Holland America Line Introduces New ‘National Geographic Day Tours’

• Expanding its reputation for immersive travel experiences, Holland America Line has started operating “National Geographic Day Tours” that allow guests to connect more deeply, and in a more sustainable way, with destinations in the Mediterranean. The exclusive shore excursions were developed with National Geographic, a world leader in geography, cartography and exploration.
• Beginning this summer, guests sailing on Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam can participate in National Geographic Day Tours that allow them to discover powerful female figures in Kusadasi, Turkey; experience a day in the life of a marine biologist in Naples, Italy; learn about organic honeybee farms in Rhodes, Greece; and meet local families in Santorini, Greece. Each tour is led by a National Geographic trained guide.
• Guests on select sailings in the Mediterranean can now book National Geographic tours online or through a travel advisor.
• National Geographic Tours
  • “A Day  in the Life of a Marine Biologist” in Naples, Italy – Visit the oldest aquarium in Europe along with the Darwin Dohrn Museum (DoDaM), the world’s first marine biodiversity research laboratory, where more than 20 Nobel Laureates studied and work on marine biology conservation projects in Naples, and learn about preserving marine turtles and the grey sharks of Lampione Island.
  •  “Meet the Locals in Santorini” in Santorini, Greece – Spend a day in the homes of two Santorini families and hear their stories of life on the island while tasting regional wine, cheese, vegetables and more. See the iconic, blue-domed church Panagia Kalamiotissa and visit Santo Winery to taste and pair Santorini’s unique wine while enjoying panoramic views of the caldera.
  •  “Influential Women in Turkey: From Past to Present” in Kusadasi, Turkey – Explore powerful female figures who have influenced the local Turkish society through the ages, from ancient civilizations to modern times with visits to the Temple Artemis and House of the Virgin Mary on the hill above Ephesus. Finish the tour with a culinary journey guided by a local chef during an exclusive pairing menu at Yedi Bilgeler, a winery that has cultivated 2000-year-old vines.
  • “The Fascinating World of Bees” in Rhodes, Greece – Discover why honeybees are among the most important living organisms on the planet. Uncover eye-opening ecological facts, sample local honey varieties, and try your hand at honey extraction at the Bee Museum of Rhodes.
• The new National Geographic Day Tours are available on seven-day to 14-day itineraries departing from Trieste (Venice), Italy; Piraeus (Athens), Greece and Barcelona, Spain with stops in Rhodes, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Santorini and Naples.

Oceania to offer “simply More”

• Simply MORE™ will provide guests with greater choice and more convenience than ever before. This includes FREE Shore Excursions valued up to US$1,600* and more celebratory moments on board with our FREE House Select beverage package valued up to US$2,800*, which includes a wide selection of vintage Champagnes, wines and beers in addition to always included specialty coffees, soft drinks and Vero Water®. With this offer, guests will also benefit from FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities, FREE Specialty Dining, and FREE Internet. We are excited to see this wonderful new offer turn your guests greatest travel wishes into their next best adventure.
• Simply MORE™ launches on 2nd July, 2023 for new bookings.

Opening of Denmark’s first shore power facility with AIDAmar in Aarhus

• Premiere in Denmark: Together with the Port of Aarhus, AIDA Cruises celebrated the opening of the first shore power facility for cruise ships on June 20, 2023. AIDAmar was successfully supplied with energy from shore in regular operation. Prior to this, AIDA Cruises already supported its Danish partner in the preparations for the commissioning of the newly built plant. In April this year, AIDAsol was the first cruise ship to successfully complete shore-side and shipboard integration tests.
• “We were the first cruise line to start using shore power in Europe! We show that we stand by our word, which we gave to our Cruise Baltic partners in 2022, and are pleased that our ships can now also use shore power in a Danish port. With our investments in this clean technology, we are actively supporting the European Union’s goals to build a shore power infrastructure in all major EU ports by 2030,” says AIDA President Felix Eichhorn.
• AIDA Cruises has been considering the use of shore power in the planning and construction of its ships since 2004. On the shore side, another ten years passed before the company could start regular operations with a cruise ship at Europe’s first shore power facility in Hamburg Altona in 2017. Since 2021, AIDA ships have also been able to use shore power from renewable energies in Kiel and Rostock-Warnemünde. Thanks to the opening of further facilities in its European cruise destinations, the company extended the use of shore power to ports in Norway and the UK in 2022.

Paul Gauguin Cruises launches program for 2025

• A unique opportunity awaits to explore the paradise islands and sunny shores of French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific as Paul Gauguin Cruises launches program for 2025. Crafted by the company’s destination experts, the 26 voyages span six distinct itineraries, offering unforgettable experiences ranging from 7 to 14 nights.
• Designed to sail through shallow lagoons, m/s Paul Gauguin is a ship that combines elegance and true Polynesian hospitality, with 165 staterooms and suites allowing guests to discover the traditional way of life and customs of Polynesia and the South Pacific.
• New for 2025, guests can book a 10-night Tuamotus & Society Islands itinerary featuring the line’s first-ever overnight stay in Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago – a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve renowned for its marine habitat. The voyage also includes nights in Bora Bora, Papeete and the Society Islands, with visits to Rangiroa, Tuamotu Archipelago; Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea; and Motu Mahana (Taha’a).
• Highlights of the 2025 deployment include further exploration of Bora Bora – an enduring favourite on most itineraries.
• Beyond the deep exploration of the Society Islands, the itineraries navigate the Cook Islands, the Marquesas and Tuamotus, with the opportunity to include a rare visit to the Kingdom of Tonga and blissful isles of Fiji.

Princess Cruises Unveils New Princess Perfect Weddings at Sea

• Twenty-five years after hosting the first modern wedding at sea, Princess Cruises today unveiled an exciting new line-up of wedding packages and announced TV host and bridal designer Randy Fenoli as Brand Ambassador for Love and Romance, a role which includes hosting a bridal fashion themed cruise in December 2023 and developing a signature wedding package exclusive to The Love Boat.
• New Princess Perfect Weddings create unforgettable moments by offering packages tailored for couples seeking unique and romantic ways to say “I do,” including grand ceremonies in The Love Boat’s picturesque piazza as well as outside deck areas that offer breathtaking venues with stunning ocean views, providing a perfect backdrop for a romantic ceremony, at a price significantly lower compared to land-based venues.
• Princess Perfect Weddings packages include*:
  • Perfect Pair Wedding (includes the couple and up to 2 guests)
    • Symbolic Wedding $2,995 / Legal Wedding, includes marriage license $3,495
    • Package Highlights:
      • Indoor or outdoor ceremony by the ship’s captain
      • Fresh florals, wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
      • Dedicated photographer service and memorable prints
      • Romantic breakfast for the couple
      • Stateroom gifts and goodies
      • Pre-cruise and onboard wedding coordinator
      • Keepsake certificate
  • Timeless Ceremony at Sea (includes the couple and up to 8 guests)
    • Symbolic Wedding $3,995 / Legal Wedding, includes marriage license $4,495
    • Package Highlights:
      • Indoor or outdoor ceremony by the ship’s captain
      • Fresh florals, wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
      • Solo live musician during the ceremony
      • Dedicated photographer service
      • Memorable prints and digital high-res photos
      • Romantic breakfast for the couple
      • Stateroom gifts and goodies
      • Pre-cruise and onboard wedding coordinator
      • Keepsake certificate
      •  
  • Timeless Wedding at Sea, (includes the couple and up to 18 guests)
    • Symbolic Wedding $5,995 / Legal Wedding, includes marriage license $6,495
    • Package Highlights:
      • Indoor or outdoor ceremony by the ship’s captain
      • Fresh florals for the couple and the wedding party
      • Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
      • Bridal hair styling & makeup
      • Solo live musician during the ceremony and reception
      • Dedicated venue to celebrate after ceremony
      • Signature welcome cocktails curated by the couple
      • Dedicated photographer service
      • Memorable prints and all digital high-res photos
      • Romantic breakfast for the couple
      • Premium dining experience for the couple
      • Stateroom gifts and goodies
      • Pre-cruise and onboard wedding coordinator
      • Keepsake certificate
• The Love Boat line has also added packages for Princess Proposals at Sea and Vow Renewal Celebrations that include a dedicated event specialist who works closely with couples pre-cruise and on board to tailor their special event.
  • Renew the Love – Vow Renewal $1,595
    • Package highlights:
      • Short, sweet indoor or outdoor ceremony by the ship’s captain
      • Fresh florals, celebration cake and sparkling wine toast for the couple
      • Dedicated photographer and memorable prints
      • Stateroom gifts and goodies
      • Pre-cruise and onboard wedding coordinator
      • Keepsake certificate
  • Princess Perfect Proposal $795
    • Package Highlights:
      • Secret proposal setup in a private indoor or outdoor location
      • Proposal rose and rose petal décor
      • Dedicated photographer and memorable prints
      • Celebration cake
      • Stateroom gifts and goodies
      • Pre-cruise and onboard coordinator
• In addition to the beautiful ceremony and reception venues, couples and their guests also enjoy the unmatched amenities and entertainment onboard the iconic Love Boat. From world-class dining options to luxurious spas, vibrant nightlife, and thrilling onboard activities, Princess ensures an unparalleled experience for all guests.

Costa bound for India

• Costa Cruises will offer a new cruise program exclusively dedicated to India. The announcement was made today in Mumbai, in the presence of Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India; Mr Roberto Alberti, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Costa Cruises; Mr Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa Cruises; Mr Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, and other senior officials.
• The ship chosen by the Italian company for India is the Costa Serena, which, after itineraries from Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan, will further extend its deployment in Asia. There are a total of 23 new sailings in India from 4 November 2023 to 1 January 2024, designed in collaboration with Costa’s General Sales Agent in India, Lotus Aero Enterprises. They will exclusively visit domestic destinations, giving Indian guests the opportunity to discover some of their country’s most beautiful locations from a unique point of view. The itineraries, lasting between two, three and five days, will call at Mumbai, Cochin, Goa and, for the first time ever, the Lakshadweep, a beautiful tropical archipelago with white beaches and a magnificent coral reef.
• Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged ship built by Fincantieri, which entered service in 2007. With 114,000 gross tons and a capacity up to 3,780 guests. On board, guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterized Costa for 75 years of history. A local touch will also be featured: in particular, gastronomy and entertainment will be customized to the tastes of Indian guests.
• The ship has a total of 1500 cabins, 505 of which have private balconies, and 14 passenger decks. To make the most of their cruise on board, guests can choose from a wellness center and a gym with a sea view, a beauty salon, a theater, restaurants serving Indian and international cuisine, bars, 4 swimming pools, 2 of which have a self-propelled glass roof, a shopping area, and a kids’ club for children and teenagers.

Azamara and PerryGolf Bring Golf Lovers to The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool

• Azamara – the upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – is excited to soon welcome travelers aboard the sold-out 2023 British Isles Golf Cruise to attend The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool. In collaboration with PerryGolf, a longtime partner and leading provider of international golf tours, this unique sailing offers guests the chance to attend one of the most anticipated major golf championships of the year and play six (or three) rounds of golf on some of the most renowned courses of the British Isles.
• This special sailing aboard Azamara Journey will visit eight ports, including seven late nights and four overnights that gives travellers plenty of time to properly immerse themselves in the lively pubs and elegant cathedrals of Dublin, the impressive castles of Glasgow and historic heart of Edinburgh. Early in the itinerary, guests will have the chance to watch history unfold at the final two rounds of The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. After gathering inspiration from the world’s greatest golf players, the itinerary will give golfers the opportunity to test out their own skills, while enjoying the camaraderie of their traveling companions and like-minded new friends, at several of the world’s marquee courses ranging from Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, The K Club and Portmarnock Links to Royal Dornoch, Carnoustie, Castle Stuart, Gleneagles, Kingsbarns, and Dumbarnie Links.
• The 12 night, 6 (or 3) round 2024 British Isles Golf Cruise is already seeing high demand, and guests are encouraged to book in advance for the chance to experience Saturday & Sunday attendance to The 152nd Open at Royal Troon. The 2025 British Isles Golf Cruise, which is soon to be released later this month, will include weekend attendance to the final two rounds of The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Guests sailing with Azamara and PerryGolf can enjoy a seamless experience as they take advantage of additional exclusive amenities, such as private transfers to and from the scheduled golf course, green fees with carts/caddies, starting times, après golf open bar in the clubhouse, special onboard events, PerryGolf staff onboard and ashore, and much more.

Aussies refuse to give up holidays…

• Off the back of 12 interest rate hikes, Australians are under more financial pressure than ever before. However, research from Carnival Cruise Line has revealed Aussies are refusing to give up their holidays. Carnival’s bookings have increased by 20% this year, compared to the last full cruise season in 2019, showing the importance of R&R despite the cost-of-living crisis.
• The national survey reveals Australians are more likely to spend their hard-earned cash on a holiday with friends and family (63%) than having brunch with friends (23%), going to the movies (22%), or going for drinks and eating out. In fact, when asked what they’ve had to sacrifice this year, expensive clothing, handbags and footwear (86%), new cars (82%) and house renovations (79%) were more likely to hit the chopping block before a much-needed holiday (53%).
• But what’s influencing this demand for holidays? Well, day-to-day pressures have left 84% of Aussies saying they need a holiday now more than ever. The stats revealed we spend a whopping 15+ hours a week cleaning, doing laundry, cooking and meal planning, equating to more than one month’s worth of chores annually (780 hours). Parents also spend an additional 20+ hours a week taking care of the kids, so it’s no wonder 67% of us say we have no downtime.
• According to Psychologist and Family Therapist, Leanne Hall, this refusal to give up our time off reflects a broader trend of Australians prioritising their happiness and mental health by finding ways to enjoy affordable holidays.