A collection of every news article on CruiseReport.com

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/17/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/17/22

VIKING EXPANDS EUROPEAN RIVER FLEET WITH NAMING OF EIGHT NEW SHIPS AND MARKS BEGINNING OF 2022 RIVER SEASON

New Viking Longships Further Increase Offerings on the Seine, Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers

Los Angeles (March 16, 2022) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today welcomed eight new river ships to its award-winning fleet during a celebration in Paris. Of the eight new Viking Longships®, four ships – Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga – are built specifically to navigate the Seine River and bring guests to the heart of Paris with an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. The four additional ships – Viking Egdir, Viking Gersemi, Viking Gymir and Viking Hervor – will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

The naming of the new river ships comes as Viking continues its 25th anniversary and a year of multiple milestones. In January 2022, the company launched Viking Expeditions and its first Polar Class vessel, the Viking Octantis®. By the end of the year, Viking will have also welcomed a second identical expedition ship, as well as two new identical ocean ships, new purpose-built vessels for the Nile and Mekong rivers and new Mississippi River voyages.

“As we mark 25 years of sailing the iconic waterways of the world, it is always a proud day when we welcome new ships to our fleet and offer more opportunities for curious travelers to explore the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Today we are especially pleased to honor eight talented and accomplished individuals as godmothers of our newest river ships, and we look forward to the start of another season of European river voyages.”

Viking Naming Ceremony

In keeping with maritime tradition that dates back thousands of years, Viking invited eight distinguished cultural partners and important members of the company’s extended family to serve as ceremonial godmothers of the new ships. The honored godmothers include:

Alma Deutscher, Godmother of Viking Gymir – A musical phenomenon, Alma captivates the classical world with her talents as a violinist, pianist, composer and conductor, and at just 17 years old was hailed as the “new Mozart” at an early age. She recently appeared on an episode of Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV (Anne Diamond Welcomes Back Composer and Musician Alma Deutscher), where she discussed her upcoming concert series, which will be exclusive for Viking guests on select river voyages visiting Vienna.
Helen Deutscher, Godmother of Viking Egdir – A violinist, pianist and vocalist, Helen is an accomplished musician who honed her musical and performance skills at the Music Gymnasium in Vienna and as a member of the Vienna State Opera’s children’s chorus; she has also performed in several productions of her sister Miss Alma Deutscher’s opera, Cinderella. Helen and Alma recently appeared together on an episode of Viking.TV (Anne Diamond Interviews Classical Musicians, Alma & Helen Deutscher) where they discussed their remarkable lives and many musical milestones.
Dr. Janie Deutscher, Godmother of Viking Radgrid – An author and educator, Dr. Deutscher is also an accomplished musician and earned an organ scholarship to Oxford University where she later taught medieval literature; in recent years, she has concentrated on homeschooling and supporting the musical ambitions of her two daughters, Alma and Helen, godmothers of Viking Gymir and Viking Egdir, respectfully.
Brenda Hunsberger, Godmother of Viking Hervor – For more than four decades, Ms. Hunsberger, Senior Vice President of Travel Services with AAA Club Alliance, has worked in the industry as an accomplished travel agent; she believes in the power of travel to transform perspectives and change lives.
Karryn Christopher, Godmother of Viking Gersemi – Ms. Christopher is Executive Vice President of Preferred Partnerships & Marketing for Signature Travel Network, a member-owned travel cooperative established in 1956, where she has led the transformation of the company’s sales and marketing division.
Ghislaine Wood, Godmother of Viking Fjorgyn – As the Deputy Director of the University of East Anglia’s Sainsbury Centre, one of the most important public university art galleries in Great Britain, Ms. Wood carefully curates exhibitions, including the upcoming “Visions of Ancient Egypt,” which was developed in partnership with Viking; opening in September 2022, the exhibit will honor the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Ms. Wood discussed her work at the Sainsbury Centre in a recent episode of Viking.TV (Explore Alaskan Objects at the Sainsbury Centre with Ghislaine Wood), including the origins of their Alaska collection which examines how indigenous Alaskan communities developed technologies and tools to adapt to their environment.
Muriel Wilson, Godmother of Viking Skaga – As the Director of Event Strategy & Sponsorships for Virtuoso, Ltd., Ms. Wilson has been a distinguished staff member of the global network of agencies for more than 40 years and leverages her deep knowledge of the industry to develop quality hospitality and travel experiences for Virtuoso’s travel advisors and preferred partners.
Kari Garmann, Godmother of Viking Kari – Former member of The Parliament of Norway and Oslo City Council, Ms. Garmann has made valuable contributions to Norway in the areas of government, business and banking throughout her career.

The naming event was executed by connecting the new ships via satellite across two European cities: Paris and Amsterdam. TheViking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga were docked in Paris at the Port de Grenelle, where they were named by their godmothers. The other four ships – Viking Egdir, Viking Gersemi, Viking Gymir and Viking Hervor – were docked in Amsterdam and named by their godmothers, who also joined the celebration in Paris. In keeping with another maritime tradition, a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit was broken on the bow of each new ship. Gammel Opland hails from the same county in Norway where Chairman Hagen’s mother, Ragnhild – also lovingly known as “Mamsen” – was born and was her favorite brand of aquavit. More information on the history of ship naming ceremonies and the special role that godmothers play can be found in a recent episode of Viking.TV (Explore the Role of a Ship’s Godmother, a Revered Nautical Tradition), hosted by Viking Executive Vice President Karine Hagen.

