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Cunard announces The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Queen Mary 2

September 30, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Cunard announces The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Queen Mary 2
Image Credit - Simon Friend Entertainment & Cunard Line

Cunard, in conjunction with Simon Friend Entertainment, announces the performance of Deborah Moggach’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel aboard flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 between 15 and 22 December 2022 (Voyage M240).

Based on the bestselling novel that was turned into an award-winning film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous, feel-good comedy about taking risks, finding love, and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places. Headlining the show are celebrated stars of stage and screen, Hayley Mills (Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, Whistle Down the Wind) who stars as Evelyn, Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, BBC 1’s Just Good Friends, EastEnders) who plays Douglas and Rula Lenska (ITV’s Rock Follies, Coronation Street, Channel 4’s Celebrity Big Brother) who performs as Madge in this feel-good tale of love and adventure.

The show, which is currently in production at London’s Richmond Theatre, will conduct three matinee and evening performances in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre during the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scenes Q&A, as well as workshops and other appearances with the star-studded cast.

Green Eggs and Ham breakfast return to Carnival Fleet

September 17, 2022 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Green Eggs and Ham breakfast return to Carnival Fleet

For the first time since the line’s pause in guest operations, Carnival Cruise Line will officially bring back its Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in The Hat and Friends across its fleet on sailings beginning Oct. 1. The breakfast is part of the many exciting experiences in Carnival’s Seuss at Sea program, the line’s exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Guests are encouraged to pack their imagination, as well as their appetites, as the whole family embarks on a breakfast that’s part meal and part journey into the deliciously whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.

Bringing Dr. Seuss’ famed children’s books to life, the breakfast features special appearances and meet and greet photo opportunities with favourite Dr. Seuss characters, helping create unforgettable memories no matter the age.

From Green Eggs and Ham – of course – to brightly coloured fruit, gravity-defying fluffy pancake stacks, funky french toast, “Moose Juice” and “Goose Juice,” and much more, the fantastical feast features unique menu items, as well as classic breakfast offerings, accompanied by décor with bright colours and patterns. The breakfast is offered once per cruise.

 

In addition to the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, the Seuss at Sea fleetwide program features fun youth, family, dining and entertainment activities inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss, such as the Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time (beginning Nov. 1), Dr. Seuss Bookville, a family reading venue on select ships, character interactions, Dr. Seuss toys and games, and popular movies shown on board.

Celebrity Silhouette commenced her long-anticipated return to UK waters

July 6, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Celebrity Silhouette commenced her long-anticipated return to UK waters

Celebrity Silhouette departed Southampton commencing her long anticipated return to UK waters

Celebrity Cruises celebrated a historic milestone over the weekend as Celebrity Silhouette departed her home port of Southampton, ready to welcome her first British guests in over 15 months and show off a new lavish multi-million pound bow to stern revitalisation.

The completion of the dramatic modernisation makes Celebrity Silhouette the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet to undergo the refit, known as The Celebrity Revolution – the brand’s more than $500 million investment in ship-wide upgrades and breath-taking reimagined spaces.

Celebrity Silhouette will spend the summer season embarking on a series of six-to-eight-night itineraries around Britain’s spectacular coastline. From greeting the sunrise with yoga on the open deck to whiling away the day on the ship’s half-acre lawn of real grass, guests will have the chance to truly relax and unwind after a challenging year.

With her stunning new look, Celebrity Silhouette and her crew are ready to indulge guests in fantastic experiences, including:

  • Exclusive open-air hideaway, The Retreat – available to suite guests only, this luxurious space features a private sundeck and lounge designed by award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE. In The Retreat, every tiny detail is taken care of – whether that’s being handed a fresh towel en route to the pool or a glass of perfectly chilled wine brought to the table.
  • Unforgettable wellness experiences in the spa – Celebrity Silhouette’s onboard spa means guests can indulge in some much deserved ‘me time’ with a rejuvenating treatment, a restorative massage, or by relaxing in The Persian Garden, a peaceful oasis featuring a range of refreshing aquatic experiences, from billows of aromatic steam to tropical showers and heated loungers.
  • Take endorphin levels to new heights in the Fitness Centre – Overhauled as part of her top-to-tail revolution, Celebrity Silhouette boasts state-of-the-art new cardio machines, weight equipment from Technogym and is one of the only places to experience the exhilaration of Peloton’s live-stream classes at sea.
  • Jaw-dropping shows and inspirational talks – after a year without the joy and spectacle of live performance, guests will be enchanted by spellbinding magician Matt McGurk, the multi-award-winning industry veteran and illusionist. The Barricade Boys will also be showcasing some of the UK’s finest male voices and The Beatles Celebration will be paying homage to the world’s most influential band, transporting guests straight to Abbey Road.
  • Sailings will host inspirational talks from Penny Mallory, the world’s first female World Rally Car for Ford in the World Rally Championship and Derek Redmond, one of Britain’s most recognised and determined athletes, renowned for completing the 400m semi-final with a broken hamstring at the 1992 Olympic Games, in spite of his injury.
  • Augmented reality luxury restaurant, Le Petit Chef – Le Petit Chef is a feast for the senses, where an animated 3D character appears right on guest’s plates and prepares each course for a truly interactive, artistic evening.
  • Locally sourced and authentically prepared sushi in Sushi on Five – delight in a menu crafted by expert restaurateur and sushi chef, Yoshikazu “Yoshi” Okadato and try complex flavours of a hand-made sushi roll or nigiri featuring tuna albacore, shrimp, eel, and other fresh selections, or savour the simplicity of yellowtail, salmon, and octopus sashimi.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines resumes sailing with new ship Borealis

July 6, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines resumes sailing with new ship Borealis

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines resumes sailing with Maiden Voyage aboard new ship Borealis

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is resuming sailing today, with new ship Borealis to depart on her Maiden Voyage from Liverpool this afternoon (Monday, 5th July).

It is the first time that the 1,360-guest ship will set sail with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and marks the launch of the line’s ‘Welcome Back’ programme of UK summer sailings.

Borealis brings a number of new venues and facilities to the fleet, including a grand, two-tier theatre and main restaurant, an all-weather pool with retractable roof, a large spa and thermal suite and new venue The Auditorium offering culinary demonstrations and more.

While the ship will sail at 50% capacity initially, Borealis will always carry less than 1,400 guests, allowing her and her crew to offer the same small ship experience and attention to detail for which Fred. Olsen is renowned.

Borealis will sail exclusively from Liverpool for 2021 and will debut with scenic-only sailings around the UK before introducing ports of call later into July and August as part of the ‘Welcome Back’ programme of cruises.

Borealis was purchased by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in the summer of 2020, along with sister ship Bolette, as the line looked to strengthen and evolve for its return to cruising.

Freedom of the Seas resumes sailing from Miami

July 6, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Freedom of the Seas resumes sailing from Miami

Freedom of the Seas resumes sailing with Fourth of July Weekend Cruise from Miami

It’s official, Royal Caribbean International is back in the U.S. and delivering the long overdue cruise vacations that families and travellers of all ages have missed. A nearly 16-month journey led up to the moment yesterday when Freedom of the Seas became the first Royal Caribbean ship in the U.S. to welcome guests and the first cruise ship to do so from PortMiami, the cruise capital of the world. Sailing with 93% of the onboard community fully vaccinated and just in time for Fourth of July weekend, Freedom set off on the first cruise of a summer-long series of 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay – the cruise line’s top-rated private island destination – and Nassau, The Bahamas.

Showcasing its $116 million transformation from March 2020, Freedom has a lineup of new features and amenities in store for guests of all ages, including The Perfect Storm duo of high-speed waterslides, a vibrant, resort-style Caribbean poolscape; the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and new, dedicated spaces for kids and teens. The amplified ship offers an all-around tropical escape from ship to shore, sailing to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. At Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination, there are next-level thrills and ways to chill, from the tallest waterslide in North America to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon; to the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club. Between the decked-out experience on board and island hopping from one tropical destination to the next, Freedom’s 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday summer cruises from Miami are the perfect short getaways for families to maximize every moment of their precious vacation time.

Carnival Cruise Line Returns To Guest Operations From PortMiami

July 5, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival Cruise Line Returns To Guest Operations From PortMiami

Carnival Returns To PortMiami

Carnival Cruise Line kicked off its first cruise from in almost 16 months from PortMiami, The Cruise Capital of the World, today with the departure of Carnival Horizon.

Carnival’s resumption of service in Miami provides guests with a much-anticipated vacation and is a further boost to the economy both locally and throughout the state.  Florida is number one in the nation in cruise embarkations with the cruise industry contributing more than $9 billion in direct purchases and responsible for over 159,000 jobs.  In Miami-Dade alone, cruise activity generates approximately $7 billion of spend and 40,000 jobs annually.  Of the 437,000 cruise industry-supported jobs in the USA, nearly 37% are in Florida.

In addition to Carnival Horizon’s departure this afternoon, Carnival Vista departed Galveston yesterday, with Carnival Breeze departing from Galveston July 15 and Carnival Miracle kicking off the line’s Alaska season from Seattle July 27. Mardi Gras, the line’s newest ship, sets sail from Port Canaveral July 31.  Other ships in the Carnival fleet will begin service in August.

Crystal Cruises Celebrates Resumption of Ocean Cruising

July 5, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Crystal Cruises Celebrates Resumption of Ocean Cruising

Crystal Serenity Sets Sail for the First Time Since 2020

Crystal Cruises celebrated the resumption of its ocean cruise operations as Crystal Serenity set sail from the Port of Nassau on her Luxury Bahamas Escapes, a seven-night voyage exploring the islands of The Bahamas. Crystal Serenity will now homeport in The Bahamas through November for her series of Luxury Bahamas Escapes cruises, featuring a unique all-Bahamian itinerary.

After more than a year of anticipation and planning, the long-awaited return to cruising was celebrated with a Homeporting Inauguration Ceremony in Nassau by Crystal executives, Bahamian government officials including the Honourable Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar and Director General Joy Jibrilu from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and dignitaries from the Port of Nassau.

Guests boarded Crystal Serenity for the first time since spring of 2020 and were enthusiastically welcomed back by the joyous and eager officers, staff and crew of Crystal’s flagship.  A Junkanoo parade entertained guests in a lively Bahamian tradition of music, dancing and colourful costumes at the pier. The ship received a water cannon salute as she left the harbour with the sounds of Crystal Cruises’ signature sail away song “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong as the musical backdrop for this milestone moment.

Guests will enjoy the exuberant and distinctly Bahamian send off by a 15-member Junkanoo band on every Luxury Bahamas Escapes voyage as the ship departs the port of Nassau.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names Newest Ship Seven Seas Grandeur

June 25, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names Newest Ship Seven Seas Grandeur

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names Newest Ship Seven Seas Grandeur

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the name of its highly anticipated new ship as Seven Seas Grandeur™. Embodying a 30-year legacy of perfecting luxury travel, the sixth member of the Regent fleet is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023. Jason Montague, president & CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, revealed the name in an exciting video, which also unveiled the ship’s beautifully reimagined design of Compass Rose, the cruise line’s signature restaurant.

Seven Seas Grandeur will host only 750 guests and have a gross tonnage of 55,254, providing among the highest space ratios and staff to guest ratios in the industry. She is a sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer®, the most luxurious ship ever built and Seven Seas Splendor®, the ship that perfects luxury.

Further details about Seven Seas Grandeur’s suites, restaurants, amenities and onboard experiences will be revealed at RSSC.com/Seven-Seas-Grandeur leading up to her 2023 debut, with her inaugural season unveiled and open for reservations on 23 September, 2021.

SH Minerva floated out

June 25, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises, Expedition Cruises Comments Off on SH Minerva floated out

Swan Hellenic’s first bespoke expedition cruise ship SH Minerva floated out

Swan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Minerva out of dry dock. Her twin ship, SH Vega, was floated in dry dock on the same day (23 June 21). Moreover, a few days earlier, steelwork production started for the third and largest vessel commissioned from Helsinki, which currently has the project name Vega 3. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together on schedule to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises, some already entirely sold out.

All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.

SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 115 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with HEPA filters and UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences from extensive open views, SH Minerva features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a gym, spa, sauna, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.

SH Minerva will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in October 2021, SH Vega in Spring 2022 and the third ship, temporarily named Vega 3, in Autumn 2022.

Saga announce Godmother of Spirit of Adventure

June 23, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Saga announce Godmother of Spirit of Adventure

Former Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service to name Saga’s newest ship, ‘Spirit of Adventure’.

In a mark of respect to the medical profession that has worked so hard over the last 18 months dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, Commodore Inga J. Kennedy CBE QHNS QARNNS, senior Royal Navy officer, former Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service and Non-Executive Director of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, has been named today as the Godmother of Saga Cruises’ newest ship, Spirit of Adventure.

She follows in the footsteps of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, who was Godmother to sister ship Spirit of Discovery in 2019 and is currently Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service.

Commodore Kennedy will officially name Spirit of Adventure during a special ceremony to be held in Portsmouth on 19 July, coinciding with the UK’s ‘Freedom Day’ when coronavirus restrictions are scheduled to end. In naval tradition, she will offer a blessing of safe sailing and good fortune, marked with the smashing of a bottle on the ship’s hull. Reflecting Saga’s British heritage, the jeroboam in question will be English sparkling wine from the Kent-based Balfour Hush Heath Estate. The ceremony will also be streamed on Facebook Live.

Commodore Inga J. Kennedy, CBE QHNS QARNNS said: “I was thrilled to be asked to become Spirit of Adventure’s Godmother and feel I’m accepting this on behalf of the wider medical community who have worked so tirelessly throughout this pandemic and will continue to do so long after this crisis period fades.

“Personally, it is also a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Spirit of Discovery’s Godmother, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, given her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service. I wish Spirit of Adventure, and all who sail on her, the very best voyages.”

Following her naming ceremony on 19 July, Spirit of Adventure will undertake her inaugural voyage on 26 July, calling at some of Britain’s most famous ports. She will join sister ship Spirit of Discovery out on the waves, which will set sail on 27 June.