GET READY FOR “CARNIVAL FUN ITALIAN STYLE” AS GUESTS CAN REGISTER FOR FIRST TO KNOW CARNIVAL VENEZIA AND CARNIVAL FIRENZE INFORMATION  

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MIAMI – October 21, 2022 – In celebration of Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month, Carnival Cruise Line guests can register to be the “first-to-know” about on-sale dates and special promotions, including an exclusive offer for guests who sign up, as well itineraries and other announcements about “Carnival Fun Italian Style” on Carnival Venezia™ and Carnival Firenze™.  For more details, click here.

Costa Venezia will join the Carnival fleet in the spring of 2023 and start guest operations as Carnival Venezia from New York City.

Costa Firenze will join the fleet in 2024 and start guest operations as Carnival Firenze from Long Beach, Calif.

“Just like their Carnival sisters, fun will be at the heart of Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, but they will also carry a unique experience – incorporating the spectacular Italian atmosphere and rich culture they embody,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze expand the cruise line’s presence in two of its 14 U.S. homeports. Carnival started sailing from New York in 1998 and has offered sailings there regularly with a variety of its ships. In Long Beach, Carnival embarks more guests than any other operator and has maintained a West Coast presence for more than 40 years – first cruising from Los Angeles in 1979.

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

New Culinary Collection of Holiday Menus from Princess Cruises Kicks off Holiday Season in Grand Fashion

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Guests sailing during 2022 holiday season to experience a whole new holiday dining offering—including a new gourmet Thanksgiving menu

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2022) — Guests sailing on a Princess Cruises vacation over the 2022 holiday season will enjoy a host of new gourmet dining options and traditional go-to’s. Today, the Princess culinary arts team, led by Chef Rudi Sodamin, unveiled the Princess Cruise Culinary Collection of Holiday Menus, a new series of inspired fare available in the main dining rooms throughout the fleet ranging from a Thanksgiving feast featuring five entrees, to the meaningful and fun foods of Hanukkah, delectable Christmas dishes from traditions around the world, and concluding with a sparkling New Year’s Gala menu. 

Over the Thanksgiving holiday period, Princess will offer dozens of sailings to ports of call around the world. No matter where they happen to be in their itinerary, each ship will recognize the American Thanksgiving holiday on November 24 in high style—with festive autumnal decorations, and Thanksgiving-inspired activities with football broadcast on outdoor big screens. Of course, the centerpiece of the Princess Cruise Thanksgiving celebration will be the elaborate Thanksgiving feast.

“Growing up in a large family, holiday meals were always extremely important to me and a source of excitement and anticipation. But it wasn’t until I was an adult and went to work at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City that I learned about the American tradition of Thanksgiving where food is the undisputed star of the show,” said the Austrian-born Sodamin, head of Culinary Arts for Princess Cruises. “The imaginative and innovative new Thanksgiving menu honors cherished holiday traditions while also introducing some exciting fresh options that we hope can become new favorites. Collaborating with our talented team of culinary artists on this menu has been a meaningful and memorable. This year will be a totally stress-free holiday as we’ll do all the shopping, cooking and clean up too!”

“The entire Food & Beverage staff sees this new Thanksgiving menu as an opportunity to go the extra mile in impressing our guests,” says Sami Kohen, Princess’ vice president of food and beverage. “Princess has always done a great job taking the stress out of the holidays and making each holiday special for our guests, and with this new Thanksgiving menu, we have elevated the experience to a whole new level.”

The four-course Thanksgiving menu offers a choice of five entrées. Naturally, there will be juicy whole roasted turkey served with apple sage dressing, giblet gravy and the rest of the traditional American Thanksgiving trimmings like caramelized sweet potato, brussels sprouts and whole cranberry sauce. Vegetarians will appreciate the offering of homemade potato gnocchi with roasted butternut squash and sage in a light Champaign-parmesan cream or the grilled vegetable mille feuille with roasted red pepper sauce. The other entrées on offer are a grilled jumbo shrimp and seared sea scallops combination with a tomato-caper beurre blanc and a festive pineapple-glazed ham spiked with cloves served in a pineapple-bourbon sauce with mashed yams. The full menu follows below.

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.

Our review of Discovery Princess

INTRODUCING THE ICON OF VACATIONS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN REVEALS ICON OF THE SEAS

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The Game-changing, Iconic Combination Makes the Ultimate Family Vacation

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2022 – A new era of vacations starts here. Royal Caribbean International has revealed the first look at the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas, the Icon of Vacations. Arriving in late 2023 ahead of its January 2024 debut, the first Icon Class ship will be the travel industry’s first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, with Icon, every kind of family and adventurer can experience their version of the ultimate family vacation. Vacationers can book their iconic adventure on Royal Caribbean’s website on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Crown & Anchor loyalty members can look out for special access on Monday, Oct. 24.  

