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Silversea Christens Silver Dawn in Lisbon

April 2, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Silversea Christens Silver Dawn in Lisbon

Silver Dawn becomes the cruise line's third new ship to debut in nine months

Image Credit: Silver Dawn, Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, officially named its 10th ship, Silver Dawn, in Lisbon on 31 March. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group®, Silversea Cruises, and Fincantieri, as well as local dignitaries and esteemed guests, celebrated the milestone with a formal ceremony and gala dinner. An expression of Silversea’s rapid expansion, Silver Dawn becomes the cruise line’s third new ship to debut in nine months. The launch of Silver Dawn also marks the debut of Otium, travel’s most indulgent new wellness programme, as well as the next iteration of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary programme.

The newly named Godmother of Silver Dawn, Nilou Motamed—an influential food and travel editor, tastemaker, and television personality—subsequently cut the ribbon to trigger a champagne bottle to smash on the ship’s hull, signalling the end of the ceremony.

NILOU MOTAMED: GODMOTHER OF SILVER DAWN

An Emmy-nominated television personality and former editor-in-chief of some of the world’s leading culinary brands, including Food & Wine and Epicurious, Nilou Motamed has been shaping the conversation in food and travel for more than 20 years. Born in Iran, raised in Paris and New York, Motamed is fluent in four languages — and believes “food is a language of its own, one in which everyone can find comfort, compassion, and community.” Her passion for culinary adventures and far-flung cuisines has found a perfect match in Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme, which the New York resident first experienced with its launch in 2021.

Silver Dawn departs on her inaugural voyage on April 1, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona. She is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean until November, when she will cross the Atlantic Ocean, via the Canary Islands, to unlock the Caribbean and Central America for guests.

Holland America Line Ship Will Become Temporary Home for Ukrainian Refugees

April 2, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Holland America Line Ship Will Become Temporary Home for Ukrainian Refugees

Volendam will house and feed up to 1,500 people as part of government's commitment to help families

Image Credit: ms Volendam, Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s Volendam will be used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement announced by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials. The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.

Under the agreement to charter Volendam, Holland America Line will provide three hot meals per day, private stateroom accommodations, housekeeping services, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access, and other necessities. Volendam will be staffed with approximately 650 crew members.

Volendam was scheduled to return to service May 15, with voyages from Rotterdam to Norway, the British Isles and Iceland. To accommodate the three-month commitment, Holland America Line will cancel three of those voyages and resume service on July 3 instead. Guests on canceled cruises are being notified today and will be accommodated on similar itineraries.

Volendam will be docked at Merwehaven, a cargo port on the north side of the River Maas in Rotterdam. Remaining docked will ensure Ukrainian families can transit easily to and from services in Rotterdam.

Holland America Group has already been working with its own team members who are Ukrainian. A $1 million emergency assistance fund provides direct financial support. Team members from the region also receive counseling assistance, free internet service to communicate with family, and scheduling accommodations such as early disembarkation or an extension to remain on board as needed.

“Deal or No Deal” Comes to Life on New Discovery Princess Stage

March 24, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on “Deal or No Deal” Comes to Life on New Discovery Princess Stage

One of the world’s most popular game shows, “Deal or No Deal,” is about to set sail onboard Discovery Princess, the newest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, debuting from Los Angeles on March 27, 2022. This live, hosted experience with high energy, and lots of onboard buzz offers contestants the chance to win prizes ranging from a free cruise to the grand prize of $1,000. “Deal or No Deal” is also available on Majestic Princess, Regal Princess and Sky Princess, with plans to roll out across the fleet.

Image Credit: Deal or No Deal, Princess Cruises

In partnership with TimePlay, an award-winning entertainment company with a deep history of awakening audiences through interactive games, “Deal or No Deal” takes place on the Princess Theater stage of the new Discovery Princess during every voyage. This exhilarating experience offers contestants the chance to play and deal for cash or free cruises in a suspenseful contest of nerves and raw intuition. 

Guests can play along with their “case card” with a buy in ranging from US$25-$50, as well as be one of two contestants—selected at random—who play live on stage for a chance to win up to US$1,000. Guests in the audience who have purchased a game card are also working towards achieving eight matches to win up to US$1,000 or even a free cruise.

Discovery Princess is homeporting in Port of Los Angeles and will sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from March 27 – April 24, 2022. She will then head up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, making her the newest ship sailing in the Alaska region.

Coral Expeditions Kicks Off 2022 Kimberley Season

March 24, 2022 quality_baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Coral Expeditions Kicks Off 2022 Kimberley Season

This week, two Coral Expeditions ships embarked on the inaugural voyages of their 27th annual Kimberley season

Image Credit: Coral Expeditions

Coral Expeditions, set sail on their first Western Australian voyages of the 2022 season. The occasion was marked with much excitement for guests and crew on both Coral Adventurer which departed Fremantle for Broome on a 12-night exploration of the Abrolhos and Coral Coast, and Coral Geographer which departed Broome on a 10-night Kimberley cruise. The fleet will be joined by Coral Discoverer in mid-April. This year, there are 50 planned expeditions in the Kimberley and Western Australia, hosting over 3000 guests between March and October, the highest number in the history of the company.
 
