Cunard announces Queen Anne. The next in a fine line.

• Cunard announced the name of the new ship joining a world-renowned fleet, Queen Anne. Queen Anne will be Cunard’s 249^th ship and will make up a remarkable quartet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. This will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships at sea.
• The name ‘Queen Anne’ celebrates Cunard’s rich heritage, royal history and refined status – joining a luxury contemporary fleet now honouring the names of each Queen Regnant over the last millennium.
• The Cunard team explored multiple naming options and inspired by Queen Anne’s reign, engaged with British historian, author and television presenter, Kate Williams, to assist in the detailed research. Kate says, ‘It is so exciting that the fourth ship of the fleet will be named after Queen Anne. She has a fascinating tale to tell – one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts. She was an inspiring woman, wildly popular with her people. She should be celebrated. This new ship in the Cunard fleet is the perfect way to do it!’
• Queen Anne will feature reimagined Cunard signature spaces as well as the introduction of new guest experiences within dining, culture and entertainment, for an unparalleled cruise experience underpinned by outstanding White Star Service. Bridging tradition and contemporary luxury, Queen Anne celebrates the influential design styles of both past and present and introduces an updated Cunard livery. World renowned designers have joined forces to create an extraordinary and thoughtful standard-setting design – inspiring a new way to travel on sea. The décor will reveal bold colour tones and showcase a striking aesthetic, while in keeping with the renowned timeless Cunard sophistication.
• Queen Anne’s maiden season programme will go on sale in May, with the ship’s first sailings in early 2024.

Another redeployment away from Australia

• Princess Cruises recently re-deploying Sapphire Princess on the West Coast of the United States, the ship’s Australian cruises from 28 Aug to 29 Oct have been cancelled.
• Guests booked on these cancelled voyages can transfer to an equivalent voyage, or receive a future cruise credit or refund.

Is it the end of Crystal?

• Rumours have been circling earlier today that the land-based teams for Crystal have been stood down, and a ship management company appointed to take over the safekeeping of the ships and assets.
• It has been no secret that parent company Genting has suffered financially since the pandemic too hold.
• All passengers are reportedly home, and crew being taken care of onboard.
• Our thought go out to the shoreside and ship based team members who really are at the heart and soul of the success of Crystal.

European Waterways Expands Its Canal Barging Fleet With Purchase of Two Ultra Deluxe Hotel Barges

• European Waterways announced the purchase of the stylish Enchanté and Finesse hotel barges, two double-decker vessels that reflect the ultimate in luxury canal barging. The vessels, which carry up to eight passengers and a crew of five that includes an onboard master chef, expand the company’s Ultra Deluxe barge categories. Hotel barge Enchanté cruises the Canal du Midi, while Finesse explores the Canal du Centre and the Canal de Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy. Their purchases strengthen the company’s status as the largest operator of luxury hotel barges in Europe with a total of 17 vessels. The purchases also come as barging vacations move out of the niche market category and into the mainstream, with more travellers discovering “the joys of hotel barging.”
• Enchanté and Finesse offer the perfect mix of luxury accommodations and modern amenities.  They feature luxurious ensuite cabins, large sun decks for alfresco dining, and a spa pool. Guests can also avail themselves of the onboard bicycles to pedal along the gentle towpaths or explore the nearby villages. Barge highlights also include a spacious saloon with an open demonstration galley where the master chef prepares the day’s gourmet meals in full view of guests.

Holland America Line Explores Alaska in 2023 with a Six-Ship Complement and Cruisetours to Denali and the Yukon

