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Celebrity Edge to debut Down Under for the 2023/24 season

September 23, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Celebrity Edge to debut Down Under for the 2023/24 season

Celebrity Edge to debut Down Under for the 2023/24 season

Celebrity Cruises announced plans for its revolutionary Celebrity Edge to debut Down Under for the 2023/24 season.

The brand’s signature Edge Series ship will offer an array of 6- to 13-night itineraries from early December 2023 through to April 2024, designed to immerse guests in the spoils of the stunning coastlines of Australia and neighbouring New Zealand, along with the tropical South Pacific.

Reigniting guests’ wanderlust to see the world again, guests will be able to select from 12 bespoke itineraries visiting an impressive collection of 22 ports with departures from both Sydney and Auckland.

 

Highlights of Celebrity Cruises’ upcoming 2023/24 season Down Under include:

  • Uniquely themed itineraries including ‘Sun and Beach Escapes’, ‘Food and Wine Classics’, and ‘Five Star Getaways’, providing deeper immersion into the region’s unique culture, brought to life through enhanced onboard and shoreside programming.
  • Overnight opportunities in Cairns, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; and Hobart, Tasmania, for guests to take in more of the wonders of the magnificent surroundings.
  • A new port visiting the scenic Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most vibrant nature reserves.
  • Every New Zealand sailing exploring both the North and South islands of this incredibly scenic country;
  • A sun-filled South Pacific itinerary transporting guests to some of the world’s most beautiful islands – New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Mystery Island.

Some of the remarkable features guests of Celebrity Edge can look forward to include:

  • The exclusive The Retreat® with its private restaurant, and exclusive lounge and sundeck available to all suite guests. In addition, a dedicated team of hosts and concierges on-hand 24/7, ensures everything is taken care of while on holiday.
  • Transformational accommodations, from modern two-storey villas with plunge pools to staterooms with Infinite Verandas®, that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, all carefully curated and designed by the award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE and featuring Celebrity’s signature eXhale® bedding.
    ● The Magic Carpet®, soaring cantilevered above the sea and offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.
  • An unrivaled culinary repertoire of 29 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges connecting guests to the destinations they will visit like never before. Globally-inspired menus crafted by a Michelin-star chef bring the flavours of the world straight to the plate, providing an epicurean journey unmatched at sea.
    ● Eden, spanning three decks and featuring more outward-facing glass than any other room at sea, offers a multi-sensory fusion of one-of-a-kind culinary and entertainment experiences.
    ● Wellness woven in throughout the ship experience including: The Spa, a sprawling 22,000 sq. ft. wellness destination offering more than 120 treatments, many inspired by the destinations the ship visits; the SEA Thermal Suite featuring eight distinct rooms including a steam room, float room, salt room, and heated tile loungers, among others; beauty and fitness experiences never before offered at sea including a Kerastase Salon; Peloton bikes and F45 Training.

Celebrity Edge goes on sale to the general public on 15 October.

Norwegian Prima Floats Out

August 18, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Norwegian Prima Floats Out
Image Credit: Norwegian Prima floats out, Italy.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has announced that its game-changing new ship, Norwegian Prima, was floated out from her drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touches water.

To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was encased within Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony presided over by Eamonn Ferrin, Vice President International Business, NCL and Antonio Quintano, Shipyard Director, Fincantieri.

Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL’s highly anticipated Prima Class, the Brand’s first new class of vessels in nearly 10 years. At 294.1 metres long, 142,500 gross tons and with capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy, the vessel is designed to put guests first. Norwegian Prima boasts wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of new experiences for the Brand.

Laying claim to the title of the most spacious new cruise ship in the premium and contemporary categories, Norwegian Prima offers the most outdoor deck space and the most expansive accommodation of any new build. She boasts multiple NCL firsts, including Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around the entire deck over 4,087.7 square metres, allowing guests to connect to the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and unique experiences such as Infinity Beach, where two stunning infinity pools are positioned to take in the vastness of the ocean with uninterrupted views, and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges will make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.

Dining is elevated on Norwegian Prima with the addition of Indulge Food Hall, NCL’s first upscale open-air marketplace offering diverse menu items from a variety of eleven different culinary venues. In addition, Ocean Boulevard hosts three restaurants; Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill.

Meanwhile The Haven by Norwegian® on Norwegian Prima offers the Brand’s most exclusive and centralised ‘ship within a ship’ suite complex. Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, it is accessible via private elevators and located at the aft of the ship for the very first time. Designed to be more open to the sea than ever before, every public area in The Haven will offer spectacular views, together with a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.

Commencing in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer bucket-list itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark giving guests the opportunity to explore the stunning Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea. She will then sail a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York via Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Halifax in Nova Scotia and an extended overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland. Through the northern hemisphere autumn and winter, Norwegian Prima will offer a variety of port-rich Bermuda and Caribbean cruises from New York, Galveston, TX, Miami and Orlando, FL (Port Canaveral), including calls to Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort destination in Belize as well as NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.

Carnival Dream & Carnival Glory Become Latest Ship Adorned with New Hull Design

August 12, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival Dream & Carnival Glory Become Latest Ship Adorned with New Hull Design

Latest Carnival Ships to receives new paint design

Shown here in dry dock in Marseilles, France, Carnival Dream is the latest Carnival Cruise Line ship to be adorned with a stunning new hull design, joining Carnival Magic which were completed over the past few weeks. Carnival Magic received the new livery in May, The next ship in line is Carnival Valor, which is currently in dry dock with work scheduled to be done by the end of July, marking the fourth ship to feature the new livery. Going forward, the new design will be added across all Carnival Cruise Line ships.

The new livery pays homage to maritime tradition and is inspired by design which debuted on its newest ship, Mardi Gras, scheduled to enter service from Port Canaveral, Fla., July 31.

Image Credit: Carnival Cruise Line

Ship shape – Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth gets ready for her return to sailing

August 12, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Ship shape – Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth gets ready for her return to sailing

Queen Elizabeth prepares to return to sailing on August 13th after a 17-month break

Following a series of other UK voyages, Cunard’s international sailings on board Queen Elizabeth will begin in October with a cruise from Southampton to Amsterdam followed by a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands and Madeira this November.

Image Credit: Cunard Line
Image Credit: Cunard Line

A-ROSA announces official name and latest images of the E-Motion Ship

August 12, 2021 quality_baz River Cruises Comments Off on A-ROSA announces official name and latest images of the E-Motion Ship

A-ROSA’s ground-breaking, eco-friendly new ship which sets sail in May 2022 is to be named A-ROSA SENA. The name Sena is taken from the Arabic language and means ‘beauty’.

The ship is currently under construction at the Concordia Damen shipyard near Rotterdam. She will start sailing on the Northern Rhine on 21 May 2022, with a seven-night cruise from Cologne visiting Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Antwerp.

The ship will feature an ‘E-Motion’ concept which is truly innovative and a first on the rivers. Its hybrid propulsion system combines a diesel engine and a separate electric engine, which is powered by batteries. This means that when approaching a port, the ship can switch to battery power, enabling it to arrive almost silently and emission-free.

A-ROSA has also released a video and new images of A-ROSA SENA. The new renders show one of the seating areas on the sundeck where guests can enjoy the river views, the elegant lobby which will welcome guests on board and the panorama lounge which will boast a stage and dance floor for guests to enjoy.  VIDEO

This will be the largest ship in the fleet and will be the first vessel on the Rhine to feature four decks, has a length of 135m, a width of 17.7 metres. It has been built from the outset with families and multi-generational groups in mind and will offer a range of impressive features such as a kids club room, family cabins and a kids pool.

Royal Caribbean Updates Australian Summer Season to Domestic only

August 5, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean Updates Australian Summer Season to Domestic only

Ovation of the Seas pivots to Domestic cruising

Royal Caribbean International today announced a new season of Australian domestic sailings on board returning favourite Ovation of the Seas. Ovation will sail from Sydney starting 13 th Dec. 2021 through 31st March 2022 offering a mix of 2- to 10-night domestic sailings visiting some of the country’s most famous cities and regions.

In lieu of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the opening of international borders and to ensure guests have peace of mind surrounding their holiday plans, Royal Caribbean has made the decision to cancel the following sailings:

  • Serenade of the Seas’ sailings from Sydney from 24 Oct. 2021 to 27 February 2022 inclusive
  • Ovation of the Seas’ sailings from Sydney from 27 Oct. 2021 to 10 April 2022 inclusive, and Ovation will be redeployed to a domestic only itinerary

Ovation will offer guests a raft of short breaks and voyages with 24 sailings from Sydney starting in December. Guests can choose from 2- to 10-night itineraries that visit ports such as Eden, Hobart, Adelaide, Brisbane, Port Douglas, Kangaroo Island, Airlie Beach, Cairns or Port Douglas. Plus, enjoy scenic excursions of the Great Barrier Reef, Willis Island and the NSW South Coast.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator Commences Service

August 5, 2021 quality_baz Expedition Cruises Comments Off on Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator Commences Service

Inaugurating New Luxe-Adventure Voyages For Today's Luxury Traveller

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ first, newly constructed expedition ship World Navigator has launched. Designed for discerning, fun-seeking travellers, World Navigator brings guests on all-inclusive, luxury adventures to remote and captivating destinations around the world and serves up regionally inspired gourmet cuisine; unlimited premium wines and spirits, international beers, and specialty coffees; and a choice of a complimentary land excursion at every port. Atlas’ All Inclusive All the Way promise also includes complimentary round-trip air travel and ground transfers for a complete and seamless luxe-adventure voyage.

World Navigator is Atlas’ first newly constructed small ship, appointed in retro-chic elegance, for an immersive and personalized travel experience. World Navigator is sailing seven- to 12-night Egypt and Greek Isles voyages for her inaugural summer 2021 season and reposition via the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America to sail nine- and 12-night expeditions in Antarctica.

World Navigator offers 98 suites and staterooms, ranging from the 183-sq.-ft. Adventure Staterooms to the ship’s signature one-bedroom, 466-sq.-ft. Navigator Suite. In March 2022, World Navigator will be the first ship to offer Solo Suites. All suites and staterooms are infused with European sophistication; incorporate modern technological conveniences; and include a stocked mini-refrigerator; L’OCCITANE bath amenities; slippers, robes, and binoculars to use on board; Nespresso coffee; teas; and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

At 9,930 GRTs, the ship fosters a refined and convivial ambience and is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. World Navigator will be joined by sister-ships World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Image Credit: World Navigator, Atlas Ocean Voyages

MSC takes taken delivery of its new flagship MSC Seashore

July 28, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC takes taken delivery of its new flagship MSC Seashore
Image Credit: Ivan Sarfatti

The Cruise Division of MSC Group has officially taken delivery of its new flagship MSC Seashore – the largest cruise ship to be built in Italy. Sister ship MSC Seascape is currently under construction at the Monfalcone shipyard and is due to come into service in winter 2022.

An intimate ceremony was held to mark the occasion as tradition dictates at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone and was attended in person by MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, other members of the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families, Giampiero Massolo and Giuseppe Bono, Chairman and CEO of Fincantieri, as well as representatives from MSC’s new builds team along with executives and workers from the shipyard. During the ceremony, which pays tribute to centuries-old maritime traditions, Roberto Olivari, Fincantieri’s shipyard director, presented to Giuseppe Galano, Master of MSC Seashore, an ampoule containing the water that first touched the hull when the ship was floated out earlier this year.

MSC Seashore will commence her inaugural season in the Mediterranean offering the popular West Mediterranean itinerary calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, for visits also to Pompeii, and Messina in Sicily; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.

On 31 October, the ship will depart Genoa for an epic 18-night cruise as the ship repositions to North America. From 20 November the ship will then offer 7-night cruises in the Caribbean calling San Juan in Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and then Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas – MSC Cruises’ private island.

MSC Seashore Key Specs:

  • Length/beam/height: 339 /41m/76m
  • Gross tonnage: 170,400
  • Guests: 5,877 (max capacity for short international voyage)
  • Cabins: 2,270
  • Crew: 1,648
  • Maximum speed: about 22.4 knots
  • Flagship of MSC Cruises global fleet
  • 19th cruise ship to join MSC Cruises’ fleet
Image Credit: Ivan Sarfatti

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to cruise

July 28, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Norwegian Cruise Line returns to cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), officially commemorated its highly-anticipated cruise comeback on 25 July, 2021 with a double debut: Norwegian Jade was not only the first of its 17-ship fleet to welcome guests after 500 days, she also made NCL history as the first vessel to homeport in Athens (Piraeus).

Until November 2021, guests sailing aboard Norwegian Jade’s immersive Greek Isles itinerary will wake up in a new destination every day, able to spend eight-to-nine hours exploring some of Greece’s most picturesque islands including luxurious Crete, bustling Mykonos, historical Rhodes and the iconic blue and white Santorini.

Norwegian Jade is the first ship to recommence voyages as part NCL’s larger restart efforts. On 7 August, 2021, Norwegian Encore will be the first ship to return to service from the U.S., when she debuts in Seattle for her inaugural season of Alaska cruises. The fleetwide redeployment will continue in partnership with local governments and are guided by the robust protocols of the Company’s Sail Safe health and safety program, which at its cornerstone includes that all crew and guests must be fully vaccinated to embark for voyages through 31 October, 2021. Working with the leading experts of the Sail Safe Global Health and Wellness Council, the robust protocols will regularly be evaluated and modified as needed, making science-based decisions to protect guests, crew and the destinations it visits.

Oceania Cruises Reveals New Ship Suites and Stateroom Designs

July 19, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Oceania Cruises Reveals New Ship Suites and Stateroom Designs

Vista Debuts in 2023, Setting New Standards for Residential Style Luxury

Oceania Cruises, has revealed the design and décor elements of the Veranda Staterooms, Penthouse Suites, Oceania Suites and Vista Suites aboard its newest ship, Vista, due to debut in early 2023.

Vista will set new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury and will feature all veranda accommodations. All staterooms and suites feature beautifully appointed bathrooms with oversized rainforest showers, large vanities, and copious storage space. Penthouse, Oceania, and Vista Suites are ultra-spacious and true sea-going residences with an abundance of living and dining space for entertaining or simply relaxing. In a first for the brand, Vista will feature a new category of Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms dedicated to solo travellers.

The timeless décor of the accommodations reflects the best of residential design aesthetics to present guests with restful homelike spaces to relax and rejuvenate as they explore the world’s most fascinating destinations. Bathed in soothing tones and detailed with multiple layers of luxurious furnishings, accents, and artwork, each stateroom and suite is a welcoming home away from home.

Veranda Stateroom

Measuring 27 square metres of living space including the private veranda, Vista’s standard Veranda Staterooms are the epitome of spaciousness. Bathed in soft tones of harvest and wheat punctuated with seagrass and bold sienna, each is furnished with a queen size Tranquility Bed piled high with plush linens and plump pillows, a comfortable seating area, private veranda, thoughtful amenities, abundant storage space, and oversized bathroom.

Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom

Vista’s Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms envelope guests in lavish comfort. Shades of cream and rich fawn set the tone for a luxuriant respite with an extravagantly dressed queen size Tranquility Bed, comfortable sitting area and a private veranda to take in the marvels of the surrounding seascapes. All feature extraordinary wardrobe and storage space, and a marble bath with walk-in rainforest shower. A wealth of additional amenities, such as a dedicated Concierge Lounge, room service from The Grand Dining Room, and free laundry services, elevates the experience to the sublime. 

Concierge Level Solo Veranda Stateroom

Solo travellers have a fresh reason to delight in this new category of stateroom designed exclusively for them. Spacious yet cosy, each features all of the comforts and luxuries world travellers expect, including a seating area overlooking the private veranda, separate sleeping area with a comfortable Tranquility Bed and copious storage space. Solo guests, like all sailing in Concierge Level, receive an astonishing array of amenities such as free laundry service and keycard access to the exclusive Concierge Lounge.

Penthouse Suite

An over-abundance of space and elevated levels of luxury define the Penthouse Suite experience. Ingenious design and stylish furnishings punctuate the space, which is resplendent in rich upholstery, fine leathers and stunning works of art. Measuring 41 square metres, Penthouse Suites feature the added luxuries of a walk-in wardrobe, an oversized bath with dual vanities and of course, a large private veranda overlooking the sea. Penthouse guests also have a dedicated Butler and keycard access to the suites-only Executive Lounge with a dedicated Concierge.

Oceania Suite

Spacious and sophisticated with a metropolitan flair, the 14 Oceania Suites are situated in prime locations atop the ship to offer unparalleled views. Averaging approximately 93 to 111 square metres, each radiates an ambiance of exquisite residential luxury. Thoughtfully appointed living and dining spaces invite gracious entertaining, including the oversized private teak veranda, while the master bedroom provides the perfect retreat for relaxation with its grand king size bed, dressing room and opulent marble-clad bathroom. Each home away from home features the added luxury of a cosy study or guest studio and guest bathroom. Oceania Suites offer a dedicated Butler and keycard access to the suites-only Executive Lounge.

Vista Suite

Offering the loftiest of locations affording sweeping 180-degree views and 135 to 172 square metres of living space, the eight Vista Suites are designed to be the ultimate seaside villas. Swathed in subtle tones that pay deference to the sea and sky and accented by luminescent marbles, granites and rich weathered oak, each is a true retreat. The airy living room is flanked by a handsome dining room and bar area, which feature commanding views and open onto the expansive teak veranda. An extravagant Master Suite features a capacious wardrobe room and dressing area adjacent to the oversized and sunlit master bath complete with porcelain soaking tub. Vista Suites offer an additional layer of pampering with 24-hour Butler service and access to the suites-only Executive Lounge.

Inaugural Season Itineraries – Vista’s inaugural season itineraries will open for viewing on 10 September 2021, and go on sale the following week on 16 September 2021.