SILVERSEA® UNVEILS ALL SILVER NOVA℠ VENUES, INCLUDING LARGEST CHOICE OF BARS, LOUNGES, AND RESTAURANTS IN ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISING

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Silver Nova’s horizontal layout not only enhances her sense of spaciousness, but also allows for a natural flow between venues on entire decks

(Monaco – January 10, 2023) Silversea Cruises® has revealed full details on the public venues aboard its new ship Silver Nova℠, including the largest array of bars, lounges, and restaurants of any ultra-luxury cruise ship. As well as being one of the most environmentally conscious ships ever built, Silver Nova will offer guests the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury as one of the world’s most spacious ships. The 728-guest Silver Nova will host 10 bars and lounges, eight distinct restaurants, and an array of additional public venues when she launches in August 2023. Silversea will enhance Silver Nova with a new design approach in a first for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line: guests will benefit from an asymmetrical design, as well as a horizontal layout, which will heighten the ship’s sense of spaciousness and provide a natural flow between venues on entire decks.

“In addition to her pioneering sustainability credentials, Silver Nova will unlock a new luxury experience for our guests, offering an industry-leading variety of bars, lounges, and restaurants with an entirely new design approach for Silversea,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Silver Nova represents a milestone in our strategy to build the perfect ship for every itinerary, with her array of venues enhancing the guest experience to a new level. Pushing boundaries in ultra-luxury travel, she will enrich the social aspect of cruising to unprecedented levels, fostering the strong sense of community that is core to life on board each Silversea ship. Her openness to the destinations she visits will offer guests a new way of connecting with the world.”

AN UNPARALLELED RANGE OF VENUES

As well as incorporating Silversea’s signature venues with enhanced designs, Silver Nova will introduce all-new public areas—positioned mainly on decks three, four and five, as well as outside on deck 10. The ship’s horizontal layout allows for a stronger connection between settings, with an enhanced guest experience that flows throughout the ship and evolves with each venue according to the time of day. Silver Nova’s public spaces include:

  • The Dolce Vita Lounge 

Silversea’s signature pre- and post-dinner drinks venue, the Dolce Vita lounge will represent the heart of Silver Nova—located on deck five with capacity for up to 120 guests. Open from early in the morning until late in the evening, Dolce Vita will provide an elegant setting throughout the day, welcoming guests for leisurely drinks and enrichment activities, before transforming into a sophisticated piano bar by night. A feature bar will sit centrally within the 370.5m2 (3,988ft2) space, complemented by a performance area, and ample seating.

  • The Venetian Lounge 

Silver Nova’s two-storied Venetian Lounge will have capacity for 370 guests on decks four and five, with a 550m2 (5,920ft2) lower level and an the upper tier of 190m2 (2,045ft2). The home of Silver Nova’s enrichment and entertainment offering, the Venetian Lounge will host live theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, and events of an evening, as well as informative lectures and seminars during the daytime. The venue will incorporate state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including a large HD screen; cabaret-style seating with small tables; and balconies for an intimate viewing experience.

  • The Shelter 

A brand new venue for Silversea, the Shelter will be a sophisticated evening-only bar, accommodating just 32 guests in a chic setting of 131m2 (1,410ft2). Set adjacent to Atlantide and S.A.L.T.® Kitchen on deck three, the Shelter will welcome guests for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails. The venue’s elegant interiors will employ a neutral color palette, illuminated by tasteful lighting. The Shelter’s striking bar will include a wrap-around bottle display with integrated strips of lighting for a modern aesthetic. Forming a harmonious connection with Silver Nova’s other nightlife venues, the Shelter will entertain guests with an open feel.

  • The Connoisseur’s Corner

Offering guests a selection of premium cigars and liquors on deck five, Silver Nova’s 61.5m2 (662ft2) Connoisseur’s Corner will benefit from a new layout with a capacity of 35, featuring a larger, modern interior space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor area. With comfortable Chesterfield armchairs, the Connoisseur’s Corner will have the exclusive look and feel of a private member’s club.

  • The Observation Lounge

Offering guests panoramic, 270-degree views over the destination from deck 10, the Observation Lounge will provide a vantage point from the top of Silver Nova, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothing color palette that is inspired by the sea. Enlarged to 256.5m2 (2,761ft2), the venue will accommodate up to 115 guests from early in the morning until late at night. The lounge will house Silver Nova’s library, offering travelers an intimate space in which to relax with a book.

  • The Panorama Lounge

A peaceful lounge by day and a lively bar by night, Silver Nova’s Panorama Lounge will accommodate up to 190 guests, sprawling over 547m2 (5,888ft2) on deck five. Large windows that surround the space’s interiors give way to 221m2 (2,379ft2) of outdoor space, from which guests will enjoy 270-degree views over the destination from the ship’s aft. Aboard Silver Nova, the Panorama Lounge will feature a new layout when compared to Silversea’s Muse-class ships, as well as a new design and color palette.

  • S.A.L.T. Bar

The S.A.L.T. Bar will enjoy from a premium position aboard Silver Nova when compared to Silversea’s previous class of ships, relocated to deck 10. More spacious than ever, with capacity for 42 guests and an area of 170.8m2 (1,838.5ft2), the evening venue will be enriched with a larger bar area, as well as far-reaching views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a new outdoor area. The S.A.L.T. Bar will serve regionally inspired drinks in warm, elegant interiors, with a dark color palette and comfortable armchairs for an intimate atmosphere.

  • S.A.L.T. Lab

Also relocated to deck 10 for a prime view on the destination and with a new outdoor area, the S.A.L.T. Lab will be greatly enhanced aboard Silver Nova with a fresh layout—enlarged to approximately 112.4m2 (1,209.9ft2) and accommodating 28 guests. The test kitchen will enable guests to travel deeper into each sailed region through the lens of food and drink, providing the opportunity to get hands on with regional ingredients under the guidance of local food experts and Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Host. Enjoying the same bright, elegant interior design as on previous ships, the S.A.L.T. Lab will comprise cooking stations and a larger, redesigned central workstation aboard Silver Nova—at which participating guests will be able to sit to view demonstrations.

  • Otium Spa

The Otium℠ Spa will be relocated when compared to Silver Dawn℠, positioned towards Silver Nova’s bow on deck five with a more spacious interior. Open throughout the day as the home of Silversea’s Roman-inspired Otium wellness program, the 338m2 (3,638.2ft2) space will incorporate an indoor swimming pool; spa, with eight treatment rooms and a tranquil relaxation area; fitness center; and beauty salon. Inspired by the design of Ancient Roman baths, the Otium Spa will have an open, welcoming feel, in which guests’ wellness journeys will flow seamlessly between interconnecting areas. The thermal area will be larger than ever, with a steam room; sauna; and pool, complete with travertine water fountain and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft lighting and natural stones, including hints of red marble, will create an elegant, relaxing setting.

EIGHT ENHANCED RESTAURANTS

Silver Nova will offer guests the choice of eight signature restaurants, with unparalleled variety—from spacious, open-seated venues to intimate dining options, serving a diverse range of high-quality fare. Decks three, four, and five will accommodate Silver Nova’s indoor restaurants—La Terrazza, Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame®, Silver Note®, and Kaiseki®—while the Marquee on deck 10 will house her two outdoor dining options, Spaccanapoli and the Grill. 

In addition to eight restaurants, Silver Nova will welcome up to 70 guests in the vibrant Arts Café. Silver Nova’s additional public spaces will include a three-storied atrium, casino, and two-storied boutique; as well as two outdoor bars, the Pool Bar and the Dusk Bar, which will host guests on deck 10.

Silver Nova will accommodate guests in 364 spacious suites across 13 categories—the most suite categories in Silversea’s history—including a new generation of premium suites on the ship’s aft.

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

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Mary McCartney Celebrating 100 Years of Photography on the Ocean Waves

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Cunard Calls on Guests to Share Magical Moments for Centennial Sea Views Exhibition

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise line, Cunard has announced it will be launching the Sea Views exhibition in 2023, featuring never before seen imagery from the Cunard archives, together with a selection of photos submitted by the guests and curated by photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney.

I'm pleased to curate an exhibition within this treasure trove of 100 years of on board photography, said Mary McCartney

The Sea Views exhibition will mark two key centenaries – the first being that 100 years ago, Cunard was the first cruise line to introduce an on board photographer to capture the signature moments of their guests' voyage. The second is the 100-year anniversary of the first ever round the world cruise on Cunard's ship Laconia.

To celebrate both of these momentous centenaries, Cunard has partnered with British photographer Mary McCartney to curate the unique exhibition of 100 images captured across their fleet of ships. With previous guests including Hollywood icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and Bing Crosby, Cunard will be opening up their archives to select photographs that showcase the glamour, grandeur and timeless style for which Cunard has become famous.