• Holland America Line is charting a course to Alaska in 2023 with expertly crafted journeys on six ships that offer preferred access, exclusive overland transportation, culturally focused onboard experiences and more visits to Glacier Bay than any other major cruise line.
• Celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration in 2022, Holland America Line weaves that expertise into every nuance of the journey, enabling travelers to discover the most authentic elements of the 49th state, both on board and ashore.
• From April through September 2023, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s cruises to Alaska aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Volendam and Westerdam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, Holland America Line is bringing back the popular 14-day “Great Alaska Explorer” cruise for two departures.
• For explorers who want to travel farther into the Great Land, 16 different Cruisetours (formerly Land+Sea Journeys) combine a three-, four- or seven-day Alaska cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends land tours up to the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory.
• Cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C.; or one-way between Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska, and Vancouver. The ships deliver a premium experience designed for immersive cruising. Wraparound decks and an abundance of verandah staterooms bring guests closer to Alaska’s natural wonders, while enriching Explorations Central (EXC) programming presents the opportunity to learn about the culture and history from authentic experts.
• Highlights for 2023 Alaska Cruises:
  • Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.
  • The 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” itinerary returns in 2023 to offer an in-depth adventure. Roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam (May 7) and Noordam (Sept. 17), the cruise calls at the Alaskan ports of Kodiak, Anchorage, Valdez, Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan, and features Glacier Bay.
  • Seven-day “Glacier Discovery Northbound” and “Glacier Discovery Southbound” itineraries cruise between Whittier and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska.
  • Seven-day “Alaska Inside Passage” cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Volendam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, except for Noordam that stops at Sitka vs Skagway.
  • Seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam, and include calls at Victoria, British Columbia (evening stay); and Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka.
  • All ships cruising in Alaska feature expanded onboard programming: guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, special EXC presentations explore local topics such as Alaska’s bush pilots and the famous Iditarod race, and cruises with Glacier Bay take on a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.
• Highlights for 2023 Denali Cruisetours:
  • Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam will offer Denali Cruisetours ranging from nine to 14 days.
  • All Denali Cruisetours include a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise featuring Glacier Bay, plus either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier (depending on the direction), Inside Passage, as well as up to three nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park.
  • All Double and Triple Denali itineraries include the Tundra Wilderness Tour, which provides the best wildlife viewing through Denali National Park.
  • Holland America Line owns its motorcoaches, railcars and hotels, so schedules are preferential. Each Cruisetour gets a scenic ride on the luxury-domed McKinley Explorer, including select itineraries that offer Direct-to-Denali service, taking guests from their ship to their Denali hotel room on the same day.
• Highlights for 2023 Yukon & Denali Cruisetours:
  • Holland America Line is the ONLY cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon.
  • Yukon & Denali Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Volendam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; a two-or three-night stay at Denali; and a journey into the Yukon.
  • Every Yukon & Denali Cruisetour includes the services of a professional Journey Host, who makes time on land easy, convenient and insightful.
  • All Yukon & Denali Cruisetours include a ride on the McKinley Explorer full-dome railcars, and select itineraries add on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad from Skagway.
  • Yukon & Denali Cruisetours feature two nights in Dawson City, affording guests more time to relive Gold Rush history. Additional overnight experiences vary depending on the Cruisetour.
  • An included tour on the Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler takes guests along the Yukon River past stunning tall pines, historic towns and wildlife; nearly all Yukon & Denali Cruisetours include a Gold Dredge 8 tour; and every Yukon & Denali itinerary includes the Tundra Wilderness Tour at Denali National Park.
• Holland America Line’s McKinley Chalet Resort and Denali Square
  
  • Cruisetours includes a stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. The property is Holland America Line’s magnificent 68-acre hotel on the Nenana River. The resort features dining facilities and guest rooms, including a 99-room complex featuring Denali Suites with balconies and larger living areas.
  • Centrally located between the McKinley Chalet Resort and riverfront guest rooms, Denali Square is a gathering area with restaurants, an amphitheater, fire pits, outdoor seating, retail shops offering local goods, and an artist-in-residence cabin where Alaska native and local artists display and discuss their works

Coral Expeditions releases ‘The Solar Eclipse Expedition’

• In partnership with Australian Geographic, the voyage will witness the rare hybrid eclipse event from remote Ashmore Reef
• Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering small ship cruise line, has today announced a special departure, ‘The Solar Eclipse Expedition’ sailing in April 2023. The one-of-a-kind itinerary will operate between Darwin and Broome on a 13-night voyage on Coral Adventurer exploring extraordinary forces of nature.
• The ship repositions to remote Ashmore Reef to give guests the ideal vantage point to experience the rare natural event of a Solar Eclipse in the company of world leading experts. Following the Eclipse event, guests will continue through the Kimberley to experience the mighty waterfalls, tidal phenomenon and wildlife of this unique area. Voyage highlights include sailing through Whirlpool Passage, exploring unique Edeline Island, walking along the pristine white sands of Silica Beach and snorkeling at world-class Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef.
• 13 Nights | Departing Darwin 15 April 2023 | Arriving Broome 28 April 2023 | Coral Adventurer |
  Eclipse: 20 April 2023
• The Solar Eclipse Expedition will be initially released to members of Coral Expeditions’ Xplorers Club and Australian Geographic Society on 8 February 2022 before general market release on 9 February 2022. Guest numbers will be strictly limited to 110.

Emerald Cruises accepts deliver of Azzura

• Emerald Cruises has taken delivery of its first luxury superyacht, Emerald Azzurra the first of two for the brand. Departing Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam on Tue, the 100-guest luxury yacht is headed to Aqaba, where she will welcome guests on board her inaugural sailing on 11 Mar, the Best of the Red Sea cruise.
• Azzurra will then transit via the Suez Canal to embark on a season of Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises between Apr and Nov, before she travels to Doha in Dec.

Celebrity Beyond completes sea trials

• Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Beyond has taken an important step toward her Apr debut, successfully completing her sea trials over the weekend.
• Beyond conducted her sea trials in the Bay of Biscay near her Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire.
• They were overseen by more than 50 crew members, engineers and nautical experts.
• Celebrity Beyond will make her highly anticipated debut on 27 Apr when she sets sail from Southampton on a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, Lisbon, Seville, Malaga, Palma, and Barcelona.

Carnival Corp. to Drydock 28 Ships in First Half of 2022

• Despite the disruptions of the Pandemic, Carnival Corp. has announced that 28 ships of the combined fleets will be drydocked in the first half of 2022. Many cruise lines are taking the opportunity to update and maintain and refurbish ahead of the return to service.