mar. 7, 2022 restart in Jacksonville, operating the previously scheduled Carnival Ecstasy itineraries. 

Carnival is now announcing the following updates:

Jacksonville: As previously announced, Carnival Spirit will replace Carnival Ecstasy in Jacksonville. While that will happen for departures from Mar. 7 through Apr. 9, 2022, the next two cruises are being cancelled, and then a new ship will be assigned from the Carnival fleet to Jacksonville for the Ecstasy itineraries, effective Apr. 23, 2022. That announcement will be made shortly.

Mobile: Carnival Ecstasy will reposition to Mobile for departures from Mar. 5 through Oct. 10, 2022. Cruises from Mobile that were planned for Carnival Sensation from Oct. 15, 2022 through Sep. 30, 2023 have been cancelled. At a later date, Carnival will be announcing a new operating plan for Mobile cruises.

Australia: Carnival is cancelling planned operations of Carnival Splendor from Jun. 10, 2022 through Sep. 26, 2022, and of Carnival Spirit from Jun. 5, 2022 to Oct. 5, 2023. Details for a two-ship return to Australia will be announced when they are confirmed.

As part of this deployment plan, Carnival Sensation will not restart guest operations and Carnival Ecstasy’s last cruise in guest operations will be the Oct. 10, 2022 departure from Mobile and both ships will leave the Carnival fleet. 

“Our guests have remained passionate and supportive throughout the restart and 2022 gives us plenty of reasons for enthusiasm and excitement as we reach full operations in the U.S., prepare for our 50th birthday celebration, and await the arrival of Carnival Celebration this fall,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Our very loyal guests, our vibrant homeport strategy and our fleet of popular ships are strengths to our advantage as we adapt to changing opportunities and circumstances.”

Photographer of stars Sasha Gusov sees what others don’t with Swan Hellenic

/

With a knack for being in the right place at the right time, Gusov not only captured the wild majesty of Antarctica but the emergency extraction of the Antarctic Quest 21 expedition team.

London-based photographer Sasha Gusov, famed for his portraits of stars of the stage, silver screen, music and ballet, is more often engaged in his own artistic projects today. A constant traveller, crafting haunting images of life as he goes, the second cruise of Swan Hellenic’s brand-new ship SH Minerva was a natural choice for him to explore the vast expanses of Antarctica.

Although unable to resist taking colour digital shots of Minerva’s stylish elegant interiors and works of art, Sasha opted for his beloved film camera to take atmospheric black and white photos conveying the fierce majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula. So, when Swan Hellenic came to the assistance of the Antarctic Quest 21 expedition commemorating the centenary of Shackleton’s final voyage, Sasha was there to testify to the prompt emergency extraction of the team, which risked being stranded on the peninsula.

Sasha prefers film for the way it makes him treasure every frame, and black and white film in particular for its heightened textures, evocative contrasts and soul. Explore his photography and you’ll immediately see just what he means.

“I loved every minute with Swan Hellenic,” said Sasha Gusov. “It was a truly in-depth experience that really opened my eyes. And what a ship – stunning! Witnessing the Antarctic Quest emergency extraction was a real privilege…”

“It was a pleasure to have Sasha aboard,” commented Hotel Director Philipp Reutener. “He was warmly appreciative of everything we have worked so hard to create, from the expert lectures to the creative interior design and inspired gourmet cuisine. To have him with us, capturing the evacuation of the Antarctic Quest team, was an unforgettable honour.”

 The emergency extraction of the Antarctic Quest 21 expedition team © Sasha Gusov 2022

 SH Minerva and zodiac exploring the Antarctica Peninsula © Sasha Gusov 2022

 A niche in the SH Minerva Observation Lounge with original works of art © Sasha Gusov 2022

You can see more examples of Sasha’s acclaimed work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashagusov/?hl=en

https://swanhellenic.filecamp.com/s/evXriiS5PBtaxjaj/fo

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

American Queen Voyages™ Announces Expedition Team for Inaugural Alaska Season

/

New Ocean Victory to Sail 13-Day Vancouver to Sitka Cruises Starting May 2022

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Feb. 3,  2022 – American Queen Voyages™,  part of Hornblower® Group, announces the expedition team for the inaugural Alaska season of Ocean Victory™. The new 186-guest vessel will sail between Vancouver, B.C., and Sitka, Alaska, on 12 and 13-day cruises beginning May 7, 2022, marking the cruise line’s entry into expedition cruising. The team, led by previously announced Director of Expedition Peter Szyszka, will create unique expedition experiences for guests working closely with the award-winning American Queen Voyages shore excursions team, researchers from California Polytechnic State University, naturalist interpreters and Alaska Native and First Nations leaders.  

“This skilled team of expedition leaders we’ve assembled for Ocean Victory’s inaugural season provides a wealth of experience in Alaska’s wilderness as well as a deep passion for the destination itself,” said Szyszka. “Our team has been drawn to American Queen Voyages to share Alaska’s beauty up close through encounter travel experiences with this world-class expedition vessel.” 

The American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Victory inaugural expedition leadership team includes:

Pamela Navis (Expedition Manager) brings over 40 years of professional experience in the maritime industry.  She has overseen expedition operations and product development in the waters of Southeast Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Canada, Hawaii and Central America.   Pam is a certified US Coast Guard 100-ton boat captain who has dedicated her life to all aspects of the sea which has led to various adventures including fishing from an Alaskan troller, restoring vintage vessels and being a guest speaker at the Wooden Boat Festival, sailing around the Hawaiian Islands, and guiding/captaining from small expedition vessels in Prince William Sound and Southeast Alaska. Her personal pursuits never take her far from the water either as she is an avid sailor, surfer, sea kayaker, scuba diver and proud captain of a 15’ vintage runabout named Opakapaka after a favorite Hawaiian fish.

Jessika Picinich (Expedition Leader) joins the Ocean Victory team after delivering wilderness experiences for guests in Southeast Alaska, Hawaii, Moab, Arches National Park, Zion National Park and the Sea of Cortez. She has a strong passion for Alaska, where she has led shipboard expeditions over multiple seasons including sea kayaking, bushwhacking, snorkeling and skiff tours with an emphasis on her personal passions of geology and natural history. Holding a Master of Science from University of Miami, she is also a skilled photographer with special interests in both underwater stills and drone photography. 

Liz Gifford (Expedition Leader) is a passionate environmental educator and photographer with extensive expedition experience in the wilderness terrains of Alaska, Antarctica, Greenland, the high Canadian Arctic and Svalbard, Norway. She has served as lead naturalist for a non-profit outdoor educational program in Juneau since 2016 and as a sea kayak guide and expedition photographer in Antarctica since 2012. In addition, Liz has worked as a USFS wilderness ranger in Southeast Alaska, a sea kayak and yoga instructor, and as an expedition guide. A graduate of the University of Alaska Southeast with a Masters degree in teaching and a certificate in Outdoor Leadership Skills, she enjoys hunting, harvesting and backcountry skiing from her home trails when she is not kayaking and leading adventures. 

The American Queen Voyages Ocean Victory expedition team is led by Director of Expedition Peter Szyszka who adds more than two decades of expedition experience across the globe including over 60 journeys in Antarctica. He brings a depth of knowledge of the new Ocean Victory vessel, overseeing the 2019 build and fit-out of expedition areas of the Greg Mortimer, a sister ship featuring a unique X-Bow design. Szyszka has played a key role in program development and delivery for multiple leading expedition brands. An expert divemaster and Zodiac captain trainer, he has also overseen kayaking, snorkeling, diving, expedition landings, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering and photography programs throughout his career.  

Created for intimate access with an innovative X-Bow design, Ocean Victory will sail 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 stable double sea kayaks and Zodiacs with expedition guides, view wildlife from sliding observation platforms, participate and witness marine research by California Polytech University students in real-time and have engaging cultural experiences with Alaska Native and First Nation leaders.  

Itineraries will feature destinations that larger ships cannot access, including Baranof Island’s sparsely uninhabited eastern coast. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel stay in Vancouver, B.C.; Canadian Inside Passage; Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet); Ketchikan; Metlakatla on Annette Island; Misty Fjords National Monument; Wrangell and the salmon rich transboundary Stikine River; the Waterfall Coast of South Baranof Wilderness; Petersburg/LeConte Glacier in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness; Tracy Arm and Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area including South Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers; the village of Kake on Kupreanof Island; Frederick Sound; Five Finger Lighthouse; and Sitka, AK. Sailings are available May - Sept. 2022. 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

MSC CRUISES OFFERS THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY WITH AN UNBEATABLE CHOICE OF SHIPS AND DESTINATIONS FOR WINTER 2022-2023

/

  • Two new ships to join the MSC Cruises fleet in 2022 – MSC Seascape offering unmatched Caribbean views, along with MSC World Europa enriching the offering in the Gulf region

  • 21 modern ships sailing to more than 190 of the world’s most sought-after destinations across 85 different countries

  • MSC Cruises is the third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand – offering an extensive choice of itineraries ranging from mini-cruises and 7-night sailings to longer cruises and the 118-night World Cruise 2023

Geneva, Switzerland – February 3, 2022 – MSC Cruises today revealed its plans for Winter 2022/2023 with an incredible choice of 21 modern, elegant ships sailing to more than 190 of the world’s most sought-after destinations and visiting 85 different countries. With everything from mini-cruises to a 118-night World Cruise spanning the Middle East, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and South Africa, there is truly a ship and itinerary for anyone looking for the perfect winter cruise vacation.

Guests will enjoy around-the-clock entertainment and activities on board each of MSC Cruises’ beautifully designed ships, along with dazzling original theater productions, live music, authentic international dining, award-winning kids and family offerings, luxurious spa and wellness facilities, boutique shopping and much more.

MSC Cruises will launch two new and innovative ships for the upcoming winter season. In the Caribbean, MSC Seascape will sail from Miami for the first time on December 11, 2022. The new ship builds on the innovative Seaside EVO class by offering stunning views of the sea and will further solidify the line’s ongoing commitment to bring its newest and most advanced ships to the U.S. market. MSC Seascape will offer two different 7-night itineraries from PortMiami, enriching MSC Cruises’ already strong offering in the Caribbean.

Rubén Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “Winter vacations are a great way to escape cold days and grey skies, and MSC Seascape offers the perfect environment for enjoying the Caribbean’s endless sun. We designed this ship to offer our guests more opportunities to get out and enjoy the ocean, and we placed much of the open deck space on lower decks, closer to the water, where our guests want to be. We’re thrilled to have MSC Seascape join our U.S. fleet, offering unique, immersive vacation options from PortMiami and Port Canaveral with every itinerary stopping at Ocean Cay, where guests can enjoy our beautiful private island and witness first hand our efforts to protect marine environments.”

Caribbean and Antilles highlights for winter 2022-2023 include:

  • MSC Seascape will commence her inaugural season from December 11, 2022, out of PortMiami, offering two different Sunday-Sunday 7-night itineraries:

  • Eastern Caribbean calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

  • Western Caribbean calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

  • MSC Meraviglia will sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando) starting October 13, 2022, offering cruises from 3 to 7 nights to the Caribbean with destinations including Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Belize City in Belize.

  • MSC Divina will sail from PortMiami (U.S), offering a range of exciting 3- to 10-night itineraries. Each cruise will call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, along with varying ports including Belize City in Belize, Isla de Roatan in Honduras, Costa Maya in Mexico, Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Cartagena in Colombia, Colon in Panama, and Puerto Limon in Costa Rica.

  • MSC Seaside will sail from Fort de France (French Antilles) with 7-night cruises to destinations including Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe, Castries in Saint Lucia, Bridgetown in Barbados, Saint George in Grenada, and Kingstown in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Beyond the Caribbean, the much-anticipated MSC World Europa will be the Company’s first LNG-powered vessel, launching a brand-new class of ships that introduces a completely new cruising platform offering guests a completely redefined cruise experience unlike anything at sea today. MSC World Europa will be based in Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, after which the ship will offer cruises calling Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas (United Arab Emirates), Doha (Qatar), and Dammam (Saudi Arabia), starting with a mini-cruise on December 20, 2022, before resuming a regular schedule of 7-night cruises.

Middle East highlights for winter 2022-2023 include:

  • MSC World Europa will offer 7-night sailings from Dubai including Abu Dhabi and the beautiful island Sir Bani Yas (United Arab Emirates), Dammam/Al Ahsa Oasis (Saudi Arabia).

  • MSC Opera will also sail from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas, as well as Muscat and Khasab (Oman).

Western Mediterranean highlights for winter 2022-2023 include:

Three of the Company’s cruise ships will sail in the Mediterranean Sea, with the opportunity to discover some of the most precious jewels in this iconic cruise region.

  • MSC Grandiosa will offer 7-night cruises from Genoa, Civitavecchia and Palermo (Italy), Valetta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France).

  • MSC Virtuosa will sail from Genoa, La Spezia/Florence and Naples (Italy), Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France).

  • MSC Lirica will offer longer cruises for voyages of discovery of 11 nights from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina (Italy), Lindos/Rhodes (Greece), Limassol (Cyprus), Haifa (Israel), Heraklion/Crete (Greece), all from Genoa (Italy) or 10-nights from Genoa that calls Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), Tangier and Casablanca/Marrakech (Morocco), Ceuta, Malaga and Alicante/Costa Blanca (Spain).

South America highlights for winter 2022-2023 include:

Guests can choose from five ships sailing across Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, all hand-picked and vibrant destinations right in the heart of the South American region.

  • MSC Seashore will offer her brand-new 7-night itinerary visiting Maceio, Salvador and Buzios (Brazil) with local guests having the possibility to embark in Salvador (Brazil).

  • MSC Seaview will homeport for the first time in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) from December to March. She will offer 3 to 8-night cruises with different itineraries ranging from breath taking views and islands, such as Buzios, Ilhabela, Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis, Ilheus, Salvador (all in Brazil) to Uruguay and Argentina.

  • MSC Fantasia will homeport in Santos (Brazil), will offer a range 3 to 7-night cruises with calls including Ilha Grande, Buzios and Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay), as well as, Punta Del Este (Uruguay) and Buenos Aires (Argentina).

  • MSC Armonia will focus on Southern Brazil homeporting in Itajai/Santa Caterina and will bring guests on a 7-night journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Ilhabela (Brazil).

  • MSC Musica will homeport in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and offer a range of memorable destinations in Brazil with Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro / Copacabana, Buzios, Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis.

South Africa highlights for winter 2022-2023 include:

Two ships will operate in South Africa offering a complete getaway to enjoy brilliant beaches and striking landscapes.

  • MSC Sinfonia will homeport in Cape Town (South Africa) starting December 2022, sailing the west coast to Mossel Bay (South Africa), Walvis Bay and Luderitz (Namibia).

  • MSC Orchestra will be based in Durban (South Africa) and will perform calls including Pomene and Portuguese Island/Inhaca Archipelago (Mozambique), Walvis Bay (Namibia) and Cape Town (South Africa).

MSC World Cruise for winter 2022-2023:

MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia will both perform the MSC World Cruise 2023. In an industry first, the two ships will host over 5,000 guests for a journey around the world. They will both depart from Civitavecchia and Genoa (Italy), on January 4 and January 5, respectively. Both will visit Marseille (France) one day later and Barcelona (Spain) on January 7. These maiden calls will mark a unique moment for guests as they prepare to set sail around the world without having to unpack their suitcase. Once the two ships cross the Mediterranean Sea, they will part ways in the Atlantic Ocean. MSC Poesia is sold-out, but there are limited cabins available on MSC Magnifica. To find out more click here.

Sales are now open for most of the Winter 2022/23 sailings with itineraries for MSC Preziosa, MSC Splendida and MSC Bellissima coming soon.

Cruise with Confidence

Since August 2020, guests of MSC Cruises 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 both safe and effective through all evolutions of the pandemic. This protocol was designed to adapt according to the situation ashore and its measures have either been eased or tightened to match the evolution of the pandemic and continue to ensure the highest possible protection to guests and crew.

Bookings for all sailings through the end of the winter 2022-2023 season will be covered by the Cruise with Confidence promise, under which the Company has already offered safe, flexible, and enjoyable cruise vacations to more than one million guests during all phases of the pandemic.

Guests who book before March 31, 2022 will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their booking is flexible — with the ability to reschedule their cruise free of charge up to 48 hours* prior to sailing, for any reason.

All MSC cruises are now only open to vaccinated guests** and this will continue to be the case for winter 2023. The line will continue to implement the appropriate measures to ensure that guests can enjoy one of the safest holidays options out there while having a memorable time on board.

For more information on MSC Cruises’ health & safety protocol and embarkation requirements, please click here.

Is Cruising Safe in 2022?

/

CruiseReport’s 2022 Policy Position on Covid-19 and Cruise Travel

DISCLAIMER: The following article represents my personal opinions about the Covid-19 virus, vaccines and how they impact cruise travel. I am not a medical professional and many of my personal beliefs may be contrary to current public policy. Facebook has labeled my thoughts as dangerous with the potential to cause physical harm and/or injury. Read the words on this page at your own risk.

At this particular time in history, there are a lot of cruise enthusiasts who are concerned about the safety of cruise travel, as it pertains to Covid-19. As I am writing this, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is on the decline. We recently disembarked a 7-night cruise which took place right in the middle of the Omicron outbreak. As a result, the ship was just over half full since many guests cancelled their cruise. The CDC has even issued a warning about cruise travel, advising Americans not to cruise, regardless of their vaccination status.

When we returned from our cruise, I attempted to explain on our Facebook page why we felt safe on Celebrity Cruises. My post was deleted by Facebook with a stern warning that the post was dangerous and the misinformation could contribute to physical harm.

We felt safe aboard our cruise because of the sanitation measures put in place by Celebrity Cruises, not because of any vaccine or mask requirements. These sanitation measures included having crew members serve food in the buffets (so that guests are not handling utensils), extensive cleaning of contact areas throughout the ship, and the prolific placement of hand sanitizer stations throughout the vessel. Most of these measures have been in place for quite some time to limit exposure to Norovirus and other intestinal viruses. And, while Norovirus is much more common in restaurants or hotels than on cruise lines, when there are cases aboard a cruise ship it gets national attention.

The same could be said for Covid-19. When there are cases of Covid on a cruise ship, it makes news. In part, this is because cruise lines are the only industry of which I am aware that report Covid cases to the CDC. For example, airlines do not. Restaurants do not. Theme parks do not. In spite of the CDC warnings, I personally believe the cleanest, safest place you can be is on a cruise ship.

While there is evidence to suggest that the vaccines do provide some protection from serious illness, hospitalizations and death from Covid-19, it is now accepted science that they do not prevent the spread of the virus. A vaccinated individual can still get, and spread, Covid-19 to others. For this reason, we can conclude that an unvaccinated individual poses no more of a threat to someone than a person who is vaccinated.

The current data, as well as scientific studies, also shows that the wearing of paper and/or cloth masks is ineffective at stopping the spread of the virus. N95 masks are more effective; however, wearing these masks for extended periods of time can restrict airflow and, with long-term use, could cause other health risks. Common sense would tell us that it makes no sense for cruise lines to enforce a mask policy that asks guests to wear a mask when walking around the ship, but allows them to remove masks when sitting in a bar or restaurant. These are some of the most crowded venues on a cruise ship.

I have also taken into consideration the actual threat posed by current variants of Covid-19. The Omicron variant appears to be more communicable, while at the same time, less virulent than previous variants. Some in the medical field suggest that this could be good news. The Omicron variant may spread rapidly, cause very little serious illness, while at the same time, leaving a massive amount of immunity in its wake.

It is not misinformation to claim that there has been insufficient long-term testing of these vaccines to indicate their safety or even their potential long-term side effects. Many doctors and scientists (and, of course, politicians and media) were saying that the vaccines were “safe and effective” before they were even released. I felt at the time that such claims were not credible. It normally takes years of testing and peer-reviewed studies to determine the safety of a drug, and that simply has not been the case with these medications. In addition, there has been a lack of transparency on the part of the drug companies to show their raw data and test results to the public. The big tech companies and big pharma are simply not allowing peer review of the data, or even allowing scientists and medical professionals with a different opinion to share their thoughts. And, that raises a concern.

I did get fully vaccinated, back when “fully vaccinated” was defined as two Pfizer jabs (or comparable). Now it appears the definition of “fully vaccinated” is changing, just like the definition of a “vaccine” was changed. Historically, according to the CDC’s website, a vaccine delivered “immunity” from a virus or disease. Once it became apparent that the Covid-19 vaccines DID NOT kill the virus thereby not providing immunity, the definition on the CDC website was modified by removing the word “immunity” and replacing it with “protection”. By comparison, the Smallpox vaccine kills the Smallpox virus and provides immunity from Smallpox. The same is true for the Polio vaccine and dozens of others. The Smallpox vaccine virtually eradicated Smallpox, but the current Covid-19 vaccines will not eradicate Covid-19. Therefore, claims that “if everyone would just get vaccinated, Covid will go away” are not based in science. And, anyone who has made this claim publicly is certainly guilty of spreading misinformation. Covid may go away, but it will not be because of the current “vaccines.”

Like millions of other Americans, I have concerns about these experimental drugs and their potential long-term effects. And, because the story has changed so many times over the past two years, I can no longer trust the CDC to deliver competent or accurate information. Originally, we were told that the vaccines would stop the spread of the virus. Now, the CDC says the vaccines DO NOT prevent the spread of the virus. That is a BIG DEAL in my mind. How did these life-long scientists and professionals get that wrong? Originally, we were told that masks were ineffective against the spread of the virus, then they changed the story to say that masks were necessary to stop the spread of the virus. Now, they are back to saying that the masks (non-N95) are ineffective. It makes one wonder if anyone at the CDC or NIH knows what the hell they are doing!

The popular narrative is that Americans who refuse to get the jab or boosters are crazy, irresponsible and have no concern for the health and safety of others. But, the vaccines only provide some protection for the vaccinated and do not prevent the spread of the virus. They also try to marginalize concerned Americans by calling them names like “Anti-Vaxxer”. I am not anti-vaccine. For one thing, I do not consider these experimental drugs to be vaccines. In my opinion, they are no different than the annual flu shot. But, I am not Anti-Jab or Anti-Vax. As I stated previously, I have been fully vaccinated (two Pfizer jabs). What big tech, politicians, and the media apparently do not want to accept is that millions of Americans DO NOT TRUST them to provide accurate information. In other words, they have often been the source of misinformation.

BOOSTERS

After careful consideration of the risks versus benefits of the booster shots, I have decided against getting additional booster shots at this time. I reserve the right to change my mind should additional data and science suggest that the boosters actually provide significant protection against future, more dangerous variants of Covid-19 than Omicron.

As it pertains to cruising, if a cruise line requires a booster for me to sail on their vessels, I will sadly have to decline that opportunity. I refuse to be injected with more experimental drugs which have not been fully tested or peer reviewed just so I can go on a cruise. My wish would be that the cruise industry would follow the real science and data and not blindly follow guidelines from the CDC, which tend to change every month.