“With each new ship, we raise the bar in the travel industry while enhancing what our guests know and love,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From the moment they step on board, every experience is specifically designed to give them the best vacation anywhere on land and at sea. With Icon of the Seas, we’ve taken this to a new level and made the ultimate family vacation.”  

Whether “family vacation” means getting away as a family, couple or friends, Icon’s all-encompassing lineup features a variety of firsts and next-level favorites for everyone. There are adrenaline-pumping thrills, including the largest waterpark at sea, and unrivaled ways to chill with more ocean views and pools – one for each day of the week – than ever before, plus a blend of more than 40 new and returning dining, bar and nightlife options, and cutting-edge entertainment.

“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of delivering memorable experiences and our next bold commitment to those who love to vacation,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Now more than ever, families and friends are prioritizing experiences where they can bond and enjoy their own adventures. We set out to create a vacation that makes all that possible in one place for the thrill-seekers, the chill enthusiasts and everyone in between, without compromise. It’s this first-of-its-kind combination that makes Icon the future of family vacations, and that future is here.”

Royal Caribbean begins to spotlight what’s in store with the first look at eight neighborhoods that come alive day and night, including five brand-new adventures and three bold, returning favorites. Each one is a destination in and of itself filled with an array of experiences, live entertainment and ways to grab a bite and a drink, so that everyone can make memories their way every day.

Ways to Play Across Five New Neighborhoods

  • Thrill Island – Vacationers can test their limits, scale new heights and reach top speeds at the center of thrill. This lost island adventure is home to highlights like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides: Pressure Drop and its 66-degree incline make it the industry’s first open free-fall slide; the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides at sea with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising’s first mat-racing duo. Living on the edge takes new meaning with Crown’s Edge. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, it culminates in a surprising, shocking moment that will see travelers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

  • Chill Island – Among the seven pools on board, four are in this three-deck slice of paradise. There’s a pool for every mood, each with prime ocean views: the vibrant Swim & Tonic, the line’s first swim-up bar at sea; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including Royal Caribbean’s first frozen cocktail bar.

  • Surfside – Introducing a neighborhood made for young families from end to end, where adults and kids ages six and under will want to stay and play all day. Grownups can soak up the endless views at Water’s Edge pool, as they keep an eye on the kids at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. Only steps away are dining options, places to lounge, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.

  • The Hideaway – Tucked away, this neighborhood 135 feet above the ocean combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and the uninterrupted ocean views only a cruise can offer. Thefirst suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, and it’s surrounded by a multilevel sun terrace with whirlpools, a variety of seating and a dedicated bar.

  • AquaDome – Perched at the top of Icon, what’s in store is a transformational place unlike any other. In a tranquil oasis by day, guests can take in wraparound ocean views and an awe-inspiring waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink. By night, it becomes a vibrant place great for a night out, complete with restaurants, bars and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater. The signature entertainment venue takes artistry and cutting-edge technology to new heights, with a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection and more.

Ways to Play Across Three Familiar Neighborhoods and Favorites

The cruise line has raised the bar even further with each of its signature neighborhoods: A grander Royal Promenade features its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, plus more than 15 restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges; a more lush and livelier Central Park has more ways to dine and be entertained; and the largest Suite Neighborhood is three decks of luxury, offering a multilevel suite sun deck – The Grove – that has a private pool, whirlpool and dining, and a two-story Coastal Kitchen. More returning favorites include experiences like new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, and Absolute Zero, Royal Caribbean’s largest ice arena, and dining venues such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade and the Asian-inspired Izumi in Central Park.

With 28 ways to stay, even the rooms are thoughtfully designed for every type of vacationer. It’s come one, come all with more choices, ocean views and room. There are new layouts made for families of three, four, five and more, like the Family Infinite Balcony and Surfside Family Suite – with kids alcoves tucked away from the adults – and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own white picket fence and mailbox. When it comes to views, among the best are from the brand’s first Sunset Corner Suites and Panoramic Ocean Views in AquaDome.

The debut of Icon Class will also mark firsts and the next step in Royal Caribbean’s journey toward a clean-energy future. Icon will be the cruise line’s first ship with fuel cell technology and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest-burning marine fuel. Along with other proven applications, such as shore power connection and waste heat recovery systems, the new ship will be the cruise line’s most sustainable to date.

