Virgin Voyages Standardizes on Aruba ESP to Deliver Exceptional Sailor Experiences

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From Spa Appointments to Shake for Champagne™, Award-Winning Cruise Line Offers Luxurious Onboard Amenities via Aruba Wi-Fi Network

SAN JOSE, Calif. – August 2, 2022 – Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company (NYSE: HPE), today announced that Virgin Voyages is deploying an end-to-end Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform) network to deliver world-class, premium experiences aboard all four of their inaugural fleet of “lady ships.” Working with DeCurtis Corporation, Virgin Voyages set out to create an extraordinary, technology-enabled cruise experience. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Virgin Voyages is a joint venture between the Virgin Group and Bain Capital.

Virgin Voyages currently have two award-winning ships deployed, and two more in development, all with a capacity of nearly 4,000 passengers and crew members on each ship. Scarlet Lady was named Cruise Critic’s “Best New Cruise Ship for 2021,” and both Scarlet and Valiant Lady received top spots on Condé Nast Traveler’s Cruising Hot List for 2022. As an exclusively adult cruise experience, Virgin Voyages offers a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveler with 20+ unique dining options, immersive entertainment and wellness-forward programming.

“From the time a Sailor books their trip or uses mobile ticketing, all on-board experiences up through departure at the end of their journey, is enhanced by technology,” said Frank Farro, vice president of Technology at Virgin Voyages. “A favorite luxury indulgence for Sailors is our unique “Shake for Champagne™” feature. By simply shaking their phone with the Virgin Voyages app open, and pressing a button, crew is alerted to deliver chilled champagne to the Sailor wherever they are on the ship. The same capability is extended to other services such as Ship Eats, to guarantee high-touch service to each Sailor’s dining, snacking and eating experience.”

A primary goal for Virgin Voyages is to deliver a premier Sailor experience by providing real-time services and always-on connectivity for crew members to facilitate fast, reliable service. For example, if a crew member sees a maintenance issue, they can open a repair ticket on their issued device, and it immediately goes to the right person to address the issue. The technology behind these capabilities is ubiquitous for crew members and transparent to Sailors, creating a seamless five-star experience wherever they are on the ship.

Another important goal for Virgin Voyages is to provide location-based quality of service via location-based data. One powerful example of this is by dramatically reducing the time Sailors stand in line. Virgin Voyages created a virtual queuing system so that Sailors don’t have to congregate in long lines. Instead, the Virgin Voyages app alerts them when it’s their turn to board the ship, sit for dinner, enter the spa, or disembark in their Port of Call, Virgin Voyages’ focus on a frictionless experience allows Sailors to relax and enjoy the amenities, rather than waiting in lines or dealing with service-related issues.

To achieve frictionless, location-based services that enable world-class Sailor services, Virgin Voyages looked to trusted technology partner DeCurtis Corporation. With a vast range of experience working with some of the world’s best, most-recognized hospitality brands, DeCurtis and Virgin Voyages were looking to transform existing Sailor experiences to make them better, faster and more impactful through creative application of the latest technology.

In cooperation with DeCurtis and Aruba, Virgin Voyages selected and deployed a flexible, resilient Aruba ESP network including Aruba Wi-Fi 6 access points with built-in location services, as well as access switches. Additionally, Virgin Voyages uses ClearPass for network access control (NAC) and policy management, and AirWave for network management.

“It was the Aruba team that stepped up to work with our Virgin Voyages team as well as our partners DeCurtis and Axians to solidify and enhance a comprehensive network for our ships,” explained Farro. “The Aruba team in the yard, on the ship, and the team behind helping those two teams, have all been responsive and engaged.”

Virgin Voyages has seen multiple benefits of their new Aruba network, including reliability, seamlessness, and scalability. “The network is built to accommodate around 15,000 devices,” said Farro. “This includes crew devices, PCs, laptops and tablets, in addition to tablets and TVs in each cabin, as well as in the crew rooms. Add on top of that the myriad of devices each Sailor brings onboard. The seamless experience is best illustrated in our ability to duplicate ‘smart home’ features in each cabin, which are controlled by the app on the cabin tablets. When a Sailor walks in and their cabin is in nighttime mode, the lights automatically come on and the curtains close. It’s just an incredible experience.”

Looking to the future, Virgin Voyages will continue delivering transparent but ubiquitous high-touch Sailor services and expand features such as wayfinding. Their focus will remain on making sure that Sailors’ devices seamlessly connect to the internal Wi-Fi network, so they don’t even have to think about connectivity from boarding to departure and everything in between.

About Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company
Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, is the global leader in secure, intelligent edge-to-cloud networking solutions that use AI to automate the network, while harnessing data to drive powerful business outcomes. With Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform) and as-a-service options, Aruba takes a cloud-native approach to helping customers meet their connectivity, security, and financial requirements across campus, branch, data center, and remote worker environments, covering all aspects of wired, wireless LAN, and wide area networking (WAN).

To learn more, visit Aruba at www.arubanetworks.com. For real-time news updates, follow Aruba on Twitter and Facebook, and for the latest technical discussions on mobility and Aruba products, visit the Airheads Community at community.arubanetworks.com.

