(PRESS RELEASE)_PANAMA – MAY 31, 2022 – The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) has announced that during the official mission of tourism promotion carried out recently in Miami, U.S., by the National Government through and in conjunction with the private sector, the company Atlas Ocean Voyages confirmed that it will begin to run at least four new homeport operations, starting as of the 2022-2023 cruise season. The cruise company’s approach is closely aligned with Panama’s Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, which focuses on sustainable and unique experiences that connect with nature and authentic cultures, elements in which Panama maintains important competitive advantages. “Panama’s indigenous heritage, natural biodiversity, variety of landscapes and colonial history present a coveted destination for our guests, who seek a luxury adventure in some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “We are looking forward to bringing our small expedition ships, World Navigator and World Traveller, to visit the beautiful country of Panama starting in October 2022. And, our ships will be among the first to utilize the new Panama Cruise Terminal at Fuerte Amador and access inland experiences via Panama’s new tourism landing sites.” “We are proud to welcome Atlas Voyages who will introduce international visitors to our beautiful country, specially focused on experiences that highlight Panama’s extraordinary nature and authentic culture,” said Panama’s Minister of Tourism, Ivan Eskildsen. Atlas will operate small-ship luxury cruises, with new itineraries of up to 12 nights to Panama and with destinations including Cartagena, Curacao, Peru, Mexico, among others, resulting in a positive economic impact for different points nationwide generating benefits for the country. To learn more about things to do in Panama, visit https://www.tourismpanama.com/things-to-do/. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, May 31, 2022 – Global icon Jennifer Lopez and Richard Branson’s new cruise line Virgin Voyages are offering Sailors the trip of a lifetime, giving away 1,000 cabins for people to set sail the Virgin way. As part of her new role as the company’s Chief Entertainment & Lifestyle Officer, Lopez is giving 1,000 Sailors the opportunity to snag a seafaring getaway out of Miami or Barcelona for a sun-drenched summer or autumn voyage. Lopez continues to make (big) moves with Virgin Voyages, and her latest one is no different. After what has been a difficult few years for so many, she knows how much the world deserves a truly epic vacation, so together with Virgin Voyages, she’s making it happen. Starting today through June 21, 2022, Sailors can enter to win a voyage on Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady in a glamorous Sea Terrace cabin. These incredible, award-winning accommodations feature ocean-facing balconies with VV’s signature red hammocks, rainfall showers, high-tech tablets, nautical design touches and mood lighting to get ‘Pumped Up’ when the time comes to celebrate like Lopez and get on the floor (see what we did there). To enter, potential Sailors should visit VirginVoyages.com and complete the short questionnaire. Winners will receive an email the following month with details on how to book their epic vacation. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., May 30, 2022 — Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam received the royal treatment in a ceremony rich with Dutch heritage May 30, 2022, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands served as godmother and officially named the ship in front of invited dignitaries and guests. Upon arrival, Princess Margriet was welcomed at the gangway with a traditional floral bouquet presented by seven-year-old Nora van Dijk, daughter of Nathalie van Dijk, who has been with Holland America Line for 15 years, most recently as a business development representative in sales in the Rotterdam office. During the daytime naming celebration, Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald, Holland America Group President Jan Swartz, Rotterdam Captain Werner Timmers, Lord Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb and Mariner Ambassadors David and Gisela Gere joined Princess Margriet to officially welcome Rotterdam to the fleet. “Our heritage is rooted here in the Netherlands, and we are deeply honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet as godmother of her fifth Holland America Line ship,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “When Rotterdam was delivered in 2021 we postponed its naming ceremony so we could hold it in Rotterdam, because there’s no better place to name a ship than in the city it was named after. After a challenging couple of years, we are excited to celebrate this memorable moment in our company’s history.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (May 26, 2022) – Viking® (www.viking.com) continues to mark new milestones for its expedition voyages, as the new purpose-built Viking Octantis® kicks off its inaugural season in the Great Lakes. Designed specifically to reach the Great Lakes region, the Viking Octantis recently completed a roundtrip through the Welland Canal—a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie—making it the largest passenger vessel ever to transit the canal. The ship will remain in the Great Lakes until early October 2022, sailing a variety of itineraries between Toronto and Duluth. A second expedition vessel, the Viking Polaris®, will debut later this year and will join the Viking Octantis in the Great Lakes for the 2023 season. “Our expedition ships were designed with the Great Lakes in mind. This region has been historically underserved by cruise lines, and we are delighted by the warm and enthusiastic reception we have received from the local communities,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “With our first season now underway, we are pleased with the strong demand among our guests and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to these fantastic destinations in 2023.” Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes brings the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America, as well as a significant commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio (beginning in 2023) and the Canadian province of Ontario. (PRESS RELEASE)_BARCELONA, May 26, 2022 - Virgin Voyages’ second lady ship, Valiant Lady, shed her winter wardrobe and sailed from her sunny new Mediterranean homeport of Port de Barcelona on May 15. Eternally fashionable Barcelona – famed for its lively nightlife, sweeping architecture and world-class cuisine – will be the second homeport after Miami for the award-winning lifestyle and travel brand. Founded by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages further expends the global footprint of the award-winning cruise line. Located right off the iconic shopping and cultural strip of Las Ramblas, Valiant Lady’s new VIP quarters in the vibrant European city offers Sailors a stunning selection of seven-night itineraries through the sun-drenched, azure waters of the Mediterranean. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami (May 26, 2022) – Celebrity Cruises’ Captains are sharing their favorite Greek experiences through a new “Captain-Curated” shore excursions program. Offered aboard any Celebrity ship sailing the Greek Isles during summer 2022, the all-new collection of unique and exclusive excursions are designed to ensure guests “Journey WonderFULL” and experience the destination “like a local.” Whether it’s visiting a family-owned olive mill, discovering culinary hidden gems including the best spot for kebabs, or taking in the best panoramic vistas, guests will enjoy these unforgettable experiences in an intimate, limited capacity experience. “What a dream come true for our guests to experience one of the world’s most breathtaking regions through the people who know it best - our Captains, who either grew up in Greece or have spent their career sailing to and visiting its ports,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Cruises has a proud Greek heritage and Greece holds a special place in our hearts that we are now uniquely sharing with our guests.” (RCCL NEWS)_May 2022 – Construction on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas is underway in Turku, Finland, and one of the revolutionary ship’s state-of-the-art elements is on the move again. Watch as the unnamed, 175-metric-ton sphere – first seen in December 2021 – is lifted onto the ship after four days of preparation and a day-long transfer by barge. Currently 46 feet (14 metres) tall and 50 feet in diameter, the structure is now wrapped in protective material and ready for its next phase of its construction. The cruise line’s next highly anticipated ship, Icon is set to debut in fall 2023 with a lineup of firsts and signature favorites that will set a new standard for vacations.
(PRESS RELEASE)_SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, MAY 24, 2022 – Australia’s award-winning adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, announces its new, purpose-built expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, will be making her debut voyage on the Subantarctic Safari Nov. 4-20 2022. The ship will be christened by its namesake, the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, prior to making its way to the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. The 17-day maiden voyage to the Subantarctic Islands will appeal to wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Beginning in Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, passengers will explore the history-steeped Falkands~Malvinas, a bird lovers’ paradise home to an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species and the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, followed by South Georgia – known for its enormous King penguin colonies and beaches lined with Elephant and Antarctic fur seals. Plus, passengers will have the opportunity to trace the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s infamous journeys here. (PRESS RELEASE)_MEMPHIS, TN — The U.S. Postal Service celebrated the beauty and majestic wonder of the Mighty Mississippi River — America’s quintessential waterway — during a first-day-of-issue stamp ceremony at the Beale Street Landing in Memphis. “In addition to its many recreational and natural attributes, the Mississippi is also the backbone of the U.S. economy — serving as a riparian superhighway, transporting more than 175 million tons of freight annually,” said Gary Barksdale, the Postal Service’s chief postal inspector, who served as the dedicating official. “Today, we continue the Postal Service’s tradition of celebrating our nation’s wonderful heritage with the dedication of 10 truly special Forever stamps honoring the Mighty Mississippi.” Joining Barksdale to dedicate the stamps were master of ceremonies Alex Bernhardt; cruise director of American Queen Voyages; Jim Strickland, mayor of Memphis; Tyree Daniels, board chair of Memphis River Parks; John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages; Frank Rivera, riverlorian of American Queen Voyages; and Quintin R. Smith, pastor of the Historical First Baptist Church of Millington. Virgin Voyages has a new marketing campaign that highlights their "adults only" policy.
Who better to deliver that message than kids? Take a look. |
ABOUTStay current with the latest news from the cruise lines. Gerry is Travel Editor at Aqua South Florida
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