This year Viking will offer guests a Privileged Access® performance led by Alma Deutscher at Vienna’s illustrious Wiener Konzerthaus. She will conduct the historic Strauss Capelle orchestra and perform the music of Mozart, the waltzes of Strauss on the violin and her own compositions.

New Offerings on the Seine

Building on Viking’s offerings in Paris and the four new Viking Longships sailing the Seine River, the company has announced today a new post-trip extension entitled Paris: A Culinary Experience that will explore the cuisine of the French capital. Available beginning in 2023 for guests sailing on the 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary, the new extension allows guests to immerse themselves in the culinary history of Paris and taste the gastronomic delights the city has to offer. Guests on the 3-night extension will disembark their ship in Paris and explore the city with a culinary guide, visiting the “Belly of Paris” and the Rue Montorgueil, home to the city’s firstpâtisserie, before checking into their hotel. The following day, guests will visit a Parisian cooking school to attend a croissant baking workshop with a local chef and learn about the pastry’s origins, before enjoying an evening wine and cheese tasting with an expert sommelier at a private wine cellar. On the final day, guests journey to the Jacquemart-André Museum for a tour of the 19th century mansion and its private art collection followed by a special workshop delving into the art of table etiquette. Each day allows ample free time for guests to explore iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées from their centrally located hotel.

Additionally, Viking has announced a new holiday sailing, the 8-day Christmas on the Seine, sailing roundtrip from Paris. Available during the holiday season beginning in 2022, guests will sail through Normandy’s snow-covered countryside while enjoying the festive Christmas markets. Guests can select from holiday-centric shore excursions such as baking homemade gingerbread at the 850-year-old Abbaye du Valasse or attending a festive Christmas ornament making workshop in Rouen. Onboard, guests will enjoy special holiday-themed festivities including regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and more.

Booking Details

From now through March 31, 2022, Viking is offering special savings plus airfare from $599 on all 2022 and 2023 departures ofParis & the Heart of Normandy. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel agent for details.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/15/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/15/22

UnCruise Adventures Announces “Break Up with Boring” Brand Campaign to Unleash the Un-Ordinary in Everyone

The Campaign Focuses on Everyday Experiences to Engage Guests in Future Travel Inspiration

JUNEAU, AK, March 14th, 2022 – Small ship cruise line, UnCruise Adventures, voted best adventure cruise line, today, announced its 2022 integrated ad campaign to inspire future travelers to break up with the ordinary. The campaign amplifies the success of the brand’s [F]UnCruise adventure ingredient that differentiates them from other small ship operations. From an updated look and feel to exceptional WAVE season offers, the brand delivers what travelers want with small group adventures.

The playful video and ad creatives will appear across online and streaming video, connected TV, digital partnerships, audio, podcast, and social channels, along with key media partners and other targeted ad properties. Continuing into 2022 with travel variables, UnCruise Adventures recognizes people want to come back to life with connections and real moments in travel. The brand campaign invites travelers to create their own breakup with boring moments of self-expression and share them with the hashtag #breakupwithboring in their social media.

“We live and breathe our guest’s experience and believe in the adventures we share with them,” said UnCruise Adventures, CEO, Dan Blanchard. “This campaign celebrates our adventure product and our brand’s strong comeback in 2021 as a small business, now even stronger in 2022. We want to bring ‘break up with boring’ to life. It’s something that reinforces what we believe in and what people experience in our adventures, every single time.”

According to Market Research, the adventure tourism market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 26.7% through 2030, making soft adventure travel among one of the fastest-growing sectors in the market. UnCruise Adventures recognizes the global market and as a leader in small ship adventures, they choose to shift the paradigm, meeting their guests where they are in the market. This encourages them to see everyday events as an inspiration where they can share their own adventures.

The new campaign had a soft roll out last month and will implement more campaign engagement opportunities, video releases, and news throughout 2022. These will connect adventure travelers with a cohesive message that continues to resonate as people increase their travel, much of it in their own back yard with U.S. destinations. UnCruise Adventures is the ultimate travel companion that embodies adventure with a small footprint, breaking away from the ordinary. Break Up with Boring serves as the perfect empowering message for 2022 in an upbeat and uplifting way, when travelers are ready for adventure.

“We want guests to feel confident in their small ship experience and feel supported every step of their journey. We do not just engage in the possibilities of travel; we engage in the realities of future travel. With UnCruise Adventures you’re just one adventure away from breaking up with boring.” said Blanchard.

View a new Break Up with Boring humorous video campaign on the company's YouTube channel here.

Learn how to Break Up with Boring on small ship adventures at uncruise.com or reach out for more details and media partnerships at pr@uncruise.com.

