(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Jan. 19, 2022 – Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the luxe-adventure cruise line will deploy two expedition ships to Antarctica for the winter 2022-23 season. World Traveller will embark on her inaugural Antarctica season, while World Navigator will return to Antarctica for its second. The two ships will offer travelers a choice of 20 expeditions, ranging from nine- to twenty-night itineraries, sailing from November 2022 through March 2023. The two ships will offer different kinds of expeditions: World Navigator will sail shorter nine- to 11-night expeditions, while World Traveller will offer extended immersive itineraries, ranging from 13 to 20 nights. Additionally, travelers who make a new booking through a travel advisor by March 31, 2022, can save up to $2,000 per suite or stateroom on these newly announced itineraries, as well as an additional 20 percent when paying in full. For more information about World Traveller and World Navigator’s winter 2022-23 Antarctica season, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. “Atlas Ocean Voyages brings travelers to remote and captivating destinations for once-in-a-lifetime and bucket-list experiences,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “In our brand’s second Antarctica season, we offer travelers a choice of two different Antarctica experiences by deploying both recently launched World Navigator and newly constructed World Traveller to the region. Whichever Atlas expedition ship travelers choose, our expert expedition teams will deliver fascinating context and unforgettable experiences on the Southern Continent.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Jan. 19, 2022 — Holland America Line is giving consumers the confidence to make travel plans through the summer with the extension of its Flexible Cancellation Plan to Sept. 30, 2022. As part of its “Worry-Free Promise,” Holland America Line also will continue to implement best practices for COVID-19 health safety including operating vaccinated cruises and requiring a medically-supervised negative COVID-19 test prior to cruising.
Under the Flexible Cancellation Plan, which was originally offered for cruises departing through the end of April, guests who make a new booking by March 31, 2022, for itineraries that depart on or before Sept. 30, can cancel for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of any cancellation fees that normally would be incurred. Cancellations must be made up to 30 days before departure. Additionally, final payments for cruises through May 31, 2022, are due at 60 days instead of 75 or 90. “We want our guests to feel confident when they book a cruise,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We’ve seen so much excitement from guests who have cruised with us since our return. We want everyone who is looking forward to that next adventure to feel comfortable making those plans, and our ‘Worry-Free Promise’ offers that comfort.” (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (January 17, 2022) – It’s never too early to start planning for much-anticipated summer vacations, and Princess Cruises is giving guests an added level of comfort when they book a cruise with the extension of the Book with Confidence program, and extended health and safety protocols. Book with Confidence is now extended to summer 2022 sailings, including all cruises departing through September 30, 2022, for all bookings made by March 2, 2022. The flexible program allows guests to make summer travel plans with confidence knowing that if plans change, their cruise vacation is protected. The program allows guests the flexibility to change their vacation plans up to 30 days prior to the day of departure, receiving cancellation fees as a future cruise credit to then book another voyage when the time is right. “Planning a vacation gives us something to look forward to and so many of us have an inherent desire to explore the world and experience sought-after destinations,” said Deanna Austin, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer. “With the extension of our Book with Confidence program, we’re giving cruisers the confidence to book a summer vacation now, knowing they have flexibility in case they need to alter their plans.” Additionally, Princess Cruises will continue to operate vaccinated cruises, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14-days prior to the sailing day and have proof of vaccination. (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise brand Cunard unveils over 150 new international voyages, sailing on its three Queens between April 23 and December 15, 2023. Across the new itineraries, the iconic fleet of Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will call at 120 unique ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration. Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner, will sail a program of 18 Transatlantic Crossings, with departures from both Southampton and New York. In addition, a Mediterranean season from Barcelona, a series of 10-night roundtrips in Alaska, an Independence Day sailing calling in Boston, a 16-night Baltics voyage with an overnight call in St Petersburg, and a 14-night Canada and New England voyage offering three full days in Quebec are just some of the highlights. "We're excited to share our 2023 voyage program, with which our guests can rediscover the joy of exploration, visiting long-dreamed of destinations," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard, North America. "Our signature ocean travel experience and White Star Service provide the perfect setting to escape, unwind and feel special." Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal helped fans at the Miami Heat game Saturday night get Funderstruck by giving away a cruise in celebration of his and Carnival’s upcoming 50th birthdays in March. O’Neal surprised the crowd by taking to the court and asked fans if they were ready to get Funderstruck. He then released parachutes carrying T-shirts and QR codes. One lucky fan also found a gift card with their T-shirt that can be applied for a Carnival cruise of their choice. When scanned, the QR codes also gave fans the chance to opt-in for updates on all of Carnival’s Funderstruck moments to come this year. Showing some extra love to the port where Carnival first began sailing, the line’s newest Excel-class ship and sister to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, will debut later this year from PortMiami and coincide with the line’s 50th birthday celebration. “This will be the most Funderstruck year ever, and who better to spread that message than our very own Chief Fun Officer Shaquille,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Miami is where Carnival first started, so we can’t wait to welcome our newest ship Carnival Celebration to our hometown to help us ring in our big 5-0.” Built upon Carnival’s brand platform Choose Fun, the line recently introduced an entirely new word and marketing campaign – Funderstruck – to describe the unmistakable feeling uniquely experienced when choosing fun on Carnival. For additional information, please call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. (PRESS RELEASE)_CHARLESTON, Jan. 13, 2022 – Continuing its successful restart, Carnival Cruise Line resumed guest operations today from Charleston, S.C., with Carnival Sunshine. To commemorate the special day, the Carnival Sunshine team greeted their first guests on board with a special welcome conveying their excitement in resuming operations from Charleston. The ship departed today on a four-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. “We have been sailing from Charleston for 12 years, so we are excited to be back offering guests from all over the southeastern U.S. the opportunity to cruise from this beautiful, historic and charming community, all while providing support to the local economy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Sunshine is sailing year-round from Charleston, offering a variety of cruises to The Bahamas and the Caribbean. With 19 ships already in guest operations and its remaining three U.S.-based ships scheduled to resume in March, Carnival continues to implement a rigorous set of public health protocols focused on the health, safety and well-being of its guests, crew and the communities it visits. All Carnival voyages are vaccinated cruises, all guests must show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of boarding, masks are worn by all guests and crew in virtually all venues of the ship, as well as other enhanced health and safety measures that can be found on its Have Fun. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, January 14, 2022 - Beginning March 26, 2022, SeaDream Yacht Club’s yacht SeaDream I will undergo a dramatic renovation mirroring the SeaDream II modernization completed in January 2022. “This project entails a total investment of more than $10 million and reflects SeaDream’s continued commitment to our guests’ comfort and optimal convenience,” says Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club. “During these unprecedented times, as the travel industry navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, we have spared no expense in our mission to deliver an elevated guest experience. We believe the time is ripe to put our investment dollars toward the evolution of SeaDream yachting.” Founded in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club’s 56-stateroom twin yachts are highly regarded for their 5-star service, award-winning cuisine, and intimate onboard ambiance, with all activities offered in the open air. The renovation project includes numerous touchpoints, with each upgrade designed to align with the desires of today’s luxury traveler. Under the care of renowned European architects and designers, these meticulously crafted renovations provide guests with state-of-the-art technology, functional and enhanced stateroom space, and luxurious lounging areas on all decks, including Deck 6—now named the SeaClub. Just a few of the dozens of upgrades include:
“The expression ‘yachting’ is not only a statement about size, it describes a lifestyle. SeaDream is evolving along with today’s luxury traveler, continuing our focus on attention to detail and the all-important impeccable service that defines yachting,” says Brynestad. (PRESS RELEASE)_SEATTLE, WA, January 14, 2022 – U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises has released its deal for the annual phenomenon known as Wave Season, when companies roll out their best offers for the first few months of the year. It is arguably the best time for booking a cruise vacation and typically is when the majority of travelers plan their vacation for the year ahead. Windstar’s 2022 Wave Season offer is valid through February 28, 2022, and the “Pick Your Perk” savings options include:
Guests may pick one complimentary perk, which vary in exact amount depending on the length of the cruise and room category. In addition, Yacht Club Members (Windstar’s returning guests) can earn double the referral credit of $200 when referring a friend. Travel Advisors booking new-to-Windstar guests will receive a $100 per booking bonus commission or a $100 Visa gift card. (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard will be taking Shakespeare and new work to the high seas in 2022, as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage. Available exclusively on board flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances by the RSC, which creates captivating theatre by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and other literary legends past and present. The performances will be available for all guests on board, including a unique blend of Shakespeare's iconic love scenes in a brand new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley. Guests will also have the opportunity to see critically acclaimed new work from the RSC with Miss Littlewood: a musical by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre's most playful and radical figures, making its transatlantic debut. For those interested in learning what it takes to be an RSC actor, the on board cast will be leading a series of workshops that explore their craft. Guests will also be able to access "Shakespeare Tales," intimate, informal events where the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Jan. 12, 2022) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today unveiled Norwegian Viva, the next ship in its brand-new Prima Class. Providing guests with elevated experiences including more wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design and exceptional service, Norwegian Viva will begin sailing remarkable Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023, homeporting in key Southern European port cities including Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece. She will then sail the Southern Caribbean for her 2023-2024 Winter Season offering warm-weather getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mirroring the upscale design and structure of her record-breaking sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, also built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, will debut at 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy. Travelers will live up every second of their journey in the most spacious accommodations including the brand’s largest inside, ocean view and balcony category staterooms. |
ABOUTStay current with the latest news from the cruise lines. Follow Gerry Barker
on All Things Cruise. Follow Gerry on Splash Magazines Worldwide
REVIEWSFEATURESMORE COVERAGEArchives
May 2024
Categories |