Princess Cruises Joins Trackhouse Racing

World’s Leading International Cruise Line to Serve as Primary Sponsor on Daniel Suárez’s No. 99 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen and Homestead

CONCORD, N.C. (August 16, 2022) – Daniel Suárez dreams of “cruising” through the next few regular season races as well as the upcoming 10-race NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on his way to capturing the championship title in 2022. 

So, it’s appropriate that his Trackhouse Racing team announced today a partnership with Princess Cruises that will see the premium global cruise brand, just as it does with millions of guests, embark with Suárez on a journey to realize his dreams. 

Princess will serve as the primary sponsor on Suárez’s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro at the Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International race on Aug. 21 and at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway on Oct. 23. 

The partnership will also include Suárez’s teammate Ross Chastain and expand beyond what race fans will see on Sunday. In the coming weeks Princess Cruises and Trackhouse Racing will unveil a program that will enable NASCAR fans to travel its ships around the world. 

"We are proud to partner with Trackhouse Racing and enter the NASCAR world," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "Trackhouse has been one of the most exciting and interesting teams, we appreciate and applaud Daniel and Ross’s impressive success and we look forward to showing NASCAR fans the exceptional, vacations Princess Cruises offers. We have a lot of plans that we think NASCAR fans are going to really like.”

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe. Princess delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring elegantly-appointed accommodations, world-class entertainment, and gourmet dining, all elevated by the Princess MedallionClass Experience. 

Trackhouse Racing is in its second season in the Cup Series. Suárez and Chastain have visited victory lane three times in 2022 and are two of the favorites in the 16-driver playoffs that being Sept. 4 in Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. 

“I can’t certainly tell you the type of trip I am going to go on this off season if we win the championship,” said Suárez who became the first driver from Mexico (Monterrey) to win in the Cup Series on June 12, 2022, at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. “I think everyone has heard of Princess Cruises and dreams of going on a trip somewhere special. I hope we can help a lot of people do that soon.” 

Trackhouse founder and team owner Justin Marks said the new partnership with Princess Cruises is another testament to the team as well as the sport of NASCAR. 

“The biggest and most recognizable companies are seeing the value in Trackhouse Racing, our drivers and the sport of NASCAR,” said Marks who brought in entertainer Pitbull as a team partner last year as part of its off-track effort to expand the sport’s fan base beyond its normal demographic. “Princess Cruises is a powerful brand and the goal of this partnership is to expose our fans to the wonders of a Princess cruise vacation and provide NASCAR fans a very cool way to travel the globe.”

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.

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My review of Celebrity Apex

Azamara Gives Guests a Taste of New Atlas Bar Across Its Entire Fleet

 Guests aboard Azamara’s four vessels can now experience artisanal cocktails from Azamara Onward’s exclusive new venue 

 MIAMI – August 16, 2022 – Following the launch of Azamara Onward this spring, Azamara – the upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – is excited to bring a taste of the ship’s exclusive Atlas Bar to the rest of the Azamara fleet. Beginning August 2022, guests aboard any Azamara voyage can enjoy the “Atlas Bar Experience,” offering some of the specialty venue’s most popular destination-inspired libations in The Den.

Atlas Bar debuted this spring as an exclusive addition to Azamara’s latest ship, Azamara Onward. The specialty venue brings a unique concept onboard, offering innovative artisanal cocktails inspired by a variety of unique destinations visited by Azamara ships. Fresh squeezed juices and handmade syrups elevate the flavors of the curated list of cocktails, which can be paired with an exotic premium menu of small plates served hot and cold, including beef tartare topped with caviar and shaved truffle, smoked lobster crudo, and more. 

“The response from our guests about Atlas Bar has been even more positive than we had anticipated. The designer created a beautiful space that really complements the cocktail and food menus that our food and beverage team worked so hard to perfect. I couldn’t be more proud of the team’s work here, and we wanted to be able to offer the experience on our other ships, even if we didn’t have the same physical space,” said Scott Daniels, AVP of Hotel Operations for Azamara.

The “Atlas Bar Experience” will take place onboard Azamara Journey®, Azamara Pursuit®, and Azamara Quest® in The Den, a comfortable and elegant lounge equipped with travel books, guides, and destination focused activities. Azamara’s skilled bartenders will curate specialty cocktails from Atlas Bar such as the London Fog Martini, Tuscan Delight, and guest favorite, Heart of Azamara. Atlas Bar’s premium food menu remains exclusive to Azamara Onward.

Highlights of destination-inspired concoctions at Atlas Bar, perfectly paired with upcoming Azamara voyages, include:

• Taste St. Tropez on Azamara Journey’s 7-Night Med Springtime Voyage: Azamara brings travelers to the Mediterranean’s best on this voyage, featuring stops in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence, and a late stay in St. Tropez. Guests will have ample time to explore the beautiful beaches, charming villages, and renowned wineries, before returning to the ship for a nightcap named after the fabulous city, which combines Benedictine liqueur, fresh lemon juice, honey, orange bitters, and egg white.

• Sip the Osaka Spice on Azamara Quest’s 12-Night Hong Kong to Tokyo Voyage: Made with sake, fresh lime juice, lime syrup, simple syrup, and wasabi, the Osaka Spice is an ideal fit for the Hong Kong to Tokyo voyage. This sailing features an overnight stay in the cocktail’s namesake city, allowing travelers to see Osaka illuminated in a sea of dazzling neon after dark.

• Have a glass of the Grand Bazaar on Azamara Pursuit’s 12-Night Black Sea Intensive Voyage: Guests will kick off this special Black Sea sailing with an overnight in Istanbul, home to the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, known as the Grand Bazaar. Atlas Bar’s cocktail of the same name – made with Turkish yeni raki, fresh lemon juice, and in-house arugula syrup – will pair perfectly with the voyage, which also features late stays in Burgas, Varna, Constanta, Kavala, and Thessaloniki.

• Enjoy global flavors on Azamara Onward’s World Voyage: Azamara’s newest ship, and home to the exclusive Atlas Bar, will set sail for a 155-night World Voyage, including 22 overnight stays and 27 late nights in port. Travelers can enjoy a world of flavors at the Atlas Bar, from the Mumbai Hug to the Scottish Sour, while visiting over 40 countries on six continents.

The “Atlas Bar Experience” is a specialty offering and is not included in Azamara’s complimentary amenities. Guests can choose to upgrade to the ultimate beverage package, which includes unlimited Atlas Bar drinks. 

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My review of Celebrity Apex

Aurora Expeditions Announces Patagonia Treks

Image credits: Patagonia Trekking, Aurora Expeditions Credit Leila Melina Soto  

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Aug. 17, 2022 - The award-winning Australian adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has announced new treks in Patagonia, with the first voyage setting sail on Nov. 19, 2022. The two 10-day itineraries, Patagonia Discovery Trek and Torres Del Paine Explorer, dovetail seamlessly with Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic sailings.

The treks weave their way through the Patagonian wilderness, providing insight into this barren, but vibrant environment filled with fascinating flora and fauna. Sweeping across the border of Argentina and Chile, trekkers will experience the beauty of Patagonia, encountering everything from the dramatic mountain ranges and valleys with cascading rivers, to the glittering glaciers and azure lakes.

“Our highly experienced team has curated several fascinating treks in Patagonia, showcasing the region’s little-explored corners ensuring our travelers see incredible locations and experience nature at its finest,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer of Aurora Expeditions. “Many of our Antarctic passengers wish to extend their time in the South American region and these new itineraries are designed to make the most of their schedule. The Patagonia experience complements our comprehensive range of Antarctic itineraries, and now with two ships, the Greg Mortimer and the soon-to- launch, Sylvia Earle, the 2022/23 season is able to meet the increasing demand for people to take that once in a lifetime trip.”

The Torres Del Paine Explorer stays within the Chilean border and the Patagonia Discovery Trek offers travelers three options, enabling them to combine an Antarctic sailing with a timely trek: an Argentina return trip; an Argentina to Chile itinerary and a Chile to Argentina version.  

Patagonia Discovery Trek Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine 

Explorers will discover the vast Patagonian wilderness on this unique guided walking trip, taking in two of Patagonia’s most iconic national parks and the famed Perito Moreno Glacier. During this 10-day experience, travelers will hike rugged trails overlooking iridescent blue glacial lakes, as Andean condors soar overhead among the towering ice-capped peaks.

Torres del Paine Explorer Torres del Paine 

Immerse oneself in the treasures of Chilean Patagonia. Here, travelers will discover the dramatic alpine scenery and fascinating wildlife of the Torres del Paine National Park with four full days of hiking with a local guide. Then, they will ascend through the Ascencio Valley along the renowned W Trek and take in the stunning views on the lesser known Lazo-Weber trail while keeping their eyes peeled for rheas, flamingos and guanacos.

Each guided trek is priced from $5,145 per person twin share and limited to a maximum of 20 hikers, ensuring immersive, life-changing small-group opportunities in the spectacularly scenic Patagonia region of South America. 

Passengers can save up to five percent when booking a trek with an Antarctic cruise. Trek price includes nightly accommodation with ensuite, most meals, private ground transport and all guide fees and national park entrance fees.

For more information on the Patagonia treks, including departure dates visit https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/destination/patagonia/

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

PRINCESS CRUISES REMOVES VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR MOST VOYAGES, ELMINATES PRE-CRUISE TESTING FOR VACCINATED GUESTS

Unvaccinated Guests Required to Self-Test Within 3 Days of Sailing

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 12, 2022) – Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated.

Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test before boarding and only need to upload proof of vaccination while getting OceanReady. Unvaccinated guests, or those who do not provide proof of vaccination, on those itineraries will self-test within three days of sailing and upload proof of a negative test before boarding.   

These new guidelines apply to itineraries from all departure ports except where government regulations and protocols may vary like Canada, Greece and Australia.

Below are the key points for Princess’ updated CruiseHealth guidelines for embarkation: 

• No pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests on voyages of up to 15 nights (guests 5 and older) with the exception of full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean and other special itineraries; unvaccinated guests must provide a negative self-test result taken within three days of embarkation (unvaccinated children under 5 years do not require pre-cruise testing)

• Guests sailing on voyages 16 nights or longer, or sailing on full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean and other specific itineraries, need to take a supervised test within three days of embarkation (guests 5 and older). Guests on these types of voyages will be contacted directly by an Ocean Navigator to assist.

Princess’ updated guidelines reflect the cruise line’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all guests and crew.

“These updated guidelines help ensure a Princess vacation is available to everyone,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “The Princess experience is truly one-of-a-kind and we encourage everyone to take a Princess vacation that offers amazing service at unmatched value.” 

The updated guidelines are subject to the local regulations of applicable homeports and destinations.

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My review of Celebrity Apex

Tauck Expanding U.S. Cruise Offerings in 2023 With New York-to-Quebec Itinerary

Tauck’s 2023 Small Ship Cruising Portfolio to Feature 100+ Departures of 18 Journeys Aboard 16 Ships

WILTON, CT (August 9, 2022) Tauck has announced it will offer small ship ocean cruises from New York City to Quebec City aboard the Silversea ship Silver Shadow in the fall of 2023, marking the company’s latest expansion into domestic cruising and furthering its partnership with Silversea. The new 13-day “Shores of Eastern Canada and New England” itinerary will include three northbound Manhattan-to-Quebec City departures along with three southbound trips, all in September and October of next year.

The new cruise follows the 2019 introduction of Tauck’s “Cruising the Great Lakes: Chicago to Toronto” itinerary. Elsewhere in the U.S., Tauck has also featured a cruise along Alaska’s Inside Passage as well as a 15-day “Grand Alaska” combination land tour/seven-night cruise in its portfolio for many years. “We’ve seen tremendous interest in our Alaska and Great Lakes programs – we essentially sold out across the board this year – and we’re excited to expand our domestic cruise offerings for next year with this wonderful new journey,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.

The new Tauck itinerary begins with an included overnight hotel stay at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, followed by a day of guided sightseeing in Manhattan. Guests embark the Silver Shadow that afternoon for a 10-night cruise to Quebec City, highlighted by ports of call in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Saguenay (Quebec) before arriving in Quebec City. There, guests will explore the city on a sightseeing excursion before venturing out to tour the pastoral island Ile d’Orleans and experience stunning Montmorency Falls. The journey concludes with a farewell reception, dinner and overnight accommodations at Quebec City’s iconic landmark hotel, the Chateau Frontenac.

INCLUDED HOTEL STAYS IN MANHATTAN AND QUEBEC CITY… AND MORE

Although Tauck’s guests will be sharing time aboard Silver Shadow with Silversea’s other (non-Tauck) passengers, the Tauck guests will enjoy a markedly different experience, according to CEO Mahar. “Silversea does an incredible job, and we’re thrilled to partner with them on this journey,” said Mahar, “yet we like to think we’re bringing something extra to the table for our Tauck guests.”

For example, Mahar noted, Tauck includes the hotel stays and sightseeing in both Manhattan and Quebec City in its prices as part of its standard itinerary. In addition, Tauck offers 100% of its shore excursions at no additional charge, while Silversea includes only a selection of shore excursions in its prices. And Tauck’s shore excursions, added Mahar, are designed and operated exclusively by the company, all leveraging Tauck’s 97-year history of guiding award-winning land tours. “We take great pride in our ability to reveal the culture and history of a destination, and each of our shore excursions are Tauck-exclusive experiences typically led by our local guides in tandem with our own Tauck Director guides.” The Tauck Director guides also see to the onboard and onshore needs of Tauck’s guests throughout the trip, added Mahar.

Tauck’s “Shores of Eastern Canada and New England” itinerary is priced from $8,990 per person, double-occupancy, plus airfare. (From $11,680 CAD, £6,760 and $12,660 AUD). Included in the cruise price – along with all shore excursions and the Manhattan and Quebec City hotel stays – are all gratuities, airport transfers, luggage handling, port charges, taxes and more.

30 YEARS AT SEA, AND A GROWING PARTNERSHIP WITH SILVERSEA

2023 will mark Tauck’s 30th anniversary offering small ship ocean cruises, and next year the company will operate more than 100 sailings of 18 small ship cruising itineraries exploring North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Antarctica and the Arabian Peninsula on a fleet of 16 different ships. Tauck already operates other cruises aboard select Silversea vessels, including the Silver Origin and Silver Muse. Tauck’s primary maritime partner remains Ponant, with Tauck featuring a total of nine different Ponant ships (including five of its six new Explorer-class vessels) on various itineraries around the world.

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 25 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.

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).

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES CARNIVAL CELEBRATION’S SENIOR OFFICERS

Experienced Team to Lead Next New Excel-Class Ship Arriving in Miami This Fall

MIAMI – August 9, 2022 – As its newest ship is just three months away from joining the fleet, Carnival Cruise Line today named the senior leadership team of Carnival Celebration, set to arrive to Carnival’s hometown homeport, PortMiami, this November. Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras, Chief Engineer Fabien Gervaise and Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri will lead more than 1,700 crew members on the new ship. 

Carnival Celebration is currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, and its new leadership team is there getting acquainted with the new ship as construction is completed.

"We're proud to assemble this team of talented and knowledgeable maritime professionals to lead a dedicated crew on our next innovative Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration. We can't wait to welcome guests to vacation with all this ship has to offer, and this team will ensure a great onboard experience for our guests," said Carnival President Christine Duffy.

Get to Know Carnival Celebration’s Senior Officers

Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras: When Carnival Celebration completes its first week in service from Miami, Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras will also mark his 26th anniversary with Carnival Cruise Line. Starting in 1996, Capt. Alcaras, who is originally from Italy, worked on Carnival’s first Celebration iteration, the M.S. Celebration, as a second officer. He was promoted to first officer while on board M.S. Celebration and was then promoted to Safety Officer two years later. He first became captain in Sept. 2006 on Carnival Miracle. He’s worked on several ships throughout the fleet and he has been part of the inaugural team for newbuilds, overseeing the delivery of Carnival Breeze and Carnival Celebration’s Excel-class sister Mardi Gras.

“I have a strong connection with Carnival Celebration, like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep,” said Alcaras. “There’s nothing like standing at the edge of the ocean, seeing its vastness on the horizon, and doing so will be all the more special for me from this ship as it holds a special piece of my own personal history with Carnival Cruise Line.”

Five Facts about Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras

Favorite place on board: Wheelhouse

Favorite food on board: My recipe at Cucina del Capitano

Favorite Playlist Show: Celestial Strings

Most memorable moment with Carnival: When I was appointed captain on Carnival Miracle in 2006.

Favorite things to do when not on board: I love to spend time with my family as much I can, read books and watch soccer.

Chief Engineer Fabien Gervaise: For more than 22 years, Fabien Gervaise has worked on many ships across the Carnival fleet, including several recent newbuilds. Born in France, he moved with his family to Italy when he was a child and went on to start with Carnival in April 2000 as a third engineer on Carnival Paradise. He was promoted within his first two years to second engineer and in the early 2000s, he also served as an onboard environmental officer. He became chief engineer in December of 2013 on Carnival Breeze.

Five Facts about Fabien Gervaise

Favorite place on board: The front of ship's open deck

Favorite food on board: Bonsai Sushi

Favorite Playlist Show: Celestial Strings

Most memorable moment with Carnival: Alaska cruise with Carnival Legend among the fjords.

Favorite things to do when not on board: I’m a licensed amateur radio operator and I enjoy talking with friends all over the world and building electronic devices for communications. I also love fishing.

Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri: Now in his 18th year with Carnival, Camilleri joined the company in 2004 as hotel director after managing a variety of hotel and resort properties in his native Malta, as well as Europe and Asia. He has served as hotel director on several Carnival ships and has been part of the inaugural teams for Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Mardi Gras. 

Five Facts about Pierre Camilleri

Favorite place on board: It will be The Gateway on Carnival Celebration

Favorite food on board: Big Chicken

Favorite Playlist Show: We Are One

Most memorable moment with Carnival: The day we sailed with guests on Mardi Gras during summer 2021 after the long pause.

Favorite things to do when not on board: Spending quality time with my three lovely daughters, Jessica, Julia and Ella based in England, Malta and Hungary.

Debuting from the redesigned Terminal F at PortMiami, Carnival Celebration will join sister Mardi Gras as the second Carnival ship in the fleet powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, part of Carnival Corporation’s pioneering green cruising platform. Carnival Celebration will offer year-round, seven-day Caribbean sailings beginning with its inaugural cruise from Miami on Nov. 21.

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.

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Beach Fun & Sun: Windstar Cruises Reveals New Caribbean and Central America Cruises

MIAMI, FL, AUGUST 9, 2022 – Windstar Cruises has just the thing to shake off the winter blahs. The small ship cruise line has drawn up a new beach bum’s delight of an itinerary beginning winter of 2023. Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway has seven days on some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean including stops in St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Barts, Anguilla, Jost Van Dyke (overnight), Virgin Gorda, and Tortola. The November 4 sailing only will take place on Windstar’s all-suite Star Pride and the other eight departures are aboard the 342-guest classic sailing yacht Wind Surf.

Both yachts’ Watersports Platforms (which allow guests to jump from the yacht into the sea) will be operational daily on these cruises, except for embarkation/disembarkation days, so the sailings will be very focused on beaches, swimming, watersports, and snorkeling – all the things we want to do in paradise. Current rates are from $2,599 per guest. Beach Fun & Sun can easily be combined with Windstar’s Classic Caribbean for a two-week cruise, as the itineraries alternate and both depart from St. Maarten. Classic Caribbean includes stops in Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, and Nevis, as well as a repeat in St. Barts (and who could complain about that).  

“We created this itinerary specifically for people who like to spend time enjoying some of the best tropical beaches, swimming and watersports activities,” said Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. Our small yachts visit scenic Caribbean islands for a peaceful, relaxing vacation away from crowds.”
Also new in the Caribbean: Windstar will be sailing from Miami for the first time in December, 2022. 

The small ship cruise line just relocated its offices to Miami from Seattle, with a grand opening in June, which makes the sailings particularly meaningful to Windstar staff and crew. Jungles & Jewels of the Central American Coast stops in Key West before heading to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, then returning to Miami. The new Central America & the Panama Canal Revealed cruise brings guests from Miami to Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. 

Starting winter 2023, Windstar is introducing a new, seven-day round trip Costa Rica cruise itinerary (from Puerto Caldera) called Naturally Costa Rica, including inaugural calls in San Juan del Sur and Corinto in Nicaragua. Current rates start at $2,699 per guest. The new option easily combines with a Windstar Panama Canal itinerary for a 14-day adventure in the region. 

Other returning Caribbean itineraries include Windward Island Surfs & Sunsets, a seven-day roundtrip San Juan sailing that’s a quick escape up and down the Windward Islands; Windward Ways & Tobago Cays, sailing through the Windward and ABC Islands; Yachtsman’s Caribbean, a classic voyage to the Caribbean’s private yachting scene; and more – full Caribbean listings can be found here: https://www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/caribbean/. 

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

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

OCEANIA CRUISES INTRODUCES SAFE, SIMPLE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Cruise Line To Welcome Guests of All Ages and Vaccination Status 

Miami, FL, August 8, 2022 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has revised its SailSafe Health and Safety protocols to be simpler, easier, and offer all travelers an open door to explore the world. 

Effective September 3, 2022, for all sailings embarking from that date forward, Vaccinated travelers will no longer need to test to embark a sailing and Unvaccinated travelers may embark by providing proof of a negative Antigen or PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding. Ease of access to travel is also provided for guests of all ages as children under the age of 12 will also be welcomed without any vaccination or testing requirements.

“We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive. The world has been re-opening quickly and once more, we are pleased to welcome all travelers, of all ages, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the small, luxurious ships of Oceania Cruises,” stated Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. 

The relaxation of this policy is in line with that of the greater travel industry around the globe as society continues to adapt and return to a state of normalcy. While vaccination and testing requirements have been relaxed, Oceania Cruises continues to strongly recommend all guests to be up to date with their vaccines and to test at their convenience prior to travel.

The line’s revised SailSafe base-level protocols for embarkation are as follows:

·       Vaccinated travelers aged 12 and older will not need to test to embark.

·       Un-vaccinated travelers will need to present a negative, medically administered covid-19 test. Antigen and PCR test results must not be more than 72 hours old at the time of boarding. 

·       Travelers aged 11 and under are not subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols.

·       Vaccinated travelers must meet the generally-accepted definition of “fully vaccinated” based on the destination in which they are embarking the ship, and/or traveling to, and must provide proof of vaccination.

·       Travelers who cannot provide proof of vaccination will be considered unvaccinated and subject to any required testing protocols. 

As part of the line’s comprehensive health and safety protocols, all Officers and Crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted also undergo regular, routine covid-19 testing. Certain destinations such as Canada, Bermuda, and Greece, may have very specific requirements that will result in slightly different protocols which will impact a small number of voyages. Specific voyage and destination requirements will be communicated to our guests and travel partners as needed. 

For additional information and current destination-specific details, travelers are encouraged to review our SailSafe Simplified travel requirements – CLICK HERE. 

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

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Windstar Cruises Promotes Dianna Rom to Senior Director of Sales

MIAMI, FL, Thursday, August 4th, 2022 -- U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises has promoted Dianna Rom to senior director of sales, leading the domestic and international sales team for the Windstar brand. 

Rom has been with Windstar for seven years, first as a Midwest regional sales manager and most recently as director of field sales where she was responsible for managing all Windstar regional sales managers and business development managers. Prior to joining Windstar, Rom was the regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges, formerly part of the Xanterra Travel Collection (Windstar’s parent company), where she led the sales and marketing team for eight hotels. 

“Dianna has always been a superstar performer,” said Windstar Chief Commercial Officer Betsy O’Rourke. “We are excited to leverage her talent, expertise, and leadership for the benefit of the sales team and the overall Windstar brand in her new, expanded global role.” 

An image of Rom is available here. 

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

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Swan Hellenic welcomes top travel industry professional Gordon Dirker as Vice President of Sales, North America

Seasoned senior professional with strong trade and customer focus joins cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s North America team

Cyprus. Tuesday the 2nd of August 2022: Swan Hellenic announced today that Gordon Dirker has been appointed Vice President of Sales, North America. Gordon will be joining the company from 8th August, reporting directly to Alfredo Spadon, Swan Hellenic’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. 

Dirker brings Swan Hellenic over 24 years of senior-level cruise and travel industry experience, most recently as Vice President of Business Development, Americas, at Celestyal Cruises, and as Vice President Americas of Hurtigruten. Prior to this, Gordon spent 18 years in progressively senior roles at TTC, a leading global travel and leisure group. Gordon has an impressive track record of strategic high-end brand and team building, which have combined with strong internal and external customer service values to drive outstanding sales and marketing achievements.

Alfredo Spadon, Swan Hellenic’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Gordon Dirker to our North America Team. Gordon is a dynamic professional with strong strategic vision who really “gets” what Swan Hellenic offers sophisticated modern cruise-goers with a thirst for knowledge and taste for adventure. He’s a perfect fit for the pioneering spirit and high service standards that have always distinguished Swan Hellenic. Gordon is taking over from Lori Sheller, who I’d like to take this opportunity to thank for her valued work.”

“I’m really fired up to join such an iconic high-end brand,” said Dirker. “The only one to offer cultural expedition cruises across all 7 continents worldwide and to the most inspiring locations on elegantly indulgent ice-class ships”.

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 

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion