Holland America Line Names Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands Godmother of Rotterdam

• Holland America Line has announced that when Rotterdam is named next spring, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s.
• Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam II (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).
• Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam’s godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937
• Rotterdam marks the 13th ship for the cruise line to be named by a Dutch Royal

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam Departs on Maiden Voyage from Amsterdam to Florida for Inaugural Caribbean Season

• Holland America Line’s Rotterdam departed today on its highly anticipated 14-day maiden voyage from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise line celebrated the occasion with fanfare, cheering crew and a ribbon cutting to welcome guests on board the transatlantic cruise.
• The 2,668-guest Rotterdam was delivered in July 2021 and is the third in the Pinnacle Class series for Holland America Line. Last week the ship arrived at its namesake city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where it was announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ships godmother when it is officially named in the spring (Northern)
• Following the transatlantic crossing, Rotterdam will spend from November through April on its inaugural Caribbean Season, with all sailings roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The cruises range from six to 11 days and span the entire region on southern, eastern, western and tropical itineraries. Guests looking for a longer getaway can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage — combined back-to-back itineraries that offer an in-depth exploration covering more than one area.
• Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. This quaint sanctuary has evolved into a playground for cruise guests and features the finest beaches; two-story villas and private cabanas; delicious dining venues like Lobster Shack; and a variety of fun-filled tours for nature lovers, adventurous travellers and explorers.
• About Rotterdam
• Rotterdam has the highly successful amenities and innovations introduced with her sister ships, including the 270-degree surround screen World Stage, Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurant and Grand Dutch Café. The ship introduces the Half Moon Bar, an immersive experience looking at the history of Holland America Line and cruising through the lens of a cocktail.
• Delivering the best of everything, Rotterdam celebrates live music with a collection of world-class performances each night — from Lincoln Center Stage and B.B. King’s Blues Club to Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard.
• Throughout the ship, Rotterdam showcases Holland America Line hallmarks that drive one of the highest repeat rates in the industry: exquisite cuisine guided by eight of the world’s leading chefs; gracious, award-winning service; a museum-quality art collection valued at more than $4 million; and superbly appointed staterooms and suites, including family and single accommodations.
• Rotterdam is the seventh ship to bear the name for Holland America Line.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji delivers Aid to struggling Mamanuca & Yasawa families

• Captain Cook Cruise’s sailing catamaran “Fiji One” sailed to the Mamanuca & Yasawa islands on Wednesday 13th and 14th of October and Reef Endeavour to the Northern Yasawa on 15th October. Both ships were laden with essential supplies to assist multiple villages who have suffered with lack of visits from cruise passengers and unemployment during COVID.  Essential supplies were provided such as groceries, medical supplies, reusable personal hygiene packs, baby packs and seeds for edible plants.
• The fundraiser was initiated by Captain Cook Cruises who worked in conjunction with the Rotary Clubs of Sydney Cove and Nadi on the project.  Captain Cook Cruises were very grateful for the generous contributions from their past passenger network, social media followers, a Tourism Fiji Australia travel industry fundraiser and general public as well as the significant contribution made by The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove.
• Captain Cook Cruises helped to ensure the villages receiving the aid were those who had been most affected by unemployment of hospitality workers as well as the absence of visits from passengers on Reef Endeavour which had ceased her itineraries to the region during this time.  Reef Endeavour dropped the supplies at Sawailau and Yanuya during her first itinerary to the islands departing with some “happy to be out of lockdown”, Fiji locals!

Princess Cruises Offers Half Price Cruise Vacations to First Responders and Medical Professionals (North America Only)

• Princess Cruises is launching a special 50 percent off promotion, valid on select cruises sailing from North America through February 2022 for all active first responders and medical professionals in gratitude for their service.
• Select cruises departing from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Mexico and the California Coast, plus Caribbean cruises sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, can be redeemed at 50 percent off, subject to terms and conditions.
• For those taking advantage of this special discounted offer, verification of current professional status through Sheer ID, a digital verification form, is accessible at https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/first-responder-medical-offer. First responder and medical professional information will be collected from 10/18 -10/31 and then validated with offers emailed on 11/3. The discount offer booking deadline is December 31, 2021
• In addition, active first responders and medical professionals can enter a sweepstakes between October 18-31, 2021, for a chance-to-win a cruise for two people. The entry link can be found https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/first-responder-medical-offer/. One grand-prize winner will be randomly drawn and notified on Nov. 1, 2021. The grand prize value of the sweepstakes is $2,500.00, based on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, balcony stateroom for two with drinks, wifi and crew incentive included with Princess Plus. The discount and sweepstakes is only available to U.S.-based first responders and medical professionals.

Royal Caribbean Introduces Ultimate World Cruise in 2023

• Serenade of the Seas to Make Cruising’s First-of-its-kind, 274-Night Adventure in 2023
• Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise, an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world. This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today, with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.
• Travelers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.
• Guests ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:
  • Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition Dec. 10, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders
    • The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard- perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier- studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro – where they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve – and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu, awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.
  • Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition Feb. 11 – May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders
    • Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders, the Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal, and gems of the South Pacific – from Vietnam to Malaysia. Rounding out the expedition are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
  • Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition May 9 – July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders
    • This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and  annes and Provence in France.
  • Capitals of Culture July 10 – Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations
    • The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell, and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters and galleries line the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, while larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami. Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade,

Seven Seas Explorer® Commences Inaugural Season from Trieste, Italy

• Seven Seas Explorer^® has welcomed luxury travellers back on board for the first time since the voluntary industry-wide pause in operations. Excited guests embarked the ship known as the most luxurious ever built on 15 October 2021, in Trieste, Italy, for an unforgettable journey through Italy, Croatia and Greece, whilst experiencing the highest benchmarks of service in lavishly designed suites, restaurants, bars and lounges.
• Sailing with the cruise line’s enhanced SailSAFE™ Health and Safety Program – which includes 100% vaccination of both guests and crew – Seven Seas Explorer is the second of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises^® fleet to return, joining their newest ship Seven Seas Splendor^® which has been enjoying a hugely successful inaugural season since 11 September 2021.
• Helmed by Captain Rosario Vasta, Seven Seas Explorer is cruising the Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea on an eight-night itinerary, visiting Ravenna, Italy; Zadar, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Corfu, Greece; Taormina, Italy; and Sorrento/Capri, Italy. The ship arrives in Rome, Italy on 23 October, after which she will continue to cruise Southern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to Miami, Florida for a season in the Caribbean from mid-November until March 2022.
•  The next ships in The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet^™ to resume sailing will be Seven Seas Mariner^® on 18 December 2021, and Seven Seas Navigator^® on 6 January 2022, both from Miami, Florida. Seven Seas Voyager^®, Regent’s final ship to return will sail on 15 February 2022 from Barcelona, Spain.

Crystal River Cruises Named Best Luxury River Cruise Line in 2021 Wave Awards

• Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line™, has earned top recognition as Best Luxury River Cruise Line in the 2021 Wave Awards held earlier this week in the UK. Presented by World of Cruising Magazine and Cruise Trade News, the Wave awards recognize excellence across wide variety of product- and service-related categories. Celebrating the very best of the travel industry, the awards are presented based on a panel of esteemed judges comprised of industry leaders, travel experts and members of the press.
• Crystal River Cruises fleet comprises the most spacious and luxurious ships sailing Europe’s rivers with 2 attentive crew for every 3 guests, the highest crew to guest ratio in the industry; Crystal’s acclaimed Michelin-inspired cuisine served in multiple open-seating restaurants; and the largest guest accommodations, all of which are suites featuring butler service and king-size beds. 
• Crystal Mozart sets the standard for space and features suites for solo travelers with no supplement on all sailings, a wrap-around Promenade Deck, the largest onboard spa, two onboard fitness centers, four restaurants and four lounges. Crystal’s four Rhine Class ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel  – accommodate just 106 guests with an intentional focus on maximizing personal and public spaces throughout their 135-meter hulls (a size typically designed to accommodate twice the number of guests). The ships are the industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, butler-serviced vessels in Europe, with every category of guest accommodation positioned above the waterline. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity bathrooms are featured in most categories.
• All Crystal’s River ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include Michelin-inspired cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés, Blue (on Crystal Mozart) and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the riverside scenery. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.

Storylines private residence ship increases communal spaces and adds a whole new deck

• Storylines residential ship announces a redesign of deck plans including new homes available for purchase and many new amenities. The updates include additional crew space and a reconfiguration of the marina deck to accommodate tendering for shore landings. The plans also include more outdoor spaces for dining and socializing, a coveted commodity in recent times as evidenced by recent surveys to the resident community.
• The number of decks changed from 17 to 18 and the number of residences available for purchase changed from 627 to 547, thereby increasing the amount of space for the owners of the private homes at sea and decreasing the number of people on board.
• New amenities include:
  • Compounding Pharmacy
  • Meeting Spaces including Board Rooms
  • Bowling Alley
  • Shared & Private Work Spaces
  • Sports Bar with Pool Tables
  • Outdoor Cinema
  • 2-Level Cinema & Performance Theater
  • Pickleball Court
  • Music & Video Recording Studio
  • Bali Beds
  • Kid & Teen Recreation and Education
  • Pet Walking Promenade & Day Care
  • Infinity Edge Jacuzzi
  • Kennel, Vet & Grooming Facilities
  • Maker Space & Lab
  • Larger Golf Simulator & Pro Shop
• About Storylines: Storylines is creating an environmentally sustainable ocean residence and a way of life that is attracting adventure seekers looking for immersive cultural experiences on a global scale. A conscientious community with an enthusiastic approach to living, residents will travel to more than 100 countries. With an average of three to five days in each port, experiential learning is integrated into curated itineraries and immersive shore excursions. Additionally, Storylines brings each destination to life onboard with enrichment programs, spa services that feature local elements, and a culinary street with regional dishes inspired by each port of call.