Royal Caribbean Arrives to Warm Welcome in Grand Bahama

• With lively Junkanoo performances and celebrations, government officials and key business leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean International (RCI) with open arms on Friday, June 18 as Adventure of the Seas completed its inaugural homeporting ceremony in Grand Bahama Island, with 1,000 eager passengers.
• Following a 16-month hiatus due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the return of cruising to Grand Bahama Island marks a pivotal moment for the local community. It signals the commitment to revitalization following the economic challenges first introduced by the devasting impact of Hurricane Dorian and then worsened amid the global pandemic shutdowns. Freeport Harbour is thrilled to serve as the newest homeport destination responsible for major provisioning and refuelling before the vessel returns to Nassau.
• Adventure of the Seas debuted its seven-night getaways from Nassau on June 12, which feature two back-to-back days of thrills at Perfect Day at CocoCay, adventures in Cozumel and a full day of unwinding on Grand Bahama’s white-sand beaches every Saturday throughout the northern summer.

Luxe-adventure Cruise Brand to Offer First Suite-category Accommodations for Single Travelers

• Atlas Ocean Voyages announced that it is introducing the industry’s first dedicated Solo Suites. Solo Suites will be available for booking aboard World Navigator voyages departing March 22, 2022, and onward, and offer individual travellers the suite-level experience without a single supplement.
• Appointed in retro-chic, simply elegant décor, Solo Suites measure 183-sq.-ft / 17sqm. and will be among World Navigator’s four categories of suite accommodations, which provide guests an even more lavish experience on their once-in-a-lifetime, luxe-adventure journey to remote and captivating destinations around the world.
• Each Solo Suite features a plush queen-size bed, flanked by twin bed side tables with embedded USB and power outlets, and lay opposite a 42-inch, flat-panel television and infotainment system. The suite is illuminated with sconces and recessed ceiling lights for a soothing ambience, while a large, picture-frame window hangs over a rich-wood desk, which also encloses a mini-fridge stocked with the guest’s personal beverage preferences. The ensuite, marble-panelled bathroom features L’OCCITANE bath amenities and is accentuated with a mosaic-tiled shower with surround body jets and rain shower for a restorative, spa-like experience in the privacy of the Solo Suite.

HAL cancels Australia, Asia and South America

• Holland America Line has cancelled Oosterdam departures in Australia through to and including 22 Dec. The latest batch of cancellations also includes Westerdam departures in South America through to and including 14 Dec, and Noordam departures in Asia through to and including 20 Dec.

Celebrity Apex debuts in Athens

• Excitement, anticipation, and awe. These three words captured the feeling of passengers and onlookers as Celebrity Apex, the world’s most anticipated new-luxury cruise ship, sailed out of the Port of Athens, today, to begin her maiden voyage and first summer season in the Aegean.
• The much-anticipated sailing marks an historic moment for the company, which had originally planned to introduce its newest ship in late March, 2020. Guests and fans of the brand have waited ever-since with huge anticipation to experience the fleet’s new flagship.
• That moment came as Celebrity Apex sailed gracefully out of port at 8:30pm Eastern European Summer Time, ushering in not only an important return to European sailing, but a new standard of luxury travel.  With the vivid and vibrant backdrop of the azure Athens sky, Celebrity Apex, the second ship in the brand’s transformational, multi-award-winning Edge Series, set sail on a seven-night cruise of the historied Aegean, delighting those who have waited with patience for more than 15 months to explore the world by sea. 
• The company’s return to the Aegean is all the more poignant given Celebrity Cruises’ proud Greek heritage. Founded in 1988 by the Chandris family of Greece, the company later became a part of the Royal Caribbean Group. Celebrity Cruises is still rooted in its Greek origins today, with 70% of marine officers across the fleet, hailing from Greece with more than 40 Captains and Chief Engineers, including the Captain of Celebrity Apex, Dimitrios Kafetzis.
• Guests travelling on the Greek Islands and Cyprus itinerary will have the chance to visit the ancient city of Rhodes, with its stunning classical Acropolis and unparalleled Medieval architecture; the beauty and mythology of Mykonos; the incredible island of Santorini, a world heritage site and bucket list destination famous for the colourful blue and white palettes that pepper the architecture of this fascinating and historical coastal town. And finally, Limassol. Tucked away on the southern coast of Cyprus, it exemplifies all that is great about the unique island culture – with heavy influences from eastern neighbours, Turkey and Egypt.

P&O Cruises has announced its expected deployment and phased re-start plan for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022.

• Britannia will begin the planned western Mediterranean itineraries on September 25 and Iona will start her Atlantic coast holidays from the same date. These cruises will follow the series of UK coastal cruises beginning in June.
• Ventura’s first cruises will be the planned programme of Atlantic islands holidays from October 3.
• Following the Mediterranean season, running until October, Britannia will reposition to the Caribbean for her winter season as scheduled, followed by Azura which will begin Caribbean fly/cruises slightly later than published from December 10, 2021.
• The length and complexity of Arcadia and Aurora’s planned long haul cruises from January next year has forced their cancellation and these two ships will not begin sailing until next year. However a replacement itinerary for Aurora, with winter sun (northern winter) appeal, will be announced shortly.
• New cruise schedule for 2021/222
• Iona – UK coastal cruises from August 7 to September 25 then sailing Atlantic coast beginning with G133 on September 25, 2021
• Britannia – UK coastal cruises from June 27 to September 25 then sailing Western Mediterranean beginning with B122 on September 25, 2021
• Ventura – Currently paused up to September 4 – two new cruises cancelled (N118 and N119) – then sailing Atlantic islands cruises from N120 October 3, 2021
• Azura – Currently paused up to September 1 – cancelled A118A to A124A inclusive – then sailing Caribbean fly/cruises from A125 / A125A December 10, 2021
• Aurora – Currently paused up to September 1 – 9 new cruises cancelled – then sailing R202 Central Med on April 13, 2022 (although replacement itinerary for early 2022 will be announced shortly)
• Arcadia – Currently paused up to September 14 – 10 new cruises cancelled – then sailing J204 March 27, 2022

Former Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service to name Saga’s newest ship, ‘Spirit of Adventure’.

• In a mark of respect to the medical profession that has worked so hard over the last 18 months dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, Commodore Inga J. Kennedy CBE QHNS QARNNS, senior Royal Navy officer, former Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service and Non-Executive Director of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, has been named today as the Godmother of Saga Cruises’ newest ship, Spirit of Adventure.
• She follows in the footsteps of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, who was Godmother to sister ship Spirit of Discovery in 2019 and is currently Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service.
• Commodore Kennedy will officially name Spirit of Adventure during a special ceremony to be held in Portsmouth on 19 July, coinciding with the UK’s ‘Freedom Day’ when coronavirus restrictions are scheduled to end. In naval tradition, she will offer a blessing of safe sailing and good fortune, marked with the smashing of a bottle on the ship’s hull. Reflecting Saga’s British heritage, the jeroboam in question will be English sparkling wine from the Kent-based Balfour Hush Heath Estate. The ceremony will also be streamed on Facebook Live.
• Commodore Inga J. Kennedy, CBE QHNS QARNNS said: “I was thrilled to be asked to become Spirit of Adventure’s Godmother and feel I’m accepting this on behalf of the wider medical community who have worked so tirelessly throughout this pandemic and will continue to do so long after this crisis period fades.
• “Personally, it is also a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Spirit of Discovery’s Godmother, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, given her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service. I wish Spirit of Adventure, and all who sail on her, the very best voyages.”
• Following her naming ceremony on 19 July, Spirit of Adventure will undertake her inaugural voyage on 26 July, calling at some of Britain’s most famous ports. She will join sister ship Spirit of Discovery out on the waves, which will set sail on 27 June.

Traditional coin ceremony for MSC Seascape

• A traditional coin ceremony for MSC Cruises’ second Seaside EVO class ship was held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy where the keel was laid.
• The name of the new ship was revealed – MSC Seascape – and pays homage to the beauty of the ocean and demonstrates the ways in which guests will be able to enjoy the stunning sea views from the ship thanks to the innovative design features.
• As with her sister ship, 65 per cent of MSC Seascape’s public spaces have been re-imagined, enhancing the guest experience and offering guests different venues and locations to connect with the sea:
• 2,270 cabins with 12 different types of cabins and suites with balconies including coveted aft suits
• 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges with plenty of options for dining and drinking al fresco
• Six swimming pools including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean views
• The MSC Yacht Club will be the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises’ fleet, with almost 3,000 sqm of space with sweeping ocean views from the foredecks of the ship
• An expansive 540-metre-long waterfront promenade close to the water
• A spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique vantage point of the ocean
• MSC Seascape is one of three vessels currently under construction as part of the Company’s continued long-term growth plans.
• MSC Seascape is one of three vessels currently under construction as part of the Company’s continued long-term growth plans.

Swan Hellenic’s first bespoke expedition cruise ship SH Minerva floated out

• Swan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Minerva out of dry dock. Her twin ship, SH Vega, was floated in dry dock on the same day (23 June 21). Moreover, a few days earlier, steelwork production started for the third and largest vessel commissioned from Helsinki, which currently has the project name Vega 3. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together on schedule to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises, some already entirely sold out.
• All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.
• SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 115 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.
• Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with HEPA filters and UV sanitisation systems.
• Designed for immersive experiences from extensive open views, SH Minerva features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a gym, spa, sauna, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.
• SH Minerva will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in October 2021, SH Vega in Spring 2022 and the third ship, temporarily named Vega 3, in Autumn 2022.

NCLH strives for carbon neutrality

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”) (NYSE: NCLH), a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, has announced the creation of its long-term climate action strategy and goal to reach carbon neutrality through reducing carbon intensity, identifying and investing in technology including exploring alternative fuels and implementing a voluntary carbon offset program. In addition to ongoing initiatives to reduce its emissions rate, the Company has committed to offset three million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) over a three-year period beginning in 2021 to help bridge the gap in its decarbonisation efforts until new technology becomes available. As part of the Company’s global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, combatting climate change is a material focus and the Company previously signed the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) historic commitment to reduce the carbon emissions rate industry-wide by 40% by 2030, from a 2008 baseline.
• Long-Term Climate Action Strategy – The three focus areas of the Company’s long-term climate action strategy include:
  • Reduce Carbon Intensity. The Company continually seeks opportunities to reduce its overall footprint by minimising fuel consumption and increasing energy efficiency. Ongoing investments in systems and technologies have resulted in a reduction of fuel consumption per capacity day of approximately 17% from 2008 to 2019 for the entire 28-ship fleet. In addition, the Company achieved an estimated approximately 14% reduction in CO2 emissions per capacity day across its fleet, between 2015 and 2019. As nine new and more fuel-efficient vessels are introduced to the fleet through 2027, this rate is expected to further decrease.
  • Invest in Technology & Explore Alternative Fuels. The Company has partnered with CLIA and other maritime organisations to propose the establishment of a collaborative shipping research and development fund dedicated to the ultimate goal of eliminating CO2 emissions from international shipping. If approved, funding would come from a contribution per tonne of marine fuel purchased for consumption and is expected to amount to US$5 billion over a 10-year period. These funds will be used to finance the development of zero and near-zero GHG fuels and propulsion technologies. As new alternative fuel sources become available at sufficient scale in the future, the Company will evaluate how these can accelerate its long-term carbon reduction strategy.
  • Implement Voluntary Carbon Offset Program. The Company has announced its commitment to purchase carbon credits to offset three million MTCO2e over a three-year period to help bridge the gap in decarbonisation efforts until new technology becomes available. Offset purchases are expected to ramp up in future years to reach the goal of carbon neutrality.

Carnival Cruise Line To Grow Fleet By Two Additional Ships By 2023

• Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to grow its fleet by two additional ships by 2023, taking the delivery position of an Excel-class ship that had previously been assigned to sister line AIDA Cruises that will arrive in late 2023, as well as taking ownership of Costa Magica from another of its European sister lines, with that ship going through a dry dock, renaming and Carnival-branded conversion and joining the fleet by mid-2022.
• These two ships are in addition to the new capacity growth represented by Mardi Gras, Carnival’s first Excel-class, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship which starts sailing from Port Canaveral on July 31 and her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which will be delivered and sail from Miami starting in late 2022, as part of Carnival’s 50th birthday festivities.
• The addition of these four ships will bring the Carnival fleet to 27 by year-end 2023, and these ships bring many new amenities and features for guests, as well as environmental benefits and enhancements as Carnival continues to exceed and expand targets for emissions efficiencies.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names Newest Ship Seven Seas Grandeur

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the name of its highly anticipated new ship as Seven Seas Grandeur™. Embodying a 30-year legacy of perfecting luxury travel, the sixth member of the Regent fleet is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023. Jason Montague, president & CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, revealed the name in an exciting video, which also unveiled the ship’s beautifully reimagined design of Compass Rose, the cruise line’s signature restaurant.
• Seven Seas Grandeur will host only 750 guests and have a gross tonnage of 55,254, providing among the highest space ratios and staff to guest ratios in the industry. She is a sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer®, the most luxurious ship ever built and Seven Seas Splendor®, the ship that perfects luxury.
• Further details about Seven Seas Grandeur’s suites, restaurants, amenities and onboard experiences will be revealed at RSSC.com/Seven-Seas-Grandeur leading up to her 2023 debut, with her inaugural season unveiled and open for reservations on 23 September, 2021.

Hurtigruten Expeditions continues expansion: Introduces exclusive Galapagos expedition cruises

• Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world leader in exploration travel, is expanding its global offering to one of the most iconic destinations on the planet: The Galapagos Islands.
• Famous for its unique nature and wildlife, the isolated archipelago some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador has mesmerized travelers and scientists for centuries. From January 2022, Hurtigruten Expeditions will expand its breadth of destinations to include the Galapagos Islands offering modern-day explorers in-depth adventures described as ‘beyond imagination’.
• To offer guests one-of-a-kind experiences, Hurtigruten Expeditions has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, the most experienced and renowned  travel company in the Galapagos.
• Guests will explore the Galapagos in style and comfort onboard the fully upgraded 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II, adding to Hurtigruten Expeditions’ grow