Viking Opens up 2025 River Cruises for sale

• Due to overwhelming demand, Viking’s 2025 river voyages are now open for sale.  This response comes as Viking celebrated record-breaking sales in January and earning top honours in the Cruise Critic 2023 Cruisers’ Choice Awards across river, ocean and expedition categories.
• It is the first time Viking has three river seasons open for sale at once, providing guests with more choice when selecting their next unforgettable journey.
• Viking started the year with record-breaking sales in January and this demand has only continued throughout the following months. A large percentage of those bookings have come through its trusted travel agent network, with agents seeing exceptional volume of bookings.
• Viking is also offering guests additional savings of $200 per couple for new 2024/2025 river bookings made by 30 April 2023.
• River highlights include:
  • 15-day Grand European Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest or v.v.
  • 23-day European Sojourn from Amsterdam to Bucharest or v.v.
  • 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy from Paris to
  • 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold from Lisbon to Porto
  • 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids from Cairo to Cairo
  • 15-day Magnificent Mekong from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Swan Hellenic announces delivery of third state-of-the-art expedition ship: SH Diana

• On Tuesday the 4th of April: Swan Hellenic announced that it had taken delivery of SH Diana from the Helsinki Shipyard on Friday the 31st of March, and that its newest and largest ship is en-route in the Baltic and will pass the through the Kiel Canal tomorrow night.
• SH Diana is now sailing to Palermo for her inaugural cultural expedition cruise, the ten-night Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors, which will take her guests to explore some of the most fascinating locations in North Africa before crossing the “Pillars of Hercules” to Seville and Lisbon. Departing Lisbon on the 25th of April, the nine-night Historic Ports of the Western Seaboard will see her hugging the coasts of Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands to reach Amsterdam.
• Here on the 4th of May, a Christening Ceremony with US luxury travel industry icon Valerie Wilson as godmother will take place naming SH Diana in the traditional manner with a modern twist, sending her on her way in style to cruises of the Scandinavian fjords and a full Arctic season.

Coral Expeditions expands season in the Spice Islands

• Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, has today announced the launch of four new 18-night extended voyages to Raja Ampat and Spice Islands of West Papua in early 2025. The release coincides with the current expeditions in March and April on Coral Adventurer which are both sold out due to popular demand. These voyages are the first back to the region since 2020.
• The new expeditions are scheduled for the peak summer season from January to March in 2025 and will be hosted on Coral Geographer. Each trip will have fewer than 120 guests and be accompanied by expert guides in keeping with our true expedition ethos.
• New voyage dates:
  • Darwin to Sorong > 18 nights departing 24 January 2025
  • Sorong to Darwin > 18 nights departing 11 February 2025
  • Darwin to Sorong > 18 nights departing 2 March 2025
  • Sorong to Darwin > 18 nights departing 20 March 2025
• As is the case with most Coral Expeditions voyages in remote international regions, the company will charter a jet aircraft for guest transfers from Darwin to Sorong and return.
• Key highlights of the new itineraries include:
  • Three days in spectacular Raja Ampat, the famed archipelago of the “four Kings”
  • Swimming with the gentle and majestic giant whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay
  • Discovering Wayag’s ‘gumdrop’ islands and be rewarded by the view from Pindito Peak
  • Enjoying a welcome to Banda Neira by the traditional Kora Kora canoes
  • Exploring the ancient spice kingdoms fought over by English, Dutch, and Portuguese explorers
  • Learning the customs & cultures of West Papua and Indonesia, and experiencing local culture, including traditional dance, handicrafts and local cuisine

Queensland Children’s Hospital patients enjoy Dr. Seuss-themed day onboard Carnival Luminosa

• Bringing some Dr. Seuss-themed fun to the Sunshine State, Carnival Cruise Line, along with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, today hosted Queensland Children’s Hospital patients and families onboard Carnival Luminosa for a special Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.
• With The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, all were invited onboard the ship red and blue. Green Eggs were enjoyed, and the kids had a ball, but their mums and their dads had the best time of all. There was singing and dancing, by crew and by waiters, but the kids were by far the best fun creators.
• Carnival Cruise Line has been a proud supporter of the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland since 2019 and has hosted its recurring Conga for Kids event onboard Carnival Luminosa since the ship began sailing from Queensland in November 2022.
• Raising much-needed funds for the Foundation, Carnival Cruise Line VP, Kara Glamore also presented Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Lyndsey Rice with a giant cheque for $34,245. The money raised is the cumulative efforts of the brand’s ‘Conga for Kids’ events during Carnival’s first-ever Brisbane season. And with two events to go, this number is only expected to increase. This figure adds to a previous donation of $10,000 following the 2022 Nine Telethon in support of the foundation, bringing the total funds raised to just under 45 thousand dollars.