Coral Expeditions pioneered small ship expeditions in the region and are renowned as the Kimberley experts with strong local roots, Australian-flagged ships specifically designed for the Kimberley environment and expedition crew with years of local experience.
 
Through the pandemic, Coral Expeditions have operated over 105 successful domestic voyages and paved the way for the Australian cruise industry with their SailSAFE health protocols. Now, with the opening of the Western Australian borders and the entry of the company’s cruise ships into the state, sustainable cruise tourism is poised to come back to the Kimberley. The classic Kimberley Cruise is a rite of passage for many who seek to connect with the unique landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of this remote part of Australia.

With the opening of Western Australia’s borders and greater confidence in the travel industry, there has been unprecedented demand from Australian travellers for the Kimberley region in recent weeks. In response, Coral Expeditions have added additional capacity to their 2022 season, giving a rare opportunity for guests to secure last-minute berths. This week they have also published their refreshed 2023 rates and launched their full 2024 Kimberley season sailing schedule which is now open for bookings.

P&O Cruises celebrates build milestone for Britain’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ship

February 22, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on P&O Cruises celebrates build milestone for Britain’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ship

A key stage in the construction of Britain’s newest and most innovative cruise ship has been marked at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg.

The team building P&O Cruises 184,000 tonnes ship Arvia, which, like its sister ship Iona, will be powered by liquefied natural gas, making them both among the world’s greenest ships, celebrated the milestone with the traditional coin-laying ceremony. This event is a long-held ship-building tradition which is to bring good luck to the ship and its crew through construction to the future at sea.

Specially selected Barbados coins were placed under the block before the block was then lowered onto the coins

This keel laying block weighs 570 tons, is 11.3 metres long, 42.10 metres wide and 11.81 metres high and had to be lifted by a 800 ton crane. The next steps are the completion of the block assembly of the aft part of the ship in the dock as well as the further outfitting of the ship.

Arvia will be delivered in December 2022 and will sail her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands followed by a winter season in the Caribbean. Arvia has 16 decks and will feature Altitude Skywalk a unique high ropes experience, a swim-up bar and stunning infinity pool, new and exclusive Mission Control a multi-sensory escape room, a new restaurant Green & Co featuring Mizuhana serving a plant and fish-led menu, Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines teases first look at new summer 2023 programme

February 22, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines teases first look at new summer 2023 programme

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today offered a first look at its new summer 2023 programme with the early release of two cruises venturing to hot and cold climates next year.

Image Credit: Fred. Olsen - Borealis crossing the Arctic Circle in February 2022

In May 2023, Borealis will take guests on a journey through centuries of history and culture when she sets sail to many of the Adriatic’s most fascinating ports. Among them will be Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance period, along with the historic cities of Venice, Split and Kotor, teamed with scenic sailing of the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast.

In June, flagship Bolette will depart on her own voyage of discovery to the Arctic as she explores many ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations. The 23-night sailing will offer chances to experience the Midnight Sun, as well as scenic cruising of many fjords, glaciers and mountainous landscapes, in-between explorations of some of the most remote locations in Norway and Iceland.

Borealis’ 25-night  ‘Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic & Amalfi Coast’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 22nd May 2023. 

  • Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Cartagena, Spain – Livorno, Tuscany, Italy – Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy – Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Italy – Cruising by Capri – Amalfi, Italy – Cruising the Amalfi Coast – Cruising Strait of Messina – Venice, Italy – Zadar, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising Bay of Kotor – Kotor, Montenegro – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Valletta, Malta – Málaga, Spain – Liverpool, England

Bolette’s 23-night ‘Exploring the Arctic & White Sea’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 1st June 2023. 

  • Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten (Hat Mountain) – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range – Crossing Arctic Circle – Tromsø, Norway – Honningsvåg, Norway – Murmansk, Russia – Solovki, Solovestky Islands, Russia – Cruising by Bear Island (Bjørnøya) – Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard – Pyramiden, Spitsbergen, Svalbard – Cruising by Nordenskiöldbreen Glacier – Cruising Tempelfjorden and Tuna Glacier – Cruising by Jan Mayen Island – Reykjavík, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hornstrandir – Cruising by Drangaskörð – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruising Eyjafjörður – Cruising by Hrísey and Grimsey – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Tórshavn, Faroe Islands – Newcastle, England

Cunard announces Matt Moran to headline inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage

February 22, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises, Theme Cruises Comments Off on Cunard announces Matt Moran to headline inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage

Acclaimed Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran to spoil food afficionados on board luxurious Queen Elizabeth

Cunard has announced legendary chef, restaurateur, TV host and author, Matt Moran will headline the talent program for its extraordinary five-day Great Australian Culinary Voyage departing Sydney on 28 January 2023.

While on board, the Australian icon will create exclusive dishes for onboard diners and share his passion for Australian food and produce with Cunard guests through talks and interviews.

Cunard’s inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage will celebrate all aspects of Australia’s unique food and wine offering on a five-day cruise from Sydney on 28 January 2023. More culinary royalty joining the sailing will be announced soon, ensuring a vibrant program of curated events and dinners, demonstrations, interviews, and onshore experiences.

Departing Sydney on 28 January 2023, the 5-night sailing takes in three of Australia’s culinary hotspots, sailing to Melbourne and Burnie (Tasmania), before arriving back in Sydney on 2 February.

Cunard announce Queen Anne. The next in a fine line.

February 8, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Cunard announce Queen Anne. The next in a fine line.

Cunard, Has Announced The Name Of The New Ship Joining A World-Renowned Fleet

Cunard – announced the name of the new ship joining a world-renowned fleet, Queen Anne. Queen Anne will be Cunard’s 249th ship and will make up a remarkable quartet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. This will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships at sea.

The name ‘Queen Anne’ celebrates Cunard’s rich heritage, royal history and refined status – joining a luxury contemporary fleet now honouring the names of each Queen Regnant over the last millennium.

The Cunard team explored multiple naming options and inspired by Queen Anne’s reign, engaged with British historian, author and television presenter, Kate Williams, to assist in the detailed research. Kate says, ‘It is so exciting that the fourth ship of the fleet will be named after Queen Anne. She has a fascinating tale to tell – one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts. She was an inspiring woman, wildly popular with her people. She should be celebrated. This new ship in the Cunard fleet is the perfect way to do it!’

Queen Anne will feature reimagined Cunard signature spaces as well as the introduction of new guest experiences within dining, culture and entertainment, for an unparalleled cruise experience underpinned by outstanding White Star Service. Bridging tradition and contemporary luxury, Queen Anne celebrates the influential design styles of both past and present and introduces an updated Cunard livery. World renowned designers have joined forces to create an extraordinary and thoughtful standard-setting design – inspiring a new way to travel on sea. The décor will reveal bold colour tones and showcase a striking aesthetic, while in keeping with the renowned timeless Cunard sophistication.

Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell comments, ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Queen Anne, the fourth ship to Cunard’s fleet. This marks a very special moment in Cunard’s 182-year history and showcases Cunard’s exciting global plans for the future, allowing even more guests around the world to set sail with Cunard. With design inspired by the past and set for the future, Queen Anne is the perfect way for our customers to rediscover the joy of exploration and travel again. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months.’

Queen Anne’s maiden season programme will go on sale in May, with the ship’s first sailings in early 2024.

Flagship PortMiami Terminal Awarded Prestigious LEED® Gold Certification

February 2, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Flagship PortMiami Terminal Awarded Prestigious LEED® Gold Certification

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced that its brand new state-of-the-art Norwegian Cruise Line flagship terminal at PortMiami received an honorary recognition as the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold New Construction v4.0 cruise ship terminal in Florida, the United States and the world.  

Image Credit: Photo by Miami In Focus, Inc. – Peter Leifer, Cheryl Stieffel. Courtesy of Bermello Ajamil & Partners

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and LEED certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement. LEED for Building Design and Construction, specifically New Construction, provides a framework for building a holistic green building while addressing both design and construction activities.

The state-of-the-art terminal often dubbed as the “Pearl of Miami” welcomed guests for the first time in August 2021 upon the Company’s return to service in the U.S. with Norwegian Gem.

The 17,500 square metre terminal, which can accommodate cruise vessels carrying up to 5,000 cruise guests, was designed with innovation and sustainability at the forefront. The team created a platform that optimises the terminal’s energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies, utilisation of local materials and resources and much more. With high levels of energy performance in mind, the project was designed to perform at least 38% better than the average building. In addition to significant water quality permits and protections, the terminal includes manatee protections and pollution discharge protections, and plans to have shore power capabilities by the Northern Hemisphere Autumn of 2023.

Cunard takes Shakespeare to the high seas

January 13, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Cunard takes Shakespeare to the high seas

Cunard will be taking Shakespeare and new work to the high seas in 2022, as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage.

Available exclusively on-board flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances by the RSC, which creates captivating theatre by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and other literary legends past and present. The performances will be available for all guests on board, including a unique blend of Shakespeare’s iconic love scenes in a brand new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley.

Guests will also have the opportunity to see critically acclaimed new work from the RSC with Miss Littlewood: a musical by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre’s most playful and radical figures, making its transatlantic debut.

For those interested in learning what it takes to be an RSC actor, the on board cast will be leading a series of workshops that explore their craft. Guests will also be able to access “Shakespeare Tales,” intimate, informal events where the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience.

In addition, Queen Mary 2 will host a touring exhibition, “Digital Diorama: An Augmented Journey Through Shakespeare’s Stratford.” Guests will use devices to experience scenes from his plays come to life before their eyes. Some of the RSC’s most popular productions in recent years including Hamlet, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like it will also be screened in Cunard’s on board cinema, Illuminations.

The three year partnership will begin on May 29 until August 12, 2022 and then again from September 15 to November 13, 2022, and will offer this bespoke programme exclusively to Cunard guests on Queen Mary 2 throughout these two periods. Guests will experience either Boundless as the Sea or Miss Littlewood on each featured voyage. Dates for future years to be announced at a later date.