For the latest on the company’s COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://uncruise.com/pages/covid-travel-updates

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/15/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/15/22

SILVERSEA® REVEALS DETAILS OF ROMAN-INSPIRED OTIVM℠ WELLNESS PROGRAMME AND SILVER DAWN’S REIMAGINED SPA

With Otium, guests will embark upon a holistic wellness journey that will extend from suites to spa and beyond

(MONACO – March 15, 2022) With Silver DawnSM set to welcome guests as the 10th ship in Silversea’s fleet beginning April 1, 2022,the leading ultra-luxury cruise line has taken the opportunity to unveil details of its new OtiumSM wellness program, as well as the new ship’s reimagined spa. Grounded in the philosophy and traditions of the ancient Roman lifestyle, Otium encourages balanced indulgence, pampering, and pleasure over sacrifice and delayed gratification by weaving a tapestry of unprecedented comfort around guests.

“With Otium, our guests will enjoy the next iteration of Silversea’s trademark level of comfort, as part of an innovation in wellness at sea,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Thoughtfully designed with Otium in mind, Silver Dawn’s reimagined spa offers guests unprecedented comfort—enhanced with Roman-inspired art pieces, elegant furnishings, and a curated Otium treatment menu. Starting in suites with dedicated balcony, bathing and sleeping experiences, before intensifying in the beautiful Otium Spa, and extending through the ship with unforgettable moments of pleasure, the Otium wellness journey has been designed to pamper our guests like never before.”

AN EXTENDED WELLNESS JOURNEY: FROM SUITE TO SPA AND BEYOND

Otium will take guests on a customized wellness journey that extends beyond Silver Dawn’s reimagined spa, incorporating multiple touches to enrich Silversea’s unique take on luxury. The holistic journey begins with indulgent bathing, balcony, and sleeping experiences in some of the most spacious suites at sea. Silversea’s butlers will tailor guests’ experiences with a choice of scents, while a delectable comfort food menu, comprising gourmet bites and refreshing libations, offers guests unique moments of pleasure. Guests can get comfortable in a plush Otium bathrobe and slippers, before making their way to the Otium Spa. Here, the wellness ritual, influenced by ancient Roman baths, soothes guests into a state of bliss, offering a curated range of Mediterranean-inspired treatments—in both the spa and the salon—and memorable hydrothermal experiences. Guests are encouraged to socialize in both the modern relaxation room, with comfortable chaises for lounging, and the expansive outdoor area, which affords panoramic views of the ocean and welcomes meditative reflections. The wellness journey then continues beyond the spa with unforgettable moments of tailored relaxation throughout the ship.

SILVER DAWN’S REIMAGINED SPA

Designed by HBA London, Silver Dawn’s reimagined spa is more than 36m2 larger than that of her sister ship, Silver Muse, spanning over 790m2 on deck six. It includes an optimized layout for a more seamless wellness journey—enhanced with culinary delights, mood lighting and curated playlists—as well as an enhanced Beauty Salon, Fitness Center, Barber Salon, and an outdoor relaxation area of 219m2. A spacious relaxation room lies at its heart, which, elegantly decorated with Roman-inspired artworks and an infinity water feature, will invite guests to socialize as they are pampered in a soothing atmosphere. Inviting treatment rooms, a large sauna, and a steam room enhance the offering.

Every detail of the spa’s design has been curated for a comforting and sensorial experience. The space’s color palette takes inspiration from the ocean and shorelines to soothe guests into a state of complete relaxation, growing with each stage of the wellness journey. Warm, earthy notes greet guests in the reception area, while deeper shades of blue create calming sanctuaries in the treatment and relaxation areas. Creative mood lighting and calming music form the perfect ambience in each area of the spa, while sophisticated materials—selected for their comforting natural textures—heighten the decor’s sensory impact.

THE CURATED OTIVM WELLNESS MENU

In the Otium Spa, Silversea’s guests will enjoy bespoke treatments from a curated wellness menu—inspired by Mediterranean wellness rituals and ancient Roman baths—which includes a hedonistic selection of Otium signature experiences for an enhanced wellness journey. Treatments incorporate natural and sustainable products, including exclusive Otium signature products. Guests can select their preferred scent, and, if enjoying a body treatment, their preference of three body oils, as well as body scrub for subsequent thermal experiences. In addition to facials, medi-spa cosmetic treatments, and acupuncture, among other indulgences, the new menu includes the following Otium signature experiences:

The Otium

‘Indulge your senses in the ultimate spa journey. Inspired by the Mediterranean, warm, fragrant oils are infused with shea butter, raspberry, and chamomile, and drizzled onto the body in soothing and sweeping movements. Using a trio of elements that transcend beyond a state of relaxation, mineral-rich pink salt stones, natural bamboo, and grounding calabash deeply stimulate and release tension, enticing a most pleasurable feeling of inner wellbeing.’

The Hedone Delight

‘Design your journey of wellbeing. Guided by Hedone, goddess of pleasure, indulge in a bespoke massage with the selection of aroma and body polish that resonates with your sense of being.’

