Category: Ocean Cruises

MSC Magnifica to offer Winter City Getaways in Northern Europe

October 6, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC Magnifica to offer Winter City Getaways in Northern Europe

MSC Magnifica to offer Winter City Getaways in Northern Europe

  • A company-first winter programme featuring access to five European cities with an opportunity to immerse yourself in culture and history as well as explore, shop and enjoy local delicacies
  • 7-night cruises with embarkation in every port from 14 November 2021

Following on from the success of its Northern European season this northern hemisphere summer, MSC Cruises has announced the introduction of a Northern Europe itinerary for this upcoming northern hemisphere winter – the first time that the Company has offered a winter programme in the region.

Starting from 14 November 2021, MSC Magnifica will offer 7-night cruises visiting five of Europe’s most popular cities. The ship will call Hamburg, Germany; Southampton for London, UK Le Havre for Paris, France; Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels; IJmuiden/Amsterdam, Netherlands. With extended stays in port of up to 12 hours, guests can really make the most of their time ashore. Embarkation will be possible in each port, ensuring that there are plenty of convenient connections close for guests. 

Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Northern Europe – the cities are not as busy and guests can explore historical sites in cooler weather. The holiday season also brings festive decorations and Christmas markets creating a magical atmosphere and many of the landscapes are transformed into winter wonderlands! This is also a unique opportunity to visit some of Europe’s capitals all in one trip.

Hamburg, Germany, is renowned for its elegant boulevards, stately buildings, and emerald green parks and in November and December, you can enjoy one of the city’s 30 Christmas markets whilst sipping on mulled wine or nibbling roasted chestnuts! From Hamburg you can visit the Hanseatic city of Lubeck  – a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Lüneburg’s – the “City of White Gold” with its many richly decorated historical buildings and small, cobbled alleyways.

The UK port of Southampton provides convenient access to a number of top tourist attractions in Southern England including the nearby historic cities of Winchester or Salisbury with their world-famous cathedrals and Windsor Castle dating back to the 1tth Century or to the stone circle of Stonehenge, one of the most intriguing and ancient sites in the U.K. Situated on a vast plain, the site is truly impressive; shrouded in magic and mystery, many believe this sacred site emanates a special atmosphere. For those wishing to visit another capital city, spend the day in London, where you can visit Oxford Street, explore Hyde Park, check out Covent Garden market or simply enjoy a pint of ale and relax in a typical English pub.

From Le Havre, France guests can visit Rouen, historical capital of Normandy, or Honfleur, a tiny town known for its picturesque harbour and beautifully preserved old buildings with slate-covered frontages. A favourite motif of many painters, Honfleur is known to have particularly inspired Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin and Johan Jongkind. Or visit Paris and soak up the charms of France’s romantic capital city and see the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and many other world-famous landmarks. 

Zeebrugge, Belgium is close to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges, one of Europe’s best-preserved Medieval cities with quaint cobbled streets and tranquil canals. Indulge in traditionally Belgian treats such as waffles and chocolate, the world-famous beers and French fries or shop for the beautiful local lace and tapestries. Or spend the day exploring Belgium’s capital city, Brussels where skyscrapers and hotels have modernized the skyline of this French and Flemish speaking city. Step back in time and wander around the “Grand Place”, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. The extraordinary ensemble of baroque façades was built on the very spot where Brussels first inhabitants held their market in the 12th-century, the heart of the community in the Middle Ages.

Amsterdam is the charming city made-up of picture-perfect canals and bridges with stunning 16th century architecture. Popular attractions include Anne Frank’s house and the Van Gogh Museum. For food lovers, visit the famous town of Gouda – renowned worldwide for its delicious creamy cheese but also for stroopwafels – syrup waffles. Or for those looking to get out of the city, visit the the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, where most of the houses are made of wood and sport the pretty green painted façades typical of the Zaan area.  The village is home to traditional Dutch craft production, including a wooden shoe factory where you can see how the Dutch clogs are made.

About MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica will enable guests to travel in true comfort and style featuring an elegant design and relaxed refinement, with all the features that distinguish MSC Cruises ships, including high quality service, a varied choice of dining options including four restaurants and 11 bars, modern and comfortable cabins, as well as a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities including a swimming pool with a retractable roof, a sports centre, bowling, a high-tech gym and the MSC Aurea Spa. There is never a dull moment as the wide variety of entertainment offerings include a stylish casino, panoramic disco, 4D cinema and a 1,200-seater theatre with original theatre productions as well as live entertainment throughout the ship. And of course, the ship offers award-winning family facilities and activities with dedicated kids’ areas and clubs for all ages.

MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve welcomes first Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

October 1, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve welcomes first Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve welcomes first Loggerhead Turtle Hatchlings

Since August, MSC Cruises has been pleased to see hundreds of tiny Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings making their way to sea from numerous nests that have appeared on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Company’s private island. These historic sightings are a culmination of MSC Cruises’ successful project to return the island and its surrounding waters to its former status as a thriving environment for indigenous flora and fauna. Over six nests have been identified so far and are being monitored on the island.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas, is founded on a strong commitment to the conservation of marine life with 64 square miles of protected waters around the island. From its conception, the goal for Ocean Cay was to return the former industrial sand excavation site to its pristine beauty and to attract local species of fauna and flora both on land and in the ocean. Since it opened in late 2019, the island has progressively transformed into a lush tropical paradise with a rich marine ecosystem and proof of the progress of the conservation programme can be seen with the fact that Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been observed making their way to sea from nests on the island.

  • More than six nests and hundreds of sea turtle hatchlings have been identified on MSC Cruises’ marine reserve private island
  • While the successful coral restoration programme has transformed the waters around the former industrial site back into a rich marine ecosystem

Singapore to welcome Spectrum of the Seas

October 1, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Singapore to welcome Spectrum of the Seas

Singapore to welcome Spectrum of the Seas

Holidaymakers will have much to celebrate when Royal Caribbean International brings Asia’s largest and most innovative ship to Singapore – Spectrum of the Seas – for the long-awaited comeback of cruising. Travellers can look forward to spectacular 3- to 9-night sailings that will visit Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, starting October 21, 2022. Sailings are now open for bookings.

Guests onboard Spectrum will savour an exotic array of Asian-inspired cuisine consisting of Teppanyaki and Hot Pot-style dining, as well as an entertainment extravaganza touching on the cultures, colours, music, and dance styles of China, Persia, and India. Spectrum offers the perfect combination of high-tech experiences, providing adventure-loving guests a wealth of onboard experiences:

  • Asia’s first Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure where guests strap in and don a headset to transport themselves to another time and planet.
  • Royal Caribbean’s first and exclusive Suite Enclave, which features the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations in a private area, supremely positioned at the forward end of the ship. Guests booked in these luxury suites have exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants, and a dedicated lounge area.
  • Cutting-edge and transformative venues such as Two70. Boasting stunning 270-degree ocean views by day and transforming into a multidimensional theater by night, this transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, breath taking live performers and mind-bending aerialists to create unimaginable visuals. Meanwhile, SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, featuring bumper cars, roller skating, laser tag, fencing, archery, and more.
  • Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends can belt out and sing like stars.
  • Spectrum boasts an array of spacious and family friendly staterooms, from exterior balcony staterooms to family friendly interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multi-room retreat complete with its own ensuite slide and cinema, which also doubles as a karaoke stage.
  • A bold lineup of signature activities, including the FlowRider surf simulator; the North Star, an all-glass capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean, delivering incomparable 360-degree views; and RipCord by iFly, the first sky diving experience at sea.
  • Nineteen distinct dining options serving up flavours from around the world, including Hot Pot, featuring an authentic Chinese dining experience, Teppanyaki, a celebration of authentic oriental flavours cooked in Japan’s traditional teppanyaki style, and Sichuan Red, a new specialty dining experience tailored just for Spectrum, where diners can savour a bold tapestry of authentic spices and Sichuan flavours. Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, top-notch, aged beef at Chops Grille, and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie’s Italian.

Carnival announces new local seasonal ales to Carnival Splendor

October 1, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Carnival announces new local seasonal ales to Carnival Splendor

It’s Smooth Sailing with Carnival Cruise Line and the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel

Saying cheers to Aussie guests, Carnival Cruise Line today announced the introduction of new seasonal ales crafted by Sydney’s own Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel.

Bringing together flavours and ingredients from around the world, a rotating selection of Lord Nelson ales will be available to quench the thirst of Aussies sailing from Sydney onboard Carnival Splendor.

Among the selection includes Smooth Sailing session ale, Old Admiral Dark Ale and Hape single hop pale ale.

Brewed with pilsner malt and American hop varieties, Smooth Sailing session ale is a clean finishing beer, best enjoyed when you’re lying by the pool. Featuring fruit aromatics and a mild bitterness, this easy-drinking ale is the perfect companion to a Guy’s burger (with beetroot, of course).

Created with Motueka hops from our Kiwi neighbours, Hape single hop pale ale is a malty and refreshing thirst quencher with a fruity citrus aroma. Paired perfectly with a lobster BLT from Seafood Shack, it’s a “sweet as” brew.

For those craving a full-bodied beer, Old Admiral dark ale is an Aussie take on a British and German malt-driven ale. Best served at room temperature with a juicy steak cooked by Fahrenheit 555, Old Admiral is the ideal introduction for those just beginning their dark beer journey.

Carnival Cruise Line first partnered with the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in The Rocks to create an exclusive beer for Australian cruisers – ThirstyFrog Summer Ale – the fan-favourite beverage onboard Australian ships that’s been sampled from Honolulu to Hobart, Alaska to Adelaide and Singapore to Sydney since 2014.

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

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.

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