Why Venice is waging a new battle in war on cruise ships

Written by Gill Dewar on October 18, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news, Uncategorized.

The arrival of the first cruise ship to dock in Venice in 18 months has triggered a fresh wave of arguments between campaigners and the city authorities.

The Italian government announced in March that large vessels, including cruise ships and shipping containers, would be banned from Venice, in response to “concerns from residents over pollution and underwater erosion of the city’s foundations”, the BBC reports.

So the arrival of the 92,000-tonne MSC Orchestra in the so-called City of Water earlier this month “caught many by surprise” and “reawakened old divisions” in a war of words that “has pitted the economy against the environment”, says The Guardian.

The huge liner sailed into the lagoon on 3 June to pick up passengers for a cruise to Greece before departing two days later. The ship “was given a victorious send-off by port workers”, who “filled about two dozen vessels that sailed alongside it”, The Guardian reports. But “it was also escorted away by a flotilla of small boats with anti-cruise ship campaigners on board”, the paper continues.

For the 5,000 people employed at Venice’s cruise port, the arrival of MSC Orchestra “was a symbol of hope for the future after more than 18 months without work” as a result of travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. But for the anti-ship demonstrators, the “visit was a reminder of a period they were hoping had been banished to the past”. Overtourism has long been an issue of massive concern for many Venetians. A 2019 push for a referendum on greater autonomy for the floating city centred around a fear of “mass tourism, depopulation and urban decay”,as The Local reported at the time.

Campaigners argue that as well as fuelling these problems, the ships’ presence in the lagoon is also “negatively changing the ecosystem, and damaging the notoriously fragile city with the movement of water they cause”, CNN says.

Along with this reported environmental damage, campaigners also point to an accident in 2019, when a 13-deck cruise liner operated by the same company that owns the MSC Orchestra crashed into a wharf and tourist boat, injuring four people. In the wake of the collision, thousands of protesters hit the streets to demand a ban on larger vessels.

However, for the Venetians whose jobs depended on the 32,000 cruise ship passengers who disembarked in the city daily pre-pandemic, the ships are a vital part of the economy.

Source

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Princess Cruises Announces Ship Restarts for February, March and April 2022

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 15, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

October 15, 2021 – Princess is announcing plans for additional ships return to service in the United States for February, March and April 2022 sailing from Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver and Ft. Lauderdale.

Starting between February 13 and April 22 cruises onboard three additional Princess MedallionClass™ ships will take guests to the Caribbean, Hawaii and the California Coast. Crown Princess, Island Princess and Royal Princess join the eight Princess ships scheduled to restart in 2021, representing 79 percent of Princess’ ship capacity.

Crown Princess: On February 13, Crown Princess will join Majestic Princess and Grand Princess for sailings from Los Angeles to the California Coast and Hawaii. Then, Crown Princess will position to Seattle to sail on a couple of Pacific Northwest Coastal voyages and to Hawaii. Crown Princess will also add another Alaska departure with a new 8-day Inside Passage cruise with Glacier Bay starting on April 29, 2022.
Island Princess: Travels to the Caribbean starting March 6, from Ft. Lauderdale on a 14-day, 10-day and series of 7-day cruises to the Southern, Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Royal Princess: California Coast sailings from Vancouver beginning April 8, 2022.

“It has been thrilling to have our guests on board enjoying real vacations in Alaska and on the west coast,” said Deanna Austin, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer. “By April of 2022 we will have 11 of our ships back at sea, with the support of government and port officials, creating vacation memories for our guests.”

Princess cruises sailing through February 2022 are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

We will continue to monitor the latest guidance from the CDC as well as local, state and federal officials in the ports we sail from and those we visit and will adjust our onboard protocols and vaccination requirements, as necessary. Should our vaccination approach change, we would notify guests prior to final payment.

PRINCESS MEDALLIONCLASS VACATION

All Princess ships offer TrulyTouchless™ experiences that simplifies the guest experience and delivers next-level service supporting new health protocols.

The cruise line’s award-winning OceanMedallion wearable device replaces the traditional cruise card and pairs with embedded IoT (“Internet of things”) -driven innovative technology to significantly expand touch-free options and personalization on board, including:

Touchless embarkation and disembarkation
Keyless stateroom entry
Completely contactless commerce
Simplified safety training
On-demand food, beverages and retail items delivered anywhere on board
Guest service requests via mobile device chat
Location-based gaming and wagering
Entertainment content via smart devices

Princess ships offers the best Wi-Fi at sea, MedallionNet™, so guests can stay connected to the things and people they love and share vacation memories with ease.