The Divine Experience

‘Purify the body with nature’s own minerals. Mood-balancing aromatics induce relaxation whilst cocooned prior to a decadent scalp, neck, and shoulder massage and luxurious hand treatment. Simply divine.’

The Apollonian Spirit

‘Comfort the body with a treatment inspired by Apollo, the god of healing. This contrast therapy is effective and provides immediate relief for tired, aching muscles. Mineral-rich salt stones harness a natural warmth, whilst a nutrient-rich cold mask provides a dynamic rescue therapy.’

Additionally, Otium introduces a set of services in the Beauty and Barber salons, designed to pamper guests from tip to toe. These include bespoke Otium hair rituals, manicure and pedicure signature experiences, as well as the ultimate in gentlemen’s grooming.

Read a new article on the Otium wellness program on Silversea’s blog:

https://discover.silversea.com/ships/silver-dawn/silver-dawn-otium-preview/

View Silversea’s new Otium treatment menu:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/i21ez8a4jttbc9p/Otium%20Spa%20Treatment%20Menu.pdf?dl=0

Find out more information about Silver Dawn, including her upcoming voyages:

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

About Silversea Cruises

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 MoonSM – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin®, Silver Wind®, SilverExplorer®, and Silver Cloud®, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, 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. Silversea Cruises is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL)

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

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/14/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/14/22

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express Introduces Culinary Ambassadors

Ahead of next year’s 130th anniversary, Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express is upping its game even more. Not just considered the most beautiful voyage in the world, it will also be a culinary experience of the senses. Collaborating with local suppliers is a vital part of the company’s food concept, Norway’s Coastal Kitchen, and they have partnered with two extraordinary chefs with close links to the beautiful Norwegian coast, to elevate the onboard gastronomy offerings.

The two award-winning chefs, Astrid Regine Nässlander and Halvar Ellingsen, not only share the same values as Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, they both also hail from Northern Norway – where they live and work – which is where Hurtigruten was established back in 1893. They both rely on local suppliers and organic ingredients to create exceptional gastronomic experiences, a perfect fit for the onboard Coastal Kitchen concept.

“We always look for ways to connect with the local food traditions and the food culture along the Norwegian coast. Astrid and Halvar share our food philosophy, and both have the same unique connection with Northern Norway that Hurtigruten has. With them on board, we can use their deep local knowledge to develop and enhance our menus even more and inspire the next generation of Norway’s Coastal Kitchen chefs,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express.

Local chefs from the Norwegian coast

Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express is proud to support fisheries, farms, butchers, and other small businesses along the Norwegian coast, as it has done for well over a century. The fresh farm-and-fjord-to-table flavors are an essential part of the journey, where guests will feel like a true traveler, not a tourist.

Astrid and Halvar will continue this culinary tradition and develop locally inspired, sustainably sourced, seasonal dishes served on board all seven ships in the fleet. They will train and inspire kitchen staff, and through a dedicated trainee program foster a new wave of talented Hurtigruten chefs.

Astrid Regine Nässlander. Photo: Yann Bougaran / Hurtigruten Norway

Local produce and know-how

“What drives me is the urge to show people what we have around us, and that it’s possible to source food differently than just going to the supermarket. It’s old-fashioned common sense to get milk from a dairy farmer or meat from a moose hunter,” said Astrid Nässlander.

Astrid lives on the small island of Steigen opposite Lofoten in Northern Norway. This is the area where the 30-year-old award-winning freelance chef and small-scale sustainable meat producer sources all the ingredients she needs or wants.

“Hurtigruten and I share the same food philosophy. The Coastal Express is in many ways the true essence of Norway, and the food served on board represents the places where the ships sail,” she continues.

Halvar Ellingsen is the chef at the famous restaurant Kvitnes Gård in Northern Norway. Photo: Yann Bougaran / Hurtigruten Norway

Highlighting local ingredients

Halvar Ellingsen, a former member of Norway’s national cooking team, is now Head Chef at the famous restaurant Kvitnes in Vesterålen. After ten years of living and cooking in Norway’s capital Oslo, Halvar decided to move back home to his family’s farm “to get in touch with the ingredients again”.

“I wanted to prove what short-travelled, sustainable food really is in practice,” said Ellingsen.

Kvitnes is virtually self-sufficient in vegetables, meat, herbs, and berries, sourcing almost all its ingredients from the nearby surroundings.

“As a young boy, I would hear the whistle of The Norwegian Coastal Express ships every day. It was a natural part of growing up on the coast. Even now, we have goods delivered to our restaurant from the ships every week,” Ellingsen said.

“I’m really looking forward to giving guests on the Norwegian Coastal Express food which both tastes great and highlights the ingredients of the areas they travel to.”

***

Astrid Nässlander’s and Halvar Ellingsen’s summer season menus will be available on board the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express fleet in April and will change with the different seasons. Our Culinary Ambassadors will develop six dishes per season for the fine dining restaurant, one menu per year in the main restaurant, and two dishes for the bistro. They will also participate in workshops with the kitchen staff. In addition, Nässlander will deliver products to the ships, among them her famous moose sausages.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/12/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/12/22

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE COMMEMORATES 50 YEARS OF FUN, MARKING DAY FIRST CRUISE SET SAIL

Carnival Donates $50,000 to Ukrainian Relief Efforts and Another $50,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami

MIAMI, March 11, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line today marked a half a century since its maiden voyage from PortMiami with a celebration aboard Carnival Conquest. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy was joined by Carnival Corp. Chairman Micky Arison and Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald; U.S. Representatives Frederica Wilson and Vern Buchanan; Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez; Miami industry and community leaders; as well as Carnival leadership.

