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Crystal Cruises not to sail before next year

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 July 2020 31 July 2020

Crystal Cruises announced today further cancellations of its ocean and yacht sailings.

"Like all travel enthusiasts, we are eagerly anticipating the day we can return to sailing the world again and welcome our guests back aboard. Unfortunately, the constantly changing variables related to Covid-19, coupled with differing restrictions for international travel, continue to determine when and where this can happen. The uncertainty surrounding this global health crisis hinders the ability for all cruise lines to operate, and it is with deep regret that we have had to cancel all Ocean voyages (aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity) and Yacht voyages (aboard Crystal Esprit) through the remainder of 2020," the company said in a statement.

"We extend our deepest apologies for this situation that is beyond our control and is a great frustration to all of us. Everyone at Crystal, along with the officers and crew of our ships fleetwide, are extremely disappointed that we were compelled to take this action as we were looking forward to exploring together.

What is certain is Crystal’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our guests and crew above all else. While we are looking forward to welcoming our valued guests back aboard again as soon as possible, we will not do so until it is deemed safe by governing health authorities.

We know this cancellation is extremely disappointing. In recognition of this, we are providing all affected guests with Credits* equal to 125% of the cruise fare paid on fully-paid reservations – along with a refund of port charges, taxes and fees paid, and any air and hotel packages booked through Crystal. For guests who have not fully paid, the credit will then be based on the deposited amount. Credits are valid on any Crystal experience (Ocean, River, Yacht or Expedition) embarking through December 31, 2023.

We encourage our guests to contact their travel advisor to assist them in selecting their ideal future Crystal cruise. Explore all cruise departures via our website's Find A Voyage page to review the 2021-2023 full-year voyage collections for each Crystal experience – all are available through 2022 as is our complete 2023 Ocean Collection. Our just-launched Crystal Confidence 2.0 provides the peace of mind our guests need now when making future travel plans.

While our fleet is paused, the Crystal team has been developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and to ensure our guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Building on our stringent protocols already in place, we recently launched Crystal Clean+® 2.0 – an enhanced level of measures to help safeguard the well-being of our guests and crew. Each protocol will be continually evaluated as new information becomes available.

We thank our guests, and our partners, for their continued understanding during this very challenging time. We, the Crystal team, remain at their service," the statement said.

Silversea launches a new culinary podcast

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 July 2020 28 July 2020

Silversea Cruises today announces the launch of S.A.L.T. Lab Radio – a new culinary podcast, produced in the same immersive spirit as the cruise line’s pioneering S.A.L.T. program (Sea and Land Taste), which will use storytelling to unlock entire ecosystems around culinary discovery when it launches aboard new ship Silver Moon. S.A.L.T. Lab Radio is available to stream for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Hosted by Adam Sachs, Silversea’s Director of the S.A.L.T. program and former Editor-in-Chief of Saveur Magazine, and with special guest appearances from culinary experts, each episode of the new podcast will take listeners deep into the world’s richest culinary cultures. Its setting will change according to the geographical positioning of Silversea’s Silver Moon and the S.A.L.T. program. Along with Sachs, the podcast is co-produced by Howie Kahn, Rob Corso, and Casey Kahn at FreeTime Media.

“We could all use some transporting stories these days. And with grounded local experts to guide us, we can make connections to places that go beyond the usual chit-chat about where to eat and what to try where, though there will be plenty of practical useful advice for the hungry traveler too,” says Sachs. “We’ll follow the route of Silver Moon and meet up with passionate chefs, winemakers, informed food writers and other experts to help us appreciate the places we visit through the lens of what they grow and cook there.”

Sachs and team have travelled far and wide to digest the most engaging culinary stories and meet the most fascinating guests: recorded on location, S.A.L.T. Lab Radio will enable listeners to follow food to its source, to meet the people preserving culinary traditions, creating new ones, and teaching us all how to eat in more well-informed ways.

The first episode of the new podcast is available to stream for free on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, as well as on Silversea’s blog:

EPISODE ONE: Legends of the Border: Friuli, Slovenia, Trieste

In S.A.L.T. Lab Radio’s first episode, Sachs speaks with three culinary innovators along the border of Italy and Slovenia: Ana Roš, widely regarded as Slovenia’s best chef and Co-Owner of Hiša Franko, the first restaurant in Slovenia to earn two Michelin Stars; Antonia Klugmann, Head Chef and Owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Argine a Vencò in Collio, Italy; and Mateja Gravner, a Winemaker at the illustrious Gravner family winery, which straddles the Italy-Slovenia border and utilizes ancient winemaking techniques. As well as Ana’s quest to bring honor to her ingredients, the hurdles Mateja’s family faces, and the way Antonia draws influence from her complicated heritage, Sachs discusses Trieste’s most celebrated cookbook, ancient wine making techniques, and the world’s most surprising potato.

“Ana’s food reads like a Slovenian folktale filled with surprising twists and real wisdom. Mateja’s thoughts on wine sounded like a lesson on how to live your life. And Antonia’s personal and joyous cooking sheds light on a complex region,” says Sachs.

Additional episodes will be released in the coming weeks, with immersive dives into the culinary cultures of Albania, Sicily and Lisbon. Subsequently, as Silver Moon journeys towards the Caribbean and South America, additional series will take listeners deeper into the culinary cultures of these regions too.

“As the pioneering leader in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, we are always looking for innovative ways to respond to our guests’ needs, preferences and behaviors, and to enrich their travels,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “With anticipation growing around our soon-to-launch S.A.L.T. program, we have introduced our new podcast, S.A.L.T. Lab Radio, to begin sharing immersive culinary stories with our guests in an engaging and accessible way and to offer an alluring taste of what’s to come.”

Spirit of Adventure leaves building dock

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 July 2020 25 July 2020

On Friday, July 24, the Spirit of Adventure, the second new cruise ship for the British shipping company Saga Cruises, left Meyer Werft's covered building dock I (hall 5).

Float out of the ship started on Friday morning. During float out, the funnel was lifted onto the ship by crane and was mounted. In the afternoon the ship was moved to the outfitting pier for different tests. Afterwards the ship will berth at the outfitting pier.

During the following days and weeks, more tests will be executed at the outfitting pier of the shipyard. In August the ship will probably start her passage on the River Ems to the port of Emden to start seas trials later on.

The 58,250 gross ton cruise ship has an overall length of 236 metres and a breadth of 31.2 metres. It has 554 cabins for 999 passengers and reaches a speed of more than 18 knots.

Seatrade launches new virtual series offering insights towards new era of cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 July 2020 24 July 2020

Seatrade Cruise launches Seatrade Cruise Talks – a series of virtual conversations, webinars and podcasts discussing issues impacting the cruise community. The weekly series features expert perspectives from global leaders in maritime, as well as parallel industries, including ports and destinations, technology and sustainability.

“Based on feedback from our community, we wanted to create a virtual space that would allow us to bring together thought leaders and decision makers to exchange information and insights on major topics of interest, such as the impact of COVID-19,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “We are happy to see that it’s being really well-received – we are already seeing up to 500 people joining our live webinars and feedback has been very positive. As interest grows, our team is continuing to work closely with key influencers to develop content and deliver fresh programming each week.”

Seatrade Cruise’s new virtual content is available to watch, listen and subscribe through various digital channels.

Upcoming live sessions:

– 30 July | Strategies for the Manufacturer and Supplier Community During COVID-19. Host and moderator Ryan Stana, CEO of RWS Entertainment, leads a panel of key suppliers and manufacturers of the cruise industry to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain.
– 6 August | COVID19's Impact on Cruise Operations Finale. Focusing on the hot topics most important to the entertainment and hotel operations industries, panelists will explore best practices from other industries, financial preparedness, the future of travel and more.
– 13 August | Design in a Pandemic. Seatrade Cruise Design Ambassador Ayesha Khan leads expert panelists to discuss how the pandemic has impacted demand for cruise ship design firms and how firms are crafting ingenious design solutions for ships, to ensure extra hygiene and safety are at the forefront.
– 20 August | Cruise Development for Destinations (Episode 1). This four-part series will provide essential insight into how destinations can thrive in the world of cruising. In episode one, guest panelist Timothy Littley – Senior Director, Deployment & Itinerary Planning at Seabourne Cruise Line, explains the key to achieving the destination “it” factor. Series topics include cruise ship operations, cruise market segments, itinerary planning, and more. Next episodes scheduled for September 3 and 17, respectively.
– 3 September | Design in a Pandemic (Episode 2). To conclude the two-part series, Seatrade Design Ambassador Ayesha Khan yields the floor to the shipbuilding experts from major brands including Royal Caribbean, Silversea, and Virgin Voyages to discuss innovative ways of creating smart, safe designs for ships that accommodate to new travel standards.
Podcasts

Hosted by Seatrade Cruise News editors Anne Kalosh, Mary Bond and Holly Payne, the Seatrade Cruise Talks podcast explores the changing cruise landscape with a line-up of special guests. Each 30-minute episode features one-on-one conversations with industry professionals giving listeners firsthand insight as they delve into a variety of timely topics. Notable upcoming sessions include an IT series focused on the impact of COVID-19 and technology’s role in moving the industry forward.

Viking's 2021-2022 World Cruise to call in 56 ports in 27 countries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 July 2020 23 July 2020

Viking has announced its new 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise, which will span 136 days, 27 countries and 56 ports, with overnight stays in 11 iconic cities. Setting sail on December 24, 2021, from Fort Lauderdale, the itinerary will include three new ports of call for Viking, including Phillip Island and Eden, Australia, as well as Yangon, Myanmar.

Sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest Viking Star®, the epic voyage will explore ports of call in Central America; transit through the Panama Canal; journey up the West Coast of North America before crossing the Pacific Ocean and calling upon Hawaii; traverse New Zealand and Australia; and sail through Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean before concluding in London. Guests may also choose a shorter, 119-day portion of the sailing, 2022 Viking World Horizons, which departs from Los Angeles on January 10, 2022 and visits 22 countries and 49 ports before ending in London. All Viking World Cruise guests will also receive the complimentary option to remain on board for three additional days and disembark in the ship’s home port of Bergen, Norway.

“For more than 20 years, we have been committed to providing our guests with immersive and culturally enriching experiences while traveling the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “This has been an unusual year for all travelers, but we remain focused on the future and are pleased to offer our guests a new destination-focused World Cruise that allows for extensive exploration in 2021-2022.”