The bold, new standard of vacations also extends to the home away from home for those at the heart of Icon– the crew. Where they live and work has been reimagined with more intuitive design, amenities, room and activities, including a new, patented stateroom created by crew for crew. 

Icon will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, where adventurers can create their ideal vacation day. In store is everything thrill and chill, from Thrill Waterpark’s 13 waterslides, including the tallest in North America; to Coco Beach Club, featuring the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas; and Up, Up & Away, a helium balloon adventure. When Icon arrives, the cruise line will debut the island’s adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, with an expansive pool, private cabanas with pools, and unmatched views of the ocean hues. Vacationers will also visit Caribbean gems like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras.

SEADREAM YACHT CLUB REPORTS RECORD-BREAKING MONTH OF BOOKINGS

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Leading Yachting Line Appeals to Luxury Travelers’ Demand to Return to Favorite, Exclusive Destinations

MIAMI, FLA, October, 20, 2022 – SeaDream Yacht Club reported today that the leading luxury yachting experience achieved its best historical booking week during the second week of October. Furthermore, the yachting line revealed that it’s best-booking week was the culmination of four consecutive weeks of record-breaking bookings, one greater than the previous. SeaDream attributed its success to luxury travelers’ pent-up demand to return to their favorite exclusive destinations in an intimate ambiance with an established and acclaimed brand. As a result, the line has achieved its best year in 21 years. For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, please visit www.SeaDream.com.

“It is gratifying to see that luxury travelers are choosing SeaDream as the world continues to reopen to tourism,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club. “Our success is due in large part to our valued travel partners, who are confident that SeaDream will deliver an unforgettable, luxurious vacation to their clients aboard our twin mega-yachts. We thank travel advisors for recommending SeaDream and welcome their clients for a very different yachting adventure in the Caribbean and Europe.”

SeaDream I and SeaDream II are currently finishing their Mediterranean season and will chart a course for the Caribbean in late November. In the Caribbean, SeaDream I will focus on the Leeward Islands on four- to eight-day voyages from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, while SeaDream II will embark on six- to eight-day voyages throughout the idyllic Leeward and Windward Islands.

Family owned and operated, SeaDream Yacht Club has achieved the industry’s highest accolades for its boutique yachting experience aboard twin casually elegant mega-yachts. Each accommodating a maximum of only 56 couples and manned by 95 exemplary crew members, SeaDream I and SeaDream II feature plentiful open deck spaces and call on small harbors and secluded ports around the world on seven- to 15-day voyages. The line’s “It’s Yachting, Not Cruising” trademark defines not only the small size of the vessels but their distinctive, luxurious onboard lifestyle. Guests enjoy highly anticipatory service on a nearly 1-to-1, staff-to-guest ratio and the fares include an expansive array of special services, activities, watersports equipment, gourmet cuisine, premium wine and beverages, and gratuities. For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, please visit www.SeaDream.com or call in USA +1 800 707 4911, in EU +47 67 792 585.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Windstar Cruises Partners with Coral Gardeners in Tahiti

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Guests Will Receive an Adopted Coral in Their Name 

MIAMI, FL, October 18, 2022 – Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has partnered with the Coral Gardeners, a Mo’orea (French Polynesia)-based organization determined to revolutionize ocean conservation and create a global movement to save the coral reefs through reef restoration, awareness activities, and innovative solutions. The team works to grow, plant, and monitor thousands of heat-resilient corals with the goal of bringing life back to the ocean.

The three-year partnership begins this month with Windstar’s $35,000 donation to Coral Gardeners to adopt coral for all guests sailing with Windstar in French Polynesia for the remainder of 2022. 

2022 is Windstar’s 35th anniversary of sailing in Tahiti/French Polynesia – the longest of any operator in the region. (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.) With two ships sailing French Polynesia throughout October, Windstar has been celebrating its 35th season all month long with special events, integration with local dignitaries and artists, and a heightened infusion of local culture both on board and ashore. 

“This new partnership is a wonderful way for us to celebrate Tahiti during our 35th anniversary season, but more importantly to make a positive impact for the future of these incredible islands,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog.  “We’ve been focused on reducing our carbon footprint via updating our fleet’s engines and operations, and this next step in climate action at sea is to partner with Coral Gardeners to protect the environment in French Polynesia and beyond.”

Guests on the remaining 2022 sailings will receive a small card in their guest room, alerting them to the adoption of coral in their name. In 2023 and 2024, each guest booked on a Windstar cruise in French Polynesia will be presented with the option to adopt a coral for a donation of $35 per person. Unique coral adoption cards for those participating will be placed in their guest room on board. 

Prelog is confident the majority of guests will choose to donate to help save the reef they are enjoying on their Tahiti cruise.
For more information on Windstar Cruises and all of its itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com. 

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mars

Azamara Announces Its Return to Venice in 2023 

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Together with the local government and port authorities, the independent cruise line will return to the lagoon city with a total of 32 voyages for the 2023 Europe season

MIAMI, October 17, 2022: Azamara – the upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to announce the cruise line’s return to Venice, beginning April 3, 2023, as part of Azamara Journey’s® 12-Night The Best of The Med Voyage. Starting next spring, the line’s four-ship fleet will access the Venetian Lagoon ports of Chioggia and Fusina, allowing guests a more seamless opportunity to marvel at gondolas, stroll the cobblestone streets, and explore Venice with ease. 

“Thanks to our longstanding relationship with the local officials and port authorities of Venice, we’re thrilled to not only bring our guests back to this historic canal city, but also to allow them to discover the wonders of neighboring towns such as Chioggia, which only smaller ships can visit,” said Mike Pawlus, Azamara’s Director of Strategic Itinerary & Destination Planning. “We look forward to once again immersing our guests in the rich local culture and amazing historical sites that the destination has to offer.”

In addition to gaining easy access to the heart of Venice, Azamara’s continued pursuit of hidden gems brings guests the unique opportunity to explore Chioggia, which has recently experienced a rise in tourism thanks to the flourishing of bacari, bars serving wine and finger food along the central canal, Riva Vena. Travelers can enjoy the city’s charming canals, historic churches, beautiful sandy beach, and undiscovered scenery. 

Highlights of the upcoming sailings to Venice include: 

  • 7-Night Italy Intensive Voyage

    • This seven-night Country Intensive® itinerary encourages guests to explore Italy to the fullest with late nights in Ravenna, Kotor and Amalfi, and an overnight stay in Rome, giving travelers plenty of time to explore spectacular views, ancient cities and the local culture in each destination. Authentic local cuisine, Veneto wine, and the overarching bridges await in the charming city of Venice, where this immersive journey begins.

  • 7-Night Amalfi & Dalmatian Coasts Voyage

    • Travelers aboard this seven-night voyage have the opportunity to dive deeper into the beautiful shorelines of the Amalfi and Dalmatian Coasts, with four late stays, including Sorrento, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Sibenik as well as an enchanting overnight stay in Venice, where guests can enjoy people watching in the Piazza San Marco, sampling Veneto wines, and admiring Murano’s handcrafted glass and swathes of silk.

Committed to providing travelers with a more authentic connection to a destination, Azamara offers an array of immersive shore excursions to help guests dive deeper into Venice’s storied history and local life, including:

  • An intimate evening gondola ride accompanied by a local singer and an accordionist, creating a classic and romantic Venetian experience.

  • A motorboat cruise to neighboring isles, Murano and Burano, where guests will enjoy a tour of an acclaimed glass-blowing factory, as well as a demonstration of traditional lace-making techniques.

  • A guided walking tour with a local expert including visits to the beautiful church of Saint Rocco and Campo San Polo, one of the oldest squares in Venice.

To book an Azamara sailing, please visit www.azamara.com

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mars

Hurtigruten Expeditions completes industry-first fleetwide installation of SpaceX’s Starlink

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STARLINK TO ANTARCTICA: With SpaceX’ innovative broadband service Starlink, Hurtigruten Expeditions’ guests are given access to high-speed connectivity while exploring. PHOTO: Oscar Farrera/Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions will be the first cruise line to implement SpaceX’s innovative broadband service Starlink across all ships. In cooperation with long-time connectivity partner Speedcast, the installation will be completed in October.

“As the world leader in exploration travel, it’s only fitting that we bring the world’s most innovative technologies onboard our ships to further enhance the experience and day-to-day lives for our guests, crew, partners and the communities we visit”, said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.

Speedcast and Hurtigruten Expeditions began testing and integration of Starlink terminals onboard the fleet of small-size expedition cruise ships in March. Installation will be complete by end of October – making Hurtigruten Expeditions the first cruise line to introduce the high-speed, low-latency connectivity across its entire fleet.

“We’ve seen major players announcing plans for implementation of Starlink connectivity. Our partnership with Speedcast and fleetwide introduction of the new service not only puts us ahead of the rest of the cruise industry, it also puts us ahead of the technology. When Starlink introduces maritime coverage in Antarctica and the Arctic, we will be ready,” said Lassesen.

