Carnival Splendor Escorted Home to Sydney

• In one of Sydney Harbour’s epic maritime events, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor arrived home today escorted by sister brand ship P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure as the official summer cruise season gets underway for Carnival Australia’s eight brands, signalling growing cruise industry recovery.
• Carnival Splendor and Pacific Adventure met off the coast sailing together before separating to enter the harbour in majestic single file and momentarily pausing adjacent to Fort Denison, and the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge providing a stunning backdrop.
• This spectacular Fort Denison ‘moment’ signified the fact that Carnival Splendor and Pacific Adventure are now both home-ported in Sydney to resume cruising on itineraries in Australia and to the South Pacific.
• Carnival Splendor’s return also fulfilled a promise made by the crew of Carnival Spirit the night before their ship left Sydney in March 2020 as the two-year cruising pause began. They used cabin lights along the length of the ship to spell out the message: ‘WE WILL BE BACK’.
• Today’s maritime pageantry also served to highlight the rapid recovery of cruising in Australia.
• Eighteen ships from Carnival Australia’s eight brands are set for a peak summer cruise season in 2022-23 making 667 turnarounds and port calls to 33 destinations across the country.
• The number of ship turnarounds and calls eclipses the 625 that were announced prior to the 2019-20 season, which was curtailed due to the onset of the covid pandemic.
• Carnival Australia’s three cruise brands that base ships year round in Australia — P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line — are well advanced in their restoration of local operations.
• In addition, Cunard will base Queen Elizabeth in Australia for its longest ever local season of cruises, while two Holland America Line ships and a Seabourn ship will also spend significant periods in Australian waters.
• Destinations in all Australian states will benefit from cruise calls and turnarounds including:
  • NSW — Sydney, Eden and Newcastle.
  • QLD — Brisbane, Moreton Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns.
  • VIC — Melbourne and Phillip Island
  • SA — Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
  • WA — Fremantle, Albany, Broome and the Kimberley region.
  • TAS — Hobart, Burnie and Port Arthur.

Godmother named for Carnival Celebration

• Carnival Cruise Line today announced that actress Cassidy Gifford will serve as godmother to its newest ship, Carnival Celebration, at the ship’s naming ceremony taking place November 20, 2022, in Miami.
• Actress Cassidy Gifford will serve as godmother to its newest ship, Carnival Celebration. She was surprised with the news by her mother Kathie Lee Gifford, who was Godmother to Carnival Celebration’s namesake, M/S Celebration. 
• In a video released today, she was surprised with the news by her mother Kathie Lee Gifford, who was Godmother to Carnival Celebration’s namesake, M/S Celebration, christened in 1987. Her mother served as Carnival’s spokesperson in the company’s groundbreaking television campaigns going back to the 1980s, which were the first such network broadcasting advertisements for the cruise industry. Kathie Lee is also a four-time Emmy Award-winning television personality.
• Cassidy first started sailing on Carnival as an infant and has many childhood memories of vacationing on Carnival ships with her mother and her father, the late Frank Gifford, who was an NFL and sports broadcasting legend.
• “I was Carnival’s spokesperson for nearly 20 years starting in 1984, a time when I got married and had my children. They joined me on many television shoots on Carnival ships, so we have so many great memories,” said Kathie Lee Gifford. “To be able to pass the torch to my daughter Cassidy as she is named Godmother of the new Carnival Celebration makes me so happy, I almost cried!”
• Cassidy has been acting from a young age and is best known for her work in the box office hits God’s Not Dead and Warner Brothers’ The Gallows. She has appeared in many other television and film roles, even winning the prize for Exceptional Emerging Artist at the 2018 Hollywood Film Festival. She currently lives with her husband in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Celebrating all things Carnival, Carnival Celebration will be the line’s ultimate 50th Birthday gift when she debuts this November from the redesigned Terminal F at PortMiami. Carnival Celebration will be home to six themed zones and the line’s second BOLT roller coaster.

Cunard announces The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel UK touring production on Queen Mary 2

• Cunard, in conjunction with Simon Friend Entertainment, announces the performance of Deborah Moggach’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel aboard flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 between 15 and 22 December 2022 (Voyage M240).
• Based on the bestselling novel that was turned into an award-winning film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous, feel-good comedy about taking risks, finding love, and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places. Headlining the show are celebrated stars of stage and screen, Hayley Mills (Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, Whistle Down the Wind) who stars as Evelyn, Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, BBC 1’s Just Good Friends, EastEnders) who plays Douglas and Rula Lenska (ITV’s Rock Follies, Coronation Street, Channel 4’s Celebrity Big Brother) who performs as Madge in this feel-good tale of love and adventure.
• The show, which is currently in production at London’s Richmond Theatre, will conduct three matinee and evening performances in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre during the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scenes Q&A, as well as workshops and other appearances with the star-studded cast.

MSC Seascape showcases new productions and immersive experiences.

• MSC Cruises has revealed details of the new entertainment offerings on board MSC Seascape, including six fantastical new productions specially designed for the Chora Theatre. When MSC Seascape begins sailing in November this year, the innovative new Seaside Class flagship will provide endless hours of exclusive onboard entertainment featuring next-level production and interactive elements.
• The exciting new ship ship features the popular Dueling Pianos concept featured on MSC Seashore, which launched in 2021, as well as an entirely new theatre offering unique to MSC Seascape, including:
• SIX NEW PRODUCTIONS AT THE CHORA THEATRE
  • The stunning Chora Theatre will be home to high-concept productions, with an exciting programme of varied shows offered every evening of the cruise, including six brand-new shows that will delight all guests.
  • IMAGINOCEAN – Guests will be awe-struck by this ocean-themed production complete with aerial and flying acts, aquatic animal puppetry, vocalists, and dancers outfitted in beautiful couture costumes inspired by the sea.
  • DREAMSCAPE – This otherworldly show will transport guests from real life to fantasy with circus performers, dancers and singers, along with interactive videos that will allow the audience to truly immerse themselves in an imaginary world.
  • IN CONCERT – A cast of outstanding vocalists and dancers will perform the rock classics that guests know and love, with flashing lights and concert-style scenery that will make the audience rock out to their favourite hits.
  • PREMIERE – Taking guests through cinematic history, singers and dancers will perform a celebration of movie genres showcasing the songs from unforgettable films with costumes and backdrops to match.
  • SHALL WE DANCE – This enthralling dance performance will highlight a variety of dance styles from Latin, to ballroom, to contemporary, with technical artistry that will wow guests and leave them signing up for the next dance class on board.
  • LOVE BLOOMS – Featuring larger-than-life costumes and a blooming garden that comes to life, this show brings nature on board with vocalists, dancers, and circus artists.
• BRAND NEW CONCEPT AT LE CABARET ROUGE
  • Inspired by French cabaret lounges of the 1920s, the Le Cabaret Rouge aft lounge will provide an elevated atmosphere for guests to enjoy unforgettable nights they will be talking about for the entirety of their sailing. Guests will be invited to step into the hottest new entertainment spot at sea, where they’ll discover an exhilarating environment. With live performances, a band, singers, dancers, aerialists, contortionists, and many more specialty acts Le Cabaret Rouge brings the Roaring 20’s back to life.

MSC Voyager Club Cards Extended until Dec 2023

• MSC Cruises is excited to advise they are extending Voyagers Club card benefits until 31 December, 2023 for cards expiring between October 2022 and April 2023.
• Voyagers Club members will have the unique opportunity to keep their current membership level and continue to receive all benefits. This is a great moment to book your next cruise and choose the destination you’ve been dreaming about.
• Book any cruise sailing between 1 November, 2022 and 28 February, 2023 before 30 November, 2022 and Voyagers Club members will receive 700 extra points credited before their departure. This is on top of the 5% membership discount to assist guests in upgrading their membership level faster. 

Silversea Reveals Enriching Line-Up of Experts for the Inaugural Sailing of Silver Endeavour

• Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has named its line-up of experts for the inaugural voyage of new ship Silver Endeavour℠, the world’s most luxurious expedition ship. Departing round-trip from King George Island on November 21, 2022, Silver Endeavour will host qualified historians, marine biologists, anthropologists, naturalists, filmmakers, and more on her maiden voyage, enriching guests’ experiences with informative lectures, workshops, and excursions as they journey deep into the White Continent. In celebration of the milestone occasion, Conrad Combrink—Silversea’s SVP Expedition, Destination and Itinerary Management—will accompany travellers on the seven-day fly-cruise sailing.
• THE WHITE CONTINENT VIA ANTARCTICA BRIDGE
• For the inaugural voyage of Silver Endeavour, Silversea’s guests will fly directly to Antarctica in European business-class comfort through Antarctica Bridge, the cruise line’s fly-cruise offering, embarking the ship on King George Island on November 21, 2022. Some of the destinations that guests might experience include the Antarctic Sound, where travellers may be greeted by towering ice formations as they approach the northernmost point of the Antarctic Peninsula. They will have the opportunity to explore the landscape, with hiking excursions, Zodiac tours, and kayaking, hosted by the expedition team. Days will be spent exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with sightings of vast penguin colonies and other wildlife species, including whales, various other bird species, and seals. Following in the footsteps of famous explorers, Silversea plans to call in the South Shetland Islands, before returning to King George Island where guests will board a flight back to Punta Arenas.
• AN INDUSTRY-LEADING TEAM
• Captain Niklas Peterstam, who has served aboard Silver Endeavour since September 2021, will welcome guests as the ship’s Master for her inaugural season—together with his Senior Officers and an experienced crew. Strengthening Silversea’s destination leadership, the cruise line’s industry-leading expedition team will enrich the voyage with topical workshops, lectures, and guided tours. Led by Expedition Leader Marieke Egan, the team will embark the ship ahead of her maiden sailing and will remain on board for the duration of her inaugural Antarctica season. As well as benefiting from the presence of Silversea executive Conrad Combrink, guests travelling aboard Silver Endeavour’s inaugural sailing will also enjoy lectures on Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endeavour from Nicholas Crane, the former President of the Royal Geographical Society.

Viking takes delivery of second expedition ship

• Viking announced it has taken delivery of the Viking Polaris, the company’s second purpose-built expedition ship. The delivery ceremony took place this morning at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway, where Viking’s first expedition ship, the Viking Octantis, was delivered in December 2021. The Viking Polaris immediately set sail toward Amsterdam, where she will be named on September 30 by her ceremonial godmother, Ann Bancroft, one of the world’s preeminent polar explorers. Currently sailing in the Great Lakes, the Viking Octantis will also be named on September 30 by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the world-renowned Norwegian explorer, lecturer, author and educator. From Amsterdam, the Viking Polaris will make her way to South America, and both ships will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before travelling north to the Great Lakes for a series of voyages during spring and summer.
• Viking Expedition Ships
• The new Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are purpose-built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include:
• The Aula: A stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.
• Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating and lava rock “firepits,” the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for their North and South Pole expeditions.
• The Hangar: A state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while sheltered from the elements.
• The Bow: An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.
• The Science Lab: Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate in undertaking meaningful research with scientists.
• Expedition Central: The hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis, with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.
• Dining Choices: The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.
• The Nordic Spa: Following a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open to the outside.
• Explorers’ Lounge: Located high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers’ Lounge provides guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travellers or to enjoy a drink.
• The Living Room: On the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, The Living Room is located to maximize views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that informs even the best-read explorers. The Library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as on all Viking vessels, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
• Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.

A-ROSA River Cruises gets smart with new smartphone app

• A-ROSA River Cruises has launched the ‘A-ROSA APP’, a new smartphone app which has been designed to provide guests with one, easy to use place to find a wealth of information on their cruise, both prior to departure and once on board. Currently the app is available for all guests sailing on A-ROSA SENA, ahead of a fleet wide roll out for the 2023 season.
• The new app will hold all the relevant information from the ship’s onboard programme such as restaurant and bar opening times, details of the evening buffet menu which is updated daily and times that the spa and sauna is open. Guests can book excursions in the ‘My Trip’ section, view the cruise itinerary and find other facts about the ship and life on board.
• An integrated bar menu is also a feature of the new app, enabling drinks to be ordered digitally. All tables in the SENA BAR, CAPTAIN’S VIEW and THE A-ROSA MARKET have QR codes that guests can scan using their own smartphone. This will then open up the extensive bar menu in the app, from which drinks can be ordered and brought directly to guests table.
• The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play and is available for both iOS and Android users.
• This important development also plays a key role in the river cruise line’s ongoing sustainability journey.