(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., May 20, 2021 – Adventure, nature, history, culture, golfing and fun are what’s in store for travelers aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator in 2022. With 24 departures from March through November 2022, World Navigator will sail six- to 16-night itineraries in the Arctic, British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland and Greenland, the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, and Central and South America. Calling at smaller ports than other brands, World Navigator can ply narrow channels and shallow waters to bring travelers to authentic, off-the-beaten-path locales, as well as dock in city centers for unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experiences in remote and bucket-list destinations. All guests enjoy Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way service, which includes complimentary roundtrip air travel from 16 major U.S. and Canada gateways, choice of a complimentary shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, premium wine and spirits, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, and more. Additionally, travel advisors can take advantage of a limited time offer and earn a $200 gift card for each new booking with deposit for any of the new 2022 spring/summer itineraries aboard World Navigator. For more information about World Navigator’s new 2022 season, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. “World Navigator’s second spring/summer season will offer travelers more once-in-a-lifetime moments and more authentic experiences in remote and bucket-list destinations,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Guests will enjoy one of the industry’s most inclusive luxury experiences with Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way service.” Travel advisors who make a new booking with deposit between May 18 through 31, 2021, for voyages departing from March 22 onward, can earn a $200 gift card for each booking. All qualifying bookings must be registered with Atlas by June 15, 2021. Travel Advisors can learn more about the new offer at Atlas Advisor Central, the best-in-class online resource dedicated for travel advisors selling Atlas Ocean Voyages at www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, IN, May 20, 2021 – Victory Cruise Lines®, operated by American Queen Steamboat Company®, a Hornblower® Group company, showcases new itineraries for its 2022 season. Expanding offerings in nearly every direction, Victory Cruise Lines’ guests will have the opportunity to travel to many of North America’s most desirable destinations including the U.S. southeastern seaboard, Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula, and Alaska. In 2022, Victory Cruise Lines will debut its first expedition vessel, the 200-passenger Ocean VictoryTM, inviting guests to explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Alaska and British Columbia on expert-led excursions and small-ship, scenic cruising. The twin vessels, Victory I ® and Victory IITM, will continue their legacy of excellent service and fascinating shore excursions on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes and coastal New England, as well as with exciting new itineraries to the southeastern U.S. and Alaska. “Our team is eager for guests to experience new immersive itineraries that will be offered in early 2022 departing Northeast Florida and the Yucatán Peninsula, filled with unique offerings and one-of a-kind experiences,” shares John Waggoner, chairman of Victory Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company. “As we prepare to explore the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes, coastal New England and Alaska, we are committed to providing unparalleled small-ship cruise experiences.” Guests can also take advantage of significant savings for 2022 bookings with the recently announced Spring Sale 2022, including up to $4,000 bonus savings per stateroom on select Victory Cruise Line itineraries when booked by June 30, 2021. Below is a sampling of new 2022 itineraries available aboard Victory I, Victory II and the company’s newest vessel, Ocean Victory: Southeast U.S.A. Southern Coastal Charm Roundtrip Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach), FL |12-day Sailing the Eastern Seaboard will reveal the diverse cultures of the United States through some if its most historic ports. A voyage from the southeast coast to the Bahamas delivers just the right balance of excitement and relaxation. Cities like Charleston and Savannah offer a glimpse into coastal southern living and architecture, while the islands of the Bahamas feature a tropical oasis just 50 miles from the U.S. coastline. Ports of call include: a pre-cruise hotel stay in Jacksonville, FL; Amelia Island (Fernandina Beach), FL; Brunswick, GA; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Beaufort (Port Royal), SC; West Palm Beach, FL; and Freeport, Bahamas. Sailings available in Feb.; March; April; Nov.; Dec. 2022. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, May 18, 2021 – Reservations are now open for the recently announced 2023 deployment for Crystal River Cruises award-winning fleet, featuring 190 voyages exploring the majestic Danube, Rhine, and Moselle rivers and the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. The 2023 season offers travelers a greater variety of cruise lengths than ever before, from new shorter five-night escapes to longer 14- to 17-night combination voyages. The line’s popular seven-night cruises return with itineraries featuring the upper and lower Danube, the Rhine and the waterways of Holland and Belgium. A collection of 10-night journeys of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys, cruises to Europe’s Christmas markets, and holiday sailings featuring New Year’s Eve celebrations in Amsterdam, Budapest and Vienna, round out a wealth of choices for the 2023 Season. Travelers booking Crystal River Cruises’ 2023 voyages will benefit from 2-for-1 cruise fares from $2,799 per guest and up to $2,000 Book Now Savings per guest, ensuring the best fares available for those who book early. Current Book Now Savings of up to $2,000 per guest are set to expire on June 30, 2021, after which time Crystal expects fares to rise. New 2023 Cruise Options New in 2023 are shorter five-night sailings including Danube Discovery aboard Crystal Ravel which cruises the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley from Vienna to Vilshofen, and Playgrounds of the Netherlands & Belgium aboard Crystal Mahler departing roundtrip from Amsterdam to explore the waterways of the Netherlands. Crystal River Cruises has also combined several itineraries for travelers interested in longer, extended voyages, including the 14-night Pearls of the Danube aboard Crystal Ravel featuring the Wachau Valley, Vienna and Budapest, and calls in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The 15-night Vineyards, Castles & Masterpieces from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Crystal Mahler cruises the waterways of Netherlands, Belgium and the Middle Rhine Valley. Grand Rhine & Moselle, a 17-night voyage aboard Crystal Mahler from Amsterdam to Basel pairs an exploration of the Netherlands with the villages of the Mosel Valley Wine Region. (PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (May 17, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today named its newest ocean ship, Viking Venus®, with a celebration at sea in the English Channel as the ship set sail for her inaugural voyage. As part of the intimate event, the ship’s ceremonial godmother, revered British journalist and broadcaster Anne Diamond, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship—a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years. In addition to commemorating Viking Venus as the company’s newest ocean ship, today’s event was also an important milestone as Viking returns to service following 14 months of paused operations. This Saturday, May 22, guests will embark Viking Venus in Portsmouth for the first of five roundtrip sailings of the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary in May and June. Part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, the eight-day voyages also call in Liverpool, the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth and Portland. Anne Diamond will also join guests for the first three sailings of England’s Scenic Shores and will serve as a guest lecturer with her presentation about the untold story of British radar inventors, including her father, during World War II. Anne’s presentation will also be featured on Viking.TV in the future. Following her time in England, Viking Venus will then sail to Malta, where she will homeport for new Welcome Back voyages in the Mediterranean this summer and fall. Delivered in April 2021 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy, Viking Venus is the newest vessel to join Viking’s ocean fleet of identical sister ships, which also includes Viking Star®, Viking Sea®, Viking Sky®, Viking Orion® and Viking Jupiter®. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons and with 465 all veranda staterooms that accommodate 930 guests, the ships feature clean, minimalist Scandinavian design, airy public spaces filled with natural light and abundant al fresco dining options. “Today is one of the proudest days in Viking’s nearly 24-year history. When we became the first cruise line to suspend operations in March 2020, we certainly did not know it would be 14 months before guests would be welcomed back on board. Now, we are among the first to set sail again—and with our industry-leading health and safety protocols in place, we believe there is no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “On behalf of the entire Viking family, we are delighted to celebrate the naming of our newest ship in England. We are also grateful to her godmother, Anne Diamond, for her many journalistic and selfless contributions—as well as for her tireless efforts fostering a community on Viking.TV each week for more than a year.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, May 17, 2021 – Crystal today announced the next bold journey for its new expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor, a spectacular itinerary exploring Iceland, known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” and the breathtaking fjords of Norway. The 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway will sail on September 5, 2021, from Reykjavík to Tromsø on a voyage that showcases some of nature’s most remarkable wonders and the region’s historic and charming cities. The new sailing follows Crystal Endeavor’s recently announced inaugural series of five, 10-night Luxury Iceland Expeditions that opened to extraordinary demand with 50 percent of capacity reserved within the first 24 hours of its release. “This new expedition caters to travelers seeking a truly luxurious experience that pushes the boundaries of wide-open space both on board and in the destinations featured,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s president. “Iceland and Norway are both magnificent countries of natural beauty that will amaze even the most seasoned travelers who are sure to relish the adventurous experiences throughout the journey that will only be enhanced by the welcoming comforts and elegance of Crystal Endeavor.” The Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway voyage combines dramatic landscapes with colorful seaside villages and historic Viking strongholds, suiting travelers’ inner explorers and history buffs alike. In Iceland, geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, whale havens and vast bird colonies are distinctive natural wonders, while Norway’s impossibly steep cliffs, majestic fjords and passion for outdoor pursuits of all kinds are hallmarks of the country’s intrigue. Reservations open May 20, 2021. Highlights of the new Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway voyage include: Reykjavík, Iceland – Crystal Endeavor will dock in the heart of town with ideal access to the capital city’s hubs of culture, cuisine, art and music; Dynjandi Waterfall – Cascading in multiple levels like a powerful veil down a cliff, Dynjandi Falls (also known as Fjallfoss) is called the “Jewel of the Westfjords;” (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, WA (May 14, 2021) – With three-quarters of Americans ready to resume international travel and Europe about to open its borders for approved travelers, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express is offering up to 20% off a number of sailings between this August and May 2023 for Americans to explore the Norwegian coastline. With 128 years experience of operating along the coast of Norway, no cruise company knows or does Norway better than Hurtigruten. One of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, Hurtigruten has operated voyages between Kirkenes above the Arctic Circle and Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, since 1893. This route is often described as “the most beautiful voyage in the world”. Norway is regularly on most Americans’ bucket lists, and just last month, American travelers listed seeing the Northern Lights in Northern Norway as their number one bucket list travel experience in the world, according to USTOA (the United States Tour Operators Association). Being onboard a ship is one of the best ways to experience these magical occurrences from November to March every year. To ensure that guests can cross the lights off their bucket list, Hurtigruten offers the unique Northern Lights Promise on select voyages. The departures on sale range from six to 12 days, with the latter calling at 34 ports along the Norwegian coast and sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains. Guests can enjoy the astounding Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the old Viking town of Trondheim, Norway’s traditional historic, religious, and cultural capital; the postcard-worthy Lofoten Islands, whose special beauty is praised as one of the most beautiful locations in the world by National Geographic; or wander through Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean, on the North Cape at the top of Scandinavia. All eligible sailings can be found at hurtigruten.com/coastal-offers/ and are valid until June 30, 2021. Earlier this month, Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Express announced all its seven ships will undergo one of the largest environmental upgrade in the history of European shipping, with significant green upgrades which will result in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions being reduced by at least 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions cut by 80%. (PRESS RELEASE)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (May 14, 2021) – See the line where the sky meets the sea? It’s calling guests home to the Wish Tower Suite, a first-of-its-kind accommodation set high in the forward funnel of the Disney Wish, which debuts in summer 2022. With an elegant design inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” incomparable ocean views and premium Disney service, this 1,966-square-foot penthouse in the sky will be a celebration of the enchantment and spirit of the sea. “Each of our theme parks has a majestic icon that captures our guests’ imaginations,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “On a Disney cruise ship, that beacon of magic is our signature red funnels. For the first time ever, guests aboard the Disney Wish will be able to book an incredible two-story suite that’s actually located within one of our funnels. With the Wish Tower Suite, we are creating a breathtaking experience that continues our tradition of the most unique and enchanting accommodations at sea.” The Wish Tower Suite is the latest addition to the new Disney ship, where every storybook-inspired stateroom will be a luxurious, peaceful retreat designed with ample room for families, plenty of storage and upscale amenities. Every guest will find their perfect home-away-from-home aboard the Disney Wish — 90% of the 1,254 staterooms will offer ocean views, more than 900 rooms will connect to accommodate larger families and more premium concierge accommodations will be available than ever before. Wish Tower Suite The Wish Tower Suite will be Disney Cruise Line’s most unique accommodation yet. With nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, it will comfortably sleep up to eight guests with two main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that converts to a bedroom and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The magnificent living room will be flanked by an open dining area, a large pantry and a bar, all offering extraordinary views across the upper decks to the horizon through an expansive two-story window wall. Located on the upper-level loft, the main bedrooms will be lavish and serene with king beds, walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the living area below to the views beyond. The main bathrooms will each have double vanities, soaking tubs and rain showers. Enchanting Design The Wish Tower Suite is being designed with artwork, iconography and materials that evoke the Oceania-inspired world of “Moana.” A soothing palette of calm blues, soft whites and deep corals will lay the foundation for family rest and relaxation, while creative ornaments and custom artwork will convey sophisticated nods to the characters and locales of the film. The piece de resistance will be a hand-crafted porcelain sculpture that comes alive in an only-Disney-can-do way. When guests arrive home to the Wish Tower Suite, they may discover the statue pulsing in myriad hues of green amid soft chimes that recall the film’s distinctive soundtrack, revealing itself as the heart of Te Fiti. The special lighting and audio effects will eventually fill the room to provide a truly magical, one-of-a-kind greeting. Other film-inspired decorations include a custom canvas piece depicting Moana sailing on the sea; dimensional props that celebrate the treasures of the ocean and the local crafts of Moana’s village; and a glittering sculpture composed of shiny objects – a playful interpretation of Tamatoa’s dazzling collection. The children’s room, which will feature uniquely designed built-in bunkbeds, will enchant kids of all ages with a sparkling constellation pattern that lights up the ceiling to reveal imagery from the movie composed entirely of stars: Moana’s oar, Gramma Tala, Maui’s hook and the heart of Te Fiti. Unparalleled Service and Amenities Guests can expect the royal treatment while staying in the Wish Tower Suite, marked by the expert service of a personal concierge team, an elegant array of curated experiences, a delightful selection of daily treats and a private elevator. The Wish Tower Suite will feature plush Frette duvets, bed linens, bath towels and robes; motorized sheer and block-out curtains; a wet bar stocked with water and sodas; complimentary internet access; and a deluxe menu of hypo-allergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam pillows. Guests will also enjoy VIP access to the concierge lounge and sun deck with two whirlpools, a wading pool, a bar, lush lounge furniture and the superlative service of a pool deck host. Maiden Voyage and Inaugural Season The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings open to the general public on May 27, 2021. To learn more about the Disney Wish or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, May 13, 2021 – Guests can now book their Luxury Caribbean Escapes featuring departures from St. Maarten as Crystal opens reservations for the 15 recently announced Caribbean sailings. The new departures offer expanded options for Crystal guests eager to return to the peerless excellence of the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line with the addition of 15 new Caribbean sailings departing round-trip from St. Maarten aboard Crystal Symphony this August through December.
The newly added voyages are part of Crystal Symphony’s 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes* and offer guests the option of cruising round-trip from either Philipsburg, St. Maarten, beginning August 2nd, or the previously announced voyages departing round-trip from St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, beginning August 5th. The addition of St. Maarten as a port of departure expands the air options for guests as major U.S. cities provide airlift into the country. All of Crystal’s 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes, including a holiday cruise, will explore the tropical beauty of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago**, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. Best Available cruise fares start at $2,999 with Book Now Savings of up to $1,000 per guest and As You Wish spending credits of $200 per guest. Returning guests will enjoy double Crystal Society Savings of five percent while new to Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent. Travelers can now take advantage of a reduced deposit of just $100 per person for new bookings as of May 12, 2021, aboard Crystal Symphony’s Luxury Caribbean Escapes, with final payment due 60 days prior to departure. Single supplements for these voyages begin at just 125 percent. Guests with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these voyages. Crystal announced in February that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to existing, comprehensive Crystal Clean+ measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask requirements and health screening questionnaires. Designed with inherently abundant personal and social space throughout the ship, Crystal Symphony will return to sailing with reduced capacity, increasing its social spaciousness even more. The onboard Crystal Family will welcome guests home to spacious staterooms, suites and social areas and to an experience that is punctuated by abundant choices for activities and enrichment; elegant surroundings and amenities; and most importantly, the genuine, personalized service provided by Crystal’s celebrated crew. A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. Underscoring the Crystal difference is an all-inclusive experience with award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; globally inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s only sea-going restaurants; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits; and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest. *As more islands in the Caribbean begin to open, Crystal may add additional ports to the itinerary and will inform its guests and travel partners of any changes. **Trinidad and Tobago is subject to government review with changing health and safety conditions. New Albany, IN, May 12, 2021 – American Queen Steamboat Company®, part of the Hornblower® Group, is currently hiring more than 200 officers and crew members nationwide over the next 60 days. The U.S.-flagged cruise line is re-launching the American Empress® in the Pacific Northwest on June 14 for a nearly sold-out season, and the American Queen® will return to service on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers later this summer, dependent on CDC guidance. The American Empress and American Queen will join the American Duchess™and brand-new American Countess™, which have operated sailings under SafeCruise™ protocols since March 2021.
“As we resume operations across our entire fleet, we are seeking dedicated and hardworking shipboard team members with a love for exploration to support our phased restart and continue to establish American Queen Steamboat Company as an industry leader and ally to the communities we visit,” shares John Waggoner, chairman of American Queen Steamboat Company. “I have always had a passion for American rivers and am grateful for the opportunity to deliver authentic hospitality on these storied waterways. As we welcome new faces to our family of hospitality leaders and mariners, I look forward to sharing our vision of providing uniquely American river cruises®.” A wide-range of onboard, hotel positions are available. Back of house roles start at $125 per day and include galley and housekeeping cleaners and other entry level positions. Other hotel roles such as front desk, F&B servers, waiters, bar staff, pastry, sous chef and executive chef level including hotel management roles, range from $180 – $450 per day. Career progression is encouraged and many of the existing senior team onboard have been developed from within the hotel ranks. Licensed marine roles including mates, engineering positions, pilot and watchmen can receive between $250 to $800 per day. All positions on American Queen Steamboat Company riverboats include room and board, healthcare, and travel to and from the boat within the continental United States. American Queen Steamboat Company was the first U.S. based cruise line to mandate guest and crew vaccination. All teammates must be eligible for employment in the U.S. and have received an FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine. The crew and guest vaccination mandate begins for the American Empress’ June 14 restart, as well as fleetwide sailings beginning July 1, 2021. American Queen Steamboat Company is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all job seekers through the online application process. To view available positions, visit https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/careers/ (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, May 12, 2021 – Crystal River Cruises announces the full 2023 deployment of its award-winning fleet, featuring 190 individual voyages exploring the majestic Danube, Rhine, and Moselle rivers along with the charming waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. The 2023 season offers travelers a greater variety of sailing length options than ever before, with new shorter five-night escapes as well as longer 14- to 17-night combination voyages that pair classic itineraries for immersive journeys. The line’s perennially popular seven-night cruises return offering travelers 150 cruise options including the best-loved Danube and Rhine itineraries, as well as sailings featuring springtime among the tulips, and the treasures of Southeast Europe. A collection of 10-night journeys of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys, cruises to Europe’s festive Christmas markets, and special holiday sailings featuring New Year’s Eve celebrations in Vienna, Budapest and Amsterdam, round out a wealth of choices to experience Europe’s number one river cruise line. Reservations open May 18, 2021. Crystal River Cruises’ elegant fleet offers guests an intimate experience befitting the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line aboard four all-suite, all-butler, all-balcony Rhine Class ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel, as well as the timeless grandeur and elegance of Crystal Mozart, the most spacious river ship sailing the Danube. Voyages range from five- to 17-nights, visiting some of the most picturesque and captivating locales throughout Germany, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Switzerland, as well as southeastern Europe destinations in Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. “The destinations along these rivers have fascinated travelers for centuries and continue to enchant visitors – some seemingly frozen in timeless charm and others strikingly contemporary and innovative, but all distinctly full of character, intriguing history and wonderful traditions,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “Every year, we strive to create itineraries that blend both the destinations our guests love most, as well as new highlights and experiences. The 2023 deployment aboard our five beautiful river ships is designed to offer choices that will appeal to luxury travelers of all ages and interests delivered with the personalized service, culinary experiences, spacious all-suite accommodations and attention to detail only found with Crystal. “We are seeing tremendous demand for our 2022 deployment as the pent-up desire for global travel increases and we have announced 2023 now to give luxury travelers even more options to plan their future vacations,” Littlejohn added. |
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
April 2024
Categories |