Category: Ocean Cruises

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.

Cunard Announces New Voyages from September 2025 through January 2027

February 24, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Cunard Announces New Voyages from September 2025 through January 2027

Cunard has announced new voyages sailing from September 2025 to January 2027 across its iconic fleet of four Queens.

Image Credit: Cunard. Queen Mary 2.

With more than 300 new voyages, Cunard’s ships – flagship Queen Mary 2, its newest vessel Queen Anne, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – will call at 184 unique destinations around the globe, including 70 countries and 108 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The new program also includes 37 overnight port calls and 66 late-evening departures. There will be five maiden calls for the fleet in Kona, Hawaii; Roatan, Honduras; Dakar, Senegal; Miami, FL; and Molde, Norway.

Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 will simultaneously sail World Voyages beginning in January 2026, visiting cultural capitals such as New York, Buenos Aires, Dubai, and Melbourne.

Queen Elizabeth will introduce a new program in the Caribbean, sailing 33 voyages roundtrip from Miami, visiting enchanting island towns of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Roatan, Honduras; as well as Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, and St Lucia.

Queen Anne

Cunard’s newest ship will visit 102 unique ports with 23 maiden calls including Phuket, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa; Marseilles, France; and many more. From French vineyards to the African plains, Queen Anne’s new voyages allow guests to explore the world while enjoying the thoughtful interiors and distinctive touches of this contemporary deco-designed ship.

Queen Anne Itinerary Highlights:

  • Full World Voyage, 109 nights (H603D) – Departing on 11Jan26, roundtrip from Southampton, guests will relish in the soft sands of South Pacific beaches, glass skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, and overnight calls in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and more.
  • Norway and North Cape, 14 nights (H616) – Experience Norway’s fjords, coastal towns, and the Arctic charm of the north as guests visit ports such as Honningsvaag and picturesque Tromso on this charming Norwegian adventure.

 

Queen Mary 2

The world’s only ocean liner will sail a full world voyage as well as her signature Transatlantic Crossings, Caribbean, and Canada/New England itineraries. Voyages range from two to 109 nights with 15 overnight calls in iconic cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Reykjavik, Québec City, Sydney, and more.

Queen Mary 2 Itinerary Highlights:

  • Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, 7 nights (M622) – Departing from New York on 13Sep26, Cunard’s signature voyage offers uninterrupted days at sea to unplug and recharge from modern life while relaxing amidst in the waters of the North Atlantic.
  • Southampton to Sydney, 51 nights (M603G) – Guests will visit Hawaii, French Polynesia, and New Zealand on this itinerary from Southampton on 11Jan26. During the voyage, Queen Mary 2 will transit the Panama Canal for the first time ever – a history-making moment – before visiting New York, San Francisco, Kona, then crossing the International Date Line before reaching Sydney.

 

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will spend most of her time exploring the Mediterranean, savoring the relaxed island life of Mykonos, Corsica, and Palma de Mallorca, with additional voyages in the Atlantic Islands and Norway. The ship will visit 73 unique destinations with overnight calls in Istanbul, Funchal Madeira, Amsterdam, Narvik, and more.

Queen Victoria Itinerary Highlights:

  • Eastern Caribbean, 35 nights (V602) – This epic roundtrip embarks on 4Jan26, from Southampton and begins with a call-in lively Madeira crossing the Atlantic, heading for the Caribbean. Guests will enjoy the beaches of St. Vincent, Aruba, and Dominica, along with a late evening stay in Curaçao. Queen Victoria will also stop in the vibrant Azores outpost of Ponta Delgada for guests to enjoy the Portuguese hospitality and the distinct Azorean culture.
  • Italy, France and Spain, 14 nights (V612) – Departing 15Jun26, guests will sail from Barcelona to Rome to experience the culture and beauty of France, Italy, and Spain including the charming Provencal Toulon and Tuscany’s Livorno, home to exceptional Renaissance architecture, and Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed old town.

 

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will sail new Caribbean voyages, from September 2025 until April 2026, ranging from nine to 21 nights. The ship is primed for sunny adventures and will visit ancient ruins, centuries-old rum distilleries, and pristine beaches with port calls in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and other alluring destinations. She’ll also offer voyages from Seattle or San Francisco which transit through the iconic Panama Canal.

Queen Elizabeth Itinerary Highlights:

  • Caribbean Celebration, 21 nights (Q535A) – Roundtrip out of Miami, embarking 18Dec25, guests will spend the holidays under sunny skies while visiting island jewels including Castries, Antigua, and San Juan. Christmas Eve will be spent discovering Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed old town followed by calls to Roatan, Jamaica, and Cozumel.
  • Eastern Caribbean, 12 nights (Q533) – This Nov25 voyage out of Miami will visit picturesque ports fringed with unspoiled beaches and palm trees. Guests will immerse themselves in Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture, Antigua’s colourful streets, and the wonderous marine life in St. Lucia.

 

Multi-Ship Back-to-Backs

For adventurous guests who want to experience three ships in one journey, there are multiple opportunities to sample three Cunard Queens back-to-back. One option departs from Seattle, when Queen Elizabeth sails a 21-night voyage transiting the Panama Canal via a call in Los Angeles.

After a connecting flight to New York from Miami, guests will join Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic Crossing to Southampton. From there, guests can board Queen Victoria for a 13-night voyage to the Atlantic Islands and Azores that includes an overnight in Funchal, Madeira, and a chance to see gothic-style churches in Ponta Delgada and Porto’s decoratively tiled buildings before returning to Southampton, where the three Queens voyage comes to an end.