"I'm pleased to curate an exhibition within this treasure trove of 100 years of on board photography.  I'm looking forward to exploring the archives and the crowdsourced images to hand pick a portfolio of iconic images that will reflect a century of luxury travel," said British photographer Mary McCartney

"With over 14,000 images stored in the Cunard archives in Liverpool – the founding home port of Cunard Line – we have a wealth of memories from the 1920s to present day to choose from," said Siân Wilks, Cunard Archivist at the University of Liverpool Library. "We are extremely excited to work alongside Mary McCartney to launch the Sea Views exhibition."

In addition to the archived photos that will be exhibited, Cunard is calling on the guests to share any photographs they may have collected over the years when travelling on board a Cunard ship, capturing special moments, amazing views and unique experiences. All images shared will be reviewed, with selected images to be part of this rare, centennial exhibition.

"We're extremely proud of Cunard's 183-year history and particularly of the fact we pioneered the round-the-world voyage 100 years ago. What better way to celebrate this centenary anniversary than by curating a fantastic selection of images from our guests who've travelled with us. We're delighted to be working with the wonderful Mary McCartney to create this exhibition and can't wait to see the unforgettable moments that our guests have captured over the years," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard, North America.

To find out how to submit favourite moments captured on board a Cunard ship, visit www.cunard.com/seaviews and submit images by February 5, 2023.  The centennial Sea Views exhibition will go live in 2023 and more information will be shared on this webpage nearer to the time.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.

About Cunard

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 182 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will be entering service in early 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

SILVERSEA® SETS SAIL ON 139-DAY ‘SOUTH SIDE STORY’ WORLD CRUISE 2023, DEPARTING SYDNEY IN A COMPANY FIRST

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Silver Shadow℠ will sail from Sydney on January 10, marking the first time a Silversea World Cruise has originated in the Southern Hemisphere

(Sydney, Australia -- January 9, 2023) Silversea Cruises’ 2023 World Cruise, South Side Story, is set to depart from Sydney on January 10, marking the first time the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line has set sail from the Southern Hemisphere on a World Cruise. The ultra-luxury Silver Shadow℠ will host guests for the 139-day arts-inspired voyage, sailing from the South Seas to the Amazon Rainforest and beyond, calling in 66 destinations in 34 countries across five continents.

“All the world’s a stage, and, in this arts-inspired tale, our discerning guests will discover the authentic beauty and heritage of 66 destinations in 34 countries—each with its own unique story to tell—as we journey from Australia to Fort Lauderdale over 139 days,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Every detail of our guests’ journeys has been carefully considered and enhanced, from the in-flight experience to the airport lounges and entertainment: arriving in Sydney on business-class flights with additional cabin crew to ensure exceptional service, guests will enjoy bespoke pampering withtailored menus, welcome canapés, vintage champagne, and specially embroidered linen. Each of the special events we have planned is entirely bespoke, too.” 

“Under the leadership of Captain Macarone Palmieri, our entire onboard team is incredibly proud to reconvene our close-knit Venetian Society members for the World Cruise. Hotel Director Flavio Gioia, Cruise Director Vicki Van Tassel, Delegate to the Venetian Society Norman Rafelson, and the rest of our amazing crew is committed to providing exceptional service to our guests—and I look forward to greeting travellers personally, too. Approximately 20% of the voyage’s guests are new to brand, which is very high for a World Cruise, confirming the attractiveness of this memorable journey. Among our extended family, we have two guests from the U.K. who have accumulated over 2,500 days spent sailing with us before the start of the voyage,” Muckermann said.

Guests travelling aboard the World Cruise 2023 will depart Sydney on January 10, 2023, and arrive in Fort Lauderdale on May 28. The itinerary will present an extraordinary mix of destinations, from the remote wonders of Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Réunion Island, and Cape Verde to iconic regions and cities—often unlocked on overnight calls (20 in total)—including 10 days spent exploring Tasmania and New Zealand, three days in Myanmar, and a full week in South Africa. And, for the first time on a Silversea World Cruise, Silver Shadow will sail down the Amazon River to unlock the natural and cultural wonders of this legendary region. Travelling through captivating landscapes, each segment will unlock the history, culture, and spirit of the people and places visited.

The first night in Sydney entails a special Bon Voyage reception and dinner. Subsequently, exclusive World Cruise events will open doors to the sights, tastes and rhythms of local life, shining a light on regional music, art, theatre, and dance traditions with authentic performances. Each guest will enjoy the role of both spectator and storyteller.

In another first in the history of Silversea, each guest will enjoy a seamless World Cruise journey that starts and ends at their doorstep, with private executive transfers to and from their local airport. Moreover, guests benefit from private assistance to their gate/lounge, as well as access to designated airline lounges. They also enjoy a superior flight experience from select U.S. and U.K. gateways to Sydney, Australia, experiencing a new level of comfort in business class, with more space to relax and a dedicated cabin. They dine on the freshest seasonal ingredients and fine Australian hospitality in-flight, with a truly bespoke experience. Upon arrival in Sydney, travellers were greeted with VIP arrival assistance, private executive transfers, and priority embarkation. Silver Shadow'sbutlers were then available to assist guests in unpacking once on board.

Find out more information about Silversea’s World Cruise offering:

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/world-cruise.html

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Cunard Announces 'Treat Yourself, On Us' Wave Season Offer on a Variety of 2023-2024 Sailings

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Special Savings on Princess and Queens Grill Suite Bookings 

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise line Cunard launches the "Treat Yourself, On Us" wave season offer, kicking off the new year with savings. Available on 2023 and 2024 voyages across Cunard's fleet – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and the line's newest ship Queen Anne.

From January 3 through March 28, 2023, the promotional offer includes onboard credit up to $2,000 per stateroom and discounts of up to 30% for all fares. Onboard credit may be used for shopping, shore excursions, spa, restaurants and other services. The drinks package and hotel & dining service charge are included when booking any Princess or Queens Grills Suite.

The "Treat Yourself, On Us" offer is available on select voyages seven nights or longer between May 16, 2023 and January 3, 2025. Itineraries include:

  • 2023 Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, and Transatlantic Crossing

  • 2024 Asia, Australia, Europe, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Transatlantic Crossing, and World.

Guests can enjoy some of Cunard's signature sailings including:

  • The line's newest vessel Queen Anne will sail the Western Mediterranean on a variety of eight to 16-night voyages featuring a mix of days at sea and time in port, offering guests the chance to discover the fascinating histories of Lisbon, Cadiz and Rome.

  • Summer in Alaska on Queen Elizabeth: In 2023 Cunard will offer seven to 12-night voyages roundtrip out of Vancouver. Itineraries include scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord, as well as full days in several ports including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka and Icy Strait Point. New in 2023 is a partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society featuring experts from the Society on select voyages.

  • East and Westbound Transatlantic Crossings on flagship Queen Mary 2. This iconic voyage sails New York to Southampton, England with seven nights at sea to luxuriate across the North Atlantic providing time away to disconnect and revitalize. Queen Mary 2 will also make Crossings between New York and Hamburg, Germany in 2023 and 2024.

  • The Norwegian Fjords on Queen Victoria: roundtrip out of Southampton, June 25 - July 2, 2023, will feature mesmerizing blue fjords and unbelievable waterfalls, with calls at Kristiansand, Bergen, Geiranger, and Haugesund.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.

About Cunard

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 182 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will be entering service in early 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Princess Cruises Earns Top Honors from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Across a Broad Spectrum of Categories

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Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards, Travvy Awards and AAA/CAA Honors Among Travel Industry Accolades

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Jan. 5 2022) – Princess Cruises, the world’s most iconic cruise line, continues to be recognized for excellence, earning top honors from prestigious travel organizations for its superior product offerings, exceptional service and outstanding relationships with travel advisors.   

From being named Best Alaska Cruise Line and Top Travel Advisor Partner to travel advisor training programs and continued accolades for its revolutionary MedallionClass experience, Princess Cruises honors spanned a broad spectrum of categories. 

Here’s a look at the most recent awards presented to the line:

Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards 

Princess sailed off with three Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards last month. The award winners, one for each of 82 categories, represent the best of the best of the travel industry. The nominees and award recipients were chosen in two rounds of voting by Travel Weekly’s audience of travel professionals. These widely recognized, coveted awards are presented annually to the industry suppliers who led the way in product and service during the past year.

  • Best Cruise Line: Alaska – This year marks the 17th annual win for Princess in this category. As the leading cruise line in Alaska, Princess delivers unforgettable vacations and is the most recommended line by travel advisors to their trusted clients. 

  • Best Shipboard Tech – All Princess ships offer the Princess MedallionClass Experience, enabling everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship.

  • Best Travel Advisor Educational Program – After launching in 2006, Princess Academy quickly became recognized as the richest and most valuable travel advisor training program in the cruise industry. Offered free of charge and accessed conveniently from home or office, Princess Academy enables advisors to increase their Princess expertise so they can knowledgably present the experience to their clients. 

Travvy Awards

During the 8th Annual Travvy Awards, Princess received six honors including two gold awards. The awards recognize the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry by honoring travel companies, travel products, travel agencies, and destinations for their outstanding achievements.

  • Best Cruise Line by Destination: Alaska – Gold Award

  • Best Cruise Line by Destination: Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific – Gold Award

  • Best Cruise Line by Destination: Asia – Silver Award

  • Best Cruise Line by Destination: Hawaii – Silver Award

  • Best Cruise Ship: Premium (Discovery Princess) – Silver Award

  • Best Cruise Ship: Mid-Size (Coral Princess) – Bronze Award 

AAA/CAA

Princess earned top honors in three different categories from AAA/CAA, based on surveys of AAA/CAA members in which they were asked to rate cruise lines in a variety of categories with Princess earning more votes than any other cruise operator for its respective awards.

  • Best in Marketing – The honor recognizes Princess’ strategic initiatives designed to promote the brand to travel advisors through a variety of channels, including its popular webinars featuring Vice President of Sales Carmen Roig and its well-read digital newsletter that provides regular updates on the company and its operations to thousands of travel advisors each week.

  • Best in Travel Agent Services – This award recognized the valuable toold and resources Princess provides to travel advisors to hone their sales skills and ultimately grow their business.

  • Partner of the Year – Finally, Partner of the Year acknowledges the line’s intensive efforts at helping AAA/CAA advisors achieve both short- and long-term successes, while acknowledging the hard work put forth by the company to ensure working with Princess is seamless, easy and hassle-free.

“We’re extremely honored to be recognized by our travel advisor partners with these prestigious awards,” said Cal Almaguer, senior vice president of sales and service strategy operations. “While all distinctly unique, they represent highly regarded product offerings and we’re proud to be recognized by and partner with these three valuable players in the travel industry.”

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

Our review of Discovery Princess

Princess Cruises: Enchanted Princess Selected as a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Awards Winner

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Enchanted Princess Awarded “Great for Groups” by the Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Labs

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2023) – Enchanted Princess has been awarded a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award, recognizing the ship as “Great for Groups.” The Princess ship is one of only three cruise ship experiences selected as winners.

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Labs spent seven months evaluating hundreds of travel gear and experience submissions before selecting the winners. They considered attributes that are most important when it comes to family travel, such as convenience, value, service, quality, safety, innovation, inclusion and more. For travel services and destinations, their analysts visited cities, resorts and local attractions to provide first-hand feedback on their experiences. Good Housekeeping also surveyed their proprietary panel and reviewed responses from over 3,000 consumers that have taken recent trips to weigh in on their favorite vacation experiences, airlines, hotel chains, loyalty programs, booking services and more. 

The full list of awards can be found at goodhousekeeping.com/familytravel2023. 

The 145,000-ton, 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess debuted in 2021, and is the fifth of six Royal-Class to join the Princess Cruises fleet. Enchanted Princess represents an evolution of the design platform used for her sister ships - Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and the most recently introduced Discovery Princess - offering an elevation of spectacular style and elegance that is distinguished by Princess. The cruise ship introduced new dining experiences, the most pools and whirlpool hot tubs ever, world-class entertainment venues and the breathtaking Sky Suites, offering expansive views from the largest balconies at sea.

“We believe a cruise vacation is the perfect way for families of all ages and sizes to come together to discover the world, relax onboard and reconnect with loved ones, ultimately creating memories to last a lifetime,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We’re gratified the experts at Good Housekeeping recognized Enchanted Princess as ‘Great for Groups’ in their esteemed 2023 Family Travel Awards."

Princess welcomes cruisers of all ages to enjoy the diverse range of family fun, educational and entertaining activities through the cruise line’s exclusive Discovery at SEA program, where captivating Discovery™ hit series come alive. In addition, the cruise line’s award-winning “North to Alaska” culinary, entertainment and shore excursions series bring the inspiring destination of Alaska to life through authentic, local experiences that offer families unforgettable experiences.

“We regularly hear from multigenerational families that they love cruising with us because all the planning is done for them – from selecting the best tours in port to providing engaging onboard entertainment. All they must do is come aboard and let Princess take care of every detail. And, grandparents, children and grandkids alike can all choose their preferred activities, then reunite for dinner to share their experiences,” Padgett added. 

Enchanted Princess is currently sailing a series of 10-day Southern Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale through March 2023. Then, the cruise ships transitions to the Mediterranean for a 2023 spring/summer season of cruises. 

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

Our review of Discovery Princess

TRAVEL WEEKLY READERS CHOOSE CARNIVAL FOR SEVERAL TOP HONORS

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Former Carnival Corp. President and CEO Arnold Donald Receives Lifetime Achievement Award 

Carnival Cruise Line was a big winner in Travel Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Awards, taking home top honors in four categories – Best Family Cruise Line, Best Group Program, Best Short Itinerary Program, as well as Best Domestic Cruise Line for the seventh year in a row.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy was joined by Carnival Corporation President and CEO Josh Weinstein, Ken Tate, Carnival Cruise Line’s chief commercial officer, and Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing at the awards ceremony in New York City on Wednesday.

            “These honors are especially complementary to our mission at Carnival, and all-the-more special because they are awarded through votes from Travel Weekly readers, who know the cruise industry very well. I’m elated that the work of our 40,000 employees is being recognized with these great distinctions. Our team members create the truly memorable experience our guests know and love on every sailing,” said Duffy. 

            In addition to taking home top honors for the cruise line, Duffy presented the Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award to former Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald.

            Known as America’s Cruise Line, Carnival’s honor of Best Domestic Cruise Line speaks to its wide range of itineraries, with two- to 16-day sailings from convenient homeports on the east and west coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Carnival operates from more U.S. homeports than any other cruise line, and roughly half of the population is within a five-hour drive to one of them. The Best Family Cruise Line honor recognizes Carnival’s multi-generational approach to family fun, with offerings that meet all ages and interests including WaterWorks aqua parks and Serenity adults-only retreats.

            In the past month, Carnival has been recognized with several top honors, including Best Mainstream Cruise Line by The Points Guy readers. Carnival was also ranked “Most Trusted Cruise Line” by Reader’s Digest and “Best Value for the Money” in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Picks Awards.

SILVERSEA CRUISES PRESIDENT AND CEO ROBERTO MARTINOLI TRANSITIONS TO SENIOR ADVISOR ROLE; BARBARA MUCKERMANN NAMED TO SUCCEED HIM  

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Martinoli to assume senior advisor role to Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, after building Silversea Cruises into the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line

Roberto Martinoli

MIAMI, Dec. 15, 2022 – Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli has elevated the brand into the industry’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line. On January 1, 2023, Martinoli will assume the role of senior advisor to Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) President and CEO Jason Liberty. Barbara Muckermann, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become Silversea’s next president and CEO, and will join Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Committee.

“Roberto has built Silversea Cruises into the category leader that it is today, 11 ships strong with more on the way,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “He is one of the most innovative and knowledgeable leaders in the maritime industry. As senior advisor, Roberto will continue to provide strategic guidance that further cements Royal Caribbean Group’s status as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry. Barbara is the ideal executive to succeed Roberto. Her global perspective and team-first leadership style are a recipe for success for both the Silversea Cruises brand and Royal Caribbean Group.”

Under Martinoli’s leadership since 2016, Silversea’s fleet has grown to include 11 ships. In summer 2023, it will welcome Silver Nova, the first hybrid luxury cruise ship utilizing fuel cells and emitting zero harmful emissions while in port, an industry first. In 2024, Silversea welcomes Silver Ray, the second ship in the Nova Class. Martinoli also led the acquisition in 2022 of Silver Endeavour to help enable the company to access both polar regions. The ultra-luxury cruise line now sails to over 900 destinations across all seven continents each year, more than any other cruise line.

Barbara Muckermann

Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, with an emphasis on creating truly exclusive high-end vacations. She first joined Silversea Cruises in 2001, and held several roles at other luxury and cruise brands from 2005 to 2016 before returning. In her current post as Silversea’s Chief Commercial Officer, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management and guest relations, as well as strategic communications and brand and product strategy. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from London Business School and Columbia University.

“This is an exciting moment for Silversea as we continue to add new ships and return to the Asia market,” Muckermann said. “I am thrilled to build on our achievements under Roberto and focus on growth in the years ahead.”

Muckermann becomes the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group’s three wholly-owned brands, and joins Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. She will oversee all of Silversea’s employees and crew, and will report to Jason Liberty.

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group’s executive leadership, please visithttps://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/about/

Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Celebrity Cruises Launches the World's First Digital Cruise Ship Experience in the metaverse

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  • In a groundbreaking industry-first, travelers can now immerse themselves with a Celebrity ship before they ever set sail in the brand's all-new, 'Wonderverse.'

  • Visitors can also explore and book vacation itineraries; chat with ship designers and leaders including beloved American interior designer Nate Berkus, Captain Kate McCue, and the line's President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo

MIAMI, Dec. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Cruises®, known for next generation ships at the intersection of architecture, technology and design, is sailing into the future with the launch of a new virtual experience dubbed, the 'Wonderverse'.

The 'Wonderverse' offers the opportunity for players to interact with famous avatars, like Nate Berkus, who stands in the Sunset Bar that he designed.

The Celebrity Cruises 'Wonderverse' offers the ability to play games, interact with famous avatars, tour iconic spaces on Celebrity Beyond and witness signature brand moments like a Martini Bar Flair Show

In an industry first, travelers will get to "see before they sail," exploring a hyper-realistic, digital recreation of aspects of their newest ship in Celebrity's transformational Edge® Series, Celebrity BeyondSM, complete with the ship's artful and inspiring spaces, entertaining signature moments like Celebrity's famous Martini Bar Flair Show, and the ability to visit top destinations that Celebrity sails to - from Alaska to the Caribbean and Europe to Asia.

In addition, guests can meet and chat with the line's key leaders as digital avatars, including President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the inspirational Captain Kate McCue - the first, and still only, American female captain of a major cruise ship, and Nate Berkus, Celebrity's Edge® Series Travel Ambassador and designer of the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond.

Built in partnership with virtual event platform architects Surreal Events, Celebrity's Wonderverse is also complete with mini games and activities, entertainment, easter eggs, and much more, all hosted on the web at celebritycruises.com/wonderverse.

The experience launches today, in time for the holidays when consumers are dreaming of where to go in the new year and utilizing time with family and friends to explore destinations and plan their travels.

"Celebrity Beyond is the newest, most luxurious and most innovative ship in our fleet and I can't think of a better ship to showcase its state-of-the-art design than in our state-of-the-art Wonderverse," said Lutoff-Perlo. "Celebrity has always been at the forefront of consumer desires, literally creating resorts at sea with the design of our ships and the onboard experiences offered; and now we're bringing this to life in new ways to inspire and connect with travelers."

"We've revolutionized cruise ship design and now we're revolutionizing where cruise ships are experienced," said Celebrity Cruises' Chief Marketing Officer Michael Scheiner. "The Wonderverse allows us to unlock and bring to life the richness and fullness of the Celebrity experience in really exciting ways we can't do through traditional marketing and advertising vehicles. We believe this has opportunities to expand even further, creating experiences our consumers are looking for." 

Once logged in to the Wonderverse, consumers will move from space to space, enjoying immersive, interactive content throughout, as they learn more about the ship and the destinations they can sail to on Celebrity Cruises, including:

  • The Magic Carpet®, considered one of the most unique design innovations ever for a cruise ship, that soars cantilevered above the sea with uninterrupted vistas for enjoying virtual cocktails or dinner. The first space users will experience, it also doubles as a meeting space, providing a dynamic way for users to interact together virtually.

  • The majestic Grand Plaza, the social epicenter of Celebrity Beyond, spanning three decks with the brand's signature Martini Bar at the heart of it all, will serve as a social-first lounge where passengers can connect, listen to music, enjoy Celebrity's iconic Martini Bar Flair Show and chat with Celebrity's President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.

  • The Resort Deck, featuring a Rooftop Garden, the ship's Main Pool, unique cantilevered float pools and sunken seating offers interactions with Captain Kate and Nate Berkus, who showcases the brand's 2024-2025 season offerings. Visitors can also relax in lounge chairs, jump in the pool, and get a drink from the bar.

  • The Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar, where Berkus shares his personal travel experiences reflected in the internationally-inspired ambience at the multi-level, multi-terraced outdoor space while visitors enjoy one of the most talked about spaces on any cruise ship.

The journey begins with a user-controlled tender game to the iconic Magic Carpet, where participants will have a chance to create their own personalized avatar.  Participants will then be transported to the Resort Deck, where they will be greeted personally by Captain Kate, on hand to help answer questions and can explore the ship from there.

From there, visitors can also experience some of the world's most breathtaking destinations in the Wonderverse, including the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier in Alaska; the whitewashed beauty of Santorini, Greece; the bright lights of Japan's capital city of Tokyo and the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji; and the white sand beaches and clear Caribbean turquoise waters of St. Lucia, all before reuniting with Nate Berkus at the Sunset Bar, where they'll have the opportunity to ask him a series of questions about the stunning ship and breathtaking destinations. As part of the experience, guests will be able to easily access a portal for immediate bookings.

A next generation ship, Celebrity Beyond goes further than ever-imagined possible for a cruise ship, giving guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the everyday -- while connecting with the wonders of the world around them.

Inspirational design from the world's leading architects and interior designers, fine dining experiences from Michelin starred chefs, world renowned wellness partners, exquisite art, cutting-edge entertainment and luxury brand retailers, along with Celebrity's uniquely intuitive service, Celebrity Beyond shatters every preconceived notion of the cruising experience, representing the epitome of a relaxed luxury resort at sea.

For more information on all Celebrity Beyond sailings, visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond. 

For more information or to book a Celebrity cruise, contact a trusted travel advisor; book online directly at www.celebrity.com; or contact Celebrity Cruises at 888-751-7804 or internationally at 316-554-5961.

Media Assets:
Official Teaser Video: https://vimeo.com/780572112/60cef9ad3e
Approved Images: https://bit.ly/celebritywonderverse

About Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of a fleet of 15 award-winning ships redefining luxury cruise travel with cool, contemporary design and accommodation; dining, spa and entertainment experiences for modern tastes; and culturally rich and diverse destination experiences, all complemented by warm, personalized service. Celebrity has pioneered many industry firsts at sea, including: the first use of solar panels on a cruise ship; the first to eliminate use of plastic water bottles; the first American female Captain of a cruise ship; the first-ever all-female bridge and officer team sailing; the first West African woman to work on the bridge of a cruise ship; and one of the first legal same-sex weddings performed at sea. Driven by wanderlust and a passion for opening the world, Celebrity journeys to all seven continents, visiting nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. Celebrity Cruises is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL).

About SURREAL Events
Built in Epic Games' Unreal Engine and pixel-streamed to the browser, SURREAL is a platform-as-a-service publishing tool for metaverse creation that combines storytelling, game design and multiplayer immersion—enabling people to live, work, shop and play together like never before. A social-first, device-agnostic and avatar-based platform, SURREAL helps brands across geographies, industries and verticals harness the power of cutting-edge technologies to meaningfully and memorably connect with clients, prospects, employees and fans by bringing any experience to life—in any virtual space imaginable. Visit https://www.surrealevents.com for more information.

My review of Celebrity Apex

Windstar Cruises Expands Culinary Team Expertise – Hires New Culinary Director and Corporate Pastry Chef

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SEATTLE, WA, December 13, 2022 –Small ship luxury cruise line Windstar Cruises has hired two new professionals to its corporate culinary team. Bjoern Wassmuth has been hired as culinary director, and Eric Le Rouzic as corporate executive pastry chef. 

Wassmuth has 25+ years of culinary experience with five plus years as manager of culinary operations for a luxury cruise Line. His most recent position was executive chef and development chef at D&D London, a collection of 45 diverse restaurants, bars and one hotel based principally in London, but also with locations in Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham, Paris and New York. He spent the last eight years overseeing and developing several restaurant concepts and menus, Besides implementing new concepts, Bjoern was the Executive Chef at German Gymnasium, Klosterhaus, Aster and Haugen. He also served as Kitchen Director at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Germany. 

As culinary director, Wassmuth is responsible for menu and recipe development and overall supervision to maintain Windstar’s high quality dining program for the fleet. He will support training and development of staff and ensure quality management and operating procedures. He reports to the director of food and beverage operations.  

“We’ve added two new restaurants, Star Grill by Steven Raichlen and Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, to our three Star Plus Class ships and have taken on many new culinary endeavors,” said Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “As we’ve grown our fleet and dining options, we must grow our culinary staff of professionals to support our chefs and culinary teams at sea.”

Eric Le Rouzic has been hired into the position of corporate pastry chef and chief baker.  From France, Le Rouzic has many years of pastry experience aboard ships, most recently as corporate pastry chef for Princess Cruises. He will research and design recipes and oversee all pastry and bakery developments for the fleet. He reports to the culinary director.

“The dining experience aboard Windstar’s yachts is a five-star experience and something our guests look forward to,” said Prelog. “We offer international and regional cuisine, and we have new, exciting things to come so stay tuned.” 

Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation and focuses on incorporating fresh foods and local flavors purchased locally in each destination into its menus.

For updated information, reservations, and itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mars