Deck’ the halls! Carnival Cruise Line announces ‘Grinchmas in July’ cruises

• Roll out the mince pies! Carnival Cruise Line announces it will offer five ‘Grinchmas in July’ themed sailings onboard Carnival Splendor to its existing roster of fun-filled cruises.
• As part of Carnival’s ongoing Dr. Seuss partnership, the Grinch-themed cruises will bring the very best of ‘Christmas in July’ traditions to sea, allowing Australian guests to experience the fun of a wintry ‘Christmas’. The new additions come as part of Carnival’s ‘Seuss at Sea’ offerings, including its Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, Seussapalooza and Seuss Storytime.
• Grinchmas in July will see Carnival Splendor transformed into a magical winter wonderland, its giant Christmas tree adorned with glittering lights and baubles galore; there’ll even be winter ‘snow’ on board. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the full holiday spirit by enjoying a delicious array of festive food and beverage offerings, including Christmas-themed beverages and specialty dining options, ensuring a very merry time. The festive fun comes on top of the full array of 45+ activities guests have come to know and love on a Carnival Cruise.
• The Grinch himself will join the festivities with special appearances and a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Dive-In Movies. The fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can party like a Who from Who-ville, to a ‘Jingle Bell Jam’ soundtrack, as well as Christmas carolling, festive games, trivia and arts and crafts. There’s even an ugly Christmas sweater night and festive outfit competition for the fashionistas of the family.
• Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings depart from Sydney starting from 30th June 2023. The full list of sailings include:
  • Friday 30th June: 9-night sailing to the South Pacific visiting three amazing ports including Noumea, Mystery Island and Lifou
  • Sunday 9th July: 4-night sailing including a trip to the picturesque Moreton Island, one of Australia’s best kept secrets
  • Thursday 13th July: 3-night Weekend Sampler where guests can soak in the very best of Sydney’s famous landmarks whilst getting a taste of the fun on board
  • Sunday 16th July: 12-night South Pacific tour with just under two weeks sailing around the stunning South Pacific. Enjoy the sunshine in Noumea, whilst stopping off at other stunning locations such as Mystery Island and Lifou
  • Friday 28th July: 3-night Weekend Sampler

Saga launches full range of 2024 ocean cruises

• Saga has officially launched its full range of 2024 ocean cruises with 48 all-inclusive itineraries now available.
• New for 2024, Saga has revamped its UK travel package and the included return chauffeur service has now been extended to 300 miles from the departure port (previously it was 250 miles). Those guests who live further afield and choose to join the cruise via a domestic flight to London or Southampton will also receive a chauffeur service from home to their local airport. They will then be picked up from their flight and driven to the ship, making the whole experience easy and stress-free.
• In addition to the complimentary chauffeur service, Saga’s boutique ocean cruises are all-inclusive with no hidden costs on-board either. Saga Cruises come with all dining and house drinks including a selection of cocktails, draft beers and lagers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks. New for 2023 and in response to guest feedback, a selection of premium label spirits are also available at no additional cost. Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness facilities, 24-hour room service, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment (from lectures to recitals to shows), porterage of luggage, shuttle buses to nearest town centres and travel insurance are also included.

Celebrity Cruises’ Next Edge-Series Ship Brings New Flex Fuel Engine To Industry

• When Celebrity Cruises introduces the fifth ship in the  revolutionary Edge Series, it will feature the collaborative efforts of its parent company Royal Caribbean Group, technology group Wärtsilä and shipyard Chantiers de L’Atlantique (CdA) to advance the use of alternative fuels for the cruise industry. The ship continues the innovation that debuted with the Edge Series but will also be equipped with a new engine model, along with storage and delivery systems, that will give unmatched fuel flexibility, with the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol.
• To allow for the ship’s fuel flexibility, Wärtsilä will deliver two converted 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 46F engines to allow them to utilize three fuel sources, including methanol. These changes not only advance carbon-free cruising, but by adding methanol as a fuel option, local emission like sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter are significantly reduced.

Formula 1 Races in Abu Dhabi + Monaco Can Be Accessed Via a Cruise Ship So Small & Nimble It Feels Like Your Own Private Yacht

• Small ship line Windstar Cruises has added a new Formula 1 experience for its guests, this time at the final race of the 2023 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. The racing excursion is in addition to Windstar’s long-standing themed F1® cruise to the Monaco Grand Prix, with this year’s Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco slated for May 21-28 aboard Windstar’s flagship: 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf.
• Offered by no other cruise line, the Windstar shore excursion to the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 is available as part of Windstar’s first-ever sailings in the Middle East on board the all-suite, 312-passenger Star Legend.
• During an overnight in Abu Dhabi amidst the inaugural 10-day Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf voyage departing Dubai on November 23, guests will have the option to experience the climactic race of the F1® season on November 25 and 26 with premium grandstand seats for the time trials and the race, transfers to and from Yas Marina Circuit, English-speaking coordinators, and onboard perks like an exclusive cocktail party. Guests will also be joined by F1® Sports Broadcaster Bob Varsha, who will provide insights and expert analysis of the race and drivers.
• Cruising to the Monaco Grand Prix has its origins in the 1990s as Windstar’s first themed cruise and one of the industry’s very first themed cruises (long before cat lovers, bikers, rockers, and other hobby groups made them so ubiquitous). Windstar’s passengers n the Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco itinerary, which consistently sells out far in advance, all receive race tickets, specifically Section K seats for the time trials and final. The entire cruise is hosted by a Formula 1® racing expert who provides behind-the-scenes insight, and there is also a themed cocktail reception and dinner on board, plus extras like high definition binoculars, comfy seat cushions, and ear protection.

P&O Cruises announces multi-million pound investment in Arcadia and Aurora

• P&O Cruises has today announced that it will be updating guest areas on its adults only ships, Arcadia and Aurora.
• The changes, which are due to be completed by May 2023, will include new balcony furniture, new chairs in cabins, as well as new furniture on the ship’s open deck areas. On Arcadia, the Neptune Pool will also see considerable investment with new lounge chairs, sofas, tables and armchairs. Arcadia’s wider refit will take place in November 2024 and Aurora’s is scheduled for April 2025.