Atlas Ocean Voyages is the first line to adjust cruise itineraries in the Baltic.

• Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that, as a result of current regional tensions, the luxe-adventure cruise line is adjusting two late-summer 2022, Baltic itineraries. On both the Hamburg-to-Kiel itinerary, departing August 26, 2022, and Kiel-roundtrip itineraries, departing September 7, World Navigator will drop St. Petersburg, Russia, and now call at Kotka and Mariehamn, Finland. The August 26 voyage includes a bucket-list transit of the Kiel Canal, while the September 7 departure will now also add Saaremaa, Estonia, where World Navigator will dock in the city center, adjacent to the Medieval Castle of Kuressaare.
• Carnival Corporation has now also advised they have commenced adjustments

P&O Cruises Australia Advises New Zealand Guests of Cancellation of its Auckland Season

• In the absence of an agreed restart plan for cruising in New Zealand, P&O Cruises Australia today announced the cancelation of its 2022 Auckland cruise season.
• The cancellation affects 21 cruises that were scheduled to depart from Auckland from July 5, 2022 to November 27, 2022, and is in line with P&O Cruises’ pause in operations that began in March 2020.
• While P&O Cruises has had useful discussions with New Zealand officials and expects to have further contact, uncertainty remains as to when cruising is likely to resume there, which has made it difficult to sustain the 2022 Auckland cruise season.
• P&O Cruises looks forward to returning to New Zealand next year for an Auckland cruise season beginning in June 2023.

Carnival 50^th Birthday Sailabrations begin.

• As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s year-long 50th birthday celebrations, Carnival Miracle departed the Port of Long Beach yesterday, marking the first of 17 Sailabrations cruises. The commemorative birthday sailings run through March 10, 2022 and feature at-sea ship meetups, special entertainment and programming. Carnival Miracle welcomed approximately 2,000 guests during embarkation to a birthday party complete with music and décor. Once on board, the fun continued with a 50th Birthday Bash Sailaway Party.
• Carnival Miracle’s 14-day Sailabrations cruise stops in Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Hilo, and Ensenada. On March 5, Carnival Miracle will meet up with Carnival Radiance in Baja, Mexico, outside of Ensenada, to host one of history’s biggest birthday parties at sea.
• Fun Facts from Carnival’s 50 Years:
  • Carnival has been a presence on the West Coast of USA for about 40 years, operating week-long cruises from Southern California in the 1980s and introducing short cruises in the mid-1990s.
  • Carnival Corporation acquired the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, including a portion of the geodesic dome – once home to Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose – in 2003. In 2018, Carnival Corporation purchased the remaining portion of the dome and dramatically expanded the facility with significant upgrades. The expansion more than doubled the size of the terminal to 146,000 square feet

Carnival’s first glimpse at Carnival Celebration

• In conjunction with the kickoff of the company’s 50th birthday festivities, Carnival Cruise Line is giving guests a first look at Carnival Celebration, sister ship to the incredibly popular Mardi Gras, that will debut in Miami this November, revealing details on four of its six zones including Celebration Central.
• On a Carnival cruise, guests’ vacations start in the atrium, and on Carnival Celebration, that is in Celebration Central. Spanning Decks 6, 7 and 8, Celebration Central is an update to the fabulous starboard side atrium that debuted on Mardi Gras, designed as the heart of the ship’s celebratory spirit with a whole new look and the feeling of a festive party woven throughout.
• Celebration Central will also feature the awe-inspiring, three-deck-high atrium that guests are quickly getting to know and love, but with a ceiling that appears as a burst of a confetti canon made of approximately 1,400 color-changing lighting fixtures that will transform from day to night. Functional as it is eye-catching, the space will include 3,000-square-foot floor-to-ceiling windows on the side of the ship that will change into 16 individually controlled, six- by 14-foot LED screens to work hand in hand with the ever-changing entertainment options, including live music, special effects, aerial acrobatic performances, and high-energy shows.
• Introducing nods to Carnival’s Fun Ship history, guests will spot pieces from former Carnival ships that will be repurposed to blend with the ship’s modern decor throughout Celebration Central and beyond. For example, in the Aquaria Bar, ocean-themed glass murals from Carnival Victory by Italian artist Luciano Vistosi will be incorporated into a striking two-deck-high decorative wall behind the bar to create an aquarium-like effect, inspiring the name. And the Tropicale Bar is named after Carnival’s first ship to sport the line’s iconic funnel.
• Celebration Central will also include food and beverage options, such as JavaBlue Café, Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, and feel-good entertainment such as Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club.
• The Ultimate Playground
  After such an incredible response from guests on Mardi Gras, the centerpiece of Carnival Celebration’s Ultimate Playground (Decks 18-20 Aft) will be BOLT, The Ultimate Sea Coaster, soon to be the second roller coaster at sea, recognized by Popular Science with a “Best of What’s New” award. Guests can expect the thrills they’ve raved about as all-electric, motorcycle-inspired vehicles race along an 800-foot-long track 187 feet above the sea achieving speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
  Reaching a very exciting milestone, Mauer Rides, the manufacturer of the groundbreaking top-deck attraction, has fully assembled BOLT on land and is currently conducting initial shoreside unmanned test runs in Munich, Germany. BOLT will soon be reassembled and installed aboard Carnival Celebration.
  Designed for fun for all-ages, the zone will also be home to the WaterWorks aqua park and SportSquare featuring a mini-golf course, full-court basketball and an exhilarating ropes course.
• Summer Landing and Lido
  Carnival Celebration’s Summer Landing zone (Deck 8 Aft) will continue to serve as the greatest chill spot at sea with Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, offering smoked-on-board favorites created by Guy Fieri and an assortment of Carnival’s ParchedPig craft beers brewed on site, in addition to pools and whirlpools, The Watering Hole poolside bar, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge honoring military personnel.
  And the poolside zone, Lido (Decks 16-17 Aft), will feature all of the delicious and fun experiences from Mardi Gras including the two-level RedFrog Tiki Bar designed to transport guests to a South Pacific paradise, Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant, guest-favorite Guy’s Burger Joint, Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina, with offerings perfect for any tastebud, any time.

Cunard announces Matt Moran to headline inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage

• Acclaimed Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran to spoil food afficionados on board luxurious Queen Elizabeth
• Cunard has announced legendary chef, restaurateur, TV host and author, Matt Moran will headline the talent program for its extraordinary five-day Great Australian Culinary Voyage departing Sydney on 28 January 2023.
• While on board, the Australian icon will create exclusive dishes for onboard diners and share his passion for Australian food and produce with Cunard guests through talks and interviews.
• Cunard’s inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage will celebrate all aspects of Australia’s unique food and wine offering on a five-day cruise from Sydney on 28 January 2023. More culinary royalty joining the sailing will be announced soon, ensuring a vibrant program of curated events and dinners, demonstrations, interviews, and onshore experiences.
• Departing Sydney on 28 January 2023, the 5-night sailing takes in three of Australia’s culinary hotspots, sailing to Melbourne and Burnie (Tasmania), before arriving back in Sydney on 2 February.

Atlas Ocean Voyages performs first legal weddings in Antarctica.

• February is the month of love, and for the first time, betrothed couples were legally joined in matrimony on the Seventh Continent. On February 18, 2022, Atlas Ocean Voyages performed the first official wedding on Antarctica. Bride Courtnie Dodson and Groom Brody Vermillion exchanged vows on Danko Island during a 15-minute ceremony, officiated by British Antarctic Territory-registered Marriage Officer Bryan Clark and witnessed by eight additional guests. Throughout World Navigator’s current nine-night Antarctica expedition, which departed February 14, Atlas performed four extraordinary weddings and three vow renewals in four days. Known as Happy Ever Atlas, the destination wedding package was complimentary for guests who registered in advance.

Le Commandant Charcot working together with RRS Sir David Attenborough in Antarctica

• Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first hybrid electric LNG powered polar exploration ship from French luxury expedition company PONANT, teamed up with the British polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough in their mission to support the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.
• Le Commandant Charcot and RRS Sir David Attenborough have both recently entered service in 2021, with their missions to operate in the polar regions. While the RRS Sir David Attenborough is focused on science and the logistical support of British research stations, Le Commandant Charcot was purpose-built to take guests on voyages to high latitudes, whilst conducting scientific research along the way. When it was realised both ships would coincidentally meet in Carroll Inlet at 73°15 south, it offered the perfect opportunity to combine the capabilities of both ships to work in tandem.
• Le Commandant Charcot features a unique PC2 hull design, with the ability to sail in ‘double-acting mode’, specifically enabling the ship to tackle thicker and more dense ice; she does this more quickly and efficiently by sailing backwards.
• Le Commandant Charcot opened a channel by sailing astern, with the RRS Sir David Attenborough following behind, working to widen the channel. This collaboration enabled a 3NM channel to be opened in just 3 hours. Despite creating a channel and getting close to the depot site, once Le Commandant Charcot had departed for her next destination, the sea ice conditions were against the ship, and the RRS Sir David Attenborough turned around. It is now seeking an alternative location nearby to depot cargo for Thwaites Glacier. There is a long-standing belief amongst polar professionals in collaboration and support where possible; and that we can achieve more by working together.
• Le Commandant Charcot is an LNG-electric hybrid vessel. She’s the world’s first PC2 Polar Class ship, making her the safest and most capable polar exploration passenger ship in the world, as well as one of the most luxurious. Le Commandant Charcot offers voyages to explore deep into the Antarctic and all the way to the North Pole, and simultaneously invites scientists from around the world to make use of her onboard laboratories to conduct research to further our understanding of these remote regions.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines teases first look at new summer 2023 programme

• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today offered a first look at its new summer 2023 programme with the early release of two cruises venturing to hot and cold climates next year.
• In May 2023, Borealis will take guests on a journey through centuries of history and culture when she sets sail to many of the Adriatic’s most fascinating ports. Among them will be Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance period, along with the historic cities of Venice, Split and Kotor, teamed with scenic sailing of the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast.
• In June, flagship Bolette will depart on her own voyage of discovery to the Arctic as she explores many ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations. The 23-night sailing will offer chances to experience the Midnight Sun, as well as scenic cruising of many fjords, glaciers and mountainous landscapes, in-between explorations of some of the most remote locations in Norway and Iceland.
• Borealis’ 25-night S2309 ‘Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic & Amalfi Coast’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 22^nd May 2023.
  • Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Cartagena, Spain – Livorno, Tuscany, Italy – Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy – Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Italy – Cruising by Capri – Amalfi, Italy – Cruising the Amalfi Coast – Cruising Strait of Messina – Venice, Italy – Zadar, Croatia – Split, Croatia – Cruising Bay of Kotor – Kotor, Montenegro – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Valletta, Malta – Málaga, Spain – Liverpool, England
• Bolette’s 23-night T2316 ‘Exploring the Arctic & White Sea’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 1^st June 2023.
  • Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten (Hat Mountain) – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range – Crossing Arctic Circle – Tromsø, Norway – Honningsvåg, Norway – Murmansk, Russia – Solovki, Solovestky Islands, Russia – Cruising by Bear Island (Bjørnøya) – Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard – Pyramiden, Spitsbergen, Svalbard – Cruising by Nordenskiöldbreen Glacier – Cruising Tempelfjorden and Tuna Glacier – Cruising by Jan Mayen Island – Reykjavík, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hornstrandir – Cruising by Drangaskörð – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruising Eyjafjörður – Cruising by Hrísey and Grimsey – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Tórshavn, Faroe Islands – Newcastle, England

Virgins Resilient Lady on the Move

• Resilient Lady is traveling across the world — making her way down to Australia by way of some of the most jaw-dropping destinations on the planet.
• First, sailing for 14 nights from Piraeus (Athens) to dazzling Dubai, then hopping from Dubai to stunning Singapore over 15 nights, and finally from Singapore down to Sydney for a 15-night voyage — it’s 3 voyages, 17 destinations, and an unrivaled way to see some of the most unbelievable places in the world.
• Resilient Lady is the third of four Lady Ships built exclusively for Virgin Voygaes.
• 22 Oct 23 – Athens to Dubai 14 nights
  • Piraeus (Athens) • Santorini • Rhodes • Port Said (Cairo) • Safaga • Dubai • Dubai
• 5 Nov 23 – Dubai to Singapore
  • Dubai • Dubai • Mumbai (Bombay) • Goa (Mormugao) • Colombo • Phuket • Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur) • Singapore
• 20 Nov 23 – Singapore to Sydney
  • Singapore • Benoa, Bali • Darwin • Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) • Airlie Beach (Queensland) • Sydney • Sydney

Wonder of the Seas arrives in Ft Lauderdale

• Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas arrived in the United States last week, ahead of her official debut on 04 Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
• Wonder will first set sail on a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean, including RCI’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. She will then head to Barcelona and Rome to kick off her northern summer vacations in the Mediterranean in May. In Nov, Wonder will return to the tropical shores of the Caribbean and the Bahamas from her year-round home, Port Canaveral.

Oceania announces 2024 World Cruise

• Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced its highly anticipated 2024 Around the World in 180 Days itinerary in addition to four distinct Grand Voyages of 72 to 82 days in length. Featuring 96 destinations in 34 countries, the world cruise aboard the luxurious 684-guest Insignia departs Los Angeles for New York on January 14, crossing three oceans and 15 seas from the South Pacific to the coasts of Europe.
• Four New Grand Voyages
  • Grand Pacific Expedition from Los Angeles to Sydney: This 77-day voyage departs Oct. 4, 2023, on Regatta and visits 12 countries with 10 overnights in iconic ports such as Kyoto, Shanghai, Bali and Perth.
  • Odyssey of Discoveries from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo: This 82-day voyage departs Dec. 29, 2023, on Riviera and visits 18 countries with an array of discoveries across the Arabian Peninsula, India and Asia, plus calls at less-trodden corners such as Sri Lanka and the secluded paradise of the Maldives.
  • Epic Eastern Explorer from Mumbai to Tokyo: This 72-day journey departing Jan. 8, 2024, on Riviera visits 15 countries with calls in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul while also exploring Myanmar’s monasteries, contrasting rural and city life in Vietnam, experiencing revered culinary traditions in Japan and more.
  • Ultimate Exotic Traveler from Papeete to Cape Town: This 79-day voyage departs Feb. 19, 2024, on Nautica with a 15-country itinerary featuring a remarkable array of top attractions such as the gorgeous lagoons of Moorea, the unique geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, the iconic Sydney Opera House, the UNESCO-protected Komodo National Park and the renowned game reserves of South Africa.

Saga’s River Cruise Captains Named

• Saga’s brand-new river ships ‘Spirit of the Danube’ and its sister ‘Spirit of the Rhine’ are set to welcome Captain George Dudunica and Captain Marinus Pols as their respective Masters when they get underway in March.
• Captain George Dudunica, who hails from Romania and originally qualified as a First Officer through the River Navigation School, will be a familiar face to many Saga guests as he previously operated the Filia Rheni between 2013 and 2019, during which time he qualified as Captain.
• Spirit of the Rhine’s Master, Captain Marinus Pols, is from Holland and operated Spirit of the Rhine on its initial sailings towards the end of 2021. Having grown up with parents who transported cargo ships around Europe, Marinus was born and raised on the water and became a Captain at the age of 22.
• The new ships can both host up to 190 guests who will be served by up to 50 crew. The vessels have been designed to the highest specification and have four decks and 95 cabins. Guests can enjoy the Panorama Restaurant, a beautiful sundeck with hot-tub, an indoor and outdoor terrace, a library, gym and a stunning, panoramic lounge with floor to ceiling windows to maximise the view. 
• Spirit of the Danube and Spirit of the Rhine will have a joint naming ceremony in Arnhem in the Netherlands on 19 March.