At the event, Carnival announced a $50,000 donation to World Central Kitchen to support Ukrainian relief efforts and in the name of its more than 300 team members from the country. Duffy also presented a $50,000 donation to Carnival’s long-standing partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami. Mayor Levine Cava presented Duffy with a commemorative gift marking the occasion and Mayor Bermudez read a proclamation declaring March 11, 2022 as Carnival Cruise Line Day in Doral.

“On this very day, 50 years ago, history was made when the first Carnival Cruise Line ship, the TSS Mardi Gras, embarked on her maiden voyage from right here at PortMiami,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “For half a century, we have made cruising available to everyone and have provided millions of people with fun and memorable vacations. It’s an honor to be celebrating our five decades of sailing with so many of our partners. We look forward to what the next 50 years holds.”

Carnival’s 50-year collaboration with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami has resulted in significant economic development for the region, most recently the expansion of the state-of-the-art Terminal F at PortMiami. The Terminal F development team celebrated an important construction milestone today with the topping off of the building and eagerly anticipates the project’s completion and ribbon-cutting this fall. The terminal will be among the first to be shore-power ready in 2023.

Terminal F will also serve as the homeport for Carnival Celebration, which will be unveiled later this year as part of the culmination of Carnival’s 50th birthday festivities. After Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration will be the second Excel-class ship to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and include an award-winning roller coaster at the top of the ship. A third Excel-class ship, Carnival Jubilee, will join the fleet in 2023 and homeport in Galveston.

Over the years, Carnival has maintained a strong commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates, including its hometown of Miami. In addition to a national partnership with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Operation Homefront, Carnival has hosted hundreds of Miami-Dade high school students at its headquarters as part of the Carnival Scholarship and Mentoring Program, and since 2007, has provided 195 scholarships valued at $4 million.

Carnival currently employs more than 40,000 team members from 120 nationalities. As America’s Cruise Line and the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation, Carnival has made cruising accessible and fun for more than 90 million passengers since its inception. Each year, approximately six million passengers set sail on 23 ships from 14 U.S. homeports and call on popular international destinations.

In addition to today’s party in Miami, Carnival’s year-long 50th birthday celebrations included 17 commemorative Sailabrations cruises that featured at-sea ship meetups, special entertainment and programming.

Carnival is sailing from all its year-round U.S. homeports, and its entire fleet will be back in service by this summer, completing an impressive and successful restart of its guest operations and setting the pace for the rest of the U.S. cruise industry.

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

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/11/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/11/22

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE LAUNCHES VERIFLY DIGITAL HEALTH WALLET IN ALL OF ITS U.S. HOMEPORTS

Carnival Largest Cruise Line to Utilize VeriFLY App to Facilitate Travel

MIAMI, March 10, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line is making health screening simpler and quicker for guests. After a successful pilot of VeriFLY™ by Daon, a secure and free digital health app allowing vaccinated guests to easily submit pre-embarkation information, Carnival has launched the app fleetwide for all ships in all of its U.S. homeports, making Carnival the largest cruise line to utilize VeriFLY.

Guests who use the VeriFLY app can expect the time it takes to complete the health assessment process during embarkation to be cut in half.

“VeriFLY helps our guests easily and securely complete pre-embarkation tasks right from their smartphone. Guests can save time at the port and get on board faster by completing the process via VeriFLY,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

Using the app has been an easy choice for guests from the start. In the pilot program’s first test in January, ahead of a cruise onMardi Gras from Port Canaveral, more than 85 percent of the 2,000 guests who opened an email invitation followed through by downloading the VeriFLY app.

“We were very pleased to hear about the success of the VeriFLY app used in the pilot stage with Carnival Cruise Line and are now excited to see the full deployment of VeriFLY fleetwide for all ships in all of its U.S. homeports,” said Daon CEO Tom Grissen.

Available in the App Store or Google Play, once guests download VeriFLY, they can then search for Carnival Cruise Line and complete the required steps. Guests will be asked to submit required documentation, including vaccination status and COVID-19 test results. When the process is successfully completed, a VeriFLY pass will be issued in the app to present at embarkation. For more information on VeriFLY and the process, click here.

Guests who choose not to complete the VeriFLY process are still able to complete their pre-cruise tasks on Carnival.com and present required COVID-19 documents during their embarkation.

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

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/11/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/11/22

Cunard Eager to Welcome Canadian Guests back onboard Queen Elizabeth during exciting Alaska season

"Sailing Soon Savings" Event offers reduced fares on select voyages

VALENCIA, Calif., March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Echoing the travel industry's excitement at the news that the Canadian authorities are once again welcoming cruise ships, Cunard is eager to call on Vancouver and the spectacular region of Alaska this summer and beyond.

Reduced fares on a variety of Alaska itineraries are now available through Cunard's 'Sailing Soon Savings' offer

Cunard returned to Alaska in 2019 to much fanfare and excitement, and now looks ahead with great enthusiasm to their 2022 summer Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth. The ship will again sail through the storied waters and landscapes of the Last Frontier, featuring the blue hues of the immense Hubbard Glacier, and Glacier Bay National Park – where visitors are awed by some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers.

The ship will sail a coastal transit from Los Angeles to Vancouver on May 30, and begin sailing in Alaska on June 5, offering seven and 10-day voyages through July. At the conclusion of the season in late July, Queen Elizabeth will sail down the west coast, providing guests the option to join the ship in San Francisco and in Los Angeles, as the ship journeys onward through the Panama Canal to cap off her Alaska voyages this year. Queen Elizabeth sails in Alaska again in 2023 with an expanded series of itineraries.

"Amidst the myriad choices, Cunard's signature voyage offering, in tandem with the wild frontier of Alaska, is uniquely captivating and distinctive in many ways," says Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales, Cunard North America. "Guests enjoy the line's hallmark experiences and amenities in a large ship environment but with fewer guests on ships of her size. And this year we are excited to debut our new 'Ice White Ball' with 'Taste of Alaska' Gala dining menu."

Guests will also enjoy world class enrichment programs including acclaimed adventurers Kenton Cool, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Felicity Aston and Peter Hillary; renowned Princess and Queens Grill Suite accommodations and dining; signature White Star Service; more time in port, and the ability to call on smaller regional destinations such as Sitka and Haines.

Guests can choose from a variety of itineraries and book reduced fares on an Alaska voyage through Cunard's "Sailing Soon Savings" offer: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cruise-deals/sailing-soon-savings. Balcony accommodations on seven-night Alaska voyages in 2022 start from $899 per person; 2023, sailings are also available.

As always, Cunard will carry on adapting protocols to best protect everyone onboard, and meet all requirements of visited destinations, including vaccine and testing policies.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.

About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 182 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will be entering service in early 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/10/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/10/22

Princess Cruises Readies for Full Alaska Season in 2022

Safe Resumption of Cruising in Canadian Ports Allows Cruises and Cruisetours to Alaska and Canada/New England to Sail as Originally Published

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 9, 2022) – With the recent announcement from the Federal Minister of Transport in Canada announcing the safe resumption of cruising in Canadian ports, Princess Cruises has finalized programs and guest experiences for a full summer season of 2022 cruises and cruisetours to Alaska, as well as its popular summer and fall Canada & New England program.

More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line and the 2022 program features six ships, including the line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess. Offerings include 12 unique itineraries, totaling 140 departures and five glacier-viewing experiences, with visits to the Southeast Alaska towns of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

Princess sails to and from Vancouver on its popular “Voyage of the Glaciers” seven-day cruises to and from Whittier, Alaska. More than 20 cruisetour options feature an unforgettable land tour visiting the magnificent Denali National Park and Princess Wilderness Lodges and include the "Voyage of the Glaciers" cruise. Alaska cruises sailing from Seattle and San Francisco visit Victoria, Canada, along with various ports in Alaska towns dependent upon itinerary.

“The reopening of Canadian ports to the cruise industry is a bold and important move that significantly expands the array of travel opportunities available to guests while boosting the economies of the Canadian and Alaska destinations we visit by generating important revenue and job opportunities,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We know firsthand how cherished these voyages are to both guests and those destinations following our shortened but successful return to Alaska in 2021 that was made possible with the passing of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act.”

The first Princess cruise ship to visit Canada is Caribbean Princess, sailing on a four-day Pacific Coastal voyage, with a scheduled port stop in Victoria on April 6, followed by Vancouver on April 7.

For the May through September 2022 season, four convenient west coast home ports – Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., Anchorage (Whittier) and San Francisco – make traveling to Alaska seamless and hassle-free. The 143,700-ton, 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess, marks her inaugural season as the youngest ship in Alaska departing from Seattle on the popular seven-day Inside Passage itinerary, alongside Crown Princess. Majestic Princess debuts along with Royal Princess and Grand Princess sailing the top-rated seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary, which features two glacier viewing experiences on every cruise including Glacier Bay National Park (Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage [Whittier] or vice versa). Ruby Princess offers 10-day Inside Passage cruises out of San Francisco, featuring the added bonus of the awe-inspiring sailaway under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and a port stop in Victoria.

Princess continues to enhance the award-winning North to Alaska program, bringing local Alaskans, culture, and fresh seafood on board and ashore to immerse guests in all things Alaska. From Cook My Catch to Puppies in the Piazza, to mountain climbers, new offerings for 2022, include:

· Professor Amy Butcher, award-winning author of “Mothertrucker: Finding Joy on the Loneliest Highway in America” and featured on NPR, BBC and in the Washington Post. Butcher will share her story of how she found meaning, strength and friendship when she joined the nation’s only female ice road trucker through the Alaska wilderness.

· Tom Kizzia, renowned Alaskan author, and journalist, including “Pilgrim’s Wilderness – A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier.” His work has appeared in The New Yorker, New York Times, and Los Angeles Times. Kizzia reveals his passion for the Great Land through his local experiences as a reporter for the Anchorage Daily News and resident of Homer, Alaska.

· Alaska Beer & Spirits, including tasting flights, limited editions, seltzers, and local brewery tours. Cocktail offerings include Smoked Salmon Vodka Bloody Mary with Cinnamon, Glacial Ice Chilled Martinis and Alaska Spirits Flights sourced from local distilleries.

· Unique Wine and Seafood Pairings – fresh salmon, halibut, king crab specially paired with premium wines, only available in Alaska.

· Hot Beverages Experiences of upscale “spiked” hot chocolate recipes and hot mulled wine.

On Canada and New England voyages, Princess sails from Quebec and New York visiting popular Canadian ports, including Halifax, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Sydney (Cape Breton Island) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island). The 2022 season runs from July through October and features 16 departures and six unique itineraries on Enchanted Princess and Caribbean Princess.

Princess Cruises delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring the world-class dining and entertainment Princess is renowned for, all elevated with the Princess MedallionClass Experience. On all ships in the Princess fleet, it begins with the Medallion® , a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet®, the best WiFi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies, and shows.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.

My review of Celebrity Apex

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/9/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/9/22

Cunard's Queen Anne: Designed with an Extraordinary New Vision

Created with an extraordinary new vision, Queen Anne showcases design expertise from the finest hospitality and accommodation ashore

VALENCIA, Calif., March 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the eagerly anticipated name reveal of Queen Anne on February 8th, Cunard now proudly introduces exciting details of the design. Queen Anne has been created with an extraordinary new vision, taking some of the finest talent of our time to write a striking new chapter in Cunard's a story inspired by the brand's remarkable past.

Designers David Collins Studio, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie, working with the Creative Director Adam D. Tihany, are collaborating to create an extraordinary and thoughtful, modern approach to the venues, suites and décor design. The talents' portfolios include luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and bars, as well as high end yachts, and private grand residences. For the first time David Collins Studio and Sybille de Margerie are taking their land based expertise to the ship experience.

Meet the team behind this incredible journey, from design through to sailing: https://youtu.be/GH19JQUIwMU

The principle concept was founded on heritage, craftsmanship, storytelling, style and innovation. These five pillars ultimately became the design DNA for the ship, and accordingly, the engine of inspiration for the designers, working together in unison. Adam D. Tihany, Creative Director for Cunard, underscored how these five values would interplay: "Just the way a world-renowned orchestra delivers a feeling, or takes you to a moment or an era, Queen Anne's aesthetic would do the same in harkening Cunard's gilded age, but through the bold, onward lens of modernity."

The design teams tapped into the Cunard Archives, held at the University of Liverpool, sourcing a rich trove of historical documents and details on layout, materials, fabrics, patterns and textures. No stone was left unturned, from iconic poster advertisements, brochure covers and plans of grand spaces of Cunard's early deco inspired ships, to deliver a ship concept that rivals the finest in hospitality experienced on shore. Adam D. Tihany explains he crystallized the vision as an "enchanting bridge from Cunard's storied history to the future."

Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio says of the design brief, "I was daunted by the scale, and multitude of venues to begin with, but as we started to unravel the journey, craft the experiences, and hone the vision, it all became clear. We wanted to create something nostalgic yet contemporary, relaxed yet glamorous, new and exciting – all within the constraints of a ship." Sybille de Margerie says, "We based the design on a sense of wonder, like a matchmaker at sea that introduces the past to its most alluring future."

““We based the design on a sense of wonder, like a matchmaker at sea that introduces the past to its most alluring future.””

"We worked very closely with the Cunard ship building team during the design process to gather as much knowledge as possible and also referred back to our extensive hospitality experience, where longevity and practicality are as important as the look and feel," explains Lewis Taylor, Design Director at David Collins Studio on the process. "We have added layers of architectural details and design codes that refer back to Cunard's history and that add a touch of whimsy and British eccentricity to the experiences. These architectural design elements along with the exquisite level of service on board, will make the new vessel truly unique."

The design DNA was first brought to life through the iconic Cunard Queens Grand Suites. The Queens Grill Grand Suites offer guests their own private residences on board and deliver a new level of exclusivity, with each finish carefully curated in every room. Designed by David Collins Studio, they represent the epitome of luxury accommodation at sea with a dedicated dining room and adjacent butler's pantry, walk-in wardrobes, marble finished bathrooms with views out to sea, a spacious bedroom and the largest balconies onboard. The Princess Grill Suites, designed by Sybille de Margerie, are warm, inviting and surrounded in the softest materials and delicate textures for an intimate experience featuring a bespoke dressing table and bar area with pattern wall panel inspired by the flowing lines of Cunard's past liners, sculpted ceiling panels and grand saloon carpets by textile designer, Corinne Hughes. While the Britannia balcony staterooms provide cozy sofa seating areas looking out to sea, and light, bright bathrooms with glass walk-in showers for a more relaxed, luxury experience.

A focal point for guests and the heart of the ship, the Grand Lobby, was designed to provide a show-stopping entrance, full of energy and light. Marking the transition from past to present, the area houses a contemporary metal mural sculpture that changes throughout the day by the lighting effect integrated within with an art deco leaning in homage to the 'Golden Age' of travel. The narrative is also keenly brought into play through the elevated entertainment spaces such as the vivid reimaging of the flagship Royal Court Theatre. The two-deck 825 seat space, designed by Richmond International, is inspired by the great sound halls of the world. All seating is of the utmost comfort and adorned in rich velvet providing each guest with a perfect view of the stage, where they may enjoy a wide variety of entertainment throughout the day and night.

Each of the fifteen restaurants on board Queen Anne are distinctive where guests will enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. This is vividly reflected in the décor - from the strikingly grand Britannia Restaurant to the newly refined Golden Lion pub. A first in Cunard's fleet, Queen Anne will also exclusively reveal a new wellness and beauty concept never seen before on a Cunard vessel featuring the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa suite facilities with a contemporary, open and airy aesthetic.

Another vital aspect to the overall blueprint is the color palette which has been individually curated for every space to create a unique ambience in every setting. Bold new colors elevate the signature spaces and Queens Grill Suites, deep blues with flashes of golden yellow in the Britannia Staterooms have been chosen to reflect the sea and shimmer of sunlight and deep rich tones of red, amber and gold heighten the luxurious lounge feel of the Princess Grill Suites. For the Princess and Queens Grill restaurants, bright colors were chosen with elements of gold, to reinforce the luxurious but refined overall design aesthetic on board. Simon Rawlings adds, "Anything tricky can date, anything too predictable can be tiresome and replicated, so keeping things fresh, unique and bold ensures the designs are timeless, and meet or exceed guest expectations. "

Another first for Cunard, the updated exterior of the ship will proudly sport the famous red funnel but also will debut a refined updated livery, with a finessed design of the iconic crest and introduction of an elegant new font inspired by the grand ocean liners of the past, to confidently present the name Queen Anne on the forward bow.

Every Cunard ship is set to the highest interior design standard and Queen Anne epitomizes this approach. Lee Powell, Cunard Brand Vice President adds, "We've worked with world leading interior designers and fresh creative talent; we've discussed and tested our ideas with guests from around the world; and we've delved deep into the Cunard Archives to make sure we can truly celebrate what makes Cunard so unique."

Queen Anne will set sail in early 2024, with her maiden season programme available to book from May 2022.

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.

Other themed press material available:

Queen Anne An Elevated Travel Experience
Queen Anne Name Selection with Kate Williams
Queen Anne Captain Announcement

Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/9/22 Chris Dikmen & Rickee Richardson 3/9/22

INGER KLEIN THORHAUGE NAMED FIRST CAPTAIN OF NEW CUNARD SHIP QUEEN ANNE

CUNARD'S FIRST FEMALE CAPTAIN LEADS NEXT CHAPTER IN LUXURY OCEAN TRAVEL

VALENCIA, Calif., March 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the eagerly anticipated name reveal of Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne on February 8th, the luxury brand now introduces her first Captain, Inger Klein Thorhauge. Thorhauge will lead the team responsible for on board operations and take charge for the new Queen's maiden season.

"To be named as the first captain of Queen Anne is the greatest honor. It means the absolute world to me."

Thorhauge, Cunard's first female Captain, celebrates 25 years of service this year with the company and will sail Queen Anne from Italy, where she is currently being built, to Southampton ahead of her inaugural sailing in early 2024.

Thorhauge, who became Captain of Queen Victoria in 2010, started her career in 1997 as Second Officer on board Cunard's Vistafjord. Originally from the Faroe Islands, her career with the company has seen her travel the world many times over as captain of Queen Victoria and more recently Queen Elizabeth.

"I am very proud to be Cunard's first female captain, but to be named as the first captain of Queen Anne is the greatest honor. It means the absolute world to me to be a part of the next chapter of Cunard," Thorhauge comments. "I can't wait to see the reaction Queen Anne will receive from our guests when they first step on board, then to set sail and showcase our beautiful new ship to the world, visiting wonderful, and exciting ports! I can only begin to imagine the reception she will receive. When I discuss Queen Anne with Cunard crew it is so clear how excited and proud they are too, to welcome a new ship to the fleet. The crew are fundamental in delivering that quintessential Cunard experience, and I know they will continue to deliver the exceptionally high standards of our White Star Service on Queen Anne that our guests expect from us."

Sharing captain duties will be David Hudson who started his career with Cunard in 2006.

Itineraries for Queen Anne will be revealed in May 2022. Further news about Queen Anne's senior leadership team will be revealed over the coming months.

Meet Captain Thorhauge and the rest of the team behind Queen Anne's incredible journey, from design through to sailing - https://youtu.be/GH19JQUIwMU

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.

Other themed press material available:

Queen Anne An Elevated Travel Experience
Designed with Extraordinary Vision
Queen Anne Name Selection with Kate Williams

Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon