Swan Hellenic announces massive Arctic season sale to celebrate early launch of SH Vega

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SH Vega’s maiden cruises will form cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s Arctic season, launched with incredible savings and commission incentives to support our travel partners

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday May 5th, 2022, Swan Hellenic announced that its new 5-star ship SH Vega will launch ahead of schedule in July, departing Helsinki Shipyard immediately to carry the cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s Arctic Summer Season.

Celebrating the elegant ice-class ship’s maiden cruises, Swan Hellenic has launched a special Arctic Summer Season ’22 Sale that makes this remote wilderness more accessible than ever, with savings of up to 70% off brochure fares for guests booking before June 20, 2022.

Solitary adventurers haven't been forgotten either, with the iconic company recognizing their single-minded desire to explore by waiving the customary single supplement. 

At the same time, to support our Travel Partners, Swan Hellenic is offering 20% commission on all new bookings. In addition, for every new booking, travel partners will receive a $250 per guest bonus commission.  

The Arctic Summer Season ‘22 Sale prices are featured on the Swan Hellenic website to heighten interest in this special occasion. And of course the website also provides full information on the elegant new SH Vega, enabling guests to explore her refined comfort and exceptional amenities together with the wide choice of extraordinary Arctic cultural expedition cruises created. 

Starting from just $ 4,688 per person and ranging from 9 to 20 days, these extraordinary savings for SH Vega’s maiden season cruises are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the magic of the Arctic, from the Svalbard Peninsula to Iceland’s landscapes of ice and fire, Greenland’s dramatic majesty, the Northwest Passage and the wilds of Northern Canada. 

“We’re excited to launch this special celebration of our new purpose-built ice-class ship, which makes her extraordinary maiden cruises uniquely accessible and irresistible,” explained Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “We look forward to boosting our sales partners revenues and spirits in a challenging period, attracting new curious-minded adventurers to experience the Swan Hellenic difference.”

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 July 2022, each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A slightly larger PC 6 ice-class vessel, SH Diana, accommodating 192 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 12 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), Sydney (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 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Three Additional Princess Cruises Ships Return to Service

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Crown Princess, Island Princess and Royal Princess Welcome Guests Onboard to Experience Cruise Vacations to Alaska and the Panama Canal

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 4, 2022) – Three additional Princess Cruises ships are returning to service welcoming guests back onboard – Crown Princess, Island Princess and Royal Princess. This milestone marks a total of 12 ships, 80 percent of the fleet, that will have resumed cruising since July 2021, for the world’s leading international cruise line. 

Island Princess departed Ft. Lauderdale on April 27 on a Panama Canal cruise; Royal Princess sailed from Vancouver on May 2 for the popular “Voyage of the Glaciers” Alaska season; and Crown Princess is scheduled to depart Seattle on May 7 for a summer program of Inside Passage Alaska cruises.

“We’re so excited to have three more Princess MedallionClass ships return to service and our shipboard teams are ready to help our guests create a lifetime of vacation memories,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “It’s so gratifying to see tens of thousands of guests each week enjoying their vacations with us and the friendly and attentive service that is a Princess Cruises hallmark.”

Island Princess – Panama Canal – Departed Ft. Lauderdale on April 27

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the cruise line sailing to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, Island Princess departed on a 14-day Ocean-to-Ocean Panama Canal voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles on April 27, and will return on a subsequent voyage from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale on May 11. Princess first sailed to the Panama Canal in 1967 aboard Princess Italia. Island Princess will then depart Ft. Lauderdale for Europe, sailing various British Isles, Northern Europe (including Iceland and the Arctic Circle) and Mediterranean voyages. 

Royal Princess – Alaska – Departed Vancouver on May 2

Sailing on the cruise line’s top-rated “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary, Royal Princess departs on back-to-back northbound and southbound cruises from Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage). Every sailing includes two days of glacier viewing featuring Glacier Bay National Park, plus Hubbard Glacier (southbound) or College Fjord (northbound). Port visits include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. These cruises can also be combined with one of the cruise line’s 20 cruisetour options featuring an unforgettable land tour visiting the magnificent Denali National Park and Princess Wilderness Lodges. 

Crown Princess – Alaska – Scheduled to Sail from Seattle on May 7

Departing on Saturdays from Seattle, Crown Princess is scheduled to depart on 19, seven-day Inside Passage voyages to Alaska through September 10, 2022. She will then move to Los Angeles for a season of California Coast and Hawaii sailings. 

Return to Service Schedule – All 15 Princess Ships

The cruise line’s fleet of 15 ships are currently sailing or are scheduled to return to service by September 2022, to worldwide destinations including Alaska, Australia, the California Coast, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. Cruise ships, return dates, 2022 itineraries in chronological order include:

Majestic Princess Sailing since July 25, 2021

Alaska, California Coast, Mexico

Regal Princess Sailing since July 31, 2021

Caribbean, Europe

Sky Princess Sailing since August 30, 2021

Caribbean, Europe

Grand Princess Sailing since September 25, 2021

California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico

Emerald Princess Sailing since October 15, 2021

Panama Canal, Europe

Ruby Princess Sailing since October 31, 2021

California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal

Enchanted Princess – NEW SHIP Inaugural season began Nov. 10, 2021

Caribbean, Europe

Caribbean Princess Sailing since November 28, 2021

Caribbean, Panama Canal

Discovery Princess – NEW SHIP Inaugural season began March 27, 2022

California Coast, Mexico, Alaska

Island Princess Sailing since April 27, 2022

Panama Canal, Europe

Royal Princess Sailing since May 2, 2022

Alaska

Crown Princess Returning May 7, 2022

Alaska

Coral Princess Returning June 16, 2022

Australia

Diamond Princess Returning September 1, 2022

California Coast, Mexico

Sapphire Princess Returning September 24, 2022

California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico

Princess MedallionClass Vacations

Princess delivers Princess MedallionClass Vacations which begins with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized, 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 Wi-Fi 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.

For the latest Princess COVID-19 health protocols, please visit https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/covid-19-guest-protocols/.

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

My review of Celebrity Apex

Azamara Onward Officially Joins Azamara Fleet Following Monte Carlo Naming Ceremony

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Beth Santos, founder and CEO of global community and lifestyle brand Wanderful. 

MONTE CARLO (May 3, 2022) – Azamara, an upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences, has officially added Azamara Onward to its now four-ship fleet today following a festive naming ceremony in Monte Carlo. The christening ceremony was led by the President of Azamara, Carol Cabezas, and Azamara Onward Godmother, Beth Santos, founder and CEO of global community and lifestyle brand Wanderful. 

“We are thrilled to introduce Azamara Onward and share this special moment with our loyal guests,” said Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara. “This is an exciting new chapter for our company, and we are so thankful for our hardworking team both onboard and offshore, for making this possible. Together, we look forward to bringing Azamara Onward and our love of travel further than ever before, to connect even more guests with the many people and cultures of the world.”

Prior to the ceremony, Azamara Onward ventured from Barcelona to Monte Carlo on an exciting five-day pre-inaugural voyage, stopping in Marseille, France and Porto Venere, Italy along the way. Upon arrival to the port of Marseille, guests had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the destination through a ‘Marseille City Sights’ shore excursion, discovering the immutable charms and rich history of Marseille, one of France’s most colorful ports.  

Upon arrival to Porto Venere, guests were welcomed to a special elevated version of Azamara’s signature AzAmazing Event where they were greeted shoreside by an immersive cultural celebration complete with live Italian opera entertainment alongside delicious local cuisine and a leisurely stroll discovering unique medieval corners along the carrugio, or main street of the romantic town. Guests then set off to explore the Cinque Terre through three specially curated shore excursions, ‘Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre’, ‘Hike through Cinque Terre’ and ‘Best of Cinque Terre,’ exploring the region’s colorful villages, enjoying extraordinary local wines and savory delicacies and venturing up to the famous Chiesa di San Pietro for picture-perfect panoramic views. The voyage concluded in Monte Carlo with a signature White Night Party celebration, an onboard evening soirée where cruisers enjoy a celebratory feast with the Azamara team and crew before dancing late into the night. 

On the embarkation day of Azamara Onward’s maiden voyage, the ship’s traditional christening ceremony was held shipside at the Port of Monte Carlo, attended by Azamara’s loyal partners, with a warm welcome toast by Cruise Director Eric De Gray, musical performance by Chœur d’enfants, and blessings by Rabbi Howard Apothaker and Father John McCrone. Azamara President, Carol Cabezas and Godmother, Beth Santos, each delivered meaningful words to attendees followed by the Godmother’s ceremonial bottle breaking tradition to close out the christening of Azamara Onward and to bring good fortune to the vessel in its future voyages. 

“I am so honored to have been selected as Godmother of Azamara’s newest ship, Onward,” says Beth Santos, CEO of Wanderful. “This is such a symbolic moment not just for Azamara, but for the entire travel industry. Following two years of pause, we look forward to pressing onward with new mindsets, new adventures, and new opportunities to learn how we can be better travelers.”

