Holland America Line has launched its 150th Anniversary Limited-Edition Pilsner Beer in Commemorative Can:

• Holland America Line Launches 150th Holland America Line is saying cheers to its 150th Anniversary by introducing a limited-edition Pilsner beer – HAL Pils – made in partnership with Pike Brewing that will be served on board across the fleet. Holland America Line chose the Seattle-based brewing company to honour the location of its U.S. headquarters and position as Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line. Anniversary Limited-Edition Pilsner Beer in Commemorative Can.
• The commemorative can is adorned with the iconic Jan van Beers poster of 1898 showing a woman in a nautical-blue dress and striped, white hat that mirrors the funnels of the Holland America Line steamship she’s holding above her head. Holland America Line gave the label a twist with the company’s modern logo and updated colour scheme.

Service Dog Sails into Elite Status; More than 700 Cruise Days with Holland America Line

• Ceremony held in New York to present Joska the Service Dog with award that recognizes premium line’s most frequent cruisers. Holland America Line’s favourite four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, making her eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days.
• Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever, is the ultimate globetrotter and spends most of her days cruising on Holland America Line with her owners, Cornelia “Connie” and Cornelis Marinussen, who previously received their Platinum Medallions.
• A special ceremony for Joska was held on board Rotterdam Oct. 26 to mark the milestone. Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha and Rotterdam’s Captain Werner Timmers presented Joska with her Platinum Medallion, 5-Star Mariner status (highest level) in the cruise line’s loyalty program and a selection of dog-friendly, Holland America Line-branded gifts.

Coral Princess Arrives in Fremantle, visit hindered by COVID hysteria:

• The first cruise ship to return to Fremantle has arrived today, with Coral Princess returning to Freo early this morning. Unfortunately, a small percentage of passengers aboard have got COVID, which is to be expected from time-to-time aboard cruise ships as the world opens up. This has led to some media hysteria in WA, despite there being over 4,000 daily cases recorded on land.
• In response, Princess Cruises said: We continue to monitor closely a small number of guests who tested positive to COVID-19 and who are isolating and are being cared for in their stateroom by our medical and support staff.  All cases on board have been asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic. As of today, case numbers remain relatively steady with a vast number of our 2000 guests continue to enjoy facilities onboard. Guests will be able to disembark after undertaking Rapid Antigen Tests to enjoy an extended call at this popular destination.
• The ship’s WA visit has not been easy, with a call in Geraldton being cancelled due to bad weather, while the ship will overnight in Freo tonight due to a cold front approaching the coast.

Virgin Voyages welcomes Valiant Lady to Miami:

• Virgin is excited to welcome their second lady ship, Valiant Lady, to Miami! This Sunday, October 30th, marks another major milestone for the brand as Port of Miami and Terminal 5 celebrate the arrival of Valiant Lady for the first time.
• The ship will spend its winter season in Miami, the cruise capital of the world offering six- and eight-night itineraries to new ports including Roatán, San Juan and St. Croix. 
• Sir Richard Branson will join Sailors aboard that afternoon as she departs Terminal 5 on her ‘MerMaiden voyage’, a sailing full of surprises and unique activities like Halloween celebrations and attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most mermaids in one place at our Beach Club at Bimini.

MSC Euribia commences Maiden Season Ticket Sales:

• MSC Cruises second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, plays a key role in the journey towards climate change mitigation with the new powerplant reducing CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels while also virtually eliminating other air emissions.
• MSC Euribia’s inaugural season commences 10 June 2023 and MSC Cruises wants you to join the celebration with 50% off the cruise fare for the second passenger!
• MSC Euribia will offer incredible seven-night itineraries sailing to the Norwegian Fjords with weekly departures from Kiel, Germany with calls including Copenhagen, Denmark; Hellesylt, Norway for the Geirangerfjord; as well as Alesund and Flaam, also in Norway, among others.
• Or experience a European adventure. Departing Hamburg, Germany on 15 October 2023, over 9-nights guests will sail to Rotterdam for Amsterdam, Le Havre for Paris, Southampton and Falmouth, UK, where guests can visit Pendennis Castle, the 16^th-century fortress built by Henry VIII.  The next stop is St Peter Port on the island of Guernsey before arriving back in Hamburg, Germany. 

Booking launch for the AIDA World Cruise 2024/2025 with AIDA

• It’s “Sail Away” in the Port of Hamburg for AIDAmar, which is going on a 117-day round-the-world journey for the first time. With AIDAmar, AIDA Cruises sends a larger ship of the Sphinx class on a world cruise for the first time. On board the ship, the anticipation for the XXL adventure is huge among guests and crew. “For many, the world trip is a long-awaited life-long dream. As captain of this special journey, I am delighted to be able to contribute to the fulfillment of this wish together with my crew. Unforgettable moments await our guests both ashore and on board,” says Felix Rothe, Captain of AIDAmar. Around 8:00 p.m., the time will come: the ship sets course for the world from the Cruise Centre Altona and does not return to the Hanseatic city until February 20, 2023.
• Highlights include:
  • Lyttleton/Christchurch: Spectacular, expansive natural landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene and, with the romantic Avon River, a river that runs through the centre.
  • Napier: This new AIDA port is famous above all for its classicist architecture from the 1930s. The New Zealand Art deco city is also home to many Maori motives and patterns.
  • Tauranga: All of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies were filmed in various locations in New Zealand. Guests can still admire the Shire with the hamlet of Hobbingen not far from the city centre – in the seemingly endless greenery around Matamat.
  • Melbourne: Guests can celebrate their New Year’s Eve in the Australian metropolis! Along the Yarra River, in the Birrarung Marr parks, at Federation Square or on the deck of AIDAsol – you have a perfect view of the fireworks and drone show from everywhere.
  • Uturoa: This little place on the island of Raiatea is the pure South Seas experience! Paradise comes true with lush green hills, crystal clear turquoise sea and palm-fringed beaches.

Carnival Conquest shows off first Pickleball Court:

• Pickleball is one of America’s fastest-growing sports, and now it has a special place on board Carnival Conquest, which has debuted the first dedicated pickleball court in the Carnival fleet.
• Carnival Conquest’s team members were the first to test out the new pickleball court that was added during its recent dry dock. The new court is located on the ship’s top deck, so picklers can enjoy the fun of their favourite game and take in beautiful ocean views all at once. Pickleball is a two- or four-person sport where players hit a perforated hollow ball over a net using solid-faced paddles, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
• The game has existed for decades, but it has seen surging popularity across the U.S. recently and growing interest internationally as well. While Carnival Conquest has become the first Carnival ship to feature a permanent pickleball court, the game can be played on board several other ships across the Carnival fleet as well – with equipment recently added to most ships featuring basketball courts, where the game can be played. Pickleball joins several other popular activities as part of Carnival Sport Square, which includes facilities for games such as mini golf, volleyball and basketball. 
• Carnival Conquest’s pickleball court is one of several recent ship enhancements, which also includes the addition of Carnival’s new signature livery which features a stunning red, white, and blue hull design. Carnival Conquest sails from Port Miami year-round and offers a range of itineraries to The Bahamas as well as other Caribbean destinations.

Costa Cruises to arrive in Taranto in 2023: 

• In summer 2023, Taranto will become a new port of call for Costa Cruises. From June 3 until October 7, Costa Pacifica, one of the Italian-flagged ships of the Costa fleet, will be in Taranto every week as part of an itinerary to discover the Greek islands.
• The announcement was made today during a press conference organised at the Palazzo di Città in Taranto, attended by Rinaldo Melucci, Mayor of Taranto, Sergio Prete, President of the Ionian Sea Port System Authority and Extraordinary Commissioner of the Port of Taranto, Gianfranco Lopane, Councillor for Tourism of the Apulia Region, Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of Italian Cruise Ports of Global Ports Holding, and Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.
• 19 calls are scheduled for Costa Pacifica in Taranto, on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to Taranto, the ship will also visit Catania, Valletta (Malta), Mykonos (Greece), and Santorini (Greece), allowing guests to enjoy the best of the Greek islands, two wonderful destinations in Puglia and Sicily, two of Italy’s most popular regions for international tourism, as well as the island of Malta, all in a single holiday.
• In this itinerary, Taranto will be both port of embarkation and disembarkation, which can also be reached with the “fly cruise” package, and port of transit for guests embarking in other ports, particularly Catania.

Sun Princess European Season:

• Sun Princess debuts in February 2024, and guests will set sail on a memorable 10-day Grand Mediterranean inaugural voyage with departure options from Barcelona, Rome, and Athens. The first inaugural cruise of the 175,500-ton vessel, boasting expansive venues, contemporary entertainment, multi-story dining rooms and next-level accommodations starts on February 8.  Additional Mediterranean voyages will go on sale Nov. 9, 2022, for voyages through September 2024.
• Highlights of the March through September 2024 inaugural cruise season of Sun Princess, include:
  • 10-day Grand Mediterranean inaugural cruise between Barcelona and Rome departing March 9, featuring Mallorca, Sicily, Athens, Kusadasi, Santorini and Naples.
  • Seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Turkey between Rome and Athens, seven-day Mediterranean with Greece & Italy between Athens and Barcelona and seven-day Mediterranean with France & Italy between Barcelona and Rome, with over 20 departures to choose from between April and September 2024.
  • European Explorer voyages sailing between the Mediterranean and London (Southampton) from nine to 23 days. Nine-day Grand Mediterranean voyage sailing roundtrip from Rome.
  • 10-day Grand Mediterranean voyages sailing roundtrip from Rome, or between Barcelona and Rome.
  • 10-day Grand Western Mediterranean voyages roundtrip from Rome. 16-day Iberian Passage voyage sailing the Atlantic Ocean between London (Southampton) and Fort Lauderdale.
• Princess guests wishing to expand their time on land can also choose from three unique cruise-tours:
  • Best of Greece: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Meteora, Delphi, and the Acropolis of Athens and its Parthenon. Offered with the seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Italy, 14-day Mediterranean with Greece, France and Italy, or the 21-day Best of the Mediterranean cruises from Athens.
  • Classic Italy: Visit Venice, Florence and Rome’s greatest sights: Venice’s St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, Rome’s Coliseum and Vatican museums, the Duomo and Michelangelo’s sculpture of David in Florence. All sights are offered with the seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Turkey, 14-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles, Italy & Turkey, or the 21-day Best of Mediterranean cruises from Rome.
  • Highlights of Spain: Offered with the seven-day Mediterranean with France & Italy, 14-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles, France & Turkey or 21-day Best of Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. Visit Madrid, Valencia, Toledo and enjoy the sights and tastes of Spain.

PONANT unveils a new experience designed for Le Commandant Charcot guests

• As PONANT continues to lead innovation with meaningful guest experiences which align with its ‘Explore to Inspire’ philosophy, the leading luxury expedition brand has announced Polar Raid, a new opportunity set to be unveiled on board Le Commandant Charcot on select journeys in the Arctic in 2023 and 2024.
• This new exclusive experience aims to build closer connections between guests, nature and local communities. A voyage within a voyage, a unique and surreal human experience nourished by Inuit wisdom in the wonderful scenery offered by Greenland wild and powerful nature.
• Open to bookings as an option for a very limited number of guests on very select polar expeditions, the Polar Raid will create the opportunity to meet the Inuit communities established along Greenland’s Eastern coast. 

Silversea Cruises Reimagines Signature Culinary Experiences for Silver Endeavour, The World’s Most Luxurious Expedition Ship

• Silversea has revealed details on the array of dining experiences aboard its newest ship Silver Endeavour℠, the world’s most luxurious expedition vessel—set to welcome guests in Antarctica from November 21, 2022. Silver Endeavour will feature four signature restaurants, as well as the cruise line’s Arts Café and 24-hour in-suite dining, offering discerning guests some of the finest dining experiences at sea and the luxury of choice—even when cruising in the world’s remotest regions, including Antarctica and the Arctic.
• Silver Endeavour is specifically designed to journey to some of the most remote areas of the world, welcoming guests in comfort and style. The ship features the highest space-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising, some of the industry’s most spacious all-balcony suites, and a range of elegant public spaces and restaurants. Serving the industry’s finest gourmet cuisine, as well as a broad-ranging selection of complimentary wines and premium bottles, Silver Endeavour’s restaurants will be among the most spacious and elegant venues in ultra-luxury expedition cruising. Providing the luxury of choice, she will offer her 200 guests almost 300 seats for dinner each night—plus the option of dining in the privacy of their suites. Silver Endeavour’s dining venues include:
• The Restaurant (4,144ft²/385m²) Set on deck 4, Silver Endeavour’s main dining venue welcomes up to 192 guests with a modern, spacious design for atmospheric meals in an elegant setting. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Restaurant offers a wide variety of international and regional menu options, with a selection that rotates daily.
• Il Terrazzino (1,044ft²/97m²) Featuring a brand-new aesthetic and intimate proportions on deck 4, Il Terrazzino—meaning ‘little terrace’, in homage to Silversea’s famed La Terrazza restaurant—marks a nod to the cruise line’s refined Italian heritage. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine from an a la carte menu, including some of the best pasta at sea, hosting up to 36 guests in an upscale and intimate setting each dinnertime.
• La Dame® (495ft²/46m²) Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame offers fine French cuisine in an intimate and refined setting on deck 4. Guests can enjoy an a la carte menu or opt for a six-course tasting menu with a wine pairing. Open for dinner only, La Dame will welcome up to 20 guests by reservation only for a nominal fee of USD 60 per person.
• The Grill (2,806ft²/261m²) Offering 270-degree views of the destination from the ship’s aft on deck 5, with a mezzanine on deck 6, The Grill is Silver Endeavour’s casual eatery. Located adjacent to The Pool Deck, The Grill features an a la carte menu of flavourful, international dishes, welcoming up to 80 guests for breakfast and lunch, and up to 48 guests for dinner.
• Arts Café (2250ft²/209m²) Debuting in Polar Regions for the first time, Silver Endeavour’s Arts Café is an upscale take on a classic coffee shop, located in the heart of the ship on deck 5. The beautifully appointed coffee shop, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows for exceptional views of the destination, will serve an extensive collection of specialty coffees and teas, as well as a delicious selection of fresh pastries and gourmet bites.

And finally, a little bit of news of our own, with Chris’ YouTube channel being ranked Australia’s #1 by tips for travellers:

• Leading UK cruise vlogger Gary Bembridge (Tips for Travellers) has released his review of the top 100 cruise vloggers on YouTube: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/what-are-the-top-100-cruise-vlogger-channels-right-now/
• We are delighted to see Chris’ channel “Chris Frame Official” is #40 globally but importantly #1 in Australia, which is very exciting.
• Thanks to you, for all your support over the last few years to help the channel grow from 1,000 subs in 2019 to 25k+ subs and 8.1 million views today!