“With vessels operating in some of the most remote and spectacular areas of the world, Hurtigruten Expeditions is an ideal partner for introducing groundbreaking technology in the cruise industry. Speedcast’s expertise lies in our ability to combine all available connectivity paths and manage a complete service that offers the highest levels of uptime, availability and performance”, said Joe Spytek, Chief Executive Officer at Speedcast.

Speedcast and Hurtigruten Expeditions to introduce Starlink to Antarctic waters

CONNECTED: A Starlink terminal on board Hurtigruten Expeditions' battery-hybrid poweredMS RoaldAmundsen.PHOTO: Oscar Farrera/Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line, with a growing fleet of smaller, more sustainable expedition cruise ships.

Guests, crew and scientists on all three Hurtigruten Expeditions ships that will explore Antarctica from this fall, will be the first to do so on ships able to connect through the faster broadband service. Starlink is slated to introduce Antarctic maritime coverage in Q4 2022.

Enabling science – supporting crew

TECH FRONTRUNNER: Asta Lassesen, Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO. Photo:RUNE KONGSRO/Hurtigruten Expeditions

The groundbreaking broadband internet solution – using a network of low-orbit satellites – will not only enhance the guest experience.

Through an industry-leading network of science partnerships, Hurtigruten Expeditions hosts scientists on every sailing on every ship. All ships feature signature Science Centers and a variety of science equipment, and all guests are offered to take part in citizen science programs. Faster and more reliable internet further enables delivery of science results from some of the most unexplored areas of the planet.

As one of few major cruise lines, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers free internet connectivity not only for guests, but also for all crew members.

“Introduction of new technology makes it easier for everyone on board to remain connected with friends, family and loved ones no matter where they are. We challenge all cruise lines that follows our example by installing Starlink to also follow our example to make internet free for all crew members”, said Lassesen.

About Hurtigruten Expeditions

With sustainability, science and exploration at core, Hurtigruten Expeditions founded expedition cruising in 1896. Today, Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line. 

Building on 125 years of experience, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers big adventures on small ships, taking guests to over 250 spectacular destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide. Hurtigruten Expeditions operates a fleet of small, custom-build expedition cruise ships, including the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ships.

Hurtigruten Expeditions is part of Hurtigruten Group, the world leader in exploration travel, which also operates Norwegian Coastal Express, known as ‘the most beautiful voyage in the world’ and extensive land-based activities – including hotels, restaurants and more – through Hurtigruten Destinations.

About Speedcast

Speedcast is a leading communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications services to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. The company leverages its global network platform to provide fully connected systems that harness technologies and applications to transform what remote operations can achieve. With the world’s most comprehensive network, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mars

SILVERSEA® NAMES FELICITY ASTON, THE FIRST WOMAN TO CROSS ANTARCTICA SOLO, AS GODMOTHER OF SILVER ENDEAVOUR℠

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The world’s most luxurious expedition ship, Silver Endeavour will set sail for Antarctica on her maiden voyage on November 21, 2022

(Monaco – October 11, 2022) Silversea Cruises®, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has named Felicity Aston MBE as the Godmother of its new ship Silver Endeavour℠, the world’s most luxurious expedition vessel. A celebrated polar explorer, author, television presenter and climate scientist, Aston became the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica in 2012, as well as the first person to traverse the continent by muscle power alone. Aston has since been awarded the Polar Medal and has been appointed MBE for services to exploration. A long-respected maritime tradition, the ship’s Godmother blesses the vessel for good fortune during its official naming ceremony. Aston will officially name Silver Endeavour as part of an intimate ceremony in Antarctica—to be held in the days before the ship’s inaugural voyage, departing on November 21. 

FELICITY ASTON: AN AUTHORITY ON POLAR EXPLORATION

In a career that has spanned over 20 years, Aston has undertaken many challenging expeditions in the world’s most extreme environments – often as the leader of groundbreaking trips, including that of the first British women’s team to cross the Greenland ice sheet, as well as record-breaking teams of women on ski expeditions to both the South and North Poles. Aston’s longest and most formative tenure in Antarctica involved a 39-month stint at the Rothera Research Station from 2000, where she was monitoring climate and the ozone layer as a meteorologist for the British Antarctic Survey. Now based at the National Oceanography Centre and University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, where she is investigating airborne microplastic pollution on polar sea ice, Aston’s work has plugged data gaps, reshaping scientific understanding. In 2023, Aston will be continuing her leadership of the B.I.G. (Before It’s Gone) North Pole expedition, a long-term project to collect material for crucial Arctic Ocean sea ice research. Aston has published five books about exploration and her expeditions; co-presented two BBC documentaries; and has been featured in top publications, including National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Marie Claire. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in London and The Explorers Club in New York, as well as an elected member of the Society of Women Geographers.