Following the naming ceremony and traditional christening, the vessel will set sail for an eleven-night maiden voyage throughout the Mediterranean, departing from Monte Carlo and concluding with an overnight stay in Ravenna, Italy.

My review of Celebrity Apex

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE IS FIRST MAJOR CRUISE LINE IN U.S. TO GET  ENTIRE FLEET BACK TO GUEST OPERATIONS

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Carnival Splendor Sets Sail from Seattle As All 23 Fun Ships Are Back

 SEATTLE, May 2, 2022 – With the departure of Carnival Splendor from the Port of Seattle today, Carnival Cruise Line celebrates the restart of its entire fleet of ships and Carnival becomes the first major cruise line in the U.S. to achieve that milestone.

Carnival Splendor is the 23rd and final Carnival ship to welcome guests back on board after Carnival’s resumption of cruising from the U.S. last July.  Guests are set to depart from Seattle, Wash. today on an eight-day Alaska cruise, completing an impressive and successful restart of guest operations and setting the pace for the rest of the U.S. cruise industry. Carnival Splendor’s summer itineraries to Alaska are part of a three-ship deployment, along with Carnival Spirit from Seattle and Carnival Miracle from San Francisco – the largest-ever cruise program Carnival has sailed to Alaska. 

“With Carnival Splendor beginning operations today from Seattle, Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled to have our entire fleet of 23 ships back in service, providing more opportunities for our guests to enjoy our signature fun while traveling to beautiful vacation destinations,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are especially excited to expand our Alaska program this season with three ships bringing more than 100,000 guests – including more than 6,000 this week – from Seattle and San Francisco to awe-inspiring Alaska ports.”

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Captain Francesco La Fauci.JPG

To commemorate the line’s return to service from Seattle with Carnival Splendor, Carnival Cruise Line hosted its “Back to Fun” event at the Port of Seattle to officially welcome the first guests on board. Duffy checked off Carnival Splendor on a tally board listing the 23 Carnival ships, signifying the completion of the Carnival fleet’s restart.  Today’s departure is one of 49 cruises to Alaska. Destinations include Ketchikan; Sitka; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; Victoria, BC; and scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord (stops vary depending on cruise date).

Beginning with Carnival Vista restarting service on July 3, 2021, in Galveston, Carnival has completed its full fleet return in just 10 months. Carnival is operating from 12 U.S. homeports including Miami, Galveston, Port Canaveral, Long Beach, Baltimore, New Orleans, Tampa, Charleston, Jacksonville, Mobile, Seattle and San Francisco, providing guests with a wide range of cruising options. Additional seasonal service from Norfolk, Va., and New York City will start in May and June respectively.

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.

OCEANIA CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2024 VOYAGE COLLECTION 

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Photo credit: Oceania Cruises

Line’s Largest Itinerary Launch to Date with More Than 350 Voyages Voyages Open for Sale May 4, 2022

Miami, FL, April 27, 2022 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, revealed its 2024 Collection of voyages to Europe, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Africa, South America, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The Collection encompasses more than 350 itineraries including over 130 Grand Voyages across seven ships and all seven continents. The itineraries are available to preview online at www.OceaniaCruises.com and open for reservations on May 4, 2022. 

“Next to our reputation for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, Oceania Cruises is widely acclaimed for developing the most enticing and destination-rich itineraries in the cruise industry,” said Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “With our 2024 Collection, we have set a whole new standard for destination innovation with an astounding mix of marquee destinations and exotic new locales blended together in creatively crafted voyage offerings.” 

EUROPE
Europe 2024 will be the brand’s most expansive and diverse European season to date. With six ships positioned around the continent, the destinations are as diverse as Greenland and Iceland in the north and west to the Holy Lands of Egypt and Israel in the south and east and everywhere in between. Every voyage is a celebration of history, culture, and cuisine in myriad mesmerizing destinations. From the glittering jewels of the Greek Isles, Italian Riviera and France’s famed Côte d’Azur to the delightful hidden gems of Norway’s fjord-lined coast and the rugged outposts of Greenland and Iceland, these 2024 European itineraries are a study in diversity. Insignia, Nautica, Marina, and Sirena will spend the majority of the season exploring Europe’s northern reaches and the western wine countries. Riviera and Vista will call the Mediterranean home with a seemingly endless bounty of voyages to Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Israel, Egypt and more. 

NORTH AMERICA

Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica will offer close to three dozen enticing explorations of Alaska, New England, Canada, Bermuda, and the United States’ colonial south. Regatta will reprise her perennially popular Alaska season with a series of voyages that showcases the region in all its glory. Must-see destinations include Icy Strait Point, Kodiak, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell, Prince Rupert and Victoria. On the East Coast, Insignia and Nautica will offer sailings to Bermuda, New England, and Canada’s maritime provinces from New York City, Boston, and Montreal. 

SOUTH AMERICA

From the lush and verdant tropical clime of the Amazon to the rugged, glacially carved coastline of Chile, South America is a vast continent brimming with thrilling explorations and vibrant heritage. Marina will sail the entire continent and will even take a breathtaking diversion down to Paradise Bay, Admiralty Bay, and Half Moon Island in Antarctica.

ASIA & AFRICA

With more than three dozen sailings in the regions, Oceania Cruises showcases these intriguing lands in a fashion that has no peer. Riviera will chart her inaugural season in the region sailing from Arabia to India, to southeast Asia, the Philippines, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Japan. Nautica will explore the Far East while also offering up a delightful array of voyages that showcase South Africa, Mozambique, Mayotte, and the Seychelles, and Regatta will offer a series of voyages that is a literal kaleidoscope of these fabled countries. There are also copious opportunities to explore singular countries or regions with in-depth immersions of Japan, Arabia, and Indochina. 

SOUTH PACIFIC, AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Oceania Cruises is greatly expanding its offerings by having two ships in the region – Regatta and Nautica. Regatta presents an intense focus on New Zealand and Australia, including a 35-day holiday circumnavigation of the continent. There is also a cornucopia of voyages that follows the Southern Cross across the Pacific and up to Polynesia where Nautica offers a series of four 10-day sailings roundtrip from Papeete. 

CARIBBEAN, PANAMA CANAL & MEXICO

Renowned for creative, immersive itineraries, Oceania Cruises presents an uncommonly diverse and creative roster of sailings to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Mexico. Itineraries include off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Bonaire, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Vincent along with the beguiling yacht harbors of Gustavia, Rodney Bay, Tortola, and Port Royal, to name a few. Sailing westward, travelers can immerse themselves in the storied cultures of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. Panama beckons with its world-changing canal, the colonial charm of Colón and the glittering, cosmopolitan modernity of Panama City. 

2024 Collection Highlights

  • New ports of call include Beppu, Japan; Bluff, New Zealand; Castro, Chile; Coron, Philippines; Djupivogur, Iceland; Gatun Lake, Panama; Heimaey, Iceland; Port Royal, Jamaica; Kumamoto, Japan; Limerick, Ireland; São Francisco do Sul, Brazil; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Szczecin, Poland; Taranto, Italy; and 

  • Itinerary lengths range from 7 to 82 days.

  • Hundreds of overnight and extended port stays.

  • Riviera charts her inaugural season of sailings to Arabia, India, Asia, Japan, and the Philippines.

  • Regatta and Nautica offer two dozen sailings to Australia, the South Pacific, and Polynesia. 

  • Marina, Riviera, Sirena, and Vista offer 99 voyage choices throughout the Mediterranean. 

  • Insignia, Nautica, Marina, and Sirena present more than 60 cruise options to the splendors of Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles and Ireland, the Norwegian Fjords and North Cape, and the wine countries and great capitals of Europe.

  • Regatta reprises her perennially popular Alaska cruises in 2024 with a selection of 7- to 23-day itineraries sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, Seward, and Los Angeles.  

  • Insignia and Nautica offer fifteen 7- to 18-day voyages to Bermuda, New England, and Canada with departures from New York City, Boston, and Montreal. 

  • Nautica and Marina offer 15 South America voyages ranging from 10 to 51 days. 

  • Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, and Vista offer an epic selection of more than 50 departures to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, and California wine country. 

THE EVOLUTION OF PERFECTION – A BETTER-THAN-EVER EXPERIENCE

OceaniaNEXT is Oceania Cruises’ continual quest to evolve and elevate the guest experience. It focuses

on the hallmarks that inspire guests to return to Oceania Cruises time and again: Exquisitely Crafted

Cuisine, Curated Travel Experiences and Small Ship Luxury. Reflecting the crisp sophistication of Regatta,

Insignia, Nautica, Sirena and Vista, the sweeping Re-inspiration of Marina and Riviera presents a symphony of  entirely new suites and staterooms as well as elegant public spaces imbued with a new light, airy ambiance. The

signature onboard experience is better than ever too, with the addition of an extensive collection of new

flavors and culinary experiences that transforms dining into a sublime experience and service into an art

form. The gourmet cuisine has been entirely reimagined, from a bounty of new flavorful dishes at

The Grand Dining Room to a Dom Pérignon pairing dinner that is the only one of its kind. Oceania Cruises’ newest

ship Vista offers multiple unique firsts in the realms of dining and guest experience. Across all ships, holistic wellness encounters at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center encourage a lifestyle of health and longevity, while new

destination experiences such as Go Green, Go Local, Beyond Blueprints, Culinary Discovery Tours, Food & Wine Trails tours, and Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar encourage deeper explorations.

THE HEART OF THE EXPERIENCE

One aspect of the Oceania Cruises experience remains constant and unchanged: the trademark warm and personalized service. Whether guests are sailing for the first time or the fifteenth, they will note the ease with which the staff remembers their names and their preferences along with the genuine smiles and enthusiasm that can only come from the heart.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

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.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Windstar Cruises Partners with Miami Arts Organization Fountainhead Arts for Shipboard Murals

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Original artwork to adorn three Star Plus Class yachts, plus new Miami office

MIAMI, FL, April 28, 2022 – Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has partnered with Fountainhead Arts, a Miami based arts organization dedicated to elevating and supporting artists, to commission local artists to paint murals on each of the three Star Plus Class yachts, as well as in Windstar’s new Miami office opening June, 2022. 

Fountainhead will assist Windstar in selecting local artists to board the ships and paint murals over the course of the next 15 months. The murals will adorn the large top deck wall aft of the Star Grill. 

Fountainhead was founded in 2008 by collectors and passionate art appreciators Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, who believe connecting people intimately with artists impacts how we move through this world. Fountainhead’s goal is to empower artists by making connections that lead to growth in their work and careers. 

"These murals, all painted by local artists, will enliven the top decks of our Star Plus Class yachts and be a great conversation piece for our guests, but this project is also about connecting to the Miami arts community in Windstar’s new corporate home," says Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “The entire team is excited to meet the artists in Fountainhead’s artistic ecosystem and see the original artwork come to life on board and in our office.”

While the artists are aboard the ships to install the murals, guests can observe the artists at work and attend a “reveal” event. After the event, artists will host a table for dinner with guests selected by Windstar. Artists will also conduct two evening seminars: one for guests and one for crew, explaining the conception, design, meaning, and installation process.

“In our 13-year history, Fountainhead has become a pioneering force in the arts and culture landscape, developing innovative artist and community engagement programs, and cultivating key relationships with leading art institutions in South Florida and beyond,” says Kathryn Mikesell. “We’re thrilled to bring that relationship to sea by partnering with Windstar – and further connect them to their new home in the Miami community via the arts.” 

As part of the agreement, murals will be replaced once on each of the three yachts, with the first in 2024, another in 2025, and the final yacht in 2026. 

For more information on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

My review of Celebrity Apex

SILVERSEA REVEALS DETAILS OF SILVER NOVA’S REVOLUTIONARY ASYMMETRICAL DESIGN,  INCLUDING NEW OUTDOOR VENUES

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The 11th ship in Silversea’s fleet will offer guests a reimagined pool deck and all-new outdoor venues for an unprecedented openness to the destination.

(Miami -- April 28, 2022) Silversea Cruises today unveiled the latest insight on its fleet’s 11th ship, Silver Nova—scheduled for delivery in 2023. Built with a revolutionary asymmetrical design—a first for the cruise line—the new ship will offer guests all-new outdoor spaces for an unprecedented openness to the destination, with a reimagined, outward-facing pool deck; an al fresco dining area; and a sky bar that offers panoramic views from the ship’s aft.

“Silver Nova represents the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury, with an entirely new design approach that will enhance our guests’ cruise experience,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “With her outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and her all-new outdoor venues,Silver Nova will offer our guests a brand new way to connect and engage with each destination. Moreover, with her groundbreaking environmental credentials, Silver Nova will strengthen our position at the forefront of sustainable cruise travel.”

Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has enabled the creation of a reimagined pool area and unseen outdoor venues on decks 10 and 11. Each spaceplaces emphasis on the destination, with panoramic views that connect guests with the world beyond. The following venues and deck spaces highlightSilver Nova’s all-new outdoor offering:

  • The Pool Deck – Decks 10/11

Silver Nova’s pool decks will be the primary outdoor areas in which guests can relax, refresh and socialize—with ample space for 280 sunbeds on decks 10 and 11. The horseshoe-shaped pool area will occupy a generous space on the starboard side of the ship, affording unobstructed views on the destination from the swimming pool, the adjacent pool bar, and the sunbathing areas. At 130m2 (1,400ft2), the main pool is larger than on the cruise line’s previous ships, reimagined with a new layout, wide entrance steps, and more shallow waters in which guests can sit. Deck 10’s pool bar offers a centralized hub for socializing, day and night. Silver Nova’s uppermost level, deck 11 forms an amphitheater-shaped structure with deck 10. It will offer guests a quieter, more intimate space for relaxing, with expansive views over the destination and out to sea. At its center, overlooking the ship’s port side, extends an all-new infinity edge whirlpool, named The Cliff Whirlpool.

  • The Marquee – Deck 10

Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has also enabled the introduction of two new food and drinks venues on deck 10. The Marquee is the first of the pair, positioned towards the ship’s aft on the port side and enjoying views out to sea. The al fresco dining venue will welcome up to 220 guests, incorporating The Grill and Spaccanapoli—two of Silversea’s existing signature venues, which offer guests the cruise line’s trademark ‘hot rocks’ culinary concept and arguably the best pizza at sea, respectively. Due to its proximity to the swimming pool, The Marquee will welcome guests in a relaxed atmosphere, serving casual fare by day and offering dinner under the stars by night.

  • The Dusk Bar – Deck 10

The second of the two new food and drinks venues, The Dusk Bar is a brand new open-air sky bar that provides an elegant space for up to 70 guests to enjoy a drink, with 270-degree, panoramic views from Silver Nova’s stern. 

Among her eight dining venues, Silver Nova will offer guests a selection of Silversea’s signature restaurants on decks 3 and 4—enlarged and reimagined with enhanced designs. The largest of Silver Nova’s restaurants, La Terrazza will seat 340 guests and will feature a vibrant new color palette on deck 4. Floor-to-ceiling windows will surround the restaurant’s interior space, offering panoramic views to connect diners with the destination, while its outdoor terrace will be larger than ever. A guest favorite, Atlantide will seat 270 guests on deck 3 as the ship’s second-largest restaurant, complete with a new interior design. Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame, will be more spacious than ever on deck 4, with an enlarged capacity for 70 diners and higher ceilings. Taking inspiration from the world’s best sushi restaurants, Kaiseki will maintain its minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic, welcoming up to 40 guests on deck 4. More information on Silver Nova’s extensive culinary offering will be released soon. 

As well as incorporating a new design approach for the industry’s leading cruise line, Silver Nova will push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel withpioneering sustainability credentials. She is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilizes fuel cells, emitting zero harmful emissions while in port—an industry first.

Silver Nova will host up to 728 guests in 13 different suite categories—the largest variety of suites in Silversea’s history. Every suite on board will offer guests the use of a private veranda. Among the most spacious suites at sea, a new collection of prized aft suites will afford stunning 270-degree views on the destination. As well as OtiumTM, the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness program, and S.A.L.T.Ò, its immersive culinary offering, Silver Nova will offer guests Silversea’s trademark level of service and an array of pioneering, new features.

Find out more information on Silver Nova:

https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-nova.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 DawnTM, Silver Shadow®, Silver Whisper®, Silver Spirit®, Silver Muse®, and Silver Moon℠ – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin®, Silver Wind®, Silver Explorer®, and Silver Cloud®, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the 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. 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

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES FIRST TO INCLUDE COVID INSURANCE FOR ALL GUESTS

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Luxe-adventure Cruise Line Expands Atlas Assurance to Provide Travelers Greater Peace of Mind

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., April 27, 2022 – In another industry first, Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the luxe-adventure cruise line will include Covid trip interruption and isolation insurance for all guests on all future voyages. The new Covid insurance coverage for all guests augments Atlas’ expansive list of inclusions, among which are emergency medical evacuation insurance, repatriation insurance, and emergency medical and travel assistance, known as Atlas Assurance. Atlas Assurance provides guests greater peace-of-mind when they are aboard a once-in-a-lifetime, luxe-adventure journey with Atlas Ocean Voyages. For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com

“Covid is an unfortunate fact of life, and our precautions and strict health protocols minimize risk and help assure our guests and crew,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “The health and safety of our guests and crew continues to be our top priority, and Atlas’ new Covid-related, trip interruption-insurance inclusion in Atlas Assurance will provide guests an array of protections should the unforeseeable happen.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure, expedition cruise line designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator, launched in August 2021, and World Traveller, launching October 2022, both feature 98 suites, solo suites with no single supplements, and staterooms, and is the line’s first two small expedition ship, bringing travelers to smaller, authentic and exclusive locales.

World Navigator will cruise England, Holland, France, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and The Arctic in summer 2022; Central and South America in the autumn; and return to Antarctica for her winter 2022-23 season. In winter 2023, World Traveller will sail her inaugural season in Antarctica. Three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, will join the fleet through 2024.
For more information, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Please also follow Atlas Ocean Voyages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises). Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Norwegian Prima Introduces New Spa and Fitness Offerings Including Industry’s First Charcoal Sauna at Sea

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MIAMI (April 27, 2022) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today shared details surrounding its elevated spa and fitness offerings for it's highly-anticipated Norwegian Prima Class vessels - Norwegian Prima and Viva. 

The first two of six ships within this cutting-edge class will feature the cruise industry’s first charcoal sauna at sea as well as a two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. The Cruise Line has also incorporated several guest favorites including thermal experiences and hot-stone loungers.

Award-winning architecture firm Rockwell Group masterfully designed the perfect environment for tranquility and rejuvenation in Norwegian Prima and Viva’s spa and fitness venues.  

 "The debut of our Prima Class has been all about elevating guest experiences across all the touch points that make a perfect holiday at sea, from food and beverage, entertainment, recreational activities and now spa and fitness," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Our latest health and wellness experiences were designed to awaken the senses of our guests like never before pairing world-class design and architecture with one-of-kind offerings that truly allow our guests to unwind and escape."

Awaken the Senses at the All New Mandara Spa 

Industry’s First Charcoal Sauna at Sea

As part of the ongoing only-found-on-NCL’s Prima Class vacation experiences such as the world’s first three-level racetrack at sea and dry drop slides, the Brand will unveil the industry’s first charcoal sauna. 

Derived from Japanese and Korean wellness practices, the charcoal sauna uses a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer to reach temperatures between 86-122 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests can recline into relaxation as the sauna helps boost circulation and metabolism while also removing toxins from the body. The sauna also effectively treats muscle stiffness and tension, including relief from backache, headache, and arthritis, by promoting the deep release of connective tissue and muscles. 

Thermal Experiences

The charcoal sauna is just one of eight thermal spa offerings available at the elevated Mandara Spa. Guests can also indulge in a series of blissful experiences such as a salt and steam room, as well as a gambit of Brand-first spa experiences including an Ice Room, Experiential Showers, a Flotation Salt Pool and Infrared Sauna.

  • The Ice Room: After unwinding in the sauna or steam bath, guests can cool off in the refreshing Ice Room. The cold air helps to increase blood circulation, invigorate the respiratory tract, and strengthen the immune system.

  • The Experiential Showers: Multiple water jets and lighting effects help invigorate the body, lower body temperature, and stimulate blood circulation.

  • Floatation Salt Pool: This treatment allows guests to fully relax all of their muscles while floating in warm water. An experience similar to experiencing zero gravity due to the buoyancy of the saltwater. The Floatation Salt Pool is beneficial for easing mental anxiety and muscle tension.

  • Infrared Sauna: Unlike traditional saunas that use conventional heat to warm the air, infrared saunas utilize infrared lamps to directly warm the body - and at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. This promotes relaxation, better sleep, sore muscle and joint relief, improved blood circulation, and detoxification.

New Services

NCL is also introducing several new services at the spa, including two new beds from the Gharieni Group, the Gharieni Welnamis and the Gharieni Wellmassage5D. The Welnamis bed utilizes Binaural Acoustic & Dynamic Stimulation, a computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapy that trains the brain to relax and benefit from deep relaxation techniques. Meanwhile, the award-winning Wellmassage5d bed provides a whole-body wellness massage experience utilizing eight specially pre-programmed positions and the Brand’s "Signature Treatment" technique.   

Other new service menu items include:

  • Ocean Spa Wave Massage: This unique treatment lets guests relax on a water-filled cushion. The cushion features a therapeutic warm wrap of nutrient-rich sea plants and marine algae releasing stress and tension from the body. The treatment also includes a deep cleansing seaweed mask, aromatherapy essential oils, and scalp and foot massages.

  • Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap: This wrap contains a warming blend of pine and rosemary essential oils to help guests ease the pains of rheumatism, arthritis, muscular spasms, and fatigue.

  • Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap: Excellent for guests seeking to improve the appearance of cellulite and reduce fluid retention. This treatment contains a detoxifying blend of juniper and lemon essential oils, which decongest and stimulate the body.

  • Zero Gravity Wellness Massage: High-tech meets high touch in this next-generation 75-minute wellness treatment. Producing a zero-gravity effect, the body is suspended on an advanced treatment table that maneuvers a series of sophisticated massage techniques to the user. Eight table positions enable effective and precise reach of every muscle group, including intensive work on the back and main muscles, resulting in release of tension and improved body mechanics.

The spa will also feature a relaxation area featuring 22 hot stone loungers. Guests can also arrange to stay in one of the 28 exclusive spa balcony staterooms on board Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, providing travelers with premium access to the elevated Mandara Spa and its suite of thermal spa experiences. 

First-of-its-Kind Design

At the spa, guests can visit either the Vitality or Salt Floatation Pool where they can immerse themselves in the tranquil sounds of the two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. This space also features an impressive marble spiral staircase. Additional design highlights include the relaxation area in the spa, and the Pulse Fitness Center. Both of these spaces are front facing on the ship, allowing guests to enjoy sweeping 270-degree views of the ocean. This is also the first time that NCL’s fitness center will be located at the front of the ship. 

The gym will also include the all-new Performance Recovery room, an interactive, engaging wellness experience utilizing a selection of Hyperice products in workshops, group fitness classes, and services to maximize user benefits.  

Returning Favorites

Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva will also feature enhanced guest-favorite spa and fitness amenities, including the Vitaly Pool, steam sauna, and Finnish sauna. The spa will offer a wide range of services in its 20 treatment rooms, including massage, acupuncture, manicures and pedicures, facials and more. In the Pulse Fitness Center, guests will have free access to the state-of-the-art fitness equipment they have come to expect from NCL. Yoga and spin classes will also be available. 

For rendered images and video content of the all-new Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, please click here. For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.      

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES PARTNERS WITH ELi TECHNOLOGY TO INTRODUCE ELi CODE TO THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

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Two Innovative Companies Demonstrate ELi Code at Seatrade Cruise Global 2022

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Apr. 25, 2022 – New luxury-expedition cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages and innovative ELi Technology are partnering to introduce cutting-edge ELi Code to the cruise industry. ELi Code distills and delivers a brand or establishment’s essence and immediately serves information and key services to customers with a tap on their mobile devices. Atlas Ocean Voyages is the first cruise company to utilize the new ELi Code at the upcoming Seatrade Cruise Global 2022, being held from April 25–27 on Miami Beach, Fla. Learn more about Atlas Ocean Voyages and ELi Technology at www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and www.EliTechnology.us, respectively.

"We saw ELi Code as a new, upcoming technology that can help convey Atlas Ocean Voyages’ essence and information to the luxe-adventure traveler in a more connected and succinct way," said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. "ELi Code’s flexibility and versatility is a powerful function that helps us go beyond the website and dynamically deliver what the consumer wants to see."

With ELi Code, travelers can virtually immerse themselves in Atlas Ocean Voyages’ luxe-adventure experience with a single scan. While QR codes send the user to one linked webpage, ELi Codes connect consumers to a mobile-optimized landing page, an ELi Page, with native content hosted by ELi Technology. The ELi Page lives outside a social media platform and offers an unparalleled curation of multimedia, engaging designs, multiple link options, and information, on one dynamic page.

“ELi Code is the next generation of QR Codes,” said Dave Boos, President and CEO of Cornerstone Consulting, Inc., the creators of ELi Codes. “ELi Codes cater to the preferred interfaces and content styles that is affected by social media platforms, but outside of a social media platform and not dependent on a website. There are a multitude of ELi Code applications from sole-proprietorship brands to emergency services, to consumer-packaged goods.”

The Hyper-Dynamic QR digital solution, ELi Code, takes consumers where companies want them to go. The ELi Codes enable an organization to customize the way they tell their stories and tailor their specific marketing needs, all while having the ability to run promotions, campaigns, and affiliate referral programs. ELi Codes can also deliver coupons and integrate them into existing loyalty programs.
As marketing needs change, the ELi Code can change with it. In minutes, the ELi Code's webpage design, links, buttons, and videos can change. The webpage is customizable in every facet and has a unique interface that makes changing the webpage simple. All design changes made are not only intuitive but do not impact the ELi Code that users scan.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure, expedition cruise line designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator, launched in August 2021, and World Traveller, launching October 2022, both feature 98 suites, solo suites with no single supplements, and staterooms, and are the line’s first two small expedition ships, bringing travelers to smaller, exclusive locales where other ships cannot go. World Navigator will cruise England, Holland, France, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and The Arctic in summer 2022; Central and South America in the autumn; and return to Antarctica for her winter 2022-23 season. In winter 2023, World Traveller will sail her inaugural season in Antarctica. Three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, will join the fleet through 2024.

To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Also, please follow Atlas Ocean Voyages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises). Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon