cruise&TRAVEL
|
|
 Credit: Oceania Cruises (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL – September 27, 2023 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, revealed its 2025 Summer Collection of voyages, featuring an extensive and diverse lineup of more than 100 itineraries, plus nearly 50 Grand Voyages, to alluring corners of the world. Travelers can choose from a selection of perfectly curated Europe voyages, classic Canada and New England cruises, exciting adventures in Alaska, plus blissful South Pacific sailings that visit paradise islands in French Polynesia and beyond aboard Oceania Cruises’ eight small, luxurious ships. The itineraries are available to preview online at www.OceaniaCruises.com and open for reservations on October 4.
 Pictured L-R: Queen Mary Commodore Everette Hoard, Managing Director Steve Caloca, Captain Inger Thorhauge, Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, Cunard North America (Cunard) Valencia, CA - September 27, 2023 – After being closed for nearly three years, the Queen Mary and Cunard celebrated the reopening of “The Cunard Story” exhibition on Monday, September 25, with a dedication honoring Captain Inger Thorhauge, Cunard’s first female master mariner. Captain Thorhauge has been Master of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth prior to being named master designate to Cunard’s magnificent Queen Anne, due to go into service in May 2024. Captain Thorhauge brought the elegant Queen Elizabeth to Long Beach to rendezvous with the Queen Mary in 2019 and was also guest of honor at the opening of The Cunard Story that day. It is only fitting to honor her place as a trend-setting pioneer in the maritime world with her inclusion in “The Cunard Story.”
 Credit: Holland America (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Sept. 28, 2023 — With the completion of shore power installation on Volendam, Holland America Line’s entire fleet is now shore power-capable. Volendam completed installation in Vancouver, British Columbia, and connected to the port’s shoreside electricity for the first full day on Sept. 27.
The cruise line began converting ships to have shore power connectivity in 2006 with its four Vista Class ships; its Pinnacle Class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam) all were built with shore power systems installed, and the Signature Class ships (Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam) were launched with a partial installation that has since been completed.  (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line opened for sale approximately 400 cruises that will bring guests to Celebration Key™, its new exclusive cruise port destination in The Bahamas, beginning with the first calls in July 2025. Starting today, guests can book cruises on the first 12 Carnival ships, sailing regularly from eight homeports, visiting Celebration Key in 2025 and 2026.
(ROYAL CARIBBEAN)_We’re cooking up something for everyone across more than 20 ways to dine on the highly anticipated vacation #IconoftheSeas. “Making an Icon: Creating Flavors for Everyone, Part 2: Dining” dishes out the behind-the-scenes of bringing everything from an upscale, eight-course dining experience paired with live music to a convenient window for fresh sushi and gyozas to life. After years of research, travel and 100-plus tastings and showcases, watch how it all came down to three ingredients – variety, convenience and choice – to serve up memories for every occasion while on vacation.
 Aloft Hotels® by Marriottat Fort Lauderdale Airport (PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, FL - Starting November 10, 2023, travelers visiting the Fort Lauderdale area will be able to enjoy a convenient stay at the new Aloft Hotels® by Marriott at Fort Lauderdale Airport. The 138-room, 14-floor property is located at 501 SE 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, just 3 ½ miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and 1 ½ miles from the Port Everglades cruise terminals.
This new Aloft property has a long list of impressive on-site amenities, including an 800-square-foot, premium fitness center, and a serene yoga terrace. It also features a covered deck on the 14th floor, with a 540-square-foot rooftop pool, gaming area, and cabanas. Additionally, Aloft Hotels® Fort Lauderdale Airport contains a 5,000 square-foot lobby located on the second floor, complete with a bar, an outdoor terrace, and an Aloft-branded breakfast establishment called Re:fuel by Aloft®. “There is so much to do in the Fort Lauderdale area,” said General Manager James Lalanne. “This property offers a location ideally accessible to airline and cruise passengers, guests enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and those in town for major sporting and entertainment events at DRV PNK Stadium and the iconic Hard Rock Stadium.”  Credit: Princess Cruises (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (September 27, 2023) – When Sun Princess debuts early next year, the incredible, next-gen ship from Princess Cruises will elevate the culinary excellence at sea with an unparalleled array of dining sensations catering to every palate and desire, including exciting concepts from world-renowned chef, Rudi Sodamin, and a celebrity chef to be announced soon.
Delectable dishes are found throughout the magnificent new ship, with an astonishing selection of 29 new and signature dining and lounge options, offering everything from savory journeys and entertaining eats to sumptuous sips and satisfying snacks. “Outstanding food and drink at exceptional value are a cornerstone of the Princess experience. Sun Princess elevates the entire portfolio of offers and wraps them in restaurants, bars and sundecks that reveal stunning views, ocean vistas and sunshine, ice and wildlife,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Our chefs will serve up vibrant flavors, pour perfectly crafted cocktails and provide personalized service that is second to none.” Guests aboard the latest Love Boat will indulge in an array of tempting new dining experiences, ranging from the captivating theater of Japanese Teppanyaki at Umai Teppanyaki, where world-class cuisine intertwines with captivating performance, and the innovative O’Malley’s Irish Pub, reimagining the classic Irish pub concept with a refreshing twist, to a seafood nirvana at The Catch by Rudi from award-winning chef Rudi Sodamin. Meanwhile, The Promenade introduces a fresh perspective, serving up delightful slices of Promendade Slice pizza, gourmet burgers, flavorful hot dogs, freshly baked bagels, and a tempting selection of ice cream. (Renders of newly announced venues can be found here). While the new additions promise novelty, timeless favorites aboard the ship remain a staple of the Princess dining experience. From the refined elegance of the Crown Grill and the irresistible charm of Sabatini’s, to the delightful authenticity of Alfredo’s Pizzeria, the artful creations at Kai Sushi, the classic tunes at Crooners, the warm ambiance of the Wheelhouse Bar, and the engaging performances at Princess Live! – these favorites continue to complement the dining tapestry that Sun Princess so artfully weaves for its guests. Innovation extends to the culinary core of the ship as well. The ship’s multiple dining decks offer something for everyone beginning with breakfast and continuing through late-night snack time. Ethnic eats range from Mexican to Mongolian, and cruisers can enjoy coffee concoctions, frozen treats, sushi specials, artisanal pizza, tangy barbecue, deluxe burgers and hot dogs. Vegetarian and plant-based meals give all diners plenty of options. The Horizons Dining Room elevates the traditional main dining experience with stunning wake views and natural light that highlight a decorative sculpture, stretching from deck 6 to deck 8. Horizons will serve guests multicourse meals from friendly waitstaff with each level having its own personality, offering different dining experiences and ranges in levels of formality. Breakfast options include a Smoked Salmon Omelet and Swedish Pancakes; lunch dishes such as Corn Chowder with a Signature Burger, Cobb Salad, or Quinoa Salmon Poke Bowl; and dinner entrées like Lamb Leg Provençale, Sautéed Redfish Caponata, and Cauliflower Steak with tahini, couscous, and asparagus. A new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection, includes access to the new Signature Restaurant (Deck 7) and Signature Lounge (Decks 15/16), while guests booked in the Reserve Collection of mini suites and cabana cabins will have access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant (Deck 7). Both private dining areas offer exclusive menu options that include a Prime Rib Carving Trolley as well as an expanded list of chefs’ culinary creations. No matter where guests are aboard Sun Princess, the options are delicious and boundless. Piazza
Specialty Dining
Casual/Outdoor Dining
Previously revealed as a first for Princess, the Horizons Dining Room introduces a stunning, three-story main dining venue with a total capacity of 1,931 guests. This open and flexible space elevates the traditional main dining experience with stunning wake views and natural light that highlight a decorative sculpture, stretching from deck 6 to deck 8. The three dining levels will serve guests multicourse meals from friendly wait staff and each have their own personalities, offer different dining experiences and range in levels of formality, including the Horizons Diner on Deck 8 offering breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites all day long. Princess has not yet unveiled details about two additional venues – a new high-end specialty restaurant located on deck 17 overlooking the scenic wake of the ship and a mysterious, extraordinary experience that’s been hinted at behind an unmarked black door midship on Deck 8. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will also offer an array of exciting new entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. With the most balconies and sun decks on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the Arena! is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design. Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion that will extend Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences typical of small ships while enjoying only the best large ship amenities. Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe and Caribbean are on sale now. More ship information and images can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess. 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.  Credit: Aurora Expeditions (PRESS RELEASE)_SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (Sept. 27, 2023) – Australia’s award-winning expedition company, Aurora Expeditions is proud to announce its Special Guests Program for its Antarctica 2023/24 season. Designed to enhance the passenger experience, the program brings highly respected conservationists, adventurers, photographers and climate activists on a variety of voyages to share their expertise.
The program will include the company’s second and third Founder’s voyages. Greg Mortimer OAM will lead the 23-day Antarctica Complete voyage on his namesake ship, departing Ushuaia on Dec. 27, 2023. Passengers will ring in the new year with the pioneering adventurer, Zodiac cruising amongst the vast ice-covered landscapes of Antarctica and exploring enthralling subantarctic islands rich with history and unique wildlife.  Credit: Holland America (PRERSS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Sept. 27, 2023 — For its 2025 Canada and New England Season, Holland America Line is expanding its offering of longer voyages, adding maiden ports and showcasing a 25-day “Legendary Voyage” that explores Greenland and Iceland. With convenient departures from Boston, Massachusetts, and Montreal or Quebec City, Quebec, the cruises are an ideal close-to-home vacation to enjoy the region’s idyllic summer season or burst of color with changing leaves in the fall.
|
ABOUTStay current with the latest news from the cruise lines. 
Follow Gerry Barker
on All Things Cruise. 
REVIEWS
FEATURES
MORE COVERAGE
Archives
December 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed
