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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis completes multimillion-pound refurbishment

November 20, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis completes multimillion-pound refurbishment

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis has completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment programme at Cammell Laird shipyard, Birkenhead, becoming the first cruise liner to undergo work at the site for over 25 years.

Image credit: Fred Olsen's Borealis in dry dock

Borealis arrived on 28th October, for a 14-day refurbishment, including steel repairs, an overhaul of the shafts and propellers as well a new application of underwater paint, supported by more than 150 members of Cammell Laird’s workforce.

The ship sailed out of Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead site at lunchtime on Saturday, ready to welcome guests back on board for a cruise in search of the Northern Lights, which left the city on Sunday.

Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “As a family-run cruise line, we know how important it is to support local communities and we hope to continue to build these relationships in and around Liverpool for many years to come.”

Borealis joined the Fred. Olsen fleet in 2020, and has called Liverpool its homeport since sailing resumed in 2021, offering more than 50 sailings from the city. A report to the local authority’s culture and visitor economy committee earlier this year found Borealis had contributed more than £2.25m to the local economy by using Liverpool as her homeport.

Her upcoming sailings from the city include the chance to visit both Northern and Western Europe, including a special two-week Christmas sailing to the Canary Islands – before setting sail on an exciting ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ cruise in February – the first time Fred. Olsen has offered the chance to join a World Cruise from Liverpool.

David McGinley, Chief Executive of Cammell Laird, said: “Cammell Laird was delighted to welcome Borealis and her crew to our facility, and be given the opportunity to showcase Cammell Laird’s ship repair capabilities.

“It took over 150 members of the Cammell Laird workforce, including apprentices, to complete the programme of works – which injected well in excess of a million pounds into the local economy.

P&O Cruises Australia Reopens Cruising Adventures to Vanuatu’s Mystery Island And Luganville

November 20, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on P&O Cruises Australia Reopens Cruising Adventures to Vanuatu’s Mystery Island And Luganville

Two more iconic cruise destinations in Vanuatu — Mystery Island and Luganville — are reopening with P&O Cruises Australia’s Sydney-based Pacific Adventure on its current 10-night cruise to the South Pacific.

Image credit: P&O Cruises Australia

Amid a festival atmosphere, Pacific Adventure and its 2000 guests were today welcomed back to Mystery Island by the community of nearby Aneityum for whom cruising is the key economic driver.

A similar welcome is anticipated on Sunday when Pacific Adventure visits Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo with a call to the Vanuatu capital Port Vila in between. Pacific Adventure visited Noumea in New Caledonia on the way to Vanuatu’s three signature destinations.

Pacific Adventure’s visit to Mystery Island is being celebrated with a number of community initiatives. P&O had already been working with the Aneityum community for some time in preparation for today’s visit.

The initiatives being supported include:

  • Contributing to the registration and safety training of 80 boat operators
  • Sourcing 500 lifejackets for the boat operators to comply fully with national safety regulations
  • Funding the reinstallation of marker buoys for the safe operation of ship tenders.
Image credit: P&O Cruises Australia

Freshly refurbished Le Ponant hoists sails again

October 8, 2022 baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Freshly refurbished Le Ponant hoists sails again

PONANT’s iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant, which was the founding ship where the PONANT story began, has undergone a major renovation ahead of her voyage to Australia to set sail for her inaugural Kimberley season in 2023.

After several months undergoing renovation at the San Giorgio del Porto yard in Italy, the yacht offers a remarkably private setting and has been entirely updated with cutting edge eco-responsible innovations. After an exclusive collection of itineraries in the Mediterranean, Le Ponant will spend the winter in the Seychelles before arriving in Australia in April 2023.

The newly imagined Le Ponant is an invitation to go sailing whilst recharging the batteries on voyages that respect the world around, where privacy and exploring with others go hand in hand with eco-responsibility.

When luxury and privacy combine with the magic of travel and eco-responsible navigation

Thirty years after her launch, Le Ponant has been transformed to provide guests with a unique travel experience. After undergoing a complete renovation, the ship now accommodates just 32 guests with a 1:1 passenger to crew ratio. The sleek, refined layout was designed by the Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Sterling Design International to create a sense of luxury, privacy and tranquillity that makes guests feel as if they are on their own private sailing yacht.

The 4 passenger decks provide 16 spacious staterooms including a 60m2 Owner’s Suite on the upper deck ‘Zephyr’ with a private balcony. The common areas have been refitted to allow guests to fully enjoy the panoramic gastronomic restaurant; to re-energise in the spa, wellness area or gym; or relax in the sun lounge area in an ambiance of quiet contemplation.

In line with the company’s policy, Le Ponant reflects an ongoing commitment to a more responsible tourism. The sailing ship is equipped with all the latest technologies to optimise emissions reduction: connecting to electricity grids where available in ports, using the sails, an innovative SCR filter system to eliminate fine particles and cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, sorting waste and latest generation wastewater treatment. Every guest experience has been thought through to help protect the environment and heritage, such as non-motorised water sports and individual or small-group landings at ports of call with the focus on local heritage.

Uncrowded, Le Ponant offers guests the ultimate luxury invitation to enjoy authentic experiences and moments of rare privilege close to nature, under sail as the preferred mode of travel. On board, an expedition leader and naturalist guides share their unrivalled knowledge as they discover unusual treasures at sea and during ports of call. In addition to exclusive activities, on board and off, guests enjoy exquisite cuisine based on locally sourced ingredients.

Aboard Le Ponant, every detail has been included to offer a timeless experience; a voyage that awakens the senses within a bubble of exploration at its most authentic.

P&O Cruises Returns to Noumea as Cruising Resumes in New Caledonia

October 8, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on P&O Cruises Returns to Noumea as Cruising Resumes in New Caledonia
Image Credit: P&O Cruises Australia

The resumption of cruising in the South Pacific is gaining momentum, with P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Explorer today becoming the first cruise ship to return to New Caledonia.

Pacific Explorer sailed into Noumea this morning for a historic overnight stay following the reopening of New Caledonia’s maritime borders to cruise tourism.

The call is the latest in a series of milestones for P&O’s flagship, which was the first cruise ship to return to Australia in April this year, as well as the first ship to visit New Zealand and Fiji in August.

Ships from across Carnival Australia’s family of brands will make more than 20 visits to New Caledonia over the remainder of 2022, with more than 150 calls scheduled for 2023.

Holland America Line’s Special 150th Anniversary Crossing is a Celebration of the Brand’s Journey

October 8, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Holland America Line’s Special 150th Anniversary Crossing is a Celebration of the Brand’s Journey

Exclusive musical piece composed for Lincoln Center Stage, collector’s menu covers, culinary surprises, special gifts and more highlight the voyage

Image Credit: Holland America Line

As Holland America Line prepares for its 150th Anniversary in 2023, the cruise line is kicking off a year of celebrations with a special transatlantic crossing in October. Primed to recreate a bygone era of ocean travel through Holland America Line’s history, guests on board the voyage are in for a journey from past to present with special events, activities, and commemorative keepsakes.

Departing Oct. 15, 2022, from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to New York City aboard Rotterdam, the voyage retraces Holland America Line’s first cruise back in 1872 aboard Rotterdam I. Guests will see the brand’s history come alive through onboard enrichment programming, memorable culinary experiences and exclusive entertainment.

Exclusive Lincoln Center Piece Composed for Anniversary

A highlight of the crossing will be a performance of a musical piece by Emmy Award-winning producer and Emmy-nominated composer Steven Schoenberg, written exclusively for Holland America Line’s anniversary to accompany a special short film about the cruise line’s journey. The composition will be performed by a 25-piece ensemble of former Holland America Line’s Lincoln Center Stage musicians. The piece will debut on board Oct. 26 in New York on World Stage.

During the sailing, guests also will be entertained by Dutch sensation Tiny Little Big Band, bringing their unique sound of jazz and soul with a hint of swing, along with the ship’s Music Walk entertainment featuring BB King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Lincoln Center Stage and Rolling Stone Rock Room.  

Culinary Delights an Ode to Dutch Heritage

Every evening in the Main Dining Room, menus will showcase Holland America Line’s 150-year history with a Classic Entrée reminiscent of a dish served as early as the 1920s. Guests can choose from selections including Royal Rib of Beef a la Medicis, Holland Duckling Port Wine Sauce and Artic Char a la Normande.

A special 150th Gala Menu one evening in the Dining Room will be a memorable collection of dishes, with every option — from appetizers to desserts — from a previous Holland America Line voyage. The menu is designed to evoke a feeling of days gone by and features a keepsake cover that guests can take home.

At least once during the voyage as a pop-up experience in Tamarind, guests can indulge in a Rijsttafel — a Dutch word that translates to “rice table” — with side dishes served in small portions, accompanied by rice prepared in several different ways. The Dutch adapted the Indonesian tradition so they could enjoy a wide array of dishes at a single sitting with an abundance of flavors and textures.

The toasting continues with a “Throwback Happy Hour” that will roll back time and feature drinks priced to when the brand began, as low as 25 cents. Guests who want to learn about wine can join Holland America Line Vice President of Dining and Beverage Operations Anthony Stice for wine tastings and surprises around the ship.

Additional culinary delights in honor of Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary include a special Dutch High Tea, Dutch station in Lido Market that features traditional sweet and savory items, one Dutch-themed lunch with classic Dutch items and one Indonesian-themed lunch, both in Lido Market.

Enrichment and Activities Bring History to Life

Presentations reliving the history and roots of the company will be offered by Bill Miller, maritime historian, and Holland America Line authority, while Dr. Jennifer Foray, professor of history at Purdue University, will deliver lectures on Dutch history.

Origin Story, a staple on every Holland America Line cruise, is visual telling of the company’s history from founding through present day. The presentation is offered in World Stage with 270-degree wraparound LED screens that envelop the audience in an emotional journey that includes incredible, historical images.

Light Camera & Action on Carnival Celebration

October 8, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Light Camera & Action on Carnival Celebration

New Offerings to Include Extravagant Aerialist Performances, High-Tech Multimedia Shows and Celebrations Galore

With a ship as expansive and exciting as Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Celebration, there will be countless ways to celebrate with never-before-seen live entertainment.

From new main production shows and aerialist acts to game shows, parties and events, the ship’s new unique offerings have been designed to be as much celebrations as they are performances, with elevated and engaging presentations, upbeat vibes, energetic music, playful choreography, colourful scenes, and tons of fun.

Highlights from the new Playlist Productions and Center Stage offerings include:

The Most Magnificent Circus – a story of celebrating self-discovery and acceptance will unfold to reimagined popular hits as a big-top circus comes to life. Taking talent to new heights – literally – wire-rigged performers will showcase their skills leaving the stage behind to soar above and beyond the audience, creating action in every direction. Guests will adventure through a fully immersive theatrical circus experience as the most extravagant aerialist show in the fleet uses all of the ship’s high-flying capabilities to the max, with mesmerizing trapeze, chair, chandelier, hoop, ladder and mirror aerial performances throughout.

Colour My World – An Indie Rock and Pop Love Story – romance will be in the air as a popular artist and his assistant go on a journey of love through art and colour. The artistic love story will blend fun dance styles such as street jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre and ballet with the best songs from indie rock and pop genres. Combining different mediums of art to create a visually captivating experience, this vibrant and colourful show will feature live painting on stage with music and choreography to match.

 Visual Symphony (starting in December) – as the name suggests, this innovative show will use Celebration Central’s 16 massive moving LED screens, lasers and classical rock music to create a high-tech visual masterpiece. Pushing the boundaries of theatrical performances, the show will take full advantage of the cutting-edge technology and special effects in the zone’s three-deck-high space. As the LED walls’ content is synced with the choreographed lighting designs, the elevated multimedia experience will deliver an extraordinary live performance.

Rio Carnival (starting in May) – coming soon, this vibrant and high-energy Brazlian extravaganza will have guests moving their hips in a parade and celebration of music and dance as the cast performs authentic samba, bossa nova, marchinha, batudada, forro, carimbo and capoeira to some of the most famous Latin pop songs of all time in both in Portuguese and English.

In addition to Family Feud Live, Deal or No Deal and the Love and Marriage game shows, some of the new offerings will include:

What’s Age Got to Do With It – in this question and answer trivia show for fun of all ages, one parent and child will have to prove they are the best family duo.

Cash Bash – in partnership with the casino team, guests can win cash prizes as they compete in Fun Squad challenges and interactive activities.

Guess That Grove – guests will have to listen up and get ready to move as they show off their knowledge of iconic tunes and groovy dance skills

Image Credit: Carnival Central

Silversea Reveals Enriching Line-Up of Experts for the Inaugural Sailing of Silver Endeavour

September 30, 2022 baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Silversea Reveals Enriching Line-Up of Experts for the Inaugural Sailing of Silver Endeavour

Silversea executive Conrad Combrink is set to host Silver Endeavour’s maiden voyage, which will depart for Antarctica on November 21, 2022

Image Credit: Silver Endeavour, Silversea

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has named its line-up of experts for the inaugural voyage of new ship Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition ship. Departing round-trip from King George Island on November 21, 2022, Silver Endeavour will host qualified historians, marine biologists, anthropologists, naturalists, filmmakers, and more on her maiden voyage, enriching guests’ experiences with informative lectures, workshops, and excursions as they journey deep into the White Continent. In celebration of the milestone occasion, Conrad Combrink—Silversea’s SVP Expedition, Destination and Itinerary Management—will accompany travellers on the seven-day fly-cruise sailing.

THE WHITE CONTINENT VIA ANTARCTICA BRIDGE

For the inaugural voyage of Silver Endeavour, Silversea’s guests will fly directly to Antarctica in European business-class comfort through Antarctica Bridge, the cruise line’s fly-cruise offering, embarking the ship on King George Island on November 21, 2022. Some of the destinations that guests might experience include the Antarctic Sound, where travellers may be greeted by towering ice formations as they approach the northernmost point of the Antarctic Peninsula. They will have the opportunity to explore the landscape, with hiking excursions, Zodiac tours, and kayaking, hosted by the expedition team. Days will be spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with sightings of vast penguin colonies and other wildlife species, including whales, various other bird species, and seals. Following in the footsteps of famous explorers, Silversea plans to call in the South Shetland Islands, before returning to King George Island where guests will board a flight back to Punta Arenas.

AN INDUSTRY-LEADING TEAM

Captain Niklas Peterstam, who has served aboard Silver Endeavour since September 2021, will welcome guests as the ship’s Master for her inaugural season—together with his Senior Officers and an experienced crew. Strengthening Silversea’s destination leadership, the cruise line’s industry-leading expedition team will enrich the voyage with topical workshops, lectures, and guided tours. Led by Expedition Leader Marieke Egan, the team will embark the ship ahead of her maiden sailing and will remain on board for the duration of her inaugural Antarctica season. As well as benefiting from the presence of Silversea executive Conrad Combrink, guests travelling aboard Silver Endeavour’s inaugural sailing will also enjoy lectures on Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endeavour from Nicholas Crane, the former President of the Royal Geographical Society

Viking takes delivery of second expedition ship

September 30, 2022 baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Viking takes delivery of second expedition ship

Debuting This Week, the Viking Polaris Will Explore Antarctica and the Great Lakes

Image Credit: Viking Polaris, Viking Cruises.

Viking announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Polaris, the company’s second purpose-built expedition ship. The delivery ceremony took place this morning at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway, where Viking’s first expedition ship, the Viking Octantis, was delivered in December 2021. The Viking Polaris immediately set sail toward Amsterdam, where she will be named on September 30 by her ceremonial godmother, Ann Bancroft, one of the world’s preeminent polar explorers. Currently sailing in the Great Lakes, the Viking Octantis will also be named on September 30 by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer, lecturer, author and educator. From Amsterdam, the Viking Polaris will make her way to South America, and both ships will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before travelling north to the Great Lakes for a series of voyages during spring and summer.

Viking Expedition Ships

The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are purpose-built 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. Highlights include:

The Aula: A stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.

Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating and lava rock “firepits,” the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for their North and South Pole expeditions.

The Hangar: A state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while sheltered from the elements.

The Bow: An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.

The Science Lab: Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate in undertaking meaningful research with scientists.

Expedition Central: The hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis, with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.

Dining Choices: The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.

The Nordic Spa: Following a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open to the outside.

Explorers’ Lounge: Located high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers’ Lounge provides guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travellers or to enjoy a drink.

The Living Room: On the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, The Living Room is located to maximize views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that informs even the best-read explorers. The Library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as on all Viking vessels, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.

Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.

A-ROSA River Cruises gets smart with new smartphone app

September 30, 2022 baz River Cruises Comments Off on A-ROSA River Cruises gets smart with new smartphone app

New application introduced on the A-ROSA SENA

A-ROSA River Cruises has launched the ‘A-ROSA APP’, a new smartphone app which has been designed to provide guests with one, easy to use place to find a wealth of information on their cruise, both prior to departure and once on board. Currently the app is available for all guests sailing on A-ROSA SENA, ahead of a fleet wide roll out for the 2023 season.

The new app will hold all the relevant information from the ship’s onboard programme such as restaurant and bar opening times, details of the evening buffet menu which is updated daily and times that the spa and sauna is open. Guests can book excursions in the ‘My Trip’ section, view the cruise itinerary and find other facts about the ship and life on board.

An integrated bar menu is also a feature of the new app, enabling drinks to be ordered digitally. All tables in the SENA BAR, CAPTAIN’S VIEW and THE A-ROSA MARKET have QR codes that guests can scan using their own smartphone. This will then open up the extensive bar menu in the app, from which drinks can be ordered and brought directly to guests table.

The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play and is available for both iOS and Android users.

This important development also plays a key role in the river cruise line’s ongoing sustainability journey.

Carnival Splendor Escorted Home to Sydney

September 30, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival Splendor Escorted Home to Sydney

Carnival Splendor Escorted Home to Sydney

Image Credit: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Australia

In one of Sydney Harbour’s epic maritime events, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor arrived home today escorted by sister brand ship P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure as the official summer cruise season gets underway for Carnival Australia’s eight brands, signalling growing cruise industry recovery.

Carnival Splendor and Pacific Adventure met off the coast sailing together before separating to enter the harbour in majestic single file and momentarily pausing adjacent to Fort Denison, and the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge providing a stunning backdrop.

This spectacular Fort Denison ‘moment’ signified the fact that Carnival Splendor and Pacific Adventure are now both home-ported in Sydney to resume cruising on itineraries in Australia and to the South Pacific.

Carnival Splendor’s return also fulfilled a promise made by the crew of Carnival Spirit the night before their ship left Sydney in March 2020 as the two-year cruising pause began. They used cabin lights along the length of the ship to spell out the message: ‘WE WILL BE BACK’.

Today’s maritime pageantry also served to highlight the rapid recovery of cruising in Australia.

Eighteen ships from Carnival Australia’s eight brands are set for a peak summer cruise season in 2022-23 making 667 turnarounds and port calls to 33 destinations across the country.

The number of ship turnarounds and calls eclipses the 625 that were announced prior to the 2019-20 season, which was curtailed due to the onset of the covid pandemic.

Carnival Australia’s three cruise brands that base ships year round in Australia — P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line — are well advanced in their restoration of local operations.

In addition, Cunard will base Queen Elizabeth in Australia for its longest ever local season of cruises, while two Holland America Line ships and a Seabourn ship will also spend significant periods in Australian waters.

Destinations in all Australian states will benefit from cruise calls and turnarounds including:

  • NSW — Sydney, Eden and Newcastle.
  • QLD — Brisbane, Moreton Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns.
  • VIC — Melbourne and Phillip Island
  • SA — Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
  • WA — Fremantle, Albany, Broome and the Kimberley region.
  • TAS — Hobart, Burnie and Port Arthur.
Image Credit: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Australia