To accommodate this restart, select cruises on Crown Princess will be cancelled. Guests on these voyages will receive information on their rebooking options.

Cruises can be booked 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.

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.” In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

In line with the latest advice from health officials about COVID-19, Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from medical experts and government bodies and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated on current Cruise Updates and Health & Safety protocols.

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SOURCE Princess Cruises

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Koningsdam marks Holland America line’s return to cruising – San Diego

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 11, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

October 11, 2021 – Waving flags, cheering team members and a “Welcome Home” sign greeted guests as they joined Holland America Line’s Koningsdam at the Port of San Diego today for the cruise line’s first West Coast departure since the start of the industry-wide pause.

The Pinnacle Class vessel is the largest Holland America Line ship to be sailing from the West Coast, and Oct. 10 is the first in a series of 23 seven-day cruise to the California Coast or Mexico that run through April 3, 2022.

“We are thrilled to get back to cruising from San Diego and to supporting this wonderful city and the ports we visit along the West Coast — from Mexico to Washington,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our guests are eager to be back on board and our team members look forward to reconnecting with them and providing a memorable vacation. We’re ready for a successful season of cruising.”

In addition to Koningsdam, Zuiderdam also will sail roundtrip cruises from San Diego on longer Mexico explorations, a grand monthlong voyage to Tahiti, and Panama Canal departures. Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam each make one call in spring 2022.

Holland America Line Cruises from San Diego in 2021-2022:
Koningsdam

23 seven-day cruise departures to Mexico or the California Coast.

Zuiderdam

Four 9-, 10- or 14-day “Mexico and Sea of Cortez” cruises from December 2021 through April 2022.
Two 14-day Panama Cruises in January 2022.
A 35-Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas voyage departing Feb. 27, 2022.
One five-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, departing April 22, 2022.

Eurodam

One four-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, departing April 25, 2022.

Nieuw Amsterdam

One five-day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver, departing April 26, 2022.

About Holland America Line in San Diego:
Holland America Line has been homeporting out of the Port of San Diego since the 1990s. For the upcoming 2021-2022 season, the cruise line will bring more than 81,000 guests to the city, which will result in more than $35 million in direct spending.

Operationally, each ship visit directly contributes $364,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes, and spending. When Koningsdam and Zuiderdam call at San Diego, both ships will be using shore power, reducing the ships’ carbon footprint.

Throughout the years, Holland America Line has been actively involved with more than 30 nonprofits in San Diego County through giving, shipboard lunches and cruise donations, including La Jolla Playhouse, San Ysidro Health and Girl Scouts San Diego.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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Oceania Cruises Unveils 2023 Europe & North America Collection

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 7, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

October 7, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line opened its recently unveiled 2023 Europe and North America Collection of voyages for sale to the general public. Featuring seven ships sailing 179 itineraries, which call on more than 260 ports, this new collection is the line’s most expansive and diverse offering to date.

Charting the alluring coastlines of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada, and the Colonial Americas, each voyage is a masterpiece of exploration that reveals iconic cities, off-the-beaten-path villages, and dramatic, unspoiled natural wonders.

“These new voyages are ideal for discerning travelers seeking to re-discover the world,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Whether they are retracing familiar paths or setting off to uncharted territories, they will find endearing smiles, enthralling cultural elements, and fascinating culinary experiences.”

Featuring 30 to 50 percent more time in port than premium cruise lines, this new collection of itineraries features 190 overnight/multi-day stays in both marquee and boutique ports of call along with hundreds of evening and late-night departures, all of which afford guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and cuisines of the destinations.

2023 Europe and North America Collection Highlights

Voyages range in length from 7 to 56 days
Nine new, off-the-beaten-path ports of call: Kalundborg, Denmark; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Oban, Scotland; Runavík (Faroe Islands), Denmark; Torbay, UK; Limnos, Greece; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Lipari, Italy; Eastport, Maine
57 Grand Voyages promise epic exploration opportunities
The ultimate in small-ship Mediterranean immersion with 102 itineraries from which to choose
More than 40 cruises and Grand Voyages to the Holy Lands of Israel and Turkey
Riviera offers 14 voyages to the British Isles, Ireland, Iceland, Norwegian Fjords and Greenland
Marina reprises her perennial series of Baltic capitals and Russia voyages with more than a dozen sailings
The inaugural season of Vista with 18 voyages in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Holy Lands, British Isles, and Colonial Americas
Regatta sails 13 Alaska cruises ranging from 7 to 20 days
Insignia and Vista offer 14 departures from New York, Montreal, and Boston focusing on the Canadian Maritimes, Colonial Americas, and Bermuda

Top 10 Highlighted Voyages from the 2023 Europe and North America Collection

Picturesque Mediterranean | April 14, 2023
Riviera: Venice to Barcelona, 10 Days
A truly outstanding showcase of culture, history, and exquisite cuisine is on display with nine ports of call in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, and France.

Turkish & Hellenic Gems | May 4, 2023
Marina: Athens to Istanbul, 7 Days
This voyage overflows with history as it focuses entirely on Greece and Turkey with calls in Ephesus, Bodrum, Antalya, Rhodes, and Mykonos and culminates with an overnight stay in sultry Istanbul.

Scandinavia & Baltic Allure | June 2, 2023
Marina: Amsterdam to Copenhagen, 12 Days
Discover the ultimate expression of the beauty and wealth of culture that the great Baltic capitals are known for with cities like Oslo, Aarhus, and Berlin. An overnight in St. Petersburg offers the special opportunity to experience the White Nights festival in all its glory.

British Isles Discoveries | June 11, 2023
Riviera: London to Belfast, 18 Days
An intriguing blend of marquee ports like Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin blended with off-the-beaten-path ports such as Killybegs in Ireland and Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands offers numerous surprises as the voyage explores a total of 16 ports in 18 days.

Vikings, Fjords & Legends | July 1, 2023
Marina: Oslo to London, 10 Days
Sailing the return route of the Vikings, this voyage is a virtual kaleidoscope of fascinating history and fairytale landscapes. Exploring the best of Norway and the Baltic capitals, cosmopolitan flair is keenly balanced with natural splendor and the unparalleled majesty of the Norwegian fjords.

Greenland & Nordic Gems | July 21, 2023
Riviera: Reykjavik to Oslo, 15 Days
Nature takes center stage on this cruise showcasing the geysers and hot springs of Iceland, unspoiled glaciers of Greenland, ancient archipelagoes in the North Sea, and the unspoiled beauty of southern Sweden and Norway.

Alaska & California Treasures | September 7, 2023
Regatta: Vancouver to Los Angeles, 20 Days
All of the premier Alaska ports, Hubbard Glacier, the Inside Passage, Astoria and an overnight in San Francisco come together in a great adventure brimming with variety and contrasts.

Legendary European Adventure | September 26, 2023
Riviera: Amsterdam to Venice, 34 Days
This voyage encompasses the most iconic destinations of Europe’s North Atlantic and northern Mediterranean coasts with overnights in Bordeaux and Venice, plus Bilbao, Lisbon, Seville, Barcelona, Provence, Portofino, Florence, Dubrovnik, and more.

Holy Land & Aegean Majesty | October 6, 2023
Nautica: Jerusalem to Rome, 11 Days
Experience 360 degrees of history with standout classics such as Rhodes, Ephesus, Athens, and Santorini, plus an overnight in Jerusalem, capped off with the inescapable allure of Sicily and the enigma that is Naples.

Canada & New England Charms | October 19 & October 30, 2023
Insignia: Boston to Montreal, 11 Days
Incomparable fall foliage, romantic storybooks ports and a bounty of American and French culinary experiences define this itinerary that showcases the crossroads of European and American history.

About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry no more than 1,250 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has an additional 1,200-guest Vista Class ship on order for delivery in 2025.

With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027, comprising of approximately 24,000 berths.

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

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Carnival Cruise Line Announces Ship Restarts For January & February 2022

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 7, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

October 7, 2021 – Carnival Cruise Line announced plans for more ship restarts for January and February, as it works towards the return of its full fleet sailing from U.S. homeports in the spring of 2022.

With 17 ships scheduled to be operating by year-end, Carnival Sunshine will restart from Charleston on Jan. 13 and Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral on Feb. 11.

With today’s announcement, Carnival’s U.S.-based operations will cover the following homeports and ships by February, and represents 90 percent of Carnival’s U.S.-based capacity:

Galveston: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream and Carnival Vista
Miami: Carnival Freedom, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Conquest
Port Canaveral: Mardi Gras, Carnival Elation, Carnival Magic and Carnival Liberty (effective Feb. 11)
New Orleans: Carnival Glory and Carnival Valor
Long Beach: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance and Carnival Miracle
Baltimore: Carnival Legend
Tampa: Carnival Pride
Charleston: Carnival Sunshine (effective Jan. 13)

“Our restart plan continues to excel across all metrics, and we are looking forward to completing the restart of the fleet in the new year,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We appreciate the support and patience of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners who have been key to this successful restart.”

Duffy said that Carnival continues to carefully monitor the status of public health and adjust its operating protocols accordingly. “We are optimistic that vaccines will be approved for children between the ages of 5-11 before the end of the year and we look forward to welcoming more families back on board,” she added. As it relates to ships operating in January and February, Carnival will continue to operate vaccinated cruises under its current protocols.

Cruises on Carnival’s three remaining U.S.-based ships – Carnival Ecstasy from Jacksonville, Carnival Paradise from Tampa, and Carnival Sensation from Mobile – have been cancelled through February.

In addition, Carnival Splendor from Sydney, Australia is cancelled through Feb. 7, and Carnival Spirit from Brisbane, Australia is cancelled through Feb. 20.

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.

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Australia travel ban lifting but cruising remains in limbo

Written by Traveltalksteam on October 5, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

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October 5, 2021 -The ban on international travel is set to be lifted in November for fully vaccinated Australians, however cruising from Australia is still in limbo.

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said first dose vaccination rates are over 78% and double dose rates nationwide are at 55% and on track to reach 70% in some jurisdictions over the next week.

Biosecurity update

He said the minister for health will consider updating the human biosecurity emergency period which has been in place since March 18, 2020, and extended until December 17.

He said the government wants to remove current travel restrictions related to COVID-19 a month earlier so that fully vaccinated Australians will be able to enter and leave the country in November.

Time to take the next step

‘Many countries around the world have now safely reopened to international travel and it will shortly be time for Australia to take the next step,’ he said.

‘In line with the National Plan, our government is balancing the need to minimise the risk that the spread of COV1D-19 presents, with the need to live with the virus.’

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia MD Joel Katz said Friday’s announcement on the opening of international travel was welcome news for many parts of the Australian travel industry.

However, Katz said Australia is now one of the only major cruise markets in the world with no clear plan for cruising’s revival.

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Seabourn Encore now returning in February 2022 – Canary Islands And Mediterranean Voyages

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 30, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

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September 30, 2021 – Open For Booking October 5, 2021- Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel company, has announced Seabourn Encore will resume service earlier than anticipated starting on February 19, 2022, with a series of new 10- and 11-day itineraries to the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean roundtrip from Lisbon, Portugal, during the winter and spring of 2022. The ship, which was set to return on April 17, 2022, will become the third ship in Seabourn’s fleet to return to service.

Seabourn Encore will explore and celebrate the beauty and culture of the Spanish archipelago, as well as the charming island of Madeira, between February and April 2022. In addition, the ship will sail on a 15-day voyage along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea from Lisbon to Athens, Greece, where it will be positioned for its originally scheduled Eastern Mediterranean deployment in the summer. Guests in the spirit for a longer cruise to the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean can enjoy a 22- or 26-day Combination Cruise offering in March and April, with all of Seabourn’s ultra-luxury trimmings along for the ride, and a 10% discount to sweeten both experiences. Seabourn’s new Canary Islands and Mediterranean voyages will be open and available for booking from Seabourn beginning October 5, 2021.

In addition, Seabourn and Belinda King Creative Productions are set to welcome Entertainment Partner Sir Tim Rice on board Seabourn Encore’s first return to service voyage on February 19, 2022. Sir Tim Rice will appear live on stage to share his career highlights, tell captivating stories and perform alongside the Seabourn singers and dancers. In addition, Seabourn and Belinda King Creative Productions will premiere “The Kings”, a brand new contemporary male vocal group exclusive to the brand. The experience will be offered with limited engagements to showcase not only the best in modern musical theatre but powerhouse pop/rock vocals, taking guests on a unique musical journey for a truly memorable evening. Performances of “The Kings” are currently scheduled to run on the Feb. 19 and March 1, 2022 voyages.

“The Canary Islands are a tropical paradise for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts, making them a beautiful getaway at this time of year. We saw the opportunity to bring Seabourn Encore back earlier than anticipated in these destinations rich in culture, history, and renowned cuisine, and with our partnership with UNESCO, to help guests discover something special all along the way,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. “We’re also looking forward to welcome Sir Tim Rice back on board to celebrate the ship’s first voyage back in service, making for a very memorable holiday that our guests will never forget.”

Located near the coast of Morocco in North Africa, the Canary Islands have been considered a bridge between four continents, and thus a critical navigation point. Each of eight islands in the archipelago has a personality all its own, with nature is the main attraction and even the most developed areas remaining untouched and authentic. Destinations for Seabourn Encore include Santa Cruz de La Palma, Puerto de la Estaca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Sebastian de la Gomera, Las Palmas, and Arrecife, plus a call at Funchal, Portugal.

Sailing west from Lisbon and the Atlantic coast of Portugal, Seabourn Encore will offer travelers a relaxing and rejuvenating voyage across the site blue waters of the Mediterranean with visits to small ports that offer the best of their regions – including especially distinctive culinary, with shore excursions including opportunities to shop with Seabourn chefs for fresh ingredients at local markets. Destinations include Barcelona, Spain; Valletta, Malta; Syracusa and Crotone, Italy; and Kérkira (Corfu), Sámi, Thira (Santorini), and Naousa on various islands off the coast of Greece.

Seabourn’s new Canary Islands voyages will offer guests an abundance of activities to engage and enjoy both on and off the ship. As the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage, Seabourn Encore will offer a wealth of options for guests to discover remarkable sites of culture and natural wonder at select ports of call, with “World Heritage Tours” visiting World Heritage Sites, and “Discovery Tours” with exclusive and enhanced World Heritage shore excursions. For example, in the Canary Islands, join a North Island Discovery Tour at Santa Cruz de La Palma; discover The Beauty of El Hierro at Puerto de la Estaca; and take A Hike Through Garajonay National Park at San Sebastian de la Gomera, and more.

There will also be wide selections of shore excursions at ports of call throughout the voyages, creating opportunities for guests to discover new places and cultures and jump into new experiences. All shore excursions are carefully curated, led by the best local agents, and feature choice of activities of different durations, contents, and types.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take their travel further with a choice offering from the Seabourn Journeys collection. All Seabourn Journeys are superbly crafted and choreographed with stays in five-star hotels and most meals included, and offer guests make new memories amid sites of wonder:

UNESCO Lisbon, Fatima & Porto (4 days/3 nights) will be offered pre- and post-cruise for guests embarking or debarking in Lisbon. Sites and scenes throughout the Journey include a visit to the religious site of Fatima to observe pilgrims and take in the Chapel of Apparitions and the Sanctuary, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the historic center of Porto including City Hall and San Bento Train Station. Explore the Duoro Valley and be rewarded with a wine tasting, and visit historic buildings of Coimbra University, among the world’s oldest universities in continuous operation.
Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel. Our all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships coming in 2022 and 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, traveling to more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage.

Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com. A dedicated shore excursion call center is available for guests at 1-800-984-3225.

About Seabourn:
Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, and P&O Cruises Australia. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world. Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, team members, and the people and communities our ships visit.

Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Notes to Editors:
Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning experiences
All ocean-front suites, luxuriously appointed
Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
Tipping is neither required, nor expected
Finest resort at sea that is masterfully designed
World-class dining, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller
All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts
Ventures by Seabourn™, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations*^
Select purposeful and sustainable travel experiences as the Official Cruise Partner of UNESCO*
Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program*
An evening entertainment experience in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice, produced exclusively by Belinda King Creative Productions †
Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability
*Optional programs, for additional charge
^Available on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation
†Not available on board Seabourn Venture

Click-to-Tweet: .@SeabournCruise’s #SeabournEncore now returns to service in February 2022 and will sail on new 10- and 11-day voyages to Canary Islands and the Mediterranean; open for booking October 5, 2021 #ExtraordinaryWorlds

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Carnival cruises announces two new ships: Seaborn Venture and Seaborn Pursuit

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 28, 2021. Posted in Cruise, Destination news.

September 28, 2021 – Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, announced today that it will name its second new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship Seabourn Pursuit, which is reflective of the passion exhibited by expedition travelers to seek out and explore natural wonders and destinations through immersive recreational activities around the world.

Construction for Seabourn Pursuit began in fall 2020 during a ceremony in San Giorgo di Nogare, Italy, and the build process is well underway. The ship is scheduled for delivery in February 2023, with its sister ship, Seabourn Venture, slated for delivery in March 2022.

“The name Seabourn Pursuit is truly fitting for a ship envisioned and designed to take expedition travelers into those places where they can see vast landscapes, diverse wildlife and remote regions of the world that may have been on their bucket list for years,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. “Seabourn Pursuit will navigate the most unexplored parts of the world in the highest level of comfort, safety and environmental protection available for the luxury traveler. We are defining an entirely new category of expedition travel with Seabourn Pursuit and its sister ship, Seabourn Venture.”

After delivery, Seabourn Pursuit heads north for its first season of exploration, with an inaugural “Fire and Ice” voyage scheduled for April 4, 2023, departing roundtrip from Reykjavik, Iceland. The itinerary, which winds its way along the coast of Greenland and Iceland, will be filled with snow swept landscapes – the “Ice” – and a late night in Akureyri, a wonderland that provides access to magnificent waterfalls (Goðafoss), hot springs and the lava fields of Dimmuborgir and Leirhnjukur – the “Fire”.

The ship then continues onward by exploring the waters and landscapes of Greenland, Iceland and Norway throughout the spring and early summer, in some instances retracing the path of the Vikings to the frontier town of Tromsø while carving its way through the inside passage of the Norwegian fjords along the way. A sure highlight for August 2023 is the ship’s Northwest Passage journey through some of the most remote areas in the Northern Hemisphere from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Nome, Alaska. Itineraries for the Seabourn Pursuit inaugural season are set to open for sale in mid-December 2021.

Both Seabourn Pursuit and sister ship Seabourn Venture are designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and include modern hardware and technology that will extend the ships’ global deployment and capabilities. Each will carry two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, kayaks, and a 26-person expert expedition team whose role is to engage guests throughout each voyage.

More information about Seabourn expedition itineraries, fares and additional details can be found here. A selection of renderings of the ships and onboard spaces is available to download here.

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel. Our all-inclusive, boutique ships offer: all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; and a pedigree in expedition travel borne through the Ventures by Seabourn program. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe travel, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage.

Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with Helly Hansen and SWAROVSKI OPTIK, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

For more details about the award-winning Seabourn fleet, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

About Seabourn:
Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia and fathom. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world.

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Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

·    Purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety and comfort
·    World-class Expedition Team, delivering immersive experiences
·    All veranda, all ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed
·    Handcrafted itineraries developed for the expedition traveler to the most coveted and familiar remote destinations in the world
·    Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
·    Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
·    Inclusive expedition experiences with Zodiacs, scuba diving and snorkeling
·    Optional expedition experiences with kayaks and custom-built, 6-guest submarines giving the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration**
·    Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
·    Open bridge policy*, hosted by members of the Expedition Team providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey
·    World-class dining venues are all complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
·    Tipping is neither required, nor expected
·    Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
·    Meticulous and purposeful adventurers’ resort at sea designed for the luxury traveler with unique attributes and spaces to enhance your experience
·    Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program**
·    Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

*At the Captain’s discretion

** Optional programs, for additional charge

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5-star ship “Mustai Karim” – new standard of luxury in Russian river cruising

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 21, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

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September 21, 2021 5-star ship “Mustai Karim” – new standard of luxury in Russian river cruising

We are delighted to announce an exciting new travel opportunity to discover Russia! Our long-term partner, the Vodokhod company, with whom we have done quite a few interesting and exciting cruise projects, has built a new top-class river ship. Now you can combine land programs with mini-river cruises to those beautiful and special places that are not very easy to reach by car or bus.

So! Mustai Karim!

More photos here: https://vodohod.filecamp.com/s/5folIPrXm2aKrcCI/fo

Video https://youtu.be/nNEW1Lor3CY

The luxurious MS Mustai Karim is the newest addition to the fleet on Russian waterways. The ship is designed as a “floating hotel” and combines advanced cruising technology with 5* hotel luxury to create a river cruising experience like nothing else. With four beautiful decks to explore, you’ll find something to fill every moment on board.

Mustai Karim was designed by the Marine Engineering Bureau and built at the Krasnoye Sormovo shipyard in Nizhny Novgorod in 2019.

Mustai Karim (real name Mustafa Safich Karimov; 1919-2005) was a Bashkir Soviet classic writer, a famous Bashkir poet, writer, playwright, publicist, participant in the Great Patriotic War, and a renowned public figure. He published over 100 collections of poetry and prose and over 10 plays.

The ship is fitted with modern navigational facilities and maintains an impressive speed of 22.5 km per hour (14 MpH).

Technical specifications:

Length – 141 m / 462,5 ft,

Width – 16.8 m / 55,1 ft,

Draught – 3 m / 9,8 ft,

Passenger capacity — 306 pax

The ship public areas include an expansive panorama lounge with a bar, conference hall for onboard lectures and entertainment, wine library, spa with massage salon, sauna and hammam, fitness room, hair salon and medical room with onboard doctor. Guests can enjoy a number of bars of diffirent specialities and two main restaurants for fine dining. Two lifts serving all decks provide the additional comfort onboard. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the ship.

Ship facilities

Conference hall
Medical room
Spa
Souvenir store
Beer bar
Reception
Reading lounge
Lift

Cabins are contemporary in appearance, with a muted colour scheme mixing calming, neutral tones. All cabins are outside and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Standard cabins are equipped with a wardrobe, satellite TV, air conditioning system, safe, fridge, hair dryer, radio, telephone, 220V power sockets and a shower, while suites have a bathtub.

1 Presidential Suite with balcony
2 Suites with balcony
6 Suites
2 Junior Suites (1 Junior Suite for low mobility guests)
138 Deluxe cabins
4 Standard cabins

Deluxe room

Starting from 2022 the all-inclusive system (unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) will operate in restaurants and bars on board, the tips are not required.

Absolutely cool entertainment Dream Island complex for adults and children in Moscow!

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Island_(amusement_park)

Video: https://youtu.be/peQxW5jqWWE

Dream Island is the largest indoor all-season amusement park in Europe with breathtaking rides and different characters welcoming you there. You will be immersed to 9 fabulous worlds with more than 20 attractions, will enjoy the vibrant show programs, interactive entertainment, themed cafes and shops!

Even in summer, you can take super photos in the Snow Queen’s castle from non-melting artificial ice, which looks like real! And more – you can have a lunch or dinner there! You will soar like a bird, flying at a height of 22 meters, independently choosing a trajectory using your wings. Thanks to VR technologies you will visit the world of the future and take part in futuristic race. Endless number of attractions & activities!

For those who would like to relax after the active pastime there is an indoor promenade in the style of the architecture of the different countries with shops, cafes and restaurants. During the summer time you can walk in the enormous landscape park along a linden alley, planted in the middle of 20 century.

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Carnival starts cruises again from the Port of New Orleans

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

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September 19, 2021 Carnival Cruise Line First To Resume Sailings From Port Of New Orleans

Carnival Glory Will Set Sail From Erato Street Cruise Terminal on Seven-Day Cruise to the Bahamas This Afternoon

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Glory is set to depart on a seven-day cruise from the Port of New Orleans this afternoon marking the first sailing from the city since the industry-wide pause in operations 18 months ago.

Carnival Glory’s voyage from the Erato Street Cruise Terminal includes visits to three popular Bahamian destinations: Bimini, Freeport and Nassau.

To commemorate the occasion, a “Back to Fun” event was held in the terminal during which Carnival’s Vice President of Guest Operations Sarah Beth Reno, Carnival Glory Captain Nicola Iaccarino and Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy D. Christian cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially welcomed the first guests on board.

“Carnival Cruise Line has been a part of the New Orleans community for more than 25 years and we’re absolutely thrilled to provide our guests an opportunity to get Back to Fun, while supporting the local economy in one of our most popular homeports,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival is the number one cruise operator from New Orleans with the greatest variety of cruise choices and itineraries and we are so happy to bring our unique brand of fun back to this fantastic city.”

“Carnival Cruise Line is a valued longtime partner and we are proud to welcome Carnival Glory back for the first oceangoing cruise from New Orleans since March 2020,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. “We applaud Carnival’s commitment to the New Orleans market and for exceeding health and safety requirements to protect guests, crew and the community. The return of Carnival cruises from Port NOLA will be a boost to our local economy as guests are once again able to experience our famous New Orleans hospitality when they sail from our vibrant city.”

Carnival Glory is among the first in Carnival’s fleet to feature the line’s stunning new red, white and blue hull design that pays homage to maritime tradition and its legacy as America’s Cruise Line. Popular features on the ship include Guy’s Burger Joint developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, and a WaterWorks aqua park.

Carnival Cruise Line launched the first year-round cruise program from New Orleans in 1994 and over the years has expanded the number of ships, capacity and cruise options, carrying upwards of 4.5 million guests.

On Nov. 1, Carnival Valor will join Carnival Glory in New Orleans and resume its popular short cruise schedule of four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. With Carnival Glory and Carnival Valor, Carnival Cruise Line expects to carry 400,000 passengers annually from New Orleans – more than any cruise operator.

Carnival’s offerings from New Orleans include:

Six-, seven-and eight-day cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico;
Four- and five-day cruises to Mexico;
14-day Carnival Journeys featuring a partial transit of the Panama Canal and visits to popular Caribbean destinations.
Carnival’s operational protocols exceed the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on our protocols, click here.

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.

About Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is proud to be known as America’s Cruise Line with a total of 24 ships, sailing from 14 U.S. homeports and employing more than 40,000 team members from 120 nationalities. The line resumed cruise operations July 3, 2021 while its newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, featuring the first roller coaster at sea and the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) debuted from Port Canaveral, Fla., July 31, 2021. As part of its 50th Birthday festivities, Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, is scheduled to debut in late 2022 from PortMiami, along with an as-yet-unnamed ship slated to enter service in 2023.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnival-cruise-line-first-to-resume-sailings-from-port-of-new-orleans-301380022.html

SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line

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Norwegian welcomes two more ships back to operation

Written by Traveltalksteam on September 14, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has confirmed the return of two more ships, with the redeployment of Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway in the Mediterranean.

Five ships are now back on the water after more than 500 days out of action in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Norwegian Epic, the fourth of the 17 ships in the fleet to resume operations, successfully completed her first voyage to the most sought-after ports in Spain and Italy from Barcelona earlier.

During the seven-day sailing, she called to Livorno, the gateway to the Renaissance heritage of Tuscany and Florence, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Palma (Mallorca).

“It has been exhilarating to watch our great cruise comeback unfold over these past three months, with a third of our fleet now back offering unforgettable vacation experiences,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

“The joy of reuniting with our shipboard families and welcoming our guests back on board will never grow old.”
Meanwhile, Norwegian Getaway today embarks on her first voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia).

Through October 25th, she will sail a mix of ten- to 11-day Greek Isles itineraries, calling to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Katakolon, Mykonos, Naples and Livorno (Florence/Pisa).

NCL restarted its cruise operations in July following a more than 500-day suspension, with Norwegian Jade launching seven-day itineraries to the Greek isles.

Spotted in Breaking Travel news

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Anakonda Amazon Cruises Specials

Written by Gill Dewar on August 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise, Travel Deal.

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More and more people are planning their post-covid vacations and a cruise in the Ecuadorian Amazon is the perfect experience to offer your guests. In addition, our itineraries are designed to be easily combined with the Galapagos Islands.

Book early and receive a discount of up to 20% on all our 2022 and 2023 departures!

Special offer valid only until October 31st, 2021

Does not apply for Christmas and News Year’s Eve departures.

Special conditions apply.

Click here for more information.

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Abu Dhabi allows cruises starting September

Written by Traveltalksteam on July 22, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

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Abu Dhabi allowing cruises again

Cruise ships to drop anchor in in Abu Dhabi once again. Cruise operations can begin from Wednesday September 1, 2021

If you like big boats, then you’ll be happy to hear that cruises are coming back to the capital in September.

It’s time to seas the day and plan your next travel adventure with a cruise. All passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, officials say. Liners were banned locally and globally in 2020, but cruise ships are slowly reopening to passengers. If you’re wondering where you might spot a cruise liner in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Island are always popular.

Need more help with excursions in Abu Dhabi for your group or incentive?

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Seabourn Ovation to sail from Miami this winter

Written by Leandro Agostini on July 16, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

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Miami:

Seabourn has opened for sale a series of new itineraries for Seabourn Ovation operated out of Miami between November and April next year.

The ship will arrive in the United States for the first time on November 18th.

Seabourn Ovation will cruise the Caribbean, starting with three 11-day voyages roundtrip from Miami in November and December.

The ship will depart Miami and visit Caribbean destinations, including San Juan, the hidden harbours of Guadeloupe and Jost Van Dyke, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and more.

Departure dates include November 18th and 29th, and December 10th.

Following the Caribbean voyages, the ship will explore the Panama Canal and Central America between December and March next year.

On December 21st, the ship will sail on a 21-Day Holiday Panama Canal voyage from Miami to Los Angeles, followed by a 19-day voyage back to Miami.

Both of these voyages will include a full transit of the Panama Canal.

Beginning January, Seabourn Ovation will set sail to Central America with four voyages roundtrip from Miami, offering opportunities for guests to discover remnants of ancient Mayan civilizations, vibrant cultures and amazing tropical destinations in Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and Panama.

These voyages also include a partial transit of the Panama Canal, giving guests an opportunity to visit this modern marvel in true luxury.

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