MARITIME HISTORY

• Tedd’s Question around Ocean Liners sets the scene for this weeks maritime history.

CRUISE NEWS

• Dream Cruises Announces Resumption of Cruises in Hong Kong with Genting Dream Deployed by June
  • Dream Cruises is pleased to announce the restart of cruises in Hong Kong, set to begin at the end of July with Genting Dream offering 2 and 3-night “Super Summer Seacations” on the high seas. In time for the summer holidays in Hong Kong, the “Super Summer Seacations” will comprise of a 2-Night “Super Weekend Seacation”, departing Fridays, a 2-Night “Super Weekday Seacation” departing Wednesdays, and a 3-Night “Super Summer Seacation” departing Sundays. Fares will start at a special limited offer, early bird promotional rate of HK1188 per person based on twin occupancy in a Balcony Stateroom for a 2-night “Super Weekday Seacation”; bookings open on Thursday, 27 May 2021.
  • During their journey, guests can enjoy a number of localised activities, educational workshops and fun contests to enhance their cruise. “Spot the Ship” allow guests to explore the vibrant shipping industry in the region by searching for as many different types of vessels plying the waters during their journey. The guests who can find the largest number will receive special autographed memorabilia from the Captain of Genting Dream.
  • As cross-border travel is still currently severely restricted, Dream Cruises is bringing the world on to Genting Dream with a “Japanese Festival” during August and September and a “Nordic Christmas” in November and December. In between, additional events will include Wine & Dine at Sea, Oktoberfest and Night Market and Halloween festivities to liven up voyages and create special memories.
• RCI Returns to Alaska from July 2021
  • Royal Caribbean International’s U.S. comeback marks its first step forward with the cruise line’s return to Alaska this summer. Today, the cruise vacation company announced plans to launch its Alaska season with 7-night cruises – roundtrip from Seattle – on returning favourites Serenade and Ovation of the Seas, beginning July 19 and August 13, respectively. After more than a year with cruising on pause and the significant impact its had on the beloved Alaskan communities, travellers can now chart a course for the culture-rich destinations they have looked forward to discovering while helping revive the local economies. The new summer 2021 Alaska cruises on Serenade and Ovation’s existing sailings are available to book today.
  • Serenade will begin cruising in July, sailing roundtrip from Seattle – a change from its previously scheduled homeport in Vancouver. On board, the ship will deliver awe-inspiring views from its signature ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows as guests travel from one far-flung destination to the next. The week-long itinerary features a lineup of popular ports of call, including Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, as well as the jaw-dropping Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier.
  • Ovation follows suit in August for a different take on Alaskan adventure, pairing the region’s natural wonders and wildlife-filled fjords with a thrilling lineup of experiences on board. From the North Star glass observation capsule to the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, vacationers can get their adrenaline pumping as they take in deck-defying sights of the scenic landscape and lush scenery of the destinations, such as Glacier National Park, the Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, from unparalleled viewpoints.
•  Carnival cancels
  • Carnival Cruise Line has extended its rolling pause in operations in Australia through to 21 Nov due to the rescheduling of a dry dock for routine maintenance of Carnival Spirit.
  • Booked guests and their travel advisors are being notified directly of the cancellations and their options for a future cruise credit and onboard credit package, or a full refund.
  • Carnival Splendor is still scheduled to return to service with a sailing from Sydney on 25 Sep.
• HAL Eurodam Extends 2021 Mediterranean Cruise Season
  • Following a series of four cruises to Greece in summer 2021, Holland America Line’s Eurodam will assume the previously scheduled cruises of Westerdam that span the Mediterranean. From Sept. 12 through its Oct. 30 transatlantic departure, Eurodam will offer five 12-day itineraries roundtrip from Venice, Italy; between Venice and Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Venice and Barcelona, Spain; or from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bookings open Thursday, May 27, for these cruises.
  • Guests who were booked on Westerdam cruises automatically will be rebooked on the same departure date aboard Eurodam in a comparable stateroom. As a Signature Class vessel, Eurodam has a slightly larger capacity and will be able to accommodate all Westerdam guests (Eurodam 2,104; Westerdam 1,964).
  • Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries (all cruises are 12 days):
    • 12: Venice; Zadar and Hvar, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Argostólion, Crete, Rhodes (overnight), Mykonos and Piraeus (overnight), Greece.
    • 24: Piraeus; Istanbul (overnight) and Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Sarandë, Albania; Dubrovnik, Korcula and Rijeka, Croatia; Koper, Slovenia; Venice (overnight).
    • 6: Venice; Katakolon (Olympia), Piraeus, Rhodes (overnight), Santorini and Crete, Greece; Kotor; Korcula; Venice (overnight).
    • 18: Venice (overnight); Dubrovnik; Kotor; Corfu and Katakolon, Greece; Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Livorno (Pisa/Florence), Italy; Cannes and Marseille (Provence), France; Barcelona.
    • 30: Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga (Granada) and Cadiz (Seville), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Funchal, Madeira; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Fort Lauderdale.
  • The 12-day cruises can be combined to form epic 24-day Collectors’ Voyages that offer in-depth exploration of the region. The Mediterranean itineraries were designed to offer nonrepeating ports on back-to-back itineraries to enable guests to visit more ports and more countries on one extended voyage. Booking a Collectors’ Voyage represents a significant savings off booking the two itineraries separately.
  • Immediately following the transatlantic crossing, Eurodam is expected to begin its scheduled Caribbean season of cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. From November 2021 through March 2022, guests can embark on seven-, 10- and 11-day itineraries that explore the eastern, southern and tropical Caribbean, as well as partial Panama Canal cruises that spend a day on Gatun Lake.
• Celebrity Cruises reveals new luxury program of wellness
  • Celebrity Cruises has today revealed the new luxury program of wellness on its latest revolutionary ship, Celebrity Beyond, announced last month and set to join the Celebrity fleet in April 2022.
  • The exquisite new ship will feature a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience woven into every aspect of the guest journey from the stateroom to the spa. Working with best-in-class partners in every category, the holistic program has been designed to improve the wellbeing of guest’s mind, body, and spirit.
  • Key wellness and fitness highlights on Celebrity Beyond include:
  • Start with a good night’s rest in the AquaClass SkySuites, an immersive living experience with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, private verandas, luxurious bedding and other wellness amenities, thoughtfully designed by multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE 
  • The new suites combine the best of the brand’s AquaClass offerings with the luxurious spaces, services and amenities of The Retreat®, the exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests
  • Elevate your endorphins with first at sea fitness programs, including F45 fitness classes and Peloton® cycling alongside  onboard yoga, meditation, strength, stretch and cardio curated by leading experts in each discipline;
  • Complement your journey with programming from our first-ever, “Women in Wellness” at sea initiative including Morgan Mitchell, Australian Olympic sprinter, Katie Brauer, Founder of the Yoga Professional, Noella Gabriel, Co-Founder and Global President of Elemis, Kimberly Snyder, Founder of Solluna, Ruth Zukerman, Co-Founder of SoulCycle® and FlyWheel Sports, and Kiki Koroshetz, goop Wellness Director;
  • Step into The Spa for an escape within your escape, featuring the SEA Thermal Spa with eight different types of relaxation rooms; more than 120 spa treatment including 12 new destination-inspired therapies; the first Kerastase Salon at sea; The Ideal Image Ocean Advanced MedSpa and a new menu of Recovery Services using new technology to improve workout recovery time and overall better physical health;
• NCL Announces Alaska 2021 restart from Seattle.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), announced that it expects to resume cruise operations from the U.S. beginning Aug. 7, 2021 with week-long voyages from Seattle to Alaska, one of the top cruise destinations among its guests.
  • This summer, travelers will be able to recommence their cruise adventures to Alaska with week-long voyages aboard Norwegian Bliss. She will sail revised itineraries from Aug. 7, 2021 through Oct. 16, 2021, offering seven to 13 hours of port time in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska.  On select sailings, guests will also have the chance to take in the serene views of Glacier Bay National Park or the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjord.
• NCL Announces restart details of 8 additional ships.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has announced that it will resume operations from additional U.S. and international ports this northern hemisphere autumn.
  • Guests will once again sail aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Encore, Escape, Pearl, Jewel, Sun, Spirit and Norwegian’s Pride of America to explore Hawaii, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Asia and much more. Earlier this week, NCL also announced its return to Seattle for the Alaska cruise season, with a start date of 7 Aug, 2021.
  • The Company announced its redeployment plans for the following ships:
    • Norwegian Joy will cruise from Miami beginning 19 Oct, 2021 with five to 11-day Caribbean voyages.
    • Norwegian Breakaway will cruise seven-day itineraries to Bermuda from New York beginning 24 Oct, 2021.
    • Pride of America will offer seven-day Hawaii interisland voyages from Honolulu beginning 6 Nov, 2021.
    • Norwegian Bliss will cruise from Los Angeles for seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages beginning 7 Nov, 2021.
    • Norwegian Encore will offer seven-night itineraries from Miami to the Caribbean beginning 14 Nov, 2021.
    • Beginning 20 Nov, 2021, Norwegian Escape will cruise for the first time from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla., offering seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean.
    • Norwegian Pearl will sail from Miami offering Panama Canal, Bahamas and Caribbean cruises beginning 23 Dec, 2021.
    • Beginning 20 Jan, 2022, Norwegian Jewel will be the first ship in the fleet to offer roundtrip Panama Canal cruises from Panama City (Colón and Fuerte Amador).
    • Norwegian Sun will sail for the first time in Asia beginning 28 Jan, 2022, offering a five-day Japan itinerary from Hong Kong, before sailing a variety of 11-day cruises from Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.
    • Norwegian Spirit will cruise 12-day Australia and New Zealand voyages from Sydney, and Auckland, New Zealand beginning 9 Feb, 2022.
• Oceanina Cruises announces additional restart
  • Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced that it will resume cruise operations with three additional ships, Riviera, Insignia, and Sirena, between October 2021 and January 2022. 
    • Riviera will resume its previously published voyage schedules beginning from Istanbul on 18 October, 2021 and sail a series of Mediterranean voyages prior to beginning the northern hemisphere winter 2021-2022 series of Caribbean voyages from Miami.
    • Insignia will resume sailings with the 21 December, 2021 Panama Canal voyage from Miami prior to embarking on a sold-out 180-day Around the World cruise from Los Angeles to New York.
    • Sirena will commence sailings starting with the 22 January, 2022 Caribbean voyage from Miami to Panama City, Panama.
  • Voyage itineraries for each ship will continue to be evaluated for port availability and may be adjusted as required closer to the sailing dates. These additional ship restarts follow 28 April announcement of the line’s Marina, resuming cruise operations from Copenhagen beginning on 29 August, 2021.  
  • Phased restart dates for Regatta and Nautica will be announced at a later date.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Return to Sailing
  • Having already announced the September return of Seven Seas Splendor®, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® today confirmed its resumption of sailing plan for the rest of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet, which will see all five ships back exploring the oceans by February 2022
  • With Seven Seas Splendor embarking on its inaugural season on 11 September, 2021 from London (Southampton), England, Regent’s four remaining ships will begin their long-awaited return to the ocean from October 2021.
  • From spacious suites and expansive social areas, to multiple gourmet dining venues and attentive, personalised service, luxury travellers will soon be able to once again enjoy Unrivalled Space at Sea™ and the peace of mind that comes with the multi-layered SailSAFE health and safety program, including 100% vaccination of both guests and crew.
  • Seven Seas Explorer will welcome back guests on 16 October, 2021 sailing from Venice, Italy. She will complete two published Mediterranean voyages before crossing the Atlantic to Miami, Florida and, from 15 November, 2021, sail a further two published sailings in the Caribbean. The ship then begins a newly created winter Caribbean season featuring eight new sailings, starting 20 December, 2021 with a 14-night Southern Caribbean cruise. After a trans-Atlantic crossing, she will arrive back in Europe on 10 April, 2022, sailing three more newly created Mediterranean itineraries before embarking on her published 2022 European summer season on 14 May.
  • This impacts Australia having cancelled its previously planned 2021/22 Seven Seas Explorer season in Asia-Pacific.
  • Seven Seas Mariner Following her technical dry-dock, Seven Seas Mariner will return to sailing on a published 18 December, 2021 itinerary, cruising from Miami, Florida to San Francisco, California where she will begin an epic World Cruise on 5 January, 2022.
  • Seven Seas Navigator’s resumption will begin 6 January, 2022 from Miami, Florida with her published 2022 Southern Caribbean winter sailings, which include multiple round-trip Barbados voyages.
  • Seven Seas Voyager returns with five new Mediterranean voyages, the first from Barcelona, Spain on 15 February, 2022, before commencing her published 2022 European summer season itineraries exploring the Mediterranean and Northern Europe from 15 April, 2022.
• Celebrity Edge to recommence sailings
  • Celebrity Cruises has received approval to resume sailings from the United States after more than a year of suspended operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 26, the cruise company will mark a long-awaited return with Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale
  • The cruise company’s return is heralded with a sailing on its much lauded, state-of-the-art, luxury ship Celebrity Edge. The ship was given the go-ahead by the CDC to be the first ship back in the water, meeting all new standards for delivering a safe and healthy cruise experience for guests and crew. The inaugural sailing from Fort Lauderdale sets the stage for Royal Caribbean Group to announce additional itineraries, reviving local U.S. port economies and kick-starting the rebound in cruise tourism around the world.
  • All sailings will depart with vaccinated crew and everyone over the age of 16 must present proof of vaccination against COVID-19; as of August 1, 2021, all guests ages 12 and older must present proof of vaccination
• Le Commandant Charcot: Northern Summer 2022 sales open.
  • The Arctic explored as it has never been before
  • Some adventures epitomise the very essence of the word ‘expedition’, the once-in-a-lifetime dream fulfilled after meticulous planning and preparation. Enter exploration of the Arctic, from on board the world-first high polar luxury exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot.
  • Announcing the opening of sales for the northern summer 2022 season, Deb Corbett, PONANT General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific “invites adventurous travellers who are in search of purpose, perspective and knowledge, to explore the Arctic’s extreme latitudes, including expedition voyages to the geographic North Pole, Northeast Greenland, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard and the Northwest Passage. Once in a lifetime out of this world travel experiences await.”
  • Set sail for the Arctic aboard Le Commandant Charcot and embark on an immersive journey to discover a whole new vision of the world.
  • Currently completing sea trials, Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first luxury high polar exploration vessel, with hybrid propulsion powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), the most eco-friendly energy source currently available. The innovation driving this ship underlines PONANT’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. In addition to its Polar Class 2 (PC2) certification, the vessel’s design incorporates the very latest in green technologies, including wastewater treatment, 100% of waste recycled onboard and a ban on all single-use plastics.
  • Le Commandant Charcot symbolises the culmination of PONANT’s corporate commitment to reduce its environmental impact – a reflection of the company’s wealth of experience and expertise gained since inception in 1988.
• PONANT announces 14 border-bubble voyages – New Zealand & beyond in 2021, 2022 & 2023!
  • The gradual opening of border-bubble close-to-home travel provides opportunity to confidently explore the extraordinary islands and coastlines of our region. From November 2021 to early 2023, luxury expedition cruise line PONANT has released a diverse range of itineraries – 14 voyages focused on New Zealand and beyond, varying in duration from 7 to 21 nights, each hand crafted to reveal the very best these stunning destinations offer.
  • Examples of the 14 New Zealand border-bubble voyages available:

• • • NEW – 9 nights’ New Zealand’s Fiordland & the Snares Expedition – Dunedin/Wellington to Dunedin/Wellington
    • Departs Dunedin on 21 November 2021 or Wellington on 30 November 2021. Le Soléal.

• • • Visit Antarctica from New Zealand! NEW – 21 nights’ Scott & Shackleton’s Antarctic Ross Sea Expedition – Dunedin to Dunedin
    • Departs Dunedin on 13 January 2022 and 3 February 2022. Le Soléal.

• • • NEW itinerary: 13 nights’ From New Zealand to New Caledonia – Lyttelton to Noumea
    • Departs Lyttelton on 27 January 2022. Le Lapérouse.
• Crystal Endeavor Completes Final Sea Trial
  • Crystal Expedition Cruises today announced the successful completion of the second and final sea trial for its new luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor, marking another important milestone toward the upcoming delivery of the Made in Germany vessel from MV WERFTEN. Crystal Endeavor’s final sea trial began on Thursday, May 20 and returned to the shipyard the evening of May 23 where the final steps of the construction process will be completed. The ship is scheduled for its technical delivery on May 27, 2021.
  • During sea trials, Crystal Endeavor underwent rigorous performance and operational tests on the ship’s systems, machinery and engines, including safety, navigation and propulsion systems, and noise and vibration measurements. Captain Thomas Larsen along with senior members of the Crystal Endeavor bridge and engineering teams participated in the sea trials in collaboration with the engineers, naval architects and builders from the expert MV WERFTEN team in Stralsund, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise.
  • From bow to stern, the 20,200-GRT Crystal Endeavor is designed with power, efficiency, and the environments of the world in mind. Crystal Endeavor will be the most spacious, fastest and most powerful expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort.
• OCEANIA CRUISES UNVEILS “VISTA” SIGNATURE SPACES
  • Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled the signature lounges, bars, and wellness facilities of Vista, the first of two new 1,200-guest Allura Class ships that are being constructed by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. The 67,000-gross-ton, 1,200-guest luxury vessel, the seventh for the line, will set sail in 2023. A second Allura Class ship will debut in 2025.
  • Purposely designed to deliver the brand’s hallmark small-ship luxury experience, Vista features a wide variety of social, recreation, and wellness spaces oriented across six of the ship’s 11 guest decks. A mixture of both grand and cosy spaces presents guests with a room for every mood and purpose, whether one seeks an intimate getaway spot to enjoy a quiet read, a tony bar for evening cocktails, or to dance the night away with newfound friends.
  • The Grand Staircase: A Welcome Unlike Any Other
    • An iconic element of the Oceania Cruises brand, The Grand Staircase is where every new Oceania Cruises journey begins. Sleek curves and elegant details define the grandest of beginnings. A glistening floor-to-ceiling pillar of crystal and light sets the tone for the ship and the guest experience.
  • Martinis: A Classic Transformed
    • So much more than the name conveys, Oceania Cruises’ reimagined Martinis bar is a true destination aboard Vista. Convivial gathering spaces are nestled among walls of shimmering glass, and custom sculptural lighting casts a warm glow over the heart of the bar. Sophistication, glamour, and elegance serve as a backdrop for extraordinary evenings.
  • The Grand Lounge: Gatherings Made Glamorous
    • Evoking the feeling of a private club, The Grand Lounge features sleek alcoves enhanced by a gold-infused colour palette, sculptural lighting, and elegant lines. It is a relaxing yet elegant lounge that invites guests to unwind before an unforgettable dinner or enjoy a nightcap with fellow explorers.
  • Horizons: A View of the World
    • Conjuring a world of possibilities, the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and inspiring silhouettes in Horizons celebrate the journey. Guests will be awed by sweeping 180-degree views whether they’re sharing travel stories over afternoon tea, taking in sights along the way, or enjoying a lively musical performance.
  • Pool Deck: A Tranquil Oasis
    • Mirroring the beauty of the surrounding sea, the Pool Deck creates the perfect onboard escape. Guests may revel in the solitude of a uniquely modern beach-club cabana, go for a refreshing swim, or gather with friends poolside. The variety of textures and soothing natural tones come together in a natural oasis to reconnect with nature.
  • Vista’s best-in-class culinary experiences and spacious, residentially inspired suites and staterooms will be revealed in the coming weeks, with her inaugural voyages opening for sale in September 2021.
  • Currently under construction by Fincantieri S.p.A. in Italy, Vista will sail her first commercial voyage in early 2023. Measuring approximately 67,000 gross registered tons, the ship will accommodate 1,200 guests and be staffed by 800 officers and crew, offering industry-leading space and staff-to-guest ratios. An unnamed sister ship will debut in 2025.