Ponant paves the way towards zero carbon navigation with its iconic newbuild ship

• Continuing to pioneer in maritime innovation, Ponanthas committed to a uniquely designed transoceanic ship, supporting the evolution towards carbon neutrality.  The company’s R&D team have come up with a pioneering concept that combines six ground-breaking technologies that will redefine future navigation. The sailing ship, which will be ready by 2030, aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions for PONANT and the broader industry.  Whilst PONANT has chosen to join forces once again with naval architecture Stirling Design International, discussions are ongoing to select the shipyard for the delivery of this vastly evolved and cutting-edge vessel.
• A technological revolution that puts sustainability at the heart of the project
• The next generation of eco-designed PONANT ships will be a key milestone in achieving our net zero emissions ambition.
• With around a hundred staterooms and a length overall of 181m, Ponant’s future sailing ship is paving the way to a new era for the maritime industry. In line with new European and international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, PONANT is adopting an unprecedented eco-design approach. This is a major advancement in shipbuilding with selection of equipment and materials based on an analysis of their life cycle through to the recycling of waste.
• Ponant heads up project with strong replicability potential to speed up decarbonisation of the shipbuilding industry
• Swap2Zero aims for zero CO2 eq* emissions in operation, with one month autonomy by being the first to combine six major decarbonisation technology building blocks:

1. 1. 1. A sail power system and hull providing an average of 50% of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind;
      2. A surface area totalling over 1,000m2 of photovoltaic panels, with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails;
      3. A low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled;
      4. A high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water;
      5. On-board carbon capture technology, coupled with the high temperature fuel cell;
      6. An innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without any generators being in service.

• Set for completion by 2030, the 14th vessel in the fleet will be a sailing ship, with approximately 100 state rooms and a length of 181 metres.

1920s-style Queen Anne cutaway unveiled as Cunard marks 183rd birthday

• Cunard unveiled a remarkable new cutaway image of its newest ship, Queen Anne, which pays homage to the luxury cruise line’s uniquely rich heritage.
• Released yesterday to celebrate its 183rd birthday, the intricate animation has been designed in the style of Cunard’s iconic advertising posters from the 1920s, offering a playful glimpse inside the ship’s interiors.
• Artist Dominik Bulka was commissioned to create the masterpiece, painstakingly hand-sketching each element of the design, before electronically stitching the constituent scenes into a single digital image.
• The cutaway illustrates many of Cunard’s signature venues and public spaces, including the iconic Grand Lobby and Golden Lion pub, as well as brand new concepts for Queen Anne, such as the exhilarating new show bar inspired by historic, bold electric light installations – Bright Lights Society.
• But eagle-eyed observers will also notice a number of weird and wonderful depictions that reflect Cunard folklore. For example, on deck one, you’ll find two bellhops feeding a hippo in a swimming pool in a mischievous reference to a well-known transatlantic crossing.
• In 1963, on board Pavia, there was a very special guest that required a cold shower every hour during the day. Three-year-old Jimmy was a hippopotamus making his way from Naples to Chester Zoo; in fact, he travelled on deck with an awning over his cage to protect him from the sun.
• Elsewhere, famous faces have been woven into the cutaway – from past guests such as David Bowie and Nelson Mandela, to the man who founded the iconic luxury cruise line, Sir Samuel Cunard.
• Cunard is world-renowned for sailing guests around the world in comfort, style, and luxury, and with this latest artistic endeavour, the luxury cruise line is taking inspiration from its past to define the next chapter of its future. 
• The image places an emphasis on the quirky and unexpected, with flying bellhops just one surreal representation of the immersive experiences that can be found onboard a Cunard ship. The illustration also details the major venues onboard, and where guests can find them.
• A number of limited-edition cutaway posters will be created ahead of Queen Anne’s maiden voyage on May 3, 2024.

New Expedition: Whales & Trails of Western Australia

• Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, announces the release of an inaugural itinerary exploring the inspiring coastline of Southwest Australia in spring 2024. The 10-night voyage on our blue water expedition ship Coral Adventurer will follow the migratory trail of the Humpback, Southern Right and Blue whales through this confluence of the Indian and Southern Oceans. This is a prolific time of year to witness these majestic creatures as they nurse their calves. Lucky guests will enjoy sightings of nursing whale calves and stingrays as we cruise the sheltered waters of Point Ann, Albany, and Hamelin Bay.
• Guests will step ashore each day to explore several significant and diverse “trails” including the renowned vineyards of Margaret River, sections of the iconic Cape to Cape coastal walk and short treks amongst the native wildflowers in full springtime bloom around Dunsborough and Albany. Further around the southern tip we will venture into remote Esperance to stroll the silica white sands in the company of native kangaroos at Lucky Bay – voted #1 Beach in the world. Expert guides will lead the way and share connections with traditional owners in small coastal communities and learn of their history and heritage. 
• The voyage will culminate with a signature winemakers dinner event at famed Leeuwin Estate Winery pairing their exceptional “Art Series” wines with locally grown regional cuisine.  
• Whales and Trails of Western Australia | Fremantle to Fremantle | 10 Nights   
• Coral Adventurer Departs October 5, 2024 
• Expedition Highlights:  
  • Signature Event: Experience a signature six-course Winemakers Dinner at historic Leeuwin Estate featuring the iconic Art Series wines expertly paired with regionally inspired cuisine   
  • Spend a morning whale watching at Flinders Bay, renowned for its frequent whale sightings and explore the sheltered haven of Point Ann in search of Southern Right Whales and their calves  
  • Enjoy an invigorating swim in the pristine waters of Hamelin Bay surrounded by the curious stingrays and other marine species  
  • Traverse the scenic coastal vistas on a morning trek along a section of the renowned Cape to Cape trail
  • Walk amongst native wildflowers in bloom around the coastal landscapes from Dunsborough and Esperance 
  • Stroll the silica white sands in the company of native kangaroos at Lucky Bay – voted #1 beach in the world in 2023
  • Learn about Indigenous coastal culture and traditions of the region and share stories whilst we forage for native tucker on ancestral lands   
  • Wander the community led Art Trail of Ravensthorpe and hear how collective community engagement has changed the face of this historic goldfield’s town
  • Gain valuable insights from onboard Guest Lecturers Micheline and Curt Jenner who will share their scientific and conservation knowledge of whale research in Western Australia

P&O Cruises (UK) offers fun in the sun

• P&O Cruises has announced double on board spending money of up to £640 per sea view cabin on holidays to the Mediterranean when booked by July 31, 2023.
• The offer is available on applicable new Select Price 13 and 14 night Mediterranean holidays on Arvia and Britannia during spring and summer 2024-2025 sailings from Southampton. Extra on board spending money can be used against a variety of experiences including dining in the speciality restaurants, spa treatments or shore experiences.

Viking named #1 River and Ocean line in Luxury Travel Advisor

• Luxury Travel Advisor has named Viking the “Best Luxury River Cruise Company” and “Best Cruise Line for Luxury Ocean Cruises” in the publication’s 2023 Awards of Excellence. Viking is the first and only line to be named best in both the river and ocean categories for four years. The announcement also marks the eighth time Viking has been voted “Best Luxury River Cruise Company” during the annual awards.
• Luxury Travel Advisor, a prestigious travel publication, annually selects companies and individuals considered elite suppliers in the luxury travel industry as honourees through an exclusive voting opportunity by the publication’s advisory board. The list of nominees represents a range of categories including hotels, resorts, individuals, cruise lines and professional services that exceed expectations in delivering memorable experiences, a symbol of the luxury travel industry.