Category: Ocean Cruises

Signed, sealed, delivered… Celebrity Beyond

April 8, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Signed, sealed, delivered… Celebrity Beyond

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of transformational Celebrity Beyond

Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo honoured the thousands of engineers, architects, designers, contractors, shipyard employees and Celebrity Cruises teams as the brand took delivery of Celebrity Beyond, the third and most luxurious ship in the fleet’s new-luxury Edge Series®, and a true game changer for the travel industry. The moment was particularly special as it marked the shipyard’s first physical delivery ceremony since the pandemic.

Designed to give guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the world — while simultaneously reconnecting with the world that surrounds them — Celebrity Beyond goes further than imagined possible for a cruise ship, creating a new world of wonder and approachable luxury.  With forward-thinking design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers, culinary excellence from Michelin starred chefs, world renowned wellbeing partners, exquisite art, luxury brand retailers and Celebrity’s uniquely intuitive service, Celebrity Beyond shatters every preconceived notion of the cruising experience. A floating boutique hotel, Celebrity Beyond exemplifies new-luxury travel and its future at sea. 

As part of the historic moment, Lutoff-Perlo was joined by Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO Jason Liberty and the ship’s captain, Kate McCue, as they officially took ownership from the shipyard and completed the traditional changing of the flags, hosting a celebratory ceremony onboard Celebrity Beyond while docked in the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The momentous occasion was celebrated alongside other Celebrity Cruises executives, shipyard officials including General Manager Laurent Castaing, and Beyond’s 1,400 crew members from over 60 different countries.

Celebrity Beyond’s maiden voyage will depart on 27 April, 2022, from Southampton, England, for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain.

She will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries through early October, when she then heads to the Caribbean. Voyages are on sale now.

Royal Caribbean partners with Queensland Theme Parks

April 4, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean partners with Queensland Theme Parks

Royal Caribbean and Village Roadshow Theme Parks Create Ultimate Queensland Getaway

Two of the biggest icons in family adventure have come together to create the ultimate end-to-end Queensland getaway. Royal Caribbean International has teamed up with Village Roadshow Theme Parks to offer guests sailing from Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas access to exclusive accommodation and attraction packages, combining two amazing family experiences into one holiday with plenty of added perks.

Making it easy to plan a holiday that combines the best of land and sea, the new, exclusive partnership welcomes Royal Caribbean holidaymakers to enjoy unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country, and a 15% discount on accommodation at Australia’s only theme park resort, Sea World Resort with additional inclusions for the whole family, making it easy to plan a holiday combining the best of land and sea.

Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated launch in Queensland starts this summer with the ground-breaking Quantum sailing from the new Brisbane terminal from 9th November onwards. Packed full of adventure for the whole family and known for its innovation and countless industry ‘firsts,’ including rock climbing, ice skating, sky diving and surfing at sea, Royal Caribbean will capture the imagination of families and adventurous holidaymakers alike.

P&O Cruises Australia Celebrates its Return to the High Seas with a Sparkling Pride Cruise

April 2, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on P&O Cruises Australia Celebrates its Return to the High Seas with a Sparkling Pride Cruise

P&O Cruises Australia is celebrating its return to the high seas by counting down to its first dazzling ‘Pride Cruise’ – a celebratory weekend at sea created especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their friends, family and supporters.

Image Credit: P&O Cruise Australia, PRIDE Cruise 2022

Setting sail on 4 November 2022, the three-night cruise will give Australians the chance to join P&O Cruises in proudly recognising individuality, diversity and inclusion in Australian society.

The celebrations will continue with a Pride Cruise departing Melbourne on 9 December, followed by three dedicated sailings in 2023.

Joining P&O Cruises in the new sailing will be a raft of community organisations that support the LGBTQIA+ community through health, well-being and social initiatives.

The home-grown cruise line has also partnered with some of the best names in the Australian entertainment business to develop the three-night cruise, including talented artists and entertainers who are champions of equality.

Headlining the fun with plenty of feathers, sequins and flamboyance, will be international superstar, accordionist and Berlin boy-wonder Hans the German, the award-winning comedy cabaret star who found fame on America’s Got Talent.

P&O Cruises Pacific Adventure will depart Sydney on the inaugural Pride Cruise on the afternoon of Friday November 4, 2022, and will return on the morning of Monday November 7, 2022.

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.

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.