Cunard’s World Voyages and World Voyage segments, sailing from September 2025 to January 2027, are available for World Club members to book at 1 pm on March 5, 2024. All new voyages are available for World Club members to book starting 6Mar24.

Norwegian Cruise Line proudly supports the Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Norwegian Cruise Line proudly supports the Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program

Norwegian Cruise Line proudly supports the Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has further bolstered its partnership with Take 3 for the Sea by supporting the delivery of its innovative Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Program.

Reducing plastic pollution is a key pillar of NCL’s company-wide, and the company is proud to have been the first major cruise company to eradicate single-use plastic water bottles from its ships in 2020. This measure has kept more than 14 million water bottles and 50 million plastic straws from harming the environment.

 The Take 3 for the Sea Surf Life Saving Club Program is a dynamic initiative to help safeguard our coastal environments. By educating and engaging SLSCs and their communities about plastic pollution and marine debris, the program empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards a cleaner, healthier ocean ecosystem.

Running over the peak summer period from October 2023 to March 2024, the program invites SLSCs to take part in a range of activities that provide the inspiration, tools and resources to take action. More than 46 SLSCs across Australia signed up for the program. These participating clubs are encouraged to host their own beach clean-up events to educate club members and beachgoers about the importance of keeping our oceans and waterways clean and free of rubbish.

About Take 3 for the Sea

Take 3 for the Sea is an environmental organisation dedicated to addressing the crisis of plastic pollution entering our oceans and waterways. They have a simple, empowering call to action: Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or… anywhere and you have made a difference. Since 2009, Take 3 has developed and delivered education programs and events to schools, universities, surf lifesaving clubs, businesses and communities worldwide, utilising social media to increase plastic pollution awareness and inspire participation.

Take 3’s impact includes:

  • The removal of 42million pieces of rubbish from the environment
  • 22 million people reached through Take 3 social media campaigns
  • 129 countries participated in #take3forthesea campaign

Carnival to honour music icon Gwen Stefani as Godmother of Carnival Jubilee

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival to honour music icon Gwen Stefani as Godmother of Carnival Jubilee

Naming Ceremony Set for Port of Galveston on 24Feb24

Carnival Cruise Line announced today that global music superstar Gwen Stefani will be honoured as the godmother of Carnival’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, at a naming ceremony and celebration in Galveston, Texas on Saturday, 24Feb24.

A three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Gwen Stefani has achieved global success as a songwriter, performer, charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt, and as a multi-platinum solo artist.  Throughout it all, Stefani has remained a trend-setting music and fashion icon with an impressive array of honors – four MTV Video Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, an American Music Award, and a Brit Award.  To date, she’s sold more than 60 million units worldwide. Stefani also returned for her seventh season as a coach on the Emmy®-winning NBC series The Voice this past fall.

Stefani is also recognized for her philanthropic work, including her support of children’s causes.

Carnival Jubilee entered service on 23Dec23 and is homeported year-round from the Port of Galveston.  The ship is the third of Carnival’s Excel class, is powered on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform and can hold 6500 guests and 1750 crew.

The naming ceremony is an invitation-only event that will be held on board the ship.  A portion of the event will be broadcast live on Carnival’s Facebook page starting at 3:30 CST on 24Feb24.

Holland America Line Enhances Alaska Cruisetours with McKinley Chalet Resort Room Upgrades and New Gold Rush Experience

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Holland America Line Enhances Alaska Cruisetours with McKinley Chalet Resort Room Upgrades and New Gold Rush Experience

Twenty-eight rooms at the hotel will be upgraded to Denali Suite category by adding balconies; new included 'Klondike Gold Tour' tour explores Klondike Gold Rush history

Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning Alaska Cruisetours in time for the 2024 season with room upgrades at McKinley Chalet Resort and a new, included tour in Dawson City, Yukon. Alaska Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali, and Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends those tours into the Yukon.

Balconies will be added to 28 river-view rooms at McKinley Chalet Resort — Holland America Line’s hotel property at Denali National Park — upgrading them to the Denali Suite category. In addition, a new Deluxe category of non-balcony rooms with suite amenities is being introduced. For the excursions, guests on select Denali and Yukon Cruisetours will have a new “Klondike Gold Tour” that expands on the region’s famed gold rush experience. The tour visits the original discovery claim site that launched the gold rush and Gold Dredge 4.

Carnivals biggest ever vow renewal at sea

February 16, 2024 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnivals biggest ever vow renewal at sea

Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal Virtually Officiates Across Entire Carnival Fleet

Love is in the air…and at sea! On Valentines day, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its biggest ever vow renewal at sea, virtually officiated by Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. Over 600 guests onboard Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor were the first in the global fleet to take part in the annual ceremony which takes place on Valentine’s Day across all Carnival ships.

The fleetwide ceremony is even bigger than last year, since two new ships – Carnival Venezia and Carnival Jubilee – are giving even more guests the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to each other. Couples onboard the Valentine’s Day sailings across the Carnival fleet are exploring beautiful destinations from the South Pacific to the Caribbean.

Guests were invited to celebrate their recommitment to each other with a vow renewal ceremony followed by an onboard reception including a DJ and a champagne toast to celebrate the newly renewed couples.