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Aida Refurbishments on Sphinx Class

AIDA’s iconic ships to be thoroughly modernized

February 24, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on AIDA’s iconic ships to be thoroughly modernized

AIDA's iconic ships to be thoroughly modernized

Aida Refurbishments on Sphinx Class
Image credit: Aida

With AIDA Evolution, AIDA Cruises has launched the largest modernization program in its fleet. It is the most extensive in the company’s history. The first phase of the program will be a major overhaul of the Sphinx ships AIDAdiva, AIDAbella and AIDAluna in 2025 and 2026. The focus will be on a new interior design of the ships. In addition, technical equipment and systems will be updated.

All staterooms will be completely re-decorated. In addition, the number of suites will be increased. For the first time in this class of ships, exclusive areas and services will be created. Suite guests, for example, will benefit from them. In terms of culinary delights, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants, selected signature bars and enhanced services. The heart of the Sphinx ships beats in the very center – in the light-flooded Theatrium. This stylish area will be enhanced with inviting seating and a harmonious color concept. Especially for families with children, new activity areas will be introduced.

Future-proof and sustainable cruising

As part of its decarbonization strategy, AIDA Cruises has been investing in a future-proof and sustainable cruise market for many years and is putting innovative solutions into practice. As early as 2004, when the first Sphinx-class ship was ordered, the company considered the use of shore power in ports to reduce local emissions. In recent years, AIDA Cruises has not only invested billions of euros in state-of-the-art propulsion and environmental technology for its new ships, but has also continuously implemented a wide range of efficiency measures in ship operation and retrofitted new technologies on the ships of its existing fleet. As part of the upcoming shipyard overhauls, further investments are planned, including measures to reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency and conserve resources. As part of Carnival Corporation & plc’s family of cruise brands, the company has set a goal to reduce its carbon intensity by 20 percent by 2026 compared to 2019.

Dry dock overhaul

The ships in the Sphinx series were commissioned between 2007 and 2013. With their innovative open-space concept and colourful design, they are a key part of the unique AIDA experience. AIDAdiva will be the first ship to be modernized during her six-week dry dock overhaul in spring 2025. AIDAbella and AIDAluna will follow in fall 2025 and spring 2026, respectively.

Cunard Announces New Voyages from September 2025 through January 2027

February 24, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Cunard Announces New Voyages from September 2025 through January 2027

Cunard has announced new voyages sailing from September 2025 to January 2027 across its iconic fleet of four Queens.

Image Credit: Cunard. Queen Mary 2.

With more than 300 new voyages, Cunard’s ships – flagship Queen Mary 2, its newest vessel Queen Anne, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – will call at 184 unique destinations around the globe, including 70 countries and 108 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The new program also includes 37 overnight port calls and 66 late-evening departures. There will be five maiden calls for the fleet in Kona, Hawaii; Roatan, Honduras; Dakar, Senegal; Miami, FL; and Molde, Norway.

Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 will simultaneously sail World Voyages beginning in January 2026, visiting cultural capitals such as New York, Buenos Aires, Dubai, and Melbourne.

Queen Elizabeth will introduce a new program in the Caribbean, sailing 33 voyages roundtrip from Miami, visiting enchanting island towns of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Roatan, Honduras; as well as Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, and St Lucia.

Queen Anne

Cunard’s newest ship will visit 102 unique ports with 23 maiden calls including Phuket, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa; Marseilles, France; and many more. From French vineyards to the African plains, Queen Anne’s new voyages allow guests to explore the world while enjoying the thoughtful interiors and distinctive touches of this contemporary deco-designed ship.

Queen Anne Itinerary Highlights:

  • Full World Voyage, 109 nights (H603D) – Departing on 11Jan26, roundtrip from Southampton, guests will relish in the soft sands of South Pacific beaches, glass skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, and overnight calls in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and more.
  • Norway and North Cape, 14 nights (H616) – Experience Norway’s fjords, coastal towns, and the Arctic charm of the north as guests visit ports such as Honningsvaag and picturesque Tromso on this charming Norwegian adventure.

 

Queen Mary 2

The world’s only ocean liner will sail a full world voyage as well as her signature Transatlantic Crossings, Caribbean, and Canada/New England itineraries. Voyages range from two to 109 nights with 15 overnight calls in iconic cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Reykjavik, Québec City, Sydney, and more.

Queen Mary 2 Itinerary Highlights:

  • Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, 7 nights (M622) – Departing from New York on 13Sep26, Cunard’s signature voyage offers uninterrupted days at sea to unplug and recharge from modern life while relaxing amidst in the waters of the North Atlantic.
  • Southampton to Sydney, 51 nights (M603G) – Guests will visit Hawaii, French Polynesia, and New Zealand on this itinerary from Southampton on 11Jan26. During the voyage, Queen Mary 2 will transit the Panama Canal for the first time ever – a history-making moment – before visiting New York, San Francisco, Kona, then crossing the International Date Line before reaching Sydney.

 

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will spend most of her time exploring the Mediterranean, savoring the relaxed island life of Mykonos, Corsica, and Palma de Mallorca, with additional voyages in the Atlantic Islands and Norway. The ship will visit 73 unique destinations with overnight calls in Istanbul, Funchal Madeira, Amsterdam, Narvik, and more.

Queen Victoria Itinerary Highlights:

  • Eastern Caribbean, 35 nights (V602) – This epic roundtrip embarks on 4Jan26, from Southampton and begins with a call-in lively Madeira crossing the Atlantic, heading for the Caribbean. Guests will enjoy the beaches of St. Vincent, Aruba, and Dominica, along with a late evening stay in Curaçao. Queen Victoria will also stop in the vibrant Azores outpost of Ponta Delgada for guests to enjoy the Portuguese hospitality and the distinct Azorean culture.
  • Italy, France and Spain, 14 nights (V612) – Departing 15Jun26, guests will sail from Barcelona to Rome to experience the culture and beauty of France, Italy, and Spain including the charming Provencal Toulon and Tuscany’s Livorno, home to exceptional Renaissance architecture, and Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed old town.

 

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will sail new Caribbean voyages, from September 2025 until April 2026, ranging from nine to 21 nights. The ship is primed for sunny adventures and will visit ancient ruins, centuries-old rum distilleries, and pristine beaches with port calls in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and other alluring destinations. She’ll also offer voyages from Seattle or San Francisco which transit through the iconic Panama Canal.

Queen Elizabeth Itinerary Highlights:

  • Caribbean Celebration, 21 nights (Q535A) – Roundtrip out of Miami, embarking 18Dec25, guests will spend the holidays under sunny skies while visiting island jewels including Castries, Antigua, and San Juan. Christmas Eve will be spent discovering Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed old town followed by calls to Roatan, Jamaica, and Cozumel.
  • Eastern Caribbean, 12 nights (Q533) – This Nov25 voyage out of Miami will visit picturesque ports fringed with unspoiled beaches and palm trees. Guests will immerse themselves in Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture, Antigua’s colourful streets, and the wonderous marine life in St. Lucia.

 

Multi-Ship Back-to-Backs

For adventurous guests who want to experience three ships in one journey, there are multiple opportunities to sample three Cunard Queens back-to-back. One option departs from Seattle, when Queen Elizabeth sails a 21-night voyage transiting the Panama Canal via a call in Los Angeles.

After a connecting flight to New York from Miami, guests will join Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic Crossing to Southampton. From there, guests can board Queen Victoria for a 13-night voyage to the Atlantic Islands and Azores that includes an overnight in Funchal, Madeira, and a chance to see gothic-style churches in Ponta Delgada and Porto’s decoratively tiled buildings before returning to Southampton, where the three Queens voyage comes to an end.

Cunard’s World Voyages and World Voyage segments, sailing from September 2025 to January 2027, are available for World Club members to book at 1 pm on March 5, 2024. All new voyages are available for World Club members to book starting 6Mar24.

Coral Expeditions Launches 2024 Waterfall Season

February 24, 2024 baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Coral Expeditions Launches 2024 Waterfall Season

Big rains, best deals and local expertise set up a bumper waterfall season commencing this April.

Image credit: Coral Expeditions.

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, is ready to set sail on the Kimberley waterfall season 2024 with the first of our annual departures on the Coral Adventurer due to depart on 5Apr24. As record rains fall across northern Australia, the season is primed for a spectacular flow across the many waterfalls on our 10-night itinerary.

Along the way, guests will be amazed by the range and diversity of the unique waterfall experiences on offer which include.

The majestic and powerful twin falls plunging over 80 metres from the escarpment top at mighty King George Falls where we take guests in zodiacs up to the face of the falls for an exhilarating “Kimberley Shower”.

Take in the pristine pools and carpet of colourful wildflowers at the aptly named Tranquil Falls.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view from a Heli tour and walk to stunning vantage points to witness the Mitchell River Falls where guests can even take a swim in the pools atop the plateau.

Follow the Prince Regent River system in our Xplorer tenders to discover the hidden beauty of King Cascade.

Take a small climb to Ruby Falls where guests can escape the tropical heat with a refreshing freshwater swim.

Enjoy the thrill of zodiac rides to experience the tidal phenomenon of the renowned Horizontal Waterfalls and discover the emerging reef rising out of the ocean at Montgomery Reef.

Image credit: Coral Expeditions.

Norwegian Cruise Line proudly supports the Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Norwegian Cruise Line proudly supports the Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program

Norwegian Cruise Line proudly supports the Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has further bolstered its partnership with Take 3 for the Sea by supporting the delivery of its innovative Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Program.

Reducing plastic pollution is a key pillar of NCL’s company-wide, and the company is proud to have been the first major cruise company to eradicate single-use plastic water bottles from its ships in 2020. This measure has kept more than 14 million water bottles and 50 million plastic straws from harming the environment.

 The Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program is a dynamic initiative to help safeguard our coastal environments. By educating and engaging SLSCs and their communities about plastic pollution and marine debris, the program empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards a cleaner, healthier ocean ecosystem.

Running over the peak summer period from October 2023 to March 2024, the program invites SLSCs to take part in a range of activities that provide the inspiration, tools and resources to take action. More than 46 SLSCs across Australia signed up for the program. These participating clubs are encouraged to host their own beach clean-up events to educate club members and beachgoers about the importance of keeping our oceans and waterways clean and free of rubbish.

About Take 3 for the Sea

Take 3 for the Sea is an environmental organisation dedicated to addressing the crisis of plastic pollution entering our oceans and waterways. They have a simple, empowering call to action: Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or… anywhere and you have made a difference. Since 2009, Take 3 has developed and delivered education programs and events to schools, universities, surf lifesaving clubs, businesses and communities worldwide, utilising social media to increase plastic pollution awareness and inspire participation.

Take 3’s impact includes:

  • The removal of 42million pieces of rubbish from the environment
  • 22 million people reached through Take 3 social media campaigns
  • 129 countries participated in #take3forthesea campaign

Carnival to honour music icon Gwen Stefani as Godmother of Carnival Jubilee

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival to honour music icon Gwen Stefani as Godmother of Carnival Jubilee

Naming Ceremony Set for Port of Galveston on 24Feb24

Carnival Cruise Line announced today that global music superstar Gwen Stefani will be honoured as the godmother of Carnival’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, at a naming ceremony and celebration in Galveston, Texas on Saturday, 24Feb24.

A three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Gwen Stefani has achieved global success as a songwriter, performer, charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt, and as a multi-platinum solo artist.  Throughout it all, Stefani has remained a trend-setting music and fashion icon with an impressive array of honors – four MTV Video Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, an American Music Award, and a Brit Award.  To date, she’s sold more than 60 million units worldwide. Stefani also returned for her seventh season as a coach on the Emmy®-winning NBC series The Voice this past fall.

Stefani is also recognized for her philanthropic work, including her support of children’s causes.

Carnival Jubilee entered service on 23Dec23 and is homeported year-round from the Port of Galveston.  The ship is the third of Carnival’s Excel class, is powered on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform and can hold 6500 guests and 1750 crew.

The naming ceremony is an invitation-only event that will be held on board the ship.  A portion of the event will be broadcast live on Carnival’s Facebook page starting at 3:30 CST on 24Feb24.

Holland America Line Enhances Alaska Cruisetours with McKinley Chalet Resort Room Upgrades and New Gold Rush Experience

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Holland America Line Enhances Alaska Cruisetours with McKinley Chalet Resort Room Upgrades and New Gold Rush Experience

Twenty-eight rooms at the hotel will be upgraded to Denali Suite category by adding balconies; new included 'Klondike Gold Tour' tour explores Klondike Gold Rush history

Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning Alaska Cruisetours in time for the 2024 season with room upgrades at McKinley Chalet Resort and a new, included tour in Dawson City, Yukon. Alaska Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali, and Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends those tours into the Yukon.

Balconies will be added to 28 river-view rooms at McKinley Chalet Resort — Holland America Line’s hotel property at Denali National Park — upgrading them to the Denali Suite category. In addition, a new Deluxe category of non-balcony rooms with suite amenities is being introduced. For the excursions, guests on select Denali and Yukon Cruisetours will have a new “Klondike Gold Tour” that expands on the region’s famed gold rush experience. The tour visits the original discovery claim site that launched the gold rush and Gold Dredge 4.

Carnivals biggest ever vow renewal at sea

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnivals biggest ever vow renewal at sea

Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal Virtually Officiates Across Entire Carnival Fleet

Love is in the air…and at sea! On Valentines day, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its biggest ever vow renewal at sea, virtually officiated by Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. Over 600 guests onboard Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor were the first in the global fleet to take part in the annual ceremony which takes place on Valentine’s Day across all Carnival ships.

The fleetwide ceremony is even bigger than last year, since two new ships – Carnival Venezia and Carnival Jubilee – are giving even more guests the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to each other. Couples onboard the Valentine’s Day sailings across the Carnival fleet are exploring beautiful destinations from the South Pacific to the Caribbean.

Guests were invited to celebrate their recommitment to each other with a vow renewal ceremony followed by an onboard reception including a DJ and a champagne toast to celebrate the newly renewed couples.

Ponant releases 2025 European ‘Grand Voyages’

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Ponant releases 2025 European ‘Grand Voyages’

Ponant has launched a selection of bespoke European Grand Voyages – sailings made of back-to-back combined itineraries offering the best of Europe to be experienced in 2025

Ponant invites long-haul travelling guests from Australia and New Zealand looking at extended European stays to consider these combined itineraries designed to offer exceptional value for travellers seeking enriching and immersive journeys through Europe in 2025.

Grand Voyage – Antalya to Venice
  • From 17 May to 1 June 2025
  • 15 nights on board L’Austral
  • 16 ports of call visiting 5 countries including Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.
  • A captivating journey to uncover Greece’s ancient wonders, complemented by a stop in Turkey. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Mycenae ruins, Epidaurus theatre, Delos Island, and Ephesus historical sites. Experience a diverse itinerary featuring vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and pristine beaches across the Cyclades and beyond. Sail between the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic Seas, discovering Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia. Enjoy included excursions at each port, carefully curated by destination experts. Explore Vieste, a picturesque new port of call in Puglia, and visit UNESCO sites such as the Acropolis of Athens and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Traverse the iconic Corinth Canal and delve into the charm of Lecce from Otranto.
Grand Voyage – Lisbon to Antalya
  • From 18 April to 17 May 2025
  • 29 nights on board L’Austral
  • 28 ports of call visiting 7 countries including Portugal, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Malta, Greece, and Turkey.
  • An in-depth sailing experience in the Mediterranean to uncover the vibrant cities of the Iberian Peninsula and its rich cultural heritage including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the tower of Belém in Lisbon, Valencia’s Silk Exchange, and Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona. Continue through the legendary Strait of Gibraltar after a captivating stopover in Morocco. Discover geological wonders and historical treasures in Lagos, in Southern Portugal before sailing to the enchanting Balearic Islands, including Palma de Mallorca. Explore majestic landscapes and ancient sites from Barcelona to Malta via Sardinia and Sicily, including Arab-Norman Palermo and the temples of Ggantija. Dive into Sardinia’s treasures in Alghero and Cagliari and immerse yourself in Sicily’s lifestyle during four stops. Explore the historical sites and natural wonders of the Maltese Island of Gozo before continuing your voyage through Malta, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Explore the captivating city of Syracuse in Sicily before crossing the Corinth Canal, connecting the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
Grand Voyage – Helsinki to Lisbon
  • From 13 August to 8 September 2025
  • 26 nights on board Le Lapérouse
  • 24 ports of call visiting 12 countries including Finland, Netherlands, UK, France, Spain, and Portugal.
  • A curated voyage tailored featuring engaging discussions with Smithsonian Journey’s experts and included excursions at each port of call. Highlights include exclusive presentations with former Polish President Lech Wałęsa in Gdansk and visits to four UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Baltic Sea. Continue to explore iconic cities of the Hanseatic League and Flanders, with stops in charming coastal towns like Scheveningen. Cultural highlights include Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, Antwerp’s connection to Peter Paul Rubens, and Bruges, the “Venice of the North.” The cruise also explores significant sites like Mont-Saint-Michel and Santiago de Compostela, with opportunities for remembrance at Omaha Beach, a visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and tasting Porto’s renowned wines.

Viking returns to Antarctica for a third season

December 2, 2023 baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Viking returns to Antarctica for a third season
Viking is celebrating the start of its third expedition season in Antarctica, as the Viking Octantis and her identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris have arrived again in the region. Both ships will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica before returning to North America’s Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall.
Image credit:Viking Octantis. Viking.

To meet strong demand for Antarctica voyages, Viking has also announced that the 2025-2026 season is now open for booking, including a new 87-day expedition From the Arctic to Antarctica, sailing from Nuuk, Greenland, to Ushuaia, Argentina. Departing in September 2025, this epic journey will allow guests to explore the natural beauty and historic waterways of the Canadian High Arctic before travelling down the east coast of North and South America, calling on ports in the Caribbean, Peru, and exploring the Chilean glaciers before continuing to Antarctica.

The arrival of Viking’s expedition ships in Antarctica also marks the completion of two inaugural Longitudinal World Cruises—the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II, from Duluth to Ushuaia, and the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III, from Milwaukee to Ushuaia. These highly-rated Grand Journeys offer guests a variety of travel milestones in a single itinerary, sailing from the heart of North America through the engineering wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords and finally Antarctica. Following Viking’s upcoming third season in the Great Lakes, the Viking Polaris will sail the Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024 and the Viking Octantis will embark on another sailing of the Longitudinal World Cruise II.

The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are built specifically for expeditions at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.

Carnival Valor transported over Six tons of School, recreational and Health Supplies

December 2, 2023 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival Valor transported over Six tons of School, recreational and Health Supplies
Carnival Cruise Line has completed the delivery of over six tons of school, recreational and health supplies donated by Rotary International Districts for children in the Merida and Progreso, Yucatán communities.
Image credit: Carnival Valor. Carnival Cruise Line

To celebrate the arrival of the items, Carnival welcomed local dignitaries, including Yucatan Undersecretary of Tourism Raul Paz and Progreso Education Director Daniela Nuñez, and Rotary leaders for a reception aboard Carnival Valor in Progreso.

Rotary International Districts collected over 13,000 pounds (approx.. 5,900kg) of supplies, including books, feminine hygiene kits and even soccer balls (or balon de futbols). Districts throughout Texas, and Oklahoma contributed items or funds to purchase items, which later sailed on Carnival Valor from New Orleans to Progreso.

The delivery in Progreso is part of an ongoing partnership between Rotary International Districts and Carnival. Earlier this year, Carnival worked with Rotary Districts to deliver supplies to the Cozumel and Roatan destination communities.