My review of Celebrity Apex

Swan Hellenic unveils 2023 season of cultural expedition cruises across 7 continents, with all three new ships in its purpose-designed fleet exploring worldwide

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As the iconic company’s second ship, SH Vega, sails on its inaugural arctic cruise, the cultural expedition cruise pioneer reveals it’s set to return to its roots with SH Diana, its third and largest vessel, exploring sites of antiquity across the Mediterranean from 2023

Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Monday the 25th of July 2022, Swan Hellenic released full details of its 2022-2023 cultural expedition cruises, offering an extraordinary choice worldwide as its fleet grows to two and then three purpose-built, ultramodern ice-class expedition cruise ships. Exploring across seven continents, the adventurous and curious-minded can now access unique experiences previously out of reach. What’s more, Swan Hellenic is celebrating the arrival of its full fleet on the waves with Early Swan Savings of 30% off its brochure prices for all bookings made between now and the end of September 2022.*

As the 2023 season unfolds, SH Minerva will be centred on the Pacific, SH Vega on the Atlantic and West Africa, and SH Diana on the Mediterranean, Red Sea and East Africa. Swan Hellenic has provided an interactive world map to portray and assist exploration of this unique world coverage.

SH Vega, the twin sister ship of SH Minerva, which recently sailed from Tromsø, Norway, for a season of maiden cruises exploring the magic of the Arctic, will be making her way in a full circle around the Atlantic, coasting the Americas to cruise Antarctica from November until March 2023, when she sails up the West Coast of Africa to the Canary Islands and Western Europe for her Arctic season.

Exceptional highlights include her “touching the islands” crossing from Ushuaia to Cape Town via Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. Then there’s the astonishing, timeless world of the Conkouati Reserve in the Republic of the Congo, home to forest elephants, lowland gorillas, buffalo, leopards, chimpanzees, red river hogs, humpback dolphins and leatherback turtles, the largest living turtle species in the world. Or how about the South Loango National Park in Gabon? Known as “Africa’s Last Eden”, it’s a paradise of savanna, pristine beach, forest, and mangroves where you can see elephants, buffalos, hippos, gorillas and leopards make their way out onto the white sand beaches while humpback whales and orca swim by.

Equally noteworthy are the Bissagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau, another exploration opportunity unique to Swan Hellenic, with a fascinating indigenous culture featuring strong matriarchal characteristics and a history of fierce and successful resistance to early colonisation.

Swan Hellenic’s third and largest next-generation ship, SH Diana, will see the pioneering company return to its roots, sailing the length and breadth of the Mediterranean, but then also voyaging from the Red Sea to East Africa and beyond.

Standouts here will naturally be the many historic sites of culture and religion across the Mediterranean - including the lesser-known ancient Roman centres of North Africa - all explored with unusual insight thanks to the talks and company of international experts throughout each cruise. But many curious minds will be no less irresistibly attracted by the coral atoll of Aldabra in the outer Seychelles, home to one of the very largest tortoises in the world and the last surviving flightless bird in the Indian Ocean region, the white-throated rail. Then there’s the typically Swan Hellenic opportunity to discover another Zanzibar, immersed in the comparative tranquillity of the small town of Lamu, steeped in Arabic tradition and living testimony to a fascinatingly different history of colonisation.

SH Minerva will return to Antarctica for a full season before embarking on an exceptional semi-circumnavigation of the globe from Ushuaia to Dunedin, New Zealand, exploring the vast expanses of the White Continent and islands of the South Pacific. Highlights of her Pacific season include expeditions in Bali and Komodo with their vibrant traditions and extraordinary wildlife, as well as to explore the richly rewarding lesser-known regions of Papua New Guinea.

Australia’s the Kimberley will be a massive draw. One of the continent’s remotest, most unspoilt and sparsely populated regions, it was in fact among the first to be settled by humans (around 65,000 years ago). Here, they developed a complex culture with yam agriculture, striking art and some of the earliest boomerangs. Swan Hellenic is offering a choice of four separate cruises to explore the Kimberley's extraordinary landscapes, fascinating wildlife and unique Wandjina Aboriginal art, visiting unforgettable locations that are inaccessible by road. Think cliff and cave art, Horizontal Falls, humpback whales, mangroves and sea crocodiles.

Indonesia’ s Raja Ampat archipelago is sure to prove another irresistible attraction. Straddling the Equator at the heart of the Coral Triangle, it hosts the richest marine biodiversity on earth. But then, Swan Hellenic has also ensured the alure of Japan is stronger than ever. Voyaging where others can’t, SH Minerva is not only taking guests to explore its justly famous and diverse cities, but also enabling them to discover magical remote landscapes and fisher ports that have retained the vigour of their traditional lifestyles for hundreds of years.

With such an extensive choice across all 7 continents worldwide, the adventurous-minded are sure to be captivated by more than one Swan Hellenic cultural expedition cruise. Every one of them is available to explore now on an interactive world map and the Swan Hellenic website, with the company’s generous 30% Early Swan Savings immediately available.

* Terms and Conditions apply.

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

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

Mario Bounas, VP, Marketing: Mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Countdown to Antarctica 2022/23: Last Chance to Receive Up to 20% off with Aurora Expeditions 

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Greg Mortimer in Antarctica; Credit: Tyson Mayr

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - July 21, 2022 - Today, Australia’s award-winning adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has announced fantastic last chance deals for its upcoming Antarctica 2022/23 season, beginning in three months’ time with the South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey on Oct. 21, 2022. 

In anticipation of this milestone season, Aurora is offering travelers some unbeatable offers, with up to 20% off all Antarctica voyages for the 2022/23 season, for bookings made by Aug. 31, 2022. 

After a hugely successful resumption of operations to the region earlier this year, Aurora Expeditions will be returning to Antarctica and operating two ships for the first time – its purpose-built vessels, the Greg Mortimer and the brand-new Sylvia Earle. Voyages will be operating from the ports of Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile. 

“We are incredibly excited for the start of the upcoming season, where we will be operating two ships in Antarctica for the first time,” said Hayley Peacock-Gower, chief marketing officer of Aurora Expeditions. “In anticipation of this season, we wanted to give travelers looking for a life-changing experience the opportunity for some extraordinary savings for the trip of a lifetime. There is so much variety on offer throughout our October to March season, including our industry leading activity program and our authentic expedition experiences encouraging passengers off the ship as much as possible.” 

“Adventurous travelers may want to try specific activities, like camping or alpine trekking early in the season, take advantage of fly/sail itineraries from January, or have their hearts set on visiting more intrepid destinations, such as the Weddell Sea on one of our February or March voyages,” added Peacock-Gower.  

Highlight voyages include: 

The inaugural voyage of the brand-new Sylvia Earle, this itinerary is a must for wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Steeped in history, the Falklands~Malvinas is also a beacon for bird lovers. Discover an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species including King, Macaroni, Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo. Watch as black-browed albatross wheel overhead, with approximately 85% of their global population returning to the precipitous, craggy bluffs of the Falklands~Malvinas to breed. In South Georgia, jagged peaks and glaciers create a breathtaking backdrop for beaches crowded with elephant and fur seals, and countless penguins.

Available Activities: Shackleton’s Crossing on Foot, Sea kayaking, snorkeling 

Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent. Sail across the famed Drake Passage, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac-cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies, this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure-lovers.

Available activities: Camping, Snowshoeing, Ski/snowboard touring, Sea Kayaking and more 

Famed for its tremendous tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, fascinating fossils and the pivotal role it played in Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, the Weddell Sea offers unsurpassed opportunities for exploration. Embark on a true Antarctic expedition as we not only explore the west Antarctic Peninsula, but also attempt to venture east towards the icy perimeter of the Weddell Sea, often guarded by impenetrable pack ice and home to awe-inspiring tabular icebergs.

Available activities: Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling 

Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica yourself, reducing your time on the high seas by flying across the Drake in at least one direction. Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill.

Available activities: Sea kayaking, Snorkeling 

To assist in planning for the ultimate adventure to the white continent, the expedition operator has also released a digital Antarctica mini-brochure, featuring all of its upcoming voyages between 2022-24. 

For more information visit https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/

*Terms and conditions apply


My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

American Queen Voyages™ Announces FREE AIR for New 2022  15-day Voyage Through Mexico and Costa Rica on  Ocean Victory™  

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The New Itinerary Offers Shorter-cruise Options from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to San Jose, Costa Rica

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (July 21, 2022) - American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, is launching a new Pacific Coast sailing on Ocean Victory from San Diego, CA, to San José (Puntarenas), Costa Rica; which also offers guests a choice of two shorter voyages from San Diego, CA, to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to San José (Puntarenas), Costa Rica. These brand-new itineraries on the 186-guest vessel will explore the region with 15-, eight-, and nine-day voyage options beginning  Oct. 3,  2022. As an added bonus, and for the first time in the cruise line’s history, American Queen Voyages is offering Free Air from select gateways for guests booking the entire voyage by Aug. 31, 2022. 

"Guests have given Ocean Victory rave reviews on her inaugural Alaska season, and our Pacific Coast sailing provides a final opportunity to experience this unique vessel in 2022 before she returns to North America again next year," said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. "This itinerary exploring the Western coastlines of Mexico and Costa Rica will provide spectacular vistas and a variety of experiences guests have come to cherish from American Queen Voyages, which combines science, history, wildlife and adventure.”    

Travelers will walk in the footsteps of indigenous people who advanced civilization itself, with destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas, and Playas del Coco. Cruising the Pacific, guests can spot marine life from the sliding observation platforms, view the rugged coastline from the comforts of the eighth-deck Observation Lounge and dine on regionally-inspired cuisine.     

Included guided tours led by local experts and historians are available in each port, and the following premium tours have been developed by the award-winning American Queen Voyages shore excursions team: 

Turtles and Iguanas: Participants will enjoy a new perspective of the native wildlife of Manzanillo through the Turtles and Iguanas tour. The tour begins at the Cuyutlan Turtle Sanctuary, then takes guests on a panga boat ride through the Palo Verde lagoon. After a day of wildlife exploration, travelers venture to a local plantation for refreshing coconut water.

Whale Shark Encounter: Expedition takes on a new form in La Paz with the Whale Shark Encounter. Those looking for an adventure can go snorkeling in the pristine waters of La Paz Bay, coming up close to extraordinary wildlife, including the largest shark in the world, the whale shark.

Salsa and Margaritas: Learning from the world-famous dancing chefs, guests will go on a culinary adventure making delicious and authentic Mexican salsa. The dancing chefs will instruct visitors on how to make Fiery Red Salsa, Tangy Green Salsa, Oaxacan Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Tropical Salsa, and Rompope dessert.

Deep Sea Fishing: In Huatulco, marine life is abundant and offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go deep sea fishing. Guests can grab a fishing pole and hop onboard a 30-foot yacht that will take them to the middle of  picturesque beaches running 36 miles long. Once there, marlin, swordfish, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and mahi-mahi, among other marine life, swim around the vessel.

Zip Lining in Playas del Coco: Adventure-seekers will get geared up for the ride of a lifetime through the rainforest of Playas del Coco. As guests swing through the trees, brush, and canopies, they get mesmerizing views of one of the oldest beach communities in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province.

Three Segment Options: 

The Ocean Victory San Diego, CA, to San José (Puntarenas, Costa Rica) itinerary, will span 15 days and include a pre-cruise hotel stay in San Diego. As the vessel journeys through the Pacific, it will call on: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; La Paz, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Manzanillo, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; and Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. This sailing is available on Oct. 3, 2022, with fares from $5,099 per guest. Each guest will also get a $600 Onboard Credit and free roundtrip airfare from 30 gateway cities.

Guests who want to sail from San Diego, CA and disembark in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, can do so on the Ocean Victory eight-day sailing on Oct. 3, 2022. This sailing will include a pre-cruise hotel stay in San Diego, and will call on: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and La Paz, Mexico. The voyage fares from $2,499 per guest and includes a $300 per guest Onboard Credit.

The final journey begins in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and sails to San José (Puntarenas), Costa Rica, on a nine-day voyage. The sailing will include a pre-cruise hotel stay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The ship will call on: Manzanillo, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; and Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. The voyage is available on Oct. 9, 2022, with fares from $2,799 per guest and includes a $300 per guest Onboard Credit.

All three sailings include a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, ground transfers between the hotel and vessel, unlimited guided tours, unlimited beverages, open bars and lounges, acclaimed cuisine in multiple venues, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, live and daily onboard entertainment and enrichment, and hiking sticks. When guests book by Aug. 31, 2022, they can save up to $2,000 per stateroom.

For more information on American Queen Voyages’ Pacific Paradise Explorations sailing dates, and to book a reservation, contact your travel professional, call 833-598-0119, or visit www.AQVoyages.com. 


My review of Celebrity Apex

SILVERSEA® CONTINUES TO INNOVATE: NEW 136-DAY CONTROTEMPO WORLD CRUISE 2025 GOES OFF-SEASON, OFF-TEMPO, AND OFF THE BEATEN PATH 

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Calling in 59 destinations in 30 countries, guests will journey aboard Silver Dawn for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise 

(Monaco -- July 20, 2022) Silversea Cruises® has opened an exclusive pre-sale on its Controtempo World Cruise for 2025, inviting guests to journey offbeat to 59 destinations in 30 countries across four continents. Unveiled by the cruise line’s executives during a special live-streamed event, the 136-day Controtempo World Cruise will depart Tokyo for New York on January 13, 2025, unlocking some of the world’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations during unconventional seasons, with immersiveexperiences that introduce local people and the most compelling stories. Guests will journey aboard Silversea’s ultra-luxury Silver Dawn℠ for the global voyage, marking the first time a Muse-class ship has hosted a World Cruise.

The Controtempo World Cruise 2025 was unveiled to selected guests and travel partners during a virtual premiere, which featured a video starring Fernando Barroso de Oliveira—Silversea’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society. Incorporating a 10-song soundtrack composed especially for the event, inspired by each region on the voyage, the video depicts Fernando walking through a sample of the voyage’s destinations. He reveals the authentic experiences that await guests in each region, highlighting the draw of discovering the world off-season and through local eyes. At the video’s conclusion and following a brief presentation, attendees posed their questions to Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises; Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises; and Fernando.

“Feeding the incredibly high demand for extended voyages, our destination experts have designed our new Controtempo World Cruise 2025 to sail offbeat, enabling the world’s most experienced travellers to rediscover the world in a whole new light,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Controtempo, a musical term that means ‘off-tempo’, will take guests closer to the authentic heartbeat of iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. We will be travelling to an unusual rhythm, from East to West, with more time ashore in unconventional seasons. For the first time, we will host our World Cruise aboard our beautiful Silver Dawn—a slightly larger ship with a capacity of 596—which pays testament to the high demand we are seeing for extended voyages. Most importantly, guests will enjoy an enhanced experience aboard Silver Dawn, with the choice of eight restaurants; eight bars and lounges; our immersive culinary programme, S.A.L.T.®; and our indulgent wellness programme, Otium℠. This is the invitation to gain a different perspective on the world, in true Silversea style.”

OFFBEAT IN 59 DESTINATIONS, 30 COUNTRIES, AND FOUR CONTINENTS

Incorporating 33 overnight calls, seven exclusive events, three optional overland programmes, and 19 maiden calls, the Controtempo World Cruise 2025 is set to unlock new, immersive experiences for Silversea’s well-travelled guests. As well as some of the most iconic cities in the world, from Tokyo to Paris, the itinerary will include remote destinations that are new to a Silversea World Cruise. The voyage will be divided into 10 segments:

  • TOKYO TO HONG KONG – January 13 - January 27

Following a special welcome gala event in Tokyo, Silversea’s World Cruise will depart from Japan’s capital city for the first time in the cruise line’s history, travelling offbeat during the winter season. An optional pre-cruise overland programme will spotlight some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, experiences, and traditions over five days, from witnessing the famous Japanese snow monkeys of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, to riding Japan’s bullet train in first class, meeting a Bonsai Master, and relaxing in natural heated mineral baths, among other experiences. Overnight calls in Osaka, Xiamen, and Hong Kong will provide opportunities to travel deeper, while maiden calls in Kagoshima, Naha, and Beppu will uncover hidden Japan for well-heeled travellers. From Beppu on January 19, guests sailing on the full World Cruise will enjoy an exclusive optional experience at the famous onsen town of Kannawa, where an expert therapist will guide guests on how best to enjoy the hot springs. 

  • HONG KONG TO SINGAPORE – January 27 - February 7

Silver Dawn will subsequently journey between Hong Kong and Singapore, unfurling the past and present traditions and cultures of Southeast Asia, with a focus on the storied history of Vietnam during the cool season. Overnight calls will unlock the natural beauty of Halong Bay, famed for its towering limestone karsts; the imperial city of Hue and Da Nang, the ‘city of bridges,’ over two days; and the vibrant buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, the city that never sleeps, over two nights. On February 1, guests will discover the spirit of the Cham during an exclusive event at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary in the mountainous terrain outside of Da Nang—a lesser-visited region. Learning of the influence of the Champa people on Southeast Asia, travellers will have the opportunity to discover the 70 temples and pillars that were constructed by the Champa civilisation between the 4th and the 13th centuries. They will enjoy live performances and a curated Vietnamese dinner, amid the backdrop of illuminated temples. 

  • SINGAPORE TO MUMBAI – February 7 - February 24

In Singapore on February 7, travellers will witness the contrast of old and new during a specially curated evening, enjoying 360-degree views from 57 stories up at the Marina Bay Sands, while sampling the very best of Singapore’s famed street food. Singapore Sling cocktails, first concocted at the iconic Raffles Bar; traditional song and dance; and live cooking demonstrations will enrich the occasion. Between Singapore and Mumbai, guests travelling aboard Silver Dawn will have the opportunity to journey deeper in land, with an optional three-day tour on the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express to explore rural Malaysia and Kanchanaburi for a River Kwai Bridge cruise; as well as 11 days in Sri Lanka and India. Overnight calls in Singapore, Phuket, Chennai, Trincomalee, and Mumbai, meanwhile, will uncover the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Garlands, rose petals showers, a feast fit for the Maharajas, and live theatrical performances await guests in Mumbai on February 23, during a bespoke Bollywood production—reserved exclusively for guests on the World Cruise.

  • MUMBAI TO ISTANBUL – February 24 - March 16

The voyage’s fourth segment will see guests journey to the Holy Land, including Jerusalem as well as Egypt, for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise since 2018. An overnight call in Jeddah will provide the chance to explore one of Saudi Arabia’s major cities—an historical gateway to Mecca. Travellers will discover the Souq Al Alawi, the Al-Tayebat Museum, the Corniche, and Jeddah Tower, which is set to become the world’s tallest building. After a call in Aqaba to witness thearchaeological site of Petra, an overnight in Luxor will showcase the best of Egypt’s ancient history. Travelling deeper into Egypt’s storied past, world-cruising guests will journey in the footsteps of the Pharaohs on an overland experience from Ain Sukhna on March 8-9. From a private tour of the 500-roomed Abdeen Presidential Palace to an immersive walking tour of Cairo’s bazaars and an exclusive gala dinner, the range of experiences will allow guests to experience the capital city through new eyes. 

  • ISTANBUL TO NAPLES – March 16 - March 25

An in-depth exploration of the Eastern Mediterranean in the springtime awaits guests between Istanbul and Naples. Maiden calls in Thessaloniki and Volos—a gateway to Greece’s oldest acropolis, Sesklo—highlight the voyage’s fifth segment, as well as overnight calls in the vibrant cities of Istanbul and Siracusa (Sicily). In Istanbul, guests will relax in the Turkish baths, sampling the region’s diverse cuisine. Hidden gems, such as Nafplion, complement calls in iconic destinations, such as Rhodes, for a rounded experience of the Eastern Mediterranean.

  • NAPLES TO LISBON – March 25 - April 3

Another first for a Silversea World Cruise, guests will spend a night in Naples—the capital of Italy’s Campania region—on a segment that leads to Lisbon. A cultural hub with royal palaces, castles, and ancient ruins, Naples houses some of Christianity’s oldest frescoes, as well as being the birthplace of pizza. Time at sea between Naples and Malaga offers travellers the chance to delve deep into the Mediterranean’s rich food cultures, with onboard culinary enrichments through S.A.L.T.—Silversea’s immersive culinary programme. An overnight call in Malaga will uncover the artistic city that gave the world Picasso. Travellers will next discover Cadiz’s old city, which harbours many cultural gems, from Roman theatres to neoclassical cathedrals.

  • LISBON TO SOUTHAMPTON – April 3 - April 12

Silver Dawn will sail between Lisbon and Southampton on the seventh segment on the Controtempo World Cruise 2025, taking travellers deep into Europe’s western coast with calls in Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. In Lisbon, guests will admire the city’s multi-hued houses and ornately tiled artworks, connecting with the destination through food and drink. Three overnight calls in Bordeaux—the largest urban environment to be recognised as a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site—will unlock France’s famous wine culture. A new destination for a Silversea World Cruise, Guernsey’s Saint Peter Port boasts stunning beaches and rugged cliffs.

  • SOUTHAMPTON TO STOCKHOLM – April 12 - April 30

Journeying between Southampton and Stockholm, Silversea’s guests will discover some of the most iconic cities in the North and Baltic seas on overnight calls during the voyage’s eighth segment—Rouen, Hamburg (for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise), Copenhagen, Tallinn, and Helsinki. From the city of Rouen, travellers will journey to Versailles to attend an exclusive Marie Antoinette-inspired event at the Palace of Versailles. Staying at a local hotel, guests will travel back in time for an evening of indulgence, with dancing, court jesters, and champagne. The following day, travellers will explore Paris before returning to Silver Dawn. In Amsterdam, guests will have the opportunity to tour the endless tulip fields at the best time of year, guided by a third-generation tulip grower, to learn about this staple of local culture. Copenhagen, one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities, will welcome guests with a rich culinary culture and 15 Michelin-starred restaurants.

  • STOCKHOLM TO REYKJAVIK – April 30 - May 13

The penultimate segment of the Controtempo World Cruise 2025 will see guests travel between Stockholm and Reykjavik for an in-depth exploration of Nordic culture. Lesser-visited cities such as Bergen—with its UNESCO-listed wooden buildings of Bryggen—and the Faroe Islands’ Torshavn will contrast with the iconic capitals of Stockholm, Oslo, and Reykjavik. During overnight calls in Oslo and Reykjavik, travellers will gain insight on the fascinating maritime history of Norway in one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant cities, as well as the incredible nature that surrounds Iceland’s capital. On April 29, guests will attend an exclusive photo exhibition in Stockholm that will display images from destinations around the world, curated especially for Silversea’s guests.

  • REYKJAVIK TO NEW YORK – May 13 - May 29

One of the most eagerly anticipated segments of the voyage, travellers will journey between Reykjavik and New York to round off the experience—arriving on May 29, 2025. The line’s well-travelled guests will have the opportunity to visit many destinations in Greenland, Canada, and New England for the first time on any Silversea World Cruise, contrasting remote settlements with vibrant cities: among calls in Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St. John’s, Halifax, Boston, and New York will be three overnights. An overnight in Greenland’s capital, Nuke, will provide insight on Inuit history and traditions, while an overnight in St. John’s will allow travellers to discover the natural beauty of Newfoundland. An optional three-day overland experience from St. John’s will uncover the wonders of Prince Edward Island. During an overnight call in Boston, Silversea’s guests will attend Controtempo’s farewell event at the historic Cyclorama—exclusive to guests on the World Cruise.

SILVER DAWN: AMONG THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIPS AT SEA

The 596-guest Silver Dawn will host Silversea’s World Cruise 2025 to enhance the experience for guests. Silversea’s newest ship, the ultra-luxury vessel maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite, sea-view accommodations that are a hallmark of the industry’s leading cruise line, while introducing elements of innovation, with eight restaurants; eight bars and lounges; Silversea’s acclaimed culinary programme, S.A.L.T.; and the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness programme, Otium.

Culinary immersion will feature heavily throughout the voyage, with S.A.L.T. facilitating a deep dive into the world’s richest culinary cultures, built around the theme of ‘The Essential Tastes of the World.’ Areas of discovery will include the science of Umami in Japan and the art of fermentation in Scandinavia, among others.

Please note: the pre-sale for the Controtempo World Cruise 2025 opens today to all Venetian Society members, while sales open to the general public on August 2, 2022.

Find out more information about Silversea’s Controtempo World Cruise 2025:

https://www.silversea.com/lp-world-cruise-2025.html 

Watch the video of Silversea’s Controtempo World Cruise 2025, starring the cruise line’s President’s Ambassador to the Venetian Society, Fernando Barroso de Oliveira:

https://youtu.be/Psu-Cct9r5s

Download related materials:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xmj1a9cecobo1t7/AADcmnp38c2NO3lY3Z30mfgba?dl=0

View Silversea’s media kit:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/t5b3tonhqeip4z8/AACMjONoG-UQlZ60SMf-f7pwa?dl=0

Following the creative direction of Jose Vuolo, Silversea’s Global Creative Director, the cruise line would like to thank the following for their roles played in the production of the exclusive World Cruise 2025 virtual premiere: Fernando Barroso de Oliveira for his special contribution; THEMONK for art direction and screenwriting; ZETA for production; Susanna Zerbini, Executive Producer; Massimo Sbaraccani, Director and Editor; Alessandro Dominici, Cinematographer; Paolo Monzeglio, Set Designer; Mattia Geraci and Federico Poglio (Gamera), for the LED background production; Lucia Gallotti, stylist; Milena di Gerolamo, make-up; and Theta.cool for music and sound design.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Azamara® Announces the Removal of Its Embarkation COVID-19 -Testing Requirement

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Beginning July 25, the upmarket cruise line will no longer require pre-cruise COVID-19 -testing for guests, excluding ports where pre-travel testing is still needed 

MIAMI, July 19, 2022 – Azamara – the upmarket cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to announce the removal of its COVID-19 embarkation testing requirement starting July 25, 2022, excluding ports where it is still required in accordance with country regulations.

To ensure the health and safety of its guests and crew, Azamara will still require proof of vaccination prior to embarkation. Azamara recommends that all guests departing from any port get tested at their leisure prior to travel to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, but those results will not be required to board an Azamara vessel. The pre-cruise testing remains as a requirement for travelers embarking in a port where these protocols remain. In those cases, guests will still need to produce a negative COVID-19 test before sailing. A list of these ports is provided here. 

“The easing of our testing policy marks a step in the right direction towards a return to normalcy for the travel and cruising industry,” said President of Azamara, Carol Cabezas. “Cruising is one of the safest ways to travel, and our existing health and safety protocols onboard will ensure peace of mind for our guests and crew as we move forward.”

Azamara maintains a strong commitment to wellness through its ‘Explore Well at Sea’ program, keeping guests’ safety a top priority. The company still requires that all guests 12 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses. Azamara crew are required to be fully vaccinated. COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to guests onboard as needed.

For more information on Azamara’s health and safety protocols, please visit: www.azamara.com/explorewell

My review of Celebrity Apex

UnCruise Adventures Skiff Partially Flooded in Bartlett Cove

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The Small Ship Adventure Cruise Line Reports Positive Response to Partially Submerged 27-Foot Open Deck Skiff 

JUNEAU, AK, July 19, 2022 – UnCruise Adventures experienced an incident shortly after departing the Bartlett Cove dock in Glacier Bay National Park on July 18th.  The incident happened after a successful day’s operations. While maneuvering away from the dock the 27-foot open deck skiff towed by the Wilderness Legacy began flooding for unknown reasons and partially submerged. No passengers or crew were aboard the skiff, and all are in good spirits. The company’s immediate priority was to recover the two portable, six-gallon fuel containers and coordinate with federal and private response management. It has been determined that the environmental impact from this is minimal with an estimated two cups of gasoline escaping inside the boom the crew set up around the skiff. Due to the minor nature of the incident, the US Coast Guard will not deploy a team.

“Our immediate priority is to assure minimal environmental impact. We were pleased to remove the two portable gas containers” shares, UnCruise Adventures CEO Captain Dan Blanchard. “We have engaged with the appropriate local authorities and immediately enacted action plans via our Captain and crew. I look forward to quickly resolving this and returning our guests to normal operations shortly.” 

The company expects to return to operations with guests by the end of the day. Guests onboard will be provided an appropriate remuneration or reimbursement for the adventure cruise interruption. The preparedness of the Wilderness Legacy Captain and crew confirmed a positive outcome for the unexpected incident and demonstrated the emergency preparedness of the crew.

Find additional information at uncruise.com 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

SILVERSEA® OFFICIALLY WELCOMES SILVER ENDEAVOURSM TO FLEET, STRENGTHENING ITS  LEADERSHIP IN ULTRA-LUXURY AND EXPEDITION CRUISING 

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One of the world’s most luxurious expedition ships, Silver Endeavour is designed specifically to take travellers to both Polar Regions

(MONACO – July 18, 2022) Silversea Cruises® today welcomes Silver EndeavourSM to its fleet—one of the world’s most luxurious expedition ships. The fifth expedition ship in its fleet of 11, Silver Endeavour strengthens Silversea’s position as the leader in ultra-luxury expedition cruising, broadening the industry’s most diverse polar offering for guests’ enjoyment. Designed specifically to take travellers to the world’s most remote destinations, including both Polar Regions, Silver Endeavour will enter service in November 2022, replacing Silver Explorer from the 2022/2023 Antarctica season—including the ship’s highly popular Antarctica Bridge sailings.

“One of the most luxurious expedition ships afloat, Silver Endeavour will accelerate our strategy of growth, enriching our offering to unprecedented levels and reaffirming our position as the leading ultra-luxury expedition cruise line,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “The expedition cruising industry is poised to resume accelerated growth, driven by demand among high-end, affluent customers for travel to remote and hard-to-access destinations. Silver Endeavour will strengthen our polar offering, further diversifying our broad-ranging product. With the ongoing support of Royal Caribbean Group, we are enhancing the cruise experience for our guests, unlocking the world’s most rewarding destinations in a way that only Silversea can.”

“To honour the spirit of expedition travel, we have renamed the ship Silver Endeavour—paying testament to one of history’s most famous vessels,” said Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. “Aboard Silver Endeavour, travellers will channel the same sense of discovery that guided pioneering explorers, such as James Cook, in bygone eras.”

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, Silver Endeavour is designed for polar exploration. Shecarries state-of-the-art amenities, with an industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest ratio; kayaks; and cutting-edge navigation and exploration technology, including a remote gimbal camera system, which can capture high-quality images from 5km, among other amenities. She will maintain Silversea’s trademark level of luxury, with a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.

Spread over eight public decks, the all-suite Silver Endeavour offers guests the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising, upholding Silversea’s trademark level of comfort; multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; an expansive spa; a two-storied solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool; and an array of indoor and outdoor observation areas. She fosters an intimate onboard atmosphere, enabling guests to discover destinations like Antarctica in depth, with great interaction between travellers and Silversea’s expedition experts.

As part of the ongoing RCL Cares program, Royal Caribbean Group will protect the deposits of guests who were originally booked on Crystal Endeavor and make a new booking on one of the Group's global brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

“We are delighted to offer an additional incentive to all guests who were booked on the former Endeavor to experience the Silversea difference. They are invited to sail on any Silversea ship from our beautiful fleet of 11”, said Roberto Martinoli

To the extent the Crystal Endeavor guests do not receive their deposits back from Crystal or other sources, the Royal Caribbean Group will refund any amount paid on their new booking up to the amount of their lost deposits from Crystal. Complete terms of the offer will be provided onwww.silversea.com soon.

The cruise line wishes to welcome Endeavor’s former crew to the Silversea family, where they will receive priority. For more information, please visit crewcareer.silversea.com.

Bookings for Silver Endeavour open immediately. Guests can book their voyage aboard Silver Endeavour for the upcoming Antarctica season under Silver Explorer. View Silver Endeavour’s inaugural season here.Silversea’s website will reflect the change of ship in the coming weeks.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Princess Cruises’ Kids Sail Free Promotion Offers Incredible Savings on Family Vacations

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Additional Discounts of Up to 25% Off Make Family Vacations Even More Affordable

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 15, 2022) – A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and the line’s new Kids Sail Free offer is offering families even bigger savings on their 2023 vacation plans. The first of its kind offer from Princess can also be paired with discounts of up to 25%, making vacations in the new year even more affordable. 

These limited time offers are available on a wide variety of 2023 cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean, California Coast, Alaska and Canada/New England, providing an unforgettable opportunity to create a lifetime of memories enjoying Princess’ all-ages amenities and activities and visiting some of the world’s most spectacular and iconic destinations. 

“Kids Sail Free” offer is available for all third and fourth guests and bookable through August 15, 2022. Additional details and general terms about this limited time offer can be found at www.princess.com.

Sample cruise fares, based on double occupancy, with third and fourth guests sailing free in the same stateroom, include:

  • Western Caribbean with Mexico on Ruby Princess (Jan. 8, 2023), starting at $449

  • Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez on Diamond Princess (Jan. 29, 2023), starting at $449

  • Classic California Coast on Discovery Princess (March 11, 2023), starting at $599

  • Mediterranean with France & Italy on Enchanted Princess (April 15, 2023), starting at $799

  • Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) on Majestic Princess (May 13, 2023), starting at $499

  • Classic Canada & New England on Caribbean Princess (Aug. 4, 2023), starting at $1,099

All Princess sailings offer a variety of family friendly cruise activities, including:

  • Discovery at SEA Programs: Through an exclusive partnership with Discovery™, guests can enjoy stargazing on the top deck, activities featuring hit shows such as Shark Week and Finding Bigfoot, and the Encounters with Discovery at SEA speaker series.

  • Discovery™, Discovery Family & Animal Planet™ Shore Excursions:Enriching, immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the whole family, only available through Princess.

  • Camp Discovery™ Youth & Teen Clubs: Engaging youth programming and wonder-filled centers designed for the youngest guests:

    • The Treehouse (Ages 3-7): This bright, whimsical, forest-themed center for children features hands-on activities and programs surrounded by captivating creatures.

    • The Lodge (Ages 8-12): Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center is filled with sports activities and comfortable places for kids to explore, hang out and lounge.

    • The Beach House (Ages 13-17): This contemporary beach-themed lounge is "the" place for teens to hang out, socialize and connect.

  • Movies Under the Stars®: Throughout the day and night, the exclusive open-air poolside amphitheater is the go-to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events such as live football games. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day.

  • Reef Family Splash Zone: The perfect place to relax, have fun and enjoy the water featuring an interactive splash pad, oversized backyard games and mocktails. Only available on Caribbean Princess.

Additional information about cruise activities for the whole family can be found at www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/onboard-experience/kids-and-teens/. 

“Kids Sail Free” runs from July 15, 2022 to August 15, 2022, and is available to residents 21 years of age and older of the United States & D.C., Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Bermuda. “Kids Sail Free” offer excludes taxes, fees, and port expenses (“TFPE”) and deposit. First or second guest in stateroom will be responsible for all TFPE associated with free guest, as well as any other charges or expenses for such guest, and shall be responsible for their own prevailing cruise rates. Offer applies only to the third or fourth guests booked in the same stateroom as the first and second guests. There is no guarantee of availability at time of booking.

More 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 www.princess.com.

VIRGINIA COUPLE SPENDS 1,000 DAYS CRUISING ON CARNIVAL

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Nancy and Robert Houchens Celebrate 1000 Days with Carnival

Avid Cruisers Mark Major Milestone on Carnival Pride 

Robert and Nancy Houchens, a retired couple from Virginia, spend most of their time on cruise ships, and recently reached a milestone while on Carnival Pride: 1000 days at sea on a Carnival Cruise Line ship. 

As they sailed the Norwegian Fjords, Robert asked the ship’s team to surprise Nancy with a celebration to mark the occasion. Of course, Carnival Pride’s crew members were happy to oblige.

The Houchens have been cruising for decades, so we asked them what they love about life on the high seas.

Why do you cruise?

Nancy: For us, cruising is a way of life. Our goal was to sell everything we owned and pretty much live on cruise ships. And we’ve done a pretty good job of it since we’ve retired. 

When did you start cruising?

Robert: More than 20 years ago when our kids were still at home. At first, we cruised because it was a great value. 

You’ve made many memories aboard many ships, what stands out?

Nancy: Carnival Pride has a lot of memories for us. It’s a very special ship. We were so lucky because we were invited when Pride came back into service from Baltimore last September. We were asked to take part in the opening ceremony with Carnival’s President Christine Duffy and it was absolutely wonderful – very emotional.

What is your favorite place on board a Carnival ship?

Robert: Serenity deck.

Nancy: Yes, we love the Serenity deck. We used to do the nightclub, partying and staying up all night, but now we like to relax. Also, the beds. You can’t sleep anywhere like you can at sea on the beds.

After spending 1000 days at sea, you must have many friends across the Carnival fleet.

Nancy: Yes, we have family all over the fleet, meaning the team members on board. They have become family to us!  Now we try to figure out what team members are on a particular ship, and that’s how we pick which cruise we want to go on. After cruising for so long, we’ve got a lot of [extended] family and we love them.

Robert: People from all walks of life, all cultures, all age groups, everybody cruises Carnival. We cruise Carnival because of the people. It isn’t the destinations for us anymore, it’s the journey — and the biggest part of the journey is the people.

Would you spend another 1000 days at sea?

Nancy: If we live long enough, we will!

The Houchens are currently sailing aboard Carnival Pride in Europe on back-to-back cruises and plan to keep cruising as much as possible throughout their retirement.