Windstar Celebrates 35 Years in the Tropical Paradise of Tahiti

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Two Windstar Yachts Will Be Sailing the Warm Waters of French Polynesia

This October Star Breeze (above) will sail on additional itineraries in Tahiti in October and year-round beginning in 2024 

MIAMI, FL, JUNE 21, 2022 – It’s the island paradise so beautiful that French artist Paul Gauguin couldn’t stop painting it. Fletcher Christian didn’t want to leave it and mutinied (on the HMS Bounty) to stay there. Remote, tropical, romantic, and beautiful – it’s one of the world’s most aspirational places to visit: The Islands of Tahiti, otherwise known as French Polynesia.   

The Islands of Tahiti are best accessed via small ship – allowing effortless travel amongst some of French Polynesia’s most storied and iconic 121 islands and atolls. Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises simply knows it best, having sailed the longest of any operator in the region and celebrating 35 years of Tahitian sailings in 2022. It’s also the only destination where the U.S.-based cruise line sails year-round, giving guests ample opportunity to plan a once-in-a-lifetime visit in any season. 

This October, there’s double the chance. The 148-guest Wind Spirit, complete with sails built for the breezes of the South Pacific, is sailing around the Islands of Tahiti now, but in October, Windstar will move the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze to the region, increasing capacity with two yacht options to choose from. All-suite Star Breeze features newly transformed guest suites,  two new restaurants, a new World Spa, an infinity pool, and more. Although without sails, Star Breeze is ideal for accessing the shallow lagoons that helped make the destination famous. Both Wind Spirit and Star Breeze feature Windstar’s signature sports platform, opening up right off the back deck into crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding .  In February 2024, Star Breeze will move to Tahiti year-round in place of Wind Spirit.

With two ships sailing the region in October, Windstar Cruises has opted to truly celebrate its 35th season all month long offering special events, integration with local dignitaries and artists, and a heightened infusion of local culture both on board and ashore. 

“The entire month is a celebration of Tahiti,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “We are now planning special events with local artists and dignitaries, as well as an ongoing celebration of local culture. Our designated President’s Cruise on the October 9th sailing will also bring aboard some high-ranking leaders of Tahiti along with executives from Windstar. We want it to be a way to thank our local partners, vendors, and everyone in local tourism that makes this destination so special, as well as renew our relationships and commitments for sailing in the future.” 

The 7-day Dreams of Tahiti President’s Cruise will take place on Star Breeze October 9 and will include events with Tahitian government officials/tourism partners,  local entertainment, Windstar’s signature event motu celebration in Bora Bora, and other special programming. 

“For 35 years, Windstar has participated in the development of cruising and the economy in our islands, thanks to their first three sailing cruise ships, pioneers of sustainable tourism,” said French Polynesia's president Edouard Fritch. “Like our seafaring ancestors who connected the islands of this vast ocean, Windstar connected our peoples and our cultures. We are delighted to be able to celebrate our long relationship together. I would also like to thank Mr. Prelog and his teams for the trust they place in our destination by positioning Star Breeze in 2024 in French Polynesia. This ship will make it possible to share the Polynesian experience with a greater number of guests, to visit more remote islands of our archipelagos, and to contribute to the prosperity of our families in their islands. More than paradisiacal landscapes to discover, the Islands of Tahiti offers you unique experiences and unforgettable encounters.”

As part of the celebration, Windstar is offering an all-in package that includes Air + Hotel. Cruise fares start at $5,099 per person and include the cruise hotel package, and roundtrip airfare from LAX. If booked before August 31, 2022, it also includes unlimited Wi-Fi, beer, wine, cocktails, and gratuities. More details at https://www.windstarcruises.com/tahiti-air-included/ 


My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

THE FUN IS BACK! CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE RETURNS TO NEW YORK CITY 

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Click image to watch video

Carnival Magic’s Arrival Marks Line’s Restart in All 14 U.S. Homeports

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 – With Carnival Magic’s arrival to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal today, Carnival Cruise Line marks its return to guest operations from the city in more than two years and celebrates its restart in all 14 of its U.S. homeports. 

To commemorate the special day, Carnival Magic team members welcomed guests on board with a “Back to Fun” event that included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and lots of fanfare. 

“With our return to New York today, we now have restarted guest operations in all of 14 of our U.S. homeports,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “New York has been a wonderful partner for more than two decades, and we are delighted to provide versatile vacation options from this popular market again.”

Carnival Magic boasts the stunning new red, white and blue hull design running the entire length of the 1,004-foot-long ship, which has become a trademark feature of the Carnival fleet paying homage to maritime tradition and patriotic colors. The ship introduced many of Carnival’s signature elements now enjoyed across the fleet, including the Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub, the Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant and SkyCourse, a suspended ropes course with breathtaking views to the sea 150 feet below.

Following an initial four-day Bermuda cruise, Carnival Magic will depart from New York on 15 sailings with various itineraries this summer and fall, such as:

  • Six eight-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean sailings including four cruises to Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, as well as two cruises to Grand Turk, San Juan and St. Thomas;

  • Six Bermuda sailings including two four-day cruises, two five-day cruises, one six-day cruise, and one seven-day cruise;

  • One nine-day Carnival Journeys Eastern Caribbean cruise visiting Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas; and

  • Two seven-day Canada cruises.

Carnival first began sailing from New York in 1998 and has offered sailings from New York regularly with a variety of its ships.

Carnival became the first major cruise line to return its full 23-ship fleet to guest operations on May 2 with Carnival Splendor’s sailing from Seattle, an impressive and successful restart of guest operations that set the pace for the rest of the U.S. cruise industry. Carnival will restart its operations in Australia when Carnival Splendor repositions to Sydney in October and Carnival Luminosa begins service from Brisbane in November. Carnival will also welcome its second Excel-class ship to the fleet, Carnival Celebration, in November.

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.

With New Tom Hanks Movie “Elvis” Set to Premiere, Tauck Adds Private, After-Hours Visits to Presley’s Graceland Mansion

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Visits to Memphis Estate Expected to Surge with New Film and 40th Anniversary of Public Tours This Month

WILTON, CT (June 14, 2022) With the new Tom Hanks film “Elvis” hitting movie screens in the coming days, and with the late singer’s Graceland home also celebrating its 40th anniversary hosting public tours this month, Tauck has announced that guests on its “Life on the Mississippi” river cruise will enjoy a private after-hours tour of the Memphis mansion and grounds.

Designated a National Historic Landmark and included on the National Register of Historic Places, Graceland is one of the most famous homes in the United States. The estate welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year, including more than 4,000 on peak days, and it is second only to The White House as the most visited home in the country. Since opening for tours in June, 1982, Graceland has hosted more than 20 million visitors from every state in the U.S. and nearly every country of the world.  The new film “Elvis,” directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Tom Hanks as Presley’s controversial manager Colonel Tom Parker, received a 12-minute standing ovation after its world premiere last month at the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival. The film debuts on June 24.

“Whether you enjoy his music or not, there’s no arguing that Elvis Presley remains an enduring cultural phenomenon and Graceland, his iconic Memphis home, is still an object of popular fascination,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “And with Tom Hanks’ new movie opening in theaters in the coming days – and coinciding with the home’s 40th anniversary celebration – Graceland promises to be more popular than ever. We’re thrilled to provide our guests with an exclusive, after-hours tour at Graceland, after the throngs of other visitors have departed for the day.”

PRIVATE VISITS TO GRACELAND, THE SISTINE CHAPEL THE LOUVRE AND MORE

Tauck guests will enjoy an uncrowded, hour-long tour of the Presley mansion and grounds, and the Graceland visit is just the latest example of the kinds of exclusive experiences Tauck offers around the world. On Tauck’s Italy tours, for example, guests enjoy exclusive, after-hours tours of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Other popular attractions where Tauck guests avoid the crowds and enjoy after-hours access include the Louvre in Paris, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the home and studio of Impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny, France, and the Queen Emma Summer Palace on Oahu, Hawaii, where Tauck guests enjoy an exclusive tour, cocktail reception and dinner. And along with the after-hours tour at Graceland, guests traveling on Tauck’s “Life on the Mississippi” trip will also enjoy a private, exclusive performance at New Orleans’ fabled Preservation Hall.

The 11-day “Life on the Mississippi” itinerary begins with a two-night stay at the Four Seasons in New Orleans, where guests will attend a private cooking demonstration and have lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking, enjoy walking tours of the French Quarter and Garden District, and visit the National World War II Museum. After boarding the American Duchess paddle wheeler, guests will embark on a seven-night Mississippi River cruise highlighted by visits to Nottoway Plantation and St. Francisville in Louisiana, along with excursions in Natchez, Vicksburg and Greenville, Mississippi, before disembarking in Memphis. There guests will explore the city’s musical history, visit the National Civil Rights Museum and enjoy their after-hours Graceland tour before overnighting at the Guest House at Graceland. Select departures travel in the opposite direction, beginning in Memphis and concluding in New Orleans, and 2023 prices begin at $8,590 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare.

Those interested in more information can contact their local travel professional, call Tauck at 800 468 2825, or visit the company’s website at www.tauck.com (www.tauck.ca in Canada, www.tauck.co.uk in the UK, www.tauck.com.au in Australia/New Zealand).

About Tauck: Founded in 1925, Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 land tours, safaris, river cruises and small ship ocean cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents. In each of the last 24 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury tours, cruises, hotels and more.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE MARKS NEXT STEP IN CARNIVAL CELEBRATION’S COMPLETION WITH COIN CEREMONY

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Marking another milestone toward the completion of Carnival Celebration, the second of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered ships, a coin ceremony was held today at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The coin ceremony is a centuries-old custom in shipbuilding, symbolizing good fortune for the ship and its crew.

Carnival Celebration’s Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Chief Engineer Fabien Gervaise, Hotel Director PierreCamilleri and members of Carnival’s New Build team joined representatives from Meyer Turku to help weld a special box containing coins, which had been temporarily placed under the ship’s keel at the start of construction, to a permanent position near the mast of the ship.

Carnival Celebration will begin service in early November with a 14-day transatlantic voyage from London (Southampton) to its homeport of PortMiami. Her arrival will continue the celebration of Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday. The ship will debut along with Carnival’s redesigned Terminal F at PortMiami, which will be among the first terminals to be shore-power ready in 2023.

Carnival Celebration is the sister ship to Mardi Gras, which entered service last year as the first ship in North America to run on an LNG propulsion system. Carnival Corp. pioneered the introduction of LNG fuel in the passenger cruise sector as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction.

Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras and Carnival Jubilee, which is also under construction and set to enter service next year, are part of the cruise line’s new Excel-class. Each Excel ship features six fun-filled zonesand includes the award-winning BOLT roller coaster, a three-deck atrium and newly designed suites and staterooms.

Princess Cruises Unveils More Big Savings on Summer Vacations

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It’s Not Too Late for a Summer Getaway—Guests Can Save Up to 40 Percent 

Limited Time Offer Includes Voyages along the California Coast, Mexico, Alaska, Europe and More

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 15, 2022) – As consumers continue to search for ways to soften the blow of soaring costs, Princess Cruises today launched a limited time offer that will help preserve summer vacations and fall getaways, by offering guests savings of up to 40 percent off cruise fares to sought-after destinations including the California Coast, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Canada/New England, the Caribbean and Panama Canal.

“These additional savings, along with the CDC’s recent decision to remove the testing requirement for re-entry into the U.S., will hopefully create just the incentive guests have been looking for to get out and explore the world again,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

Now through August 31, 2022, cruisers can save up to 40 percent on 2022 itineraries and up to 25 percent on 2023 voyages. Sample cruise fares per person, based on double occupancy include:

  • 7-Day Classic California Coast on Ruby Princess (October 1, 2022), starting at $499

  • 7-Day Mexican Riviera on Royal Princess (November 13, 2022), starting at $699

  • 7-Day Canada & New England on Enchanted Princess (October 22, 2022), starting at $799

  • 7-Day Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers on Grand Princess (May 6, 2023), starting at $499

  • 7-Day Mediterranean with France & Italy on Enchanted Princess (April 15, 2023), starting at $849

  • 7-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico on Ruby Princess (January 8, 2023), starting at $499

Additional information about this limited time offer can be found at www.princess.com.

All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. The sale runs through 11:59 p.m. PT on August 31, 2022, and is available to residents 21 years of age and older of the United States & D.C., Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Bermuda. 

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

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES THAT COSTA LUMINOSA WILL TRANSFER TO THE CARNIVAL FLEET AND START SERVICE IN NOVEMBER 2022

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Ship to be Renamed Carnival Luminosa, Sailing Seasonally from Brisbane, Australia and Then Moving to Seattle for Alaska Itineraries From May-September 

MIAMI, June 14, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line announced today that Costa Luminosa will join the Carnival fleet in September and will start guest operations as Carnival Luminosa™ in November 2022 from Brisbane, Australia. The acquisition of Luminosa is an update to the previously announced plans for Carnival to take Costa Magica, which will now remain at Costa Cruises.

            After this delivery, Carnival Luminosa will operate seasonally from October through April from Brisbane, then reposition to Seattle, where it will sail Alaska itineraries from May through September, before returning to Brisbane.

            Luminosa is a sister ship to the four other popular Spirit class ships that already sail for Carnival.  Entering service in 2009, the ship accommodates up to 2,826 guests and 1,050 crew at 92,720 gross tons.  

            “With our full fleet back to guest operations and the pent-up demand for Carnival we are seeing every week aboard our ships, the chance to expand with Luminosa and then the arrival of Carnival Celebration in November provides our guests with more choices and new ways to enjoy a Carnival vacation,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our Spirit class ships are very popular with our guests and Luminosa will be a great addition given the large number of balcony cabins which make her an ideal ship for this deployment.  And equally important, this will allow Carnival to finally start our highly anticipated itineraries from Brisbane, so we’ll have two ships operating in Australia for the high season Down Under.”

            Given the short timeline to get Carnival Luminosa ready for service, the ship will go through some modest updates to change over from Costa to Carnival over the next few months ahead of the November service start-up. The ship will not initially have all of the Funship 2.0 branded spaces that are seen across the Carnival fleet. The entire vessel will be staffed by the Carnival Cruise Line crew, renowned for their outstanding hospitality and fun. Cruises out of Brisbane will be announced shortly, and Carnival will sail a variety of itineraries that will initially include visits to Australian favorites such as the Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach, and, as destinations open over time, ports of call such as Noumea and Lifou Isle in New Caledonia, Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.  

Duffy said, “The opportunity to deliver these bucket list itineraries will be exciting for our guests and we are thrilled to see the growing number of guests from the U.S. sailing on Carnival in Australia.”

In addition to Carnival Luminosa out of Brisbane, Carnival Splendor will arrive in Sydney to resume sailing year-round on October 2, 2022.  With the arrival of Carnival Celebration this November, Carnival’s fleet will number 24 ships, and its lower berth capacity will be seven percent higher than at the end of November 2019.

Related to this announcement, the cruise programs for Costa Luminosa from September forward will be cancelled and Costa will be informing guests with a specific re-protection plan.  Costa Magica will continue to be a part of the Costa fleet and its cruise programs will be announced shortly. 

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.

GUESTS TO “SAVOR THE WORLD” WITH IMMERSIVE CULINARY EXPERIENCES ON UPCOMING FLAGSHIP MSC WORLD EUROPA

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  • MSC Cruises’ first LNG-powered ship will offer a plethora of innovative culinary and mixology concepts, global partnerships, and signature experiences for families and foodies alike

  • MSC World Europa will officially welcome guests in December 2022 and will spend her inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf region

Geneva, Switzerland – June 14, 2022 – MSC World Europa’s first guests will embark on a gastronomic journey when they set sail in December 2022. The ground-breaking ship will be home to more than 30 international and immersive food and beverage concepts, each driven by creative expression and seasonality.

MSC Cruises is renowned for offering an incredible choice of restaurants and bars featuring globally inspired menus. On the heels of specialty dining concepts that have become popular enough to be rolled out across the fleet, the cruise line continues to push the boundaries of ship-board dining to deliver new experiences that complement every moment of the cruise – which rises to a new level on MSC World Europa.

Jacques Van Staden, Vice President of Food & Beverage, MSC Cruises, said: “The food and beverage experience on board MSC World Europa – much like the ship itself – has been designed with the future in mind. From sustainable sourcing and fresh farm-to-ocean ingredients, we have pulled out all the stops to offer a varied and unabridged dining offering for the next generation cruiser. Each new concept aims to go beyond what traditional venues achieved in the past and focus on crafted, artisanal, and immersive experiences that will revolutionize the place dining holds in the overall cruise experience. We are eager for guests to discover what we have in store and savor the world while traveling with us.”

MSC World Europa features 20 bars and lounges, and 13 next-level dining venues, for a distinct gastronomic journey of discovery that offers guests everything from grab-and-go to fine dining, elevating the onboard experience with a variety of innovations and exciting new collaborations.

BARS & LOUNGES: FROM MORNING COFFEE TO LATE-NIGHT COCKTAILS

The future of cruising involves going beyond previous guest expectations by building sophisticated and immersive venues. MSC World Europa is brimming with seven new concepts to delight the senses. Chief among these, guests will find:

  • NEW! Coffee Emporium: This sleek and modern spot is a coffee connoisseur’s dream. Choose from some of the world’s best coffee beans, including a signature blend roasted on board and Rainforest Alliance certified Lavazza ¡Tierra! for Planet. Then select your favorite brewing and serving style with options including French, Italian, Turkish and Moroccan, served with corresponding international sweet treats. Lavazza, one of the world’s leading coffee roasters, will develop a special MSC signature roast, which can also be taken home. All of these special coffees can be enjoyed in the buzzy café or on the outdoor patio from morning through cocktail hour, when a delicious espresso martini is sure to be in high demand.

  • NEW! Raj Polo Tea House: Take a step back in time to turn-of-the-century India, where Indian and English tea traditions converge in a relaxing tropical setting. Guests will discover time-honored English Breakfast and High Tea alongside trendier beverage options like cold-brewed and iced tea selections, tea infused cocktails, and tea digestives with tasty accoutrements.

  • Masters of the Sea: MSC Cruises’ signature British pub reaches new heights, both literally and figuratively. The new design features two levels for enjoying live music and drinks. The space includes a NEW! full-scale micro-brewery making an MSC Signature beers on board, thanks to a new collaboration with an award-winning master brewer with details to be revealed soon.

  • NEW! The Gin Project: Gin aficionados won’t be able to pass up over 70 craft gins, with classic cocktails expertly prepared by gin-tenders. Guests will be able to test their hand at shaking their own botanical cocktails with a vintage Crawley’s shaker.

  • NEW! Elixir - Mixology Bar: The “It Bar” for cool and edgy cocktails, with expert mixologists creating handcrafted concoctions featuring delicious Fever Tree mixers. This space also offers an outdoor terrace to enjoy pre- and post-meal beverages while watching the waves go by under the stars, as well as a dedicated Liquor Corner for tasting your favorite spirits.

  • Fizz - Champagne Bar: The bubbly experience is elevated from previous ships with a dedicated venue. This sumptuous lounge offers an elegant atmosphere to enjoy decadent Champagne and sparkling wine, a selection of caviar, chilled seafood and more.

Other new hotspots include a healthy green Zest - Juice Bar, the Malt Lounge for fine cigars with an incredible choice of whisky or cognac, Sweet Temptations – the ultimate gelato and frozen yogurt bar – where kids can build their own frozen yogurt and magnum ice cream bars, and many more to be discovered on board.

FRESH AND DELECTABLE DINING FOR EVERY PALATE

The dining selection on board MSC World Europa offers its own mesmerizing new concepts to enjoy, as well as popular favorites that guests will want to come back to again and again. With countless styles of cuisine and fresher-than-fresh ingredient sourcing, the options are seemingly endless.

  • NEW! Chef’s Garden Kitchen: An oasis for foodies that focuses on flavorful, seasonal farm-to-ocean cooking with hydroponic microgreens grown and harvested on board. The microgreens and lush greenery serve as the ultimate backdrop, set against an open chef’s table kitchen complete with al fresco dining options.

  • NEW! La Pescaderia: Fresh seafood in a market-style setting – complete with a fresh fish display where guests can choose from whole fish to be prepared or from a selection of to-go options. The restaurant prepares traditional seafood complemented by a variety of Mediterranean appetizers and features outdoor patio seating.

  • NEW! Luna Park Pizza & Burger: A casual buffet featuring bright ambiance and inventive design elements for all ages. The interactive experience includes family games and a fun menu with classic American fare like “Coney dogs,” salted pretzels and funnel cake.

Perennial specialty restaurant favorites will also be found on board, including the Butcher’s Cut American-style steakhouse, the fun and flavorful Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, and the Latin American street food-inspired inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

Main dining options are available in the Bubbles, La Foglia, Esagono, and Hexagon Restaurants, along with Il Mercato Buffet and La Brasserie Buffet. Aurea guests will also enjoy exclusive access to the Les Dunes Restaurant.

MSC World Europa is under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France and will welcome her first guests in December 2022. She will spend her inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf region, providing the ultimate winter sun experience with 7-night cruises from Dubai. The ship will sail to the nearby modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi; Sir Bani Yas Island; Dammam in Saudi Arabia; the breath-taking Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site; Doha, Qatar; and then return to Dubai with an overnight in the city to discover all the marvels it has to offer.

Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea. For summer 2023, she will offer 7-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina; Valletta in Malta; Barcelona in Spain; and Marseille in France.

For more information about MSC World Europa, please click here.

New Princess Cruises Sweepstakes Offers a Chance to Win All-Electric Branded 2022 Porsche Taycan

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Uniquely Princess High-Performance Sports Car Emblazoned with Cruise Line’s Iconic SeaWitch Logo

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 13, 2022) – Through a unique sweepstakes, Porsche and Princess fans can win a one-of-one, customized, all-electric Porsche Taycan, part of the cruise line’s recently announced partnership with the Porsche Club of America. The customized high-performance vehicle is emblazoned with the cruise line’s iconic seawitch, in a fashion similar to the design that adorns the bow of every Princess ship. 

The sweepstakes takes place June 13 through November 30, 2022 and is available to residents of North America*. Entering the sweepstakes is easy -- guests can sail on a Princess MedallionClass cruise, purchase a Princess add-on package, make a MedallionPay shoreside purchase or simply get OceanReady for their upcoming voyage, among more ways.

“Like a Princess MedallionClass cruise, a Porsche Taycan is a technological masterpiece that delivers a unique and truly emotional experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “There’s no better way to build on the excitement of our new partnership with the Porsche Club of America than by putting a Princess and Porsche enthusiast into the driver’s seat of a sensational new luxury sportscar to create a priceless experience.”

Impressive features of the 2022 all-electric Porsche Taycan in Gentian Blue Metallic, include: 

  • BOSE® surround sound system

  • 20” Taycan Turbo Aero Wheels

  • Wheel center caps with colored Porsche crest

  • “Electric” logo on front doors

  • Interior in black/limestone beige

  • Ambient lighting

  • Lane Change Assist (LCA)

  • Silver window trim

  • Three years of 30-minute DC charging sessions with Electrify America

Fans can enter this exciting sweepstakes through a variety of methods with each method counting as one entry. These include:

  • Sailing with Princess between June and November 2022 (1 entry)

  • Getting OceanReady between June and November 2022 for any future voyage (1 entry)

  • Buying a MedallionClass accessory pre-cruise between June and November 2022 (1 entry)

  • Making a MedallionPay Shoreside purchase between June and November 2022 (1 entry per port use)

  • Purchasing Princess Premier add-on or upgrading from Princess Plus to Princess Premier between June and November 2022 (1 entry) - does not require sailing in the same time period

  • Registering to win at www.princess.com/taycansweepstakes (1 entry)

  • Registering at any Porsche Club of America Event between June and November

Complete rules can be found on www.princess.com/taycansweepstakes. The winner will be selected in a random drawing December 15, 2022. 

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/.

*-excludes residents of Quebec, Canada.

My review of Celebrity Apex

Cruising in Europe, Alaskan Cruises from Canada on Princess Cruises Now Easier with Removal of U.S. Reentry Testing Requirement for Air Travel

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 10, 2022) - Princess Cruises applauds the CDC’s decision to lift the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering the U.S. beginning this Sunday. 

“This is a tremendous development that allows our guests to travel more easily and without stress throughout Europe as well as experience our Alaskan cruises that conclude in a Canadian port,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. 

Princess Cruises has great options currently available for vacations in Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada and Australia at incredible values. 

Princess is in the process of notifying guests of this new development and updating communications. 

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

SILVERSEA CRUISES® COMPLETES ITS FULL RETURN TO SERVICE WITH ALL 10 SHIPS NOW IN OPERATION

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(Monaco – June 9, 2022) Silversea’s entire 10-ship fleet has now re-entered service. Since Silver Moon℠ first set sail on June 18, 2021, Silversea has led the global restart of ultra-luxury cruising, successfully welcoming guests around the world. As well as hosting the only ultra-luxury world cruise in 2022, converting Silver Wind® into an ice-class vessel, and launching new culinary and wellness programmes since pausing operations in March 2020, the industry’s leading cruise line has continued on its trajectory of growth, taking delivery of three new ships.

"I am incredibly proud to see all of our ships now welcoming guests around the world—with 10 ships in operation for the first time in our cruise line’s history—after what’s been a challenging period for the global travel industry," said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's President and CEO. "After leading the global return of ultra-luxury cruising, we have come back stronger than before with the support of Royal Caribbean Group, with a more all-inclusive door-to-door service, three news ships, and various product enhancements. It is especially gratifying to have our beloved Silver Wind embark on her first voyages as an ice-class expedition vessel, complete with Zodiacs and kayaks—offering our guests unforgettable encounters with nature and wildlife, and, in due course, expanding our industry-leading polar offering."

LEADING THE GLOBAL RESTART OF ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISING

Becoming the first ultra-luxury ships to set sail after the pandemic, Silversea's new ships Silver Moon and Silver Origin® departed on their maiden voyages on June 18 and June 19, 2021—in Greece and the Galápagos, respectively. The following month, Silver Muse® became the first ultra-luxury ship to sail in Alaska, while Silver Shadow℠welcomed guests in Iceland. Silver Spirit® headed to Northern Europe in September, while expedition ships Silver Explorer® and Silver Cloud® became the first ultra-luxury ships to return to Antarctica in November, and Silver Whisper® welcomed travellers in the Caribbean from the same month. The cruise line’s newest ship, Silver Dawn℠, embarked on her inaugural season in the Mediterranean in April 2022.

SILVER WIND: ICE-CLASSED AND ENHANCED

A refurbishment, which finished in November 2021, saw the conversion of Silver Windinto an ice-class expedition ship, complete with an ice-strengthened hull for cruising in polar waters. It was the second phase of a major renovation started in December 2018 to refresh the ship's interior spaces with new furniture, carpets and wall treatments, as well as new walk-in showers to complement the bathtubs in select suites. As well as 24 Zodiacs and 14 kayaks, guests travelling aboard Silver Wind now benefit from the knowledge of up to 28 expedition experts, plus a dedicated mudroom, a photo studio with state-of-the-art equipment, and a heated swimming pool. Also among the latest enhancements are a new advanced wastewater treatment plant, new food waste treatment facilities, and new fuel-saving boilers.

After departing from Athens on May 28, the 274-guest Silver Wind is now devoting 14 days to sailing the storied waters of the Mediterranean before arriving in Lisbon on June 11. She will subsequently undertake a collection of voyages to Northern Europe and the British Isles, before reaching Reykjavík to begin a summer of Arctic explorations that will include a crossing of the famed Northwest Passage in August. In October, Silver Wind will trace a path along the Pacific Coast of the United States, Central America, and South America, leading to the frozen wonderland of Antarctica for her inaugural season in the White Continent.

Silversea’s media kit:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2c4froggqxxhj4x/AAA48tNSzZOaThQ0ekY1haqEa?dl=0

Learn more about Silversea’s upcoming voyages:
https://www.silversea.com/find-a-cruise.html

View all upcoming expedition voyages aboard Silver Wind:

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

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon