American Queen Voyages™ Celebrates Presidents’ Day with Milestones

First U.S. Lakes & Oceans Sailing and Kickoff of American Queen 10th Anniversary Season  

Photo Caption (From Left): Shawn Beirdz, Chief Operating Officer of American Queen Voyages; Frederick Wong, COO of JAXPORT; Captain Geir Lileeng, Captain of Ocean Voyager; John Waggoner, Founder & Chairman of American Queen Voyages; and Bill Annand, Vice President of American Queen Voyages.

Jacksonville, FL – Feb. 21, 2022 – American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, celebrated Presidents’ Day by marking two company milestones. Ocean Voyager™, the first Lakes & Oceans vessel to return to U.S. waters with guests in over two years, was welcomed at Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) after completing her maiden Southeast U.S.A. voyage. Not to be overshadowed, today the grand American Queen departed New Orleans for Memphis marking the beginning of the company’s 10th anniversary season on the Mississippi River. American Queen Voyages executives celebrated both milestones with JAXPORT Chief Operating Officer Frederick Wong at the new homeport of Ocean Voyager’s Southeast U.S.A. season.

“Our location in the heart of the Southeast U.S. makes Jacksonville an ideal host city for passengers looking to explore the region,” said Wong. “From beaches and history to world-class golf, shopping, and dining, Northeast Florida has so much to offer passengers before and after their cruise. We are proud to welcome American Queen Voyages passengers and thank them for beginning and ending their journey in Jacksonville.”

The Southeast U.S.A. season on Ocean Voyager began February 11 and runs through mid-April before returning in November. The 12-day round trip itineraries sail from Jacksonville through mid-April visiting the region’s many historic ports including Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach), FL; Brunswick, GA; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Port Canaveral, FL; and Freeport, Bahamas. 

On the same day of Ocean Voyager’s maiden Southeast U.S.A. voyage return to Jacksonville, the first guests of the American Queen Voyages’ 2022 Rivers season set off on the flagship American Queen from New Orleans on a nine-day Lower Mississippi River sailing. The voyage kicks off the 10th anniversary river season with the cruise line’s most popular itinerary connecting two of the Mississippi’s most iconic ports – Memphis and New Orleans. In response to unprecedented demand for the itinerary in 2022, new departures of June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2022 have been added. Ports of call include Cleveland (Terrene Landing), OH; Vicksburg, Natchez, and St. Francisville, MS; Baton Rouge and Nottoway, LA. 

“As we celebrate American Queen Voyages’ 10th anniversary season with multiple milestones throughout the year, I want to thank the JAXPORT team for their warm hospitality welcoming guests on this new portion of our Lakes & Oceans season,” shared John Waggoner, founder and chairman, American Queen Voyages. “I look forward to many more milestone moments across North America in 2022, with the largest fleet deployment in our history, including the inaugural Alaska expedition season on Ocean Victory ™.” 

Ocean Navigator ™, sister vessel to Ocean Voyager, will return to service in Savannah, GA. on  April 11 and make her way up the Atlantic coast and through the St. Lawrence Seaway for the Great Lakes season. Boutique paddlewheeler American Duchess ™  sets sail from New Orleans for the Ohio River on March 6, while the newest riverboat in the fleet American Countess ™ returns to service from New Orleans on March 8 and Pacific Northwest paddlewheeler American Empress departs from Vancouver, WA on March 13. The brand new expedition ship Ocean Victory will debut on May 6 sailing between Vancouver, B.C. and Sitka, AK.

For more information on American Queen Voyages’ 10th anniversary season, sailing dates, and to book a reservation or order a brochure, contact your travel professional, call 833-598-0119 or visit www.AQVoyages.com. 

About American Queen Voyages

American Queen Voyages™, a leader in encounter travel, offers the most varied and comprehensive portfolio of North American itineraries and experiences, comprised of American Queen Voyages River, American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean and American Queen Voyages Expedition, which includes new Alaska and Central America expedition experiences beginning 2022. To book or for more information on American Queen Voyages, contact your travel professional or call 833-598-0119 or visit www.AQVoyages.com. 

About Hornblower Group

Hornblower Group is a global leader in world-class experiences.  The corporate entity of Hornblower Group is comprised of American Queen Voyages® and City Experiences.  Seaward Services, Inc., a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance and repair of government and privately owned vessels, is also a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, operating and maintaining U.S. Navy Ranges and port facilities, including local oil spill response.  Today, Hornblower’s footprint spans 111 countries and territories, and 125 U.S. cities, with offerings including water-based experiences, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, ferry and transportation services and full-service support via Hornblower Shipyard at Bridgeport Boatworks in Connecticut.   Hornblower Group is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional corporate offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; London, United Kingdom; New Albany, Indiana; New York, New York; and across Ontario, Canada.  For more information visit hornblowercorp.com.

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL MIRACLE SETS SAIL FROM LONG BEACH ON FIRST OF LINE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY SAILABRATIONS CRUISES

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 21, 2022 – As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s year-long 50th birthday celebrations, Carnival Miracle departed the Port of Long Beach yesterday, marking the first of 17 Sailabrations cruises. The commemorative birthday sailings run through March 10, 2022 and feature at-sea ship meetups, special entertainment and programming.

Carnival Miracle welcomed approximately 2,000 guests during embarkation to a birthday party complete with music and décor. Once on board, the fun continued with a 50th Birthday Bash Sailaway Party.

Carnival Miracle’s 14-day Sailabrations cruise stops in Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Hilo, and Ensenada. On March 5, Carnival Miracle will meet up with Carnival Radiance in Baja, Mexico, outside of Ensenada, to host one of history’s biggest birthday parties at sea.

“As we kick-off our year-long 50th Birthday celebration, we are thrilled that Carnival Miracle is the first to set sail on our special Sailabrations cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re ready to show our guests the celebration of a lifetime with unique entertainment experiences and exciting limited-time offerings.”

Carnival restarted operations from Long Beach in August 2021 and will have its entire fleet back in service by this summer. The line is the leader in cruising from the West Coast, with three ships: Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance departing from the Port of Long Beach.  

Fun Facts from Carnival’s 50 Years:

Carnival has been a presence on the West Coast for about 40 years, operating week-long cruises from Southern California in the 1980s and introducing short cruises in the mid-1990s. 

Carnival Corporation acquired the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, including a portion of the geodesic dome – once home to Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose – in 2003. In 2018, Carnival Corporation purchased the remaining portion of the dome and dramatically expanded the facility with significant upgrades. The expansion more than doubled the size of the terminal to 146,000 square feet. 

For additional information on Carnival’s Sailabrations voyages visit:  www.carnival.com/sailabration.  For more information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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CELEBRITY CRUISES ASCENDS ON THE CARIBBEAN FOR 2023-24 SEASON

NEW-LUXURY BRAND ANNOUNCES MORE CARIBBEAN SAILING OPTIONS, INCLUDING THE ADDITION OF THE NEXT

INNOVATIVE EDGE SERIES SHIP, CELEBRITY ASCENT 

Miami (Feb. 17, 2022) – Travelers craving a tropical escape will have more options as new-luxury brand Celebrity Cruises® takes its 2023-2024 Caribbean season to new heights with the addition of its newest ship, Celebrity Ascent℠. With eight ships navigating the idyllic island region, including three from the award-winning Edge® Series, and itineraries ranging from 4-12 nights, guests will have more options to choose from when planning their dream vacation.

Celebrity Ascent Makes Her Caribbean Debut

Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the award-winning Edge Series, which made her way from concept to construction on November 22, 2021, will make her highly anticipated maiden voyage on December 3, 2023. After departing from Ft. Lauderdale, she will explore the exquisite waters of the Eastern Caribbean for the first time. While guests soak up her luxurious new features, she’ll transport them to some of the most sought-after destinations in the region including Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. 

Following her maiden voyage, Celebrity Ascent will make round-trip sailings from Celebrity’s state-of-the-art Terminal 25 at Port Everglades every Sunday, journeying through the islands on seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Eastern Caribbean sailings will visit bucket-list worthy locales, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, while Western Caribbean sailings will take guests to the breathtaking ports of Nassau, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico and George Town in the Cayman Islands.

“We’re so excited to debut the spectacular Celebrity Ascent in the serene setting of the Caribbean where she and all of her guests will have their moment in the sun,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, CEO and President of Celebrity Cruises. “She will be joined by her seven sisters all offering different experiences both onboard and ashore. Celebrity is committed to bringing guests more sailing options and Caribbean destinations to choose from, so they can customize their ‘Journey WonderFULL℠’ and plan the getaway of their dreams.”

Edge Series Sisters Lead the Way

Celebrity Ascent will be joined by her island-hopping Edge-Series sisters, Celebrity Apex℠ and Celebrity Beyond℠. Beginning November 2023, Celebrity Apex will embark on rotating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale guests will visit the sun-filled islands of the Eastern Caribbean, including San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata. For a different kind of escape, Celebrity Apex will take guests to the Western Caribbean where they can surrender to the rhythms of paradise in Key West, Florida; Grand Cayman, and Belize.

For those wanting more time to explore, Celebrity Beyond is hosting 9, 10 and 11-night voyages to the Southern Caribbean, including overnight stops in Oranjestad, Aruba, where guests can stroll among the brightly-hued Dutch colonial buildings, top rated beaches, and volcanic formations that promise incredible views. A shorter sailing on Beyond will take guests on a 6-night cruise to Bimini, Bahamas, the retreat of choice for author Ernest Hemingway, known for its big game fishing, roomy beaches and colorful nightlife 

Celebrity Silhouette is Back in the Bahamas

Celebrity Silhouette®, recently modernized as part of the Celebrity Revolution®, is returning to the Bahamas and the Southern Caribbean with itineraries ranging from 4 to 11 nights. And, for the first time since 2011, Celebrity Silhouette will visit Scarborough, the main city on the island of Tobago, sprawling from the heights of Fort King George, exposing travelers to historical architecture, lush botanical gardens, and lively street markets. 

Celebrity Constellation Celebrates Fat Tuesday in the Big Easy

For revelers looking to celebrate Mardi Gras in style, Celebrity Constellation® is offering a 12-night cruise departing from Tampa that starts with a double overnight stay in New Orleans for Fat Tuesday, before taking guests to a relaxing recovery journey in Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel.  

Short and Sweet On Board Celebrity Summit

Guests looking for a short and sweet getaway will find it aboard Celebrity Summit®, as she sails from Miami on alternating four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries, making it easy for travelers to plan a quick tropical island getaway.

The award-winning Celebrity Reflection® and Celebrity Equinox® round out the offerings with 8-night Eastern Caribbean and 6-night Western Caribbean sailings, which includes stops at the Dutch island Kralendijk, Bonaire, where the island’s official bird, the flamingo, can be spotted on many of its white sand beaches.

For more information on all Celebrity Cruises 2023-2024 Caribbean sailings, go to https://www.celebritycruises.com/2023-2024-cruise or contact a travel advisor.  

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My review of Celebrity Apex

WITH LAUNCH OF NEW EXPEDITIONS, VIKING NOW EXPLORES ALL SEVEN CONTINENTS

Viking Celebrates First Voyages to Antarctica

Los Angeles (February 16, 2022) – Viking® (www.viking.com) has marked the launch of its highly-anticipated expeditions as the new purpose-built Viking Octantis® started its first Antarctic season. The launch of Viking Expeditions is a significant milestone as the company begins its 25th anniversary year; by the end of the year, Viking will have welcomed a second identical expedition ship, as well as two new identical ocean ships, new Viking Longships® in Europe and new purpose-built vessels for the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi rivers.

“When we started Viking 25 years ago, we wanted to do things differently—and since then, our mission has resonated with curious travelers. This week alone our guests are enjoying voyages north of the Arctic Circle and south to the Antarctic Peninsula—as well as to many great destinations in between,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Antarctica has always inspired the most intrepid explorers; for many, visiting the ‘White Continent’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With the arrival of the Viking Octantis, we are offering our guests the opportunity to explore this unique part of the world in comfort and in the most responsible way possible.”

With expeditions now underway, the first guests on Viking’s Antarctic Explorer itinerary have provided outstanding ratings and enthusiastic feedback, praising it as one of their best-ever travel experiences. Examples include: 

• “The ship is amazing, inside and out. It has just been exceptional.” –Karen C.

• “Having been on Viking, I knew this would be first-class, first-rate…it has just been phenomenal; I have learned a lot.” –Patrick F.

• “It was nice to feel so confident and secure. The things we have been able to see up close and to step onto the real ‘White Continent’…being in the snow, being where you can hear the penguins and the birds…it is very special.” –Edna K.

• "Viking has done everything possible to make it safe for me to come on this remarkable, remarkable journey. What I have had with this ship has been an exceptional experience." –Ramona F.

• “The Viking experience and the Viking people make this one of the best experiences of my life.” –Ken K.

               The Viking Octantis will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before traveling north to be named in April 2022 in New York City by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer and educator. Arnesen became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. She sailed on board the Viking Octantis for the ship’s first two expeditions to Antarctica and recorded a special video message to welcome guests, which can be viewed here.

               Following the ship’s naming in New York City, the Viking Octantis will make her way to the Great Lakes region, for a series of voyages throughout the spring and summer. A second, identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris®, will join the fleet later in 2022. 

Viking Expedition Ships

               The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Designed for discovery by the same team that designed the award-winning Viking Longships® and ocean ships, the new vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. In addition to familiar ocean spaces such as the Explorers’ Lounge, The Living Room, Mamsen’s, Manfredi’s, the World Café, The Restaurant and The Nordic Spa, Viking’s new expedition ships feature new unique spaces, including: 

• The Aula: A stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.

• Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated couches and lava rock “firepits,” the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for their North and South Pole expeditions.

• The Hangar: A state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while sheltered from the elements.

• The Science Lab: Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking meaningful research.

• The Bow: An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.

• Expedition Central: The hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis, with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.

• The Pools: A sanctuary of three different temperature pools (caldarium, tepidarium, frigidarium), including an “inside-outside” pass-through pool experience from which guests can admire the surrounding scenery of vast wilderness—from polar ice fields to coniferous forests.

Additional highlights include:

• Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.

• Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft.) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are similar to those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite (1,223 sq. ft.) that has three rooms –a living room, a board/dining room and a bedroom—as well as a 792 sq. ft. private deck with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) open to the invigorating outdoors.

• Expedition Equipment: Viking offers a variety of ways for guests to experience their destination, according to their interests and activity level, at no extra charge. With a robust program of included experiences, expedition equipment available for guests includes a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use; a fleet of two-seater polar-tested kayaks; two 12-seater convertible Special Operations Boats; and two six-guest submarines with revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows.

• Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Viking has created the world’s leading enrichment environment in an expedition setting. Exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—as well as other prestigious scientific institutions match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. Thirty-six experts accompany each journey as part of the Viking Expedition Team, including an Expedition Leader and support staff, photographer, field research scientists, general naturalists, mountain guides, kayak guides, submarine pilots and specialists (ornithology, geology, higher predator biology and history). On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination. On shore, they can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings—such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.

• Environmentally Considerate: Viking’s expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel with an energy-efficient design that exceeds the Energy Efficiency Design Index* (EEDI) requirements by nearly 36%. In addition to an integrated bow that creates a longer waterline for the ships, engines with heat recovery systems and Azipod® Electric Propulsion, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris have received one of the industry’s first SILENT-E notations—the highest-level certification for quiet ship propulsion, minimizing underwater noise pollution.

Viking Health & Safety Program

Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Viking requires all guests and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, Viking is the first and only cruise line with full-scale PCR laboratories installed on board its ocean and expedition ships. Utilizing these onboard PCR laboratories—and a strong network of dedicated shoreside labs for Viking river ships in Europe—all guests and crew receive up to daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. All Viking ships have always featured independent air handling units for each stateroom; new air purification technology has also been installed. Additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures provide further protection for Viking guests and crew. For more details, visit: www.viking.com/health-safety.

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE KICKING OFF 50TH BIRTHDAY WITH SAILABRATIONS CRUISES

Featuring Fun Ship Meetups, 50th Birthday Bash Sailaway Parties, Special Games and Activities, Unique Dining Menus and Drink Offerings, and the Biggest TikTok at Sea

MIAMI, Feb. 15, 2022 – Kicking off its year-long 50th birthday festivities, Carnival Cruise Line is revealing details on its Sailabrations cruises that will begin later this week and run through March 10, 2022. The commemorative birthday sailings will feature at-sea ship meetups, as well as special entertainment and programming.

“We only turn 50 once, so we had to go big, and what’s bigger than a year-long birthday celebration that begins with our special Sailabrations cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “From the minute our guests walk into our terminals, they’ll know they are at the biggest and best birthday party ever.”

Before stepping on board, guests will be welcomed into Carnival’s cruise terminals-turned-birthday parties with fun music, signage and décor. Upon embarkation, the celebration begins as each ship will host a 50th Birthday Bash Sailaway Party where guests are invited to wear their favorite Carnival gear, vintage or modern, as Playlist Productions cast members join the ships' Cruise Director, Fun Squad and DJs to rock to festive tunes.

Other unique entertainment that will debut on the Sailabrations will include Carnival-themed puzzles; 1972 fun-fact trivia with commemorative 50th Birthday medallions; a Build-A-Bear Birthday Party featuring the debut of a special-edition cuddly bear; and a Rollin’ In Riches casino event. The sailings will also include the debut of new, exclusive collections of specially-designed and collectable retail offerings.

The 17 themed Sailabrations will allow guests to not only celebrate with each other on board but also with other Carnival ships. Ships throughout the Carnival fleet will meet to host the biggest birthday parties at sea. The meetups include:

• March 5: Carnival Radiance and Carnival Miracle (Baja, Mexico, outside Ensenada)

• March 7: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Glory, Mardi Gras, Carnival Pride, Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Vista (Western Caribbean, between Cozumel and Costa Maya)

• March 9: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Sunshine (The Bahamas, between Eleuthera and Nassau)

• March 11: Carnival Miracle and Carnival Panorama (Baja, Mexico, outside Ensenada)

What would be the grandest birthday party if not for the biggest Ship-Tok at sea? Taught and led by the ships’ Cruise Director and Fun Squad, the choregraphed dance is inspired by Carnival’s 50th birthday and will be posted on TikTok. Guests are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to show their Carnival spirit.

Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in a specially curated commemorative dining menu for one night that features some of the most popular Carnival dishes from the past 50 years.  And if guests are still craving birthday party nibbles, fan favorites, from Guy’s Burgers to 24-hour pizza, will be presented with a unique 50th birthday feature to create birthday bites wherever guests choose to dine. A selection of all-new birthday-themed beverages will debut on these sailings, including a Birthday Bellini at Seaday Brunch, a special Carnival Birthday Beer from Carnival’s own brewmasters that will be both canned and on tap, and Carnival’s 50th Birthday Tini.

And where there’s dining on Carnival, there’s entertainment, so guests can also expect to witness Carnival’s original main dining room show set to Bob Marley’s classic “Could You Be Loved,” as well as a Baked Alaska Farewell Parade* on the final evening reminiscent of the line’s earlier days.

Carnival Miracle will be the first Sailabration cruise to set sail when it leaves Long Beach, Calif. on Feb. 20 on a Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii. Most other Sailabrations will depart the week of March 5. Details on additional Sailabrations voyages can be found at www.carnival.com/sailabration.

Serving as the culmination to the year-long festivities, Carnival Celebration will officially be named in PortMiami in late November at the newly transformed Terminal F which will also usher in a new era of port infrastructure as one of the first at PortMiami equipped to provide shore power to ships by fall 2023.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visitwww.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

*Carnival Ecstasy will not include the Baked Alaska Farewell Parade.

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CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES FLEET DEPLOYMENT PLANS THROUGH OCTOBER

Carnival’s Entire Fleet Will Be Sailing From the U.S. This Summer

Ships Assigned to Port Canaveral and Jacksonville, and a Third Ship Added to Alaska in 2022

MIAMI, Feb. 14, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line announced the next phase of its 2022 fleet deployment update, including new ship assignments for Port Canaveral and Jacksonville, Fla. and additional itineraries and ship assignments for an expanded offering of summer 2022 sailings from Seattle to Alaska.

Known as America’s cruise line, Carnival operates 10 year-round homeports in the U.S., the most of any cruise line, and by March, will have resumed service in all 10 of its year-round U.S. homeports. With the opening of the Alaska season in May, Carnival will have returned its entire fleet to service, less than 10 months after resuming operations, completing an impressive and successful restart of its guest operations and setting the pace for the rest of the U.S. cruise industry.  

Beginning in early March, four Carnival ships will orchestrate a series of moves worthy of a synchronized sailing competition as the remaining U.S. homeports return to service, resulting in new homeports for some ships and new seasonal service for others.         

Carnival Elation will move from Port Canaveral to Jacksonville, effective Apr. 23, 2022 to Oct. 13, 2022.

            Carnival Freedom will be moving from Miami to Port Canaveral to pick up the itineraries formerly assigned to Carnival Elation, effective Apr. 21 through Oct. 15, 2022.  Carnival Spirit will take over several sailings previously assigned to Carnival Freedom, including the Apr. 17 Carnival Journeys cruise from Miami through the Panama Canal to Seattle.

Once in Seattle, Carnival Spirit will operate cruises to Alaska from May through Sept. 2022.   These itineraries will open for sale later today. Carnival Splendor will reposition to Seattle and operate Alaska sailings currently assigned to Carnival Freedom.  

Upon completion of the summer season in Alaska, Carnival Splendor will return to Australia with a new Journeys cruise to Sydney, Australia, that will be available soon.  Carnival Spirit will sail the Carnival Journeys cruise back through the Panama Canal to Miami that was previously assigned to Carnival Freedom.

              Carnival is notifying booked guests and travel advisors about these changes, which will result in the transfer of reservations to the new ship assignments.  Guests impacted by these changes will not have access to their booking for up to two weeks as Carnival completes the process to move their bookings to the new ships and provide equivalent accommodations.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this process. We are excited to have every Carnival Cruise Line ship in the fleet sailing again by May and to be back in all 10 of our year-round U.S. homeports. We are also continuing to make plans for a return to guest operations in Australia upon completion of our Alaska season,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

            For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visitwww.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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SH Vega, Swan Hellenic’s second bespoke expedition cruise ship, is now on the water

Helsinki Shipyard floats out second of three next-generation ships for cultural expedition cruise pioneer

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Friday the 11th of February 2022, Swan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Vega out of dry dock. SH Vega is the twin ship of SH Minerva, launched at the end of last year and now exploring Antarctica. Steelwork production for the third slightly larger vessel commissioned from Helsinki started last Summer, and about 50% of the blocks are now ready at the yard. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together smoothly to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises.

All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.

SH Vega features a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 113 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Vega will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences and extensive open views, SH Vega features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a spa, sauna, gym, library, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.

SH Vega will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in May 2022. Departing on her 11-day maiden cruise on the 29th of May, she will sail from Leith, the port of Edinburgh, to explore the Faroe Islands and Iceland, docking in Reykjavík on the 8th of June. The third ship in the fleet, temporarily named Vega 3, will be delivered in early 2023.

“SH Vega is a next-generation ship that advances the Swan Hellenic cultural expedition cruising tradition in the inspired mould of her sister ship. We are very proud of our contribution to everything she represents,” commented Simo Rastas, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard.

“We are again delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work,” added Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, everyone at the shipyard has maintained an ambitious schedule to the very highest standards. It’s wonderful to see our vision come together so well. We know our guests will love how such similar ships as SH Minerva and SH Vega can also be so different, enriching their voyages with us worldwide to see what others don’t.”

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 Code PC 5 expedition cruise ships with ice-strengthened hulls, respectively launched in December 2021 and arriving in May 2022, each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A slightly larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 208 guests in the same distinctive comfort and style in 96 staterooms and suites will be arriving in early 2023.

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 each include a team of seasoned expedition guides, expert speakers and lecturers, for a total complement of 120 and 140 persons respectively, offering outstanding staff-to-guest ratios to deliver the highest standards of attentive personal service.

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

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com 

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL CELEBRATION FLOATED OUT, MARKING MAJOR CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE

Latest Excel-Class, LNG-Powered Ship to Begin Sailing from Miami this Fall 

MIAMI, Feb 11, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship Carnival Celebration was floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland today, which signifies a major step in her construction. Watch video of Carnival Celebration float out ceremony here.

Carnival Celebration will now move alongside the shipyard’s outfitting pier and into the next phase of construction, where the focus will shift to work on what all Carnival ships are known for: the fun. 

“This is the exciting part, after the float out, that’s when everything that everyone will love about the ship goes from blueprint to reality,” said Ben Clement, senior vice president of New Builds, Refurbishment and Product Innovation for Carnival Cruise Line, who was in Finland to oversee the milestone. “When there’s a new ship coming, it’s always tough to pick your favorite part, but Carnival Celebration is going to make that choice tougher than ever when she makes her way to Miami.” 

“We are very proud to build this beautiful ship for Carnival Cruise Line,” said Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. “By the end of the summer, Carnival Celebration will be ready for her sea trial and then for delivery later in the autumn.”

Carnival Celebration is the second of three revolutionary Excel-class ships. She joins Mardi Gras, already sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., and Carnival Jubilee, set to sail from Galveston, Texas in 2023. Carnival’s newest and biggest class of ships run on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform. Carnival Corp. pioneered the introduction of LNG fuel in the passenger cruise sector as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction.

Following Carnival Celebration’s float out, work begins outside on installing some of the Excel-class exterior features already thrilling guests on sister ship Mardi Gras, including the award-winning BOLT roller coaster at sea. Inside the ship, the build out will help bring out Carnival Celebration’s own unique personality. The ship will feature six distinct zones, much like Mardi Gras, but three of those are designed specifically for Carnival Celebration. Details about the new zones will be revealed soon.

Scheduled to enter service this fall, Carnival Celebration will sail a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to her PortMiami homeport in November. Carnival’s newly transformed Terminal F will welcome the new ship. Not long after, the Carnival terminal will also usher in a new era of port infrastructure as one of the first at PortMiami equipped to provide shore power to ships by fall 2023.

Carnival Celebration’s first sailing from Miami to the Caribbean will take place Nov. 21, 2022. Her arrival will mark the culmination of the year-long celebration of Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday. Her name is a nod to one of Carnival’s classic cruise ships, MS Celebration, but in every sense, Carnival Celebration is designed to lead the way to the future of cruising.

            For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visitwww.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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OCEANIA CRUISES NAMES ALEXIS QUARETTI DIRECTOR OF CULINARY PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPMENT

MIAMI, February 9, 2022 - Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, today announced the appointment of Chef Alexis Quaretti as Director of Culinary Programs and Development. 

Quaretti previously served as a senior executive chef for Oceania Cruises and now returns to oversee all aspects of the development, introduction, and implementation of new concepts to continually elevate the most awarded dining experiences at sea across the line’s seven acclaimed ships and 12 restaurant brands. 

Originally from Fontainebleau, France, Quaretti started his career at some of the best restaurants in the world including the 1-Michelin-star Château de Marçay, the 3-Michelin-star L’Arpège, where he not only discovered but also refined his knowledge and appreciation for vegetable-based cuisine, and the 2-Michelin-star La Pyramide. 

In 2004 Quaretti joined Oceania Cruises and in 2008 was promoted to executive chef at the young age of 27.  In 2010, he joined an Asian mogul to travel and cook between St. Tropez and Hong Kong before rejoining Oceania Cruises in 2012. Two years later he was promoted to senior executive chef, overseeing a brigade of 140 chefs onboard. In 2017, Alexis took an opportunity to spread his culinary wings and expand his career knowledge and creativity by taking on a leadership role at Viking River where he lead culinary development and menu implementation for all restaurants and food & beverage outlets for their ships across the globe.

“We welcome Chef Alexis, one of the most influential chefs in hospitality, back to the Oceania Cruises family with open arms,” said Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “He brings a unique perspective to the role, having been an integral part of our growth and prowess over the last 20 years helping build our reputation for serving the Finest Cuisine at Sea. Never resting on our laurels and always challenging ourselves to refine, create and further elevate, we are excited to have him at the helm steering our culinary future with his profound expertise and drive for excellence.”  

With his return, Quaretti plans to guide the line with his culinary philosophy which has been driven by his love and respect for a true “Cuisine du Marche,” where one respects nature, and with that, the changing seasons, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients are sourced and respectfully prepared.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,210 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has a second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship on order for delivery in 2025. With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

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

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion