Category: Ocean Cruises

Seabourn Encore modifies itineraries for Spring 2025

August 3, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Seabourn Encore modifies itineraries for Spring 2025

The ultra-luxury cruise line will offer a special savings on new bookings made on Seabourn Encore's new Spring 2025 deployment

Image credit: Seabourn Encore

Seabourn, has modified the spring 2025 itineraries for Seabourn Encore to include a series of new voyages to Southeast Asia, Japan, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean between March and May 2025. The new deployment features 36 destinations in 18 countries, and many “firsts” for Seabourn Encore, including 18 maiden calls and the ship’s first transit through the historical Panama Canal and its first-ever visit to the U.S. Guests who book by November 19, 2024, can enjoy a special 10 percent savings on new bookings made on Seabourn Encore’s revised 2025 voyages

Seabourn Encore was originally scheduled to sail westbound from Asia to Europe. However, changes were made to the original planned itineraries to prioritize the safety of guests and to avoid the Red Sea. Instead, the ship will head eastbound from Singapore to Dubrovnik, traveling nearly 20,000 nautical miles across four continents and two oceans.

Seabourn Encore will make 18 maiden calls, including its first transit through the Panama Canal and its maiden visit to the U.S., in Hawaii, California and Miami in March and April 2025. The ship will also visit two new ports of call in Japan never before visited by the Seabourn fleet – Tokushima, renowned for its serene landscapes, and Wakayama, celebrated for its beautiful temples and coastal scenery. Additional itinerary highlights include overnight calls in Honolulu, Hawaii; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Kobe, Japan; and evening departures from Yokohama, Japan; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Cartagena, Colombia.

Also new on select voyages will be a bespoke, curated onboard entertainment program, featuring a star-studded line-up of performers and guest speakers. Additional details will be announced soon.

The new voyages range from seven to 25 days and may be combined for longer sailings up to 53-day global adventures. They include the following:

  • 2Mar25 – 14-Day Southeast Asia & Japan, from Singapore to Kobe
  • 16Mar25 – 25-Day Japan & Hawaiian Islands Pacific Crossing, from Kobe to Long Beach
  • 9Apr25 – 19-Day Panama Canal Passage, from Long Beach to Miami
  • 28Apr25 – 12-Day Atlantic Crossing, from Miami to Lisbon
  • 10May25 – 8-Day Western Mediterranean Mosaic, from Lisbon to Civitavecchia (Rome)
  • 18May25 – 7-Day Amalfi Coast & Adriatic Gems, from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Dubrovnik

Windstar is celebrating 40 years of small ship cruising

August 3, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Windstar is celebrating 40 years of small ship cruising

Two Ships Will Meet in Turkey for a Celebration Event at Ephesus in October; Extended Ruby Anniversary Season Will Include Special Giveaways, Crew Commemorations, Signature Cocktails, and More

Image Credit: Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is marking its 40th anniversary season by launching two Mediterranean voyages in October where the ships will rendezvous for a special celebration. Guests looking to celebrate with Windstar can book either the Star Legend’s Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal cruise departing 12Oct24 or the Wind Spirit’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise departing 23Oct24. The two vessels will converge in Kusadasi on 16Oct24 for a special celebration in the ancient city of Ephesus.

Founded by ship entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier, Windstar Cruises began as Windstar Sail Cruises in October of 1984 with motor sailing ships. Now with six small ships, three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts, the line is considered the leader in small ship cruising and is experiencing a period of unprecedented success and growth, including the addition of two new all-suite motor yachts in 2025 and 2026

Windstar’s ruby anniversary officially kicks off on 26Oct24 when the 148-guest Wind Spirit and the 312-guest Star Legend come together for an event in the city of Ephesus for live music and a five-course dinner under the stars. This longtime, complimentary offering has been popular with Windstar guests over the years, which is why it was selected to mark the occasion.

Windstar will celebrate its 40-year anniversary across the fleet from October 2024 through October 2025 with additional activations and memorable moments – with more details to come. Guests should expect the following:

  • Complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails served at a special 40 years of Windstar trivia event on board
  • 40 years of Windstar trivia winners will be entered into a random drawing held in December 2025 to win a cruise for two aboard Star Seeker’s inaugural cruise
  • Limited edition Seabags, a 40th anniversary series that is crafted from recycled Wind Surf sails, will be on board for purchase in the ship’s shops

Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships

July 12, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships

AIDA Evolution: Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships from the End of 2025 AIDA Cruises is forging ahead with modernizing its fleet: After AIDAdiva, the shipyard schedules for the next two Sphinx-class ships have now been set.

Image Credit: Aida Cruises, Aida Bella.

As part of AIDA Evolution, the largest fleet modernization program in the company’s history, the first three ships of the Sphinx series will be extensively modernized by 2026. The first ship to be modernized will be AIDAdiva, which will enter the Chantier Naval shipyard in Marseille, France, from February 3 to March 22, 2025. The dry dock periods for the next two ships have now also been scheduled: AIDAluna will be in the shipyard from October 22 to December 10, 2025, followed by AIDAbella from January 21 to March 11, 2026.

During the seven-week dry dock overhaul, the focus will be on upgrading the ship’s technology and providing an even greater variety of experiences, services and comfort. Popular concepts from the latest AIDA generation will also be brought on board. All guest staterooms will receive a new look. In addition, the number of suites will be increased. Exclusive areas and services will be created for the first time in this ship class. On the culinary side, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants and even better service. Popular signature bars will be added to the bar offerings. The distinctive Theatrium will be redesigned with inviting seating and a harmonious color scheme. New activity areas will be created specifically for families with children.

The ships in the Sphinx series will enter service between 2007 and 2013. Their innovative and open space concept and design have significantly shaped the AIDA experience. With AIDA Evolution, these ships are now undergoing a comprehensive modernization. For more details on the modernization program and planned innovations, please visit aida.de/evolution.

Grinchmas in July

Carnival Delights Families Of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation

July 12, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival Delights Families Of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation

Carnival Delights Families Of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation With Grinchmas Family Fun Day In Sydney Harbour

Grinchmas in July

Ahoy, ahoy, it’s time for some festive joy! Christmas came early this morning for families of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) as they enjoyed a special Grinchmas Family Fun Day onboard Carnival Splendor in Sydney Harbour.

To celebrate the second year of Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings and longstanding partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and SCHF, 50 patients and their families were invited to join The Grinch and his sidekick Max for a day of festive fun at sea. Dressed in their festive best, children and their families were treated to some of the highlights of a Grinchmas cruise, including the official giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony complete with ‘real’ snow falling, sing-a-long caroling, themed ‘Grinchmas family games’ and crafts, a How The Grinch Stole Christmas storytime reading, appearances and family photo opportunities with Dr. Seuss characters including The Grinch, Max, Thing 1 & Thing 2 and The Cat in the Hat and delicious themed spread of dining and beverages.

The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes at the event when he met 13-year-old Matilda Jenkins. Matilda, the youngest of four siblings, has been a patient of Sydney Children’s Hospital Network since she transferred to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead at 24 hours old. Matilda was announced as the official Goddaughter of Carnival Splendor in 2018 when she was only 6 years old.

Carnival Splendor Cruise Director Simon London presented a cheque to Matilda and SCHF Chief Marketing Officer Kate Ferguson for $62,758, the total amount raised for Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Foundation onboard Carnival Splendor over the last year

Viking Vesta Float Out

Viking Marks Float Out of Newest Ocean Ship

July 12, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Viking Marks Float Out of Newest Ocean Ship

Set to Debut in Summer 2025, the Viking Vesta Meets Water for the First Time

Viking Vesta Float Out
Image credit: Viking. Viking Vesta

On 8 July 2024, Viking announced its newest ocean ship—the 998-guest Viking Vesta—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Classified as a small ship, the Viking Vesta is scheduled to debut in July 2025. Pictured here, the Viking Vesta (left) with her sister ship which will debut in 2024, the Viking Vela (right), at Fincantieri’s Ancona
shipyard.

Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests. The ship is scheduled to debut in July 2025 and will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.

The traditional float-out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Vesta began on July 4 at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when the Viking team cut a cord that signalled water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Vesta afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

With a clear focus on creating experiences for The Thinking Person, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach has resonated with guests, and in 2023, Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, as well as #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards.

Sea Destinations - Onboard Events

Costa presents “Sea Destinations”

March 6, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Costa presents “Sea Destinations”

Costa itineraries will take guests to new destinations between sky and sea.

Sea Destinations - Onboard Events
Image credit: Costa Cruises, Mykonos

Costa presents a great new feature that will make its cruises even more unique and unforgettable in 2024: the ‘Sea Destinations’.

Starting from next spring, the Italian company’s itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe will be further enriched with brand new destinations, to be discovered on board the ship, during navigation. A voyage within a voyage, where the sea is not only the means to reach the cruise calls; but it is a privileged point of view to experience evocative moments, that tell of iconic places included in the ship’s route. In this way, alongside destinations ‘ashore’, such as Barcelona, Naples, Genoa, Istanbul, Mykonos, explored off the classic ways, Costa itineraries will take guests to new destinations between sky and sea.

For example, in the Western Mediterranean, after visiting Ibiza, once back on board the ship, guests can let themselves be carried away by the atmosphere of the sunset with a hippy chic party in the bay of Formentera; or, before disembarking from the ship to visit Naples, guests can enjoy a typical Caprese breakfast in front of the spectacular panorama of the Faraglioni rocks of Capri island, illuminated by the first light of day.

Passing, instead, over the deepest point of the Eastern Mediterranean, a feast of the abysses of the sea will come to life; while, crossing the gateway to the East, the strait of the Dardanelles, guests on board will be able to experience a journey back in time and admire, enraptured, the mystical dance of the rotating veils of the Dervishes. And again, the ashore visit through the “calli” of Venice will be followed by a “Dolce Vita” aperitif, on the ship, right in front of the Lido, to be captivated by the sunset over the lagoon, amidst posters of Italian films and a Film Festival soundtrack.

Sea Destinations will also be available on Northern European cruises among Norway’s most beautiful fjords. For example, after being greeted by local farmers in the town of Geiranger, guests will cruise through the entire fjord listening to Nordic stories and legends, while from the bow of the ship they will experience the spectacle of the Seven Sisters waterfall, amidst craggy rocks and verdant mountains.

Gwen Stefani names Carnival Jubilee

February 28, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Gwen Stefani names Carnival Jubilee

Texas-themed Jubilee Celebrates Carnival Cruise Line's New Flagship

The stars were out in Texas on Saturday as Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the naming of its new flagship Carnival Jubilee, global music superstar Gwen Stefani was honored as the ship’s godmother, and Feb. 24 was declared “Carnival Jubilee Day” by Galveston Mayor Craig Brown – all on the same day that marked the 100th birthday of the late Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Line’s founder.

Stefani spent the day on the ship, visiting the bridge to meet the captain and blowing the ship’s horn and then cutting the ribbon at several venues including.

After a cocktail reception and celebratory lunch, the invited guests of public officials, community leaders, travel advisors, business partners and Carnival cruisers attended the 45-minute naming ceremony in the ship’s theater. Noting that Carnival Jubilee is the first brand new ship to be homeported in Galveston, and the first cruise ship to be christened in Galveston, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy welcomed the guests and thanked the Galveston community for their decades of support. And with reference to the embossed Texas star on the bow of the ship, she assured them that Galveston is Carnival Jubilee’s forever home.

Carnival also used the occasion to celebrate its relationships with its two national charitable partners. Duffy announced that after meeting its goal of $33 million for St. Jude by 2024, the company has set a new pledge goal of $50 million by 2030. And a specially-designed pair of Carnival Jubilee-themed cowboy boots by Houston-based Parker Boot Co. were auctioned off for $25,000 to benefit Operation Homefront, which is dedicated to supporting military families.

Carnival Jubilee is homeported year-round in Galveston, sailing week-long Western Caribbean cruises. The ship is powered by a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform and accommodates 6,500 guests and 1,750 crew. Leveraging technology and enriched by detailed theming, the ship celebrates the sea and features the ultimate fun, from a top-deck roller coaster to a resort-like retreat. Carnival recently announced that a fourth Excel sister ship will join Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras in 2027.

Holland America Line’s most ambitious world voyage to depart in 2026

February 28, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Holland America Line’s most ambitious world voyage to depart in 2026

132-day Grand World Voyage on Volendam will call 47 ports in 39 countries

Grand World Cruise Map 2026. Holland America Line.

Holland America Line is set to sail one of its most ambitious Grand World Voyages in 2026. The meticulously planned 132-day cruise will span all seven continents, including a special four-day Antarctic Experience. Details were announced today by President Gus Antorcha to 2024 Grand World Voyage guests aboard Zuiderdam, which is currently sailing in between Okinawa and Tokyo.

2026 Grand World Voyage Highlights —Volendam

  • 132-day voyage. Departs 4Jan26, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
  • Heads south along the East Coast of South America, crossing the equator and sails down to Antarctica. Makes way to Easter Island before traversing the islands of the South Pacific en route to Australia. Explores the Great Barrier Reef, Singapore and the Maldives, then calls at Alexandria, Egypt, for an overnight stay before meandering through the Mediterranean and northern Europe before an Atlantic Ocean crossing.
  • 47 total ports in 39 countries across seven continents.
  • 9 overnight calls: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Papeete, Tahiti; Sydney, Australia; Bali, Indonesia; Singapore; Malé, Maldives; Safaga (Luxor) and Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt; and Lisbon, Portugal.
  • 5 late-night departures: Bahia d’ Opunoha, French Polynesia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Oslo, Norway; San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • Memorable Moments: Four-day Antarctic Experience, scenic cruising of Chilean fjords, a visit to Easter Island followed by scenic cruising Pitcairn Island, a call at Bordeaux paired with scenic cruising of Gironde Estuary.

Carnival Cruise Line and Lord Nelson cheers to 10 years of beers with a new brew

February 24, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival Cruise Line and Lord Nelson cheers to 10 years of beers with a new brew

The launch of Lord Nelson’s Smooth Sailing Cruising Ale celebrates a decade of partnership on the high seas between the cruise line and the brewery

Image Credit: Carnival Cruise Line. Kara Glamore & Blair Hayden

Carnival Cruise Line and Lord Nelson Brewery are excited to raise a glass to 10 years of partnership on the high seas with the launch of a brand-new brew: Lord Nelson’s Smooth Sailing Cruising Ale.

Carnival and the brewery have been crewmates since 1st June 2014 when they launched Thirsty Frog Summer Ale, a beer crafted by Lord Nelson in collaboration with Carnival to capture the spirit of a holiday at sea.

This year, the youngest, easy drinking member of The Lord’s ale family, Smooth Sailing, has been elevated to ‘Cruising Ale’ status as it hits the taps on Carnival Splendor in celebration of this milestone.

Smooth Sailing is a testament to Lord Nelson’s style – experimenting with flavour whilst maintaining balance and sessionability. Refreshing, food savvy and bright with lip smacking ‘knock-back-ability’, it’s a Pilsner style, low alcohol brew with a touch of American of hops to excite the nose.

Just perfect for cruisy days, the new brew is best enjoyed with mates. Guests can relax and settle in for a freshly poured Smooth Sailing Cruising Ale onboard their next Carnival cruise.

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.