 “We are delighted to welcome Felicity Aston to the Silversea family as Godmother of Silver Endeavour,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “A leading authority in the field of polar exploration, Felicity is the perfect ambassador for our cruise line. She shares the unwavering senses of curiosity and adventure that unite all Silversea guests. In becoming the first woman to cross Antarctica alone, as well as the first person to traverse the continent purely by muscle power, Felicity demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience and passion, embodying a true spirit of discovery. Her explorations are more than a test of physical stamina; they are a test of oneself. They will be a source of great inspiration for travelers as they set forth on their journey to Polar Regions and beyond with Silversea.”

“I am honored to have been selected as the Godmother of Silver Endeavour – a beautiful ship that will introduce countless travelers to the magnificent allure of the Polar Regions,” said Aston. “With each of my expeditions, I am driven to push boundaries, to explore new frontiers and to experience the planet’s most spectacular places. Guests traveling aboard Silversea’s newest ship will exercise these same ambitions with the charting of each course, the launching of every Zodiac and the arrival in each destination. She is a vehicle for discovery in every sense of the term and I am excited to sail to the Polar Regions in such comfort.”

SILVER ENDEAVOUR: THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS EXPEDITION SHIP

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, Silver Endeavour is designed for polar exploration. She carries 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 maintains Silversea’s trademark level of comfort, with a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1 and the cruise line’s hallmarks of luxury, including butler service for every suite and some of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising.

View all Silver Endeavour voyages: 

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


Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

SEADREAM II TO SAIL FROM SINT MAARTEN FOR WINTER 2023-24 CARIBBEAN SEASON

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Acclaimed Yachting Line Offers More Variety for Luxurious, Idyllic Caribbean Getaways

MIAMI, FLA., October 11, 2022 – SeaDream Yacht Club, the acclaimed luxury yachting experience, announced that SeaDream II will sail from Sint Maarten for the winter 2023-24 Caribbean season, placing guests in the heart of the Caribbean. SeaDream II will embark on six- to eight-day voyages throughout the idyllic Leeward and Windward Islands, while SeaDream I will focus on the Leeward Islands on four- to eight-day voyages from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas. Guests savor a new island experience every day and enjoy SeaDream’s highly attentive service and personalized gourmet cuisine on board. SeaDream II’sembarkations at Sint Maarten were originally scheduled for San Juan and St. Thomas. For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club’s 2023-24 Caribbean season, please visit www.SeaDream.com.

“SeaDream I and SeaDream II offer travelers a variety of distinctive journeys to the unspoiled and uncrowded island gems of the Caribbean,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club. “SeaDream’s luxurious twin yachts bring guests into the heart of exclusive destinations where larger vessels cannot reach. On board, guests enjoy SeaDream’s highly attentive service from every crew member in a relaxing, inclusive and luxurious ambiance.”

SeaDream II starts her 2023-24 Caribbean season on December 9 with three roundtrip voyages from Sint Maarten. A special “Leeward Islands Celebration” voyage, departing December 23, brings guests to Jost Van Dyke on Christmas Day, and the subsequent “Tropical New Year’s” sailing, departing December 29, features three days at St. Barths through New Year’s Day. Nearly all voyages feature a two-day call at St. Barths, so guests can bask in the French “art de vivre” on their tropical getaway. SeaDream II finishes her season with two “Glorious Grenadines” voyages departing Barbados, roundtrip, on April 7 and April 14, 2024.

For her part, SeaDream I will start the season with a seven-night voyage that departs Saint Martin to Nevis, Saba, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and features two days in St. Barths. Travelers can choose among six- and seven-day itineraries focusing on the BVI and St. Barths, departing from St. Thomas or San Juan. For travelers seeking a rejuvenating BVI and St. Barths sampler, SeaDream I offers a four-night and a five-night itinerary, departing December 2, 2023, and January 15, 2024, respectively.

Family owned and operated, SeaDream Yacht Club has achieved the industry’s highest accolades for its twin casually elegant mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. With a maximum of only 56 couples and 95 highly attentive crew, “It’s yachting, not cruising,” defines not only the small size of the vessels but their onboard lifestyle and anticipatory service. SeaDream Yacht Club provides a boutique yachting experience, calling on small harbors and secluded ports around the world on seven- to 15-day voyages. A vast array of special services, activities, water toys, cuisine, wine and premium drinks, and gratuities are provided through SeaDream’s inclusive fare. SeaDream features plentiful open deck spaces, including dining and lounging al fresco, with all activities offered in the open air. SeaDream’s health and safety protocols are regularly updated. For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, please visit www.SeaDream.com or call in USA +1 800 707 4911, in EU +47 67 792 585.

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

SILVERSEA® SPOTLIGHTS EIGHT NEW GRAND VOYAGES FOR 2024-2025,  BROADENING THE LARGEST RANGE OF EXTENDED SAILINGS IN ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISING  

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Silversea’s unprecedented collection of Grand Voyages for 2024 and 2025 will allow travelers to journey deeper on all seven continents  

(Monaco – October 12, 2022) Silversea Cruises®, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has unveiled a new collection of eight Grand Voyages for 2024-2025, including three expedition itineraries—broadening the largest range of extended sailings in ultra-luxury cruising. Silversea’s destination experts have designed these extended journeys, which are unprecedented in their variety and range from 57 to 125 days in length, to offer travelers deeper, more-immersive explorations into all seven continents. 

"With the global restart of cruise travel through 2021 and 2022, we saw—and continue to see—a strong demand for extended voyages among our guests. People are prioritizing travel like never before, with a sense of urgency that is unprecedented. Our Grand Voyages tap into a growing interest among luxury travelers for more immersive travel experiences that take them closer to the authentic beauty of the world," says Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. "From pole to pole, to the Mediterranean, Africa and Arabia, the South Pacific, and beyond, each journey in our new collection weaves together the respective region’s most remarkable landscapes, cultures, and experiences—wrapping them in Silversea's superlative comfort to deliver enriching experiences to our well-travelled guests." 

EIGHT NEW GRAND VOYAGES FOR 2024/2025 

Silversea’s new collection of Grand Voyages for 2024 and 2025 includes: 

1.     GRAND MEDITERRANEAN 2024 
Athens to Lisbon — 50 Destinations, 12 Countries, 57 Days 

April 20 to June 16, 2024 

This 57-day, deep exploration of the Mediterranean aboard Silver Whisper® departs in the early season, when there are fewer people flocking to the region's iconic shores. Guests will be immersed into an eclectic mix of landscapes, customs, and cuisines—from the Eastern Mediterranean and Holy Land, to the Adriatic, Western Mediterranean, and Iberia. The voyage will shine a light on the region's captivating cultures in both large, iconic ports—such as Rome, Venice, and Rhodes—as well as smaller, lesser-visited gems like Gallipoli, Amorgos, and Kotor. 

1.     GRAND PACIFIC 2024 

Tokyo to Sydney — 27 Destinations, 8 Countries, 57 Days 

September 26 to November 22, 2024 

Guests traveling aboard Silver Muse® for the Grand Pacific 2024 will discover authentic beauty in 27 of the region's most rewarding destinations, with four overnight calls. From Tokyo, guests will voyage through eight countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Multi-day calls in places like Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh will allow guests to travel deeper to discover treasures like the water town of Zhujiajiao and the quaint villages of the Mekong Delta. Silver Muse will then spend multiple weeks bringing into focus the natural beauty of Australia's Gold Coast and New Zealand. 

1.     GRAND SOUTH PACIFIC EXPEDITION 2024 

Fremantle (Perth) to Valparaiso (Santiago) — 60 Destinations, 11 Countries, 75Days 

August 25 to November 7, 2024 

As expedition ship Silver Cloud® traces a path from Australia to Chile, guests will enjoy leisurely days spent winding through the most captivating destinations in the South Pacific Isles—from the idyllic Aitutaki and Bora Bora to the enigmatic Easter Island. They will enjoy up-close encounters with the culture and wildlife of Australia's Kimberley Coast, with calls in places like the Lacepede Islands, a bird-watcher's paradise; the Hunter River Region, with its magnificent falls; and Wyndham, gateway to the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range, which guests will witness on a flightseeing excursion. Myth and tradition in Papua New Guinea, relaxation on white-sanded beaches in Fiji and Tonga, and underwater exploration in French Polynesia will also highlight the sailing. 

1.     GRAND ARCTIC EXPEDITION 2024 

Longyearbyen to Vancouver — 70 Destinations, 5 Countries, 82 Days 

July 14 to October 4, 2024 

This 82-day odyssey aboard expedition ship Silver Wind® opens with a focus onNorway's extraordinary Svalbard Archipelago, with its vast fjords and glaciers that attract a wealth of wildlife, including walruses and polar bears. Guests will next explore the geothermal wonderland of Iceland, before sailing the fabled Northwest Passage from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Nome, Alaska. The adventure caps off with a journey through the snow-capped peaks and storied frontier towns of Alaska's Inside Passage. 

1.     GRAND POLE TO POLE EXPEDITION 2024 

Puerto Williams to Longyearbyen — 90 Destinations, 21 Countries, 125 Days 

February 22 to June 26, 2024 

On this epic 125-day adventure, guests traveling aboard expedition ship Silver Wind will enjoy an enchanting tapestry of sights and experiences—beginning with Antarctica, a region brimming with spectacular icebergs and calving glaciers, offering the possibility of spotting sunbathing seals, frolicking penguins, and breaching whales. An immersive exploration of the Amazon River will highlight this journey along the east coast of South America, as Silver Wind heads northward to the Atlantic shores of Africa and Europe. Guests will subsequently explore the Arctic, as the ship heads to the top of the planet to unlock glaciers, fjords, and the amazing wildlife of Iceland and Arctic Norway. 

1.     GRAND SOUTH AMERICA 2025 

Fort Lauderdale Round-Trip — 38 Destinations, 17 Countries, 71 Days 

January 20 to April 1, 2025 

Brand new Silver Ray℠ makes her inaugural visit to South America with a 71-day circumnavigation of the continent’s captivating ports, unique cultures, and breathtakingscenery. Highlights include a crossing of the Panama Canal; cruising the majestic fjords of Chile; an overnight in Manaus, nestled in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest; and extended stays in such vibrant cities as Buenos Aires and—just in time for Carnival—Rio de Janeiro. A host of Caribbean Island gems will round off the Grand South America 2025, including Barbados, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and more. 

1.     GRAND AFRICA AND ARABIA 2025 

Cape Town to Athens — 30 Destinations, 13 Countries, 64 Days 

February 22 to April 27, 2025 

Silver Spirit® will embark on a 64-day journey through the ancient monuments, modern metropolises, and natural charms of Africa and Arabia from February 22, 2025. Guests will experience a kaleidoscope of history, culture, and nature with the opportunity to look for elephants, lions, and the rare white rhino on an African safari; witness the amazing flora and fauna of Madagascar; snorkel the sparkling waters of the Seychelles; cruise by houseboat through the lush tropical waterways of Kerala, India; and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of the Kings in the Egyptian desert.  

1.     GRAND ASIA 2025 

Singapore Round-Trip — 34 Destinations, 9 Countries, 70 Days 

February 15 to April 26, 2025 

Silver Whisper will set a leisurely course through the culture, history, and natural beauty of the Far East on this 70-day, round-trip journey, departing from Singapore on February 15, 2025. Highlights will include a 14-day circumnavigation of Japan with a call in lesser-known Kanazawa, where guests may venture into the countryside to explore picturesque UNESCO World Heritage-listed villages. Extensive explorations of China and South Korea will be complemented by a survey of Southeast Asia that includes two overnight calls in Bangkok and two nights in Ho Chi Minh City. As well, a day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will offer a chance to see the extraordinary BatuCaves. 

21 NEW COMBINATION CRUISES 

Silversea is also offering a new collection of 21 Combination Cruises for 2024. These handpicked, extended journeys combine two or more consecutive voyages that are perfectly balanced to provide a comprehensive and meaningful exploration of a region. Travelers are able to save on select voyages. Among the new options are: 

1.     Silver Dawn's 22-day, Southampton-to-Copenhagen cruise through the British Isles and Norway, departing May 14, 2024. 

2.     Silver Muse's 14-day Alaska cruise, sailing round-trip from Seward, departing June 20, 2024.  

3.     Silver Moon's 28-day, Venice-to-Lisbon Mediterranean cruise, departing September 20, 2024, with overnight calls in Sorrento and Cádiz. 

ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY 

Among the most comprehensive at sea, Silversea’s all-inclusive offering for Grand Voyages includes private executive transfers, business-class air, one night pre-cruise hotel stay, $1,000 onboard spending credit per guest, exclusive shore side events, unlimited Wi-Fi, and more. Plus, one shore excursion per port, per day, is included in the cruise fare, and guests are able to book their experiences immediately for all published sailings. 

Discover more about Silversea's new Grand Voyages for 2024-2025:  

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/grand-voyages-cruise.html  

View Silversea's new Combination Voyages for 2024 here. 

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon