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Crystal River Cruises unveils shoreside activities for Crystal Mozart

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 April 2016 28 April 2016

When Crystal Mozart, the first vessel in Crystal River Cruises’ fleet, embarks on her maiden voyage along the Danube River this July, guests aboard will be treated to dozens of inclusive experiences ashore that highlight the stunning European locales on the route. The lineup of shore-side offerings for the “Queen of European river ships’” 2016 voyages, is available online at crystalcruises.com for viewing and will open for pre-reservation through Crystal’s Priority Check-in & Planning Center starting May 3.

Crystal Mozart’s itineraries – exploring the European capitals along the Danube and the Wachau Valley, Christmas Markets along the Danube (beginning in late November) and a special singular holiday itinerary spanning Christmas and New Year’s – will offer distinct experiences designed to showcase the most popular highlights in each destination. For the first time on a Crystal voyage, most excursions will be offered complimentary. A handful of more over-the-top Crystal Adventures will be available for booking on each cruise for an additional cost; private services and excursions can also be pre-arranged.

“While many of the charming ports along Crystal Mozart’s routes are easy to explore on foot or access at one’s leisure, travelers visiting for the first time will benefit from the detailed and expertly guided excursions crafted by our team,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president and CEO. “It is our pleasure to offer Crystal Complimentary Adventures with our river voyages as part of the ‘All Inclusive’ Crystal Experience, as we know how greatly these shore-side adventures enhance our guests’ understanding and perception of the destinations.”

At least one complimentary excursion will be offered in every port, often focusing on the “don’t miss” sites in each locale. Additionally, as choices are a cornerstone of the Crystal credo, an alternate complimentary excursion will be available in many ports for travelers who are seeking a different perspective. In select ports, a morning and afternoon option will be offered, ensuring that late rising guests do not miss out on the insightful tours.

Included in the selection of Crystal Complimentary Adventures are excursions that Crystal is the first river cruise line to offer, such as a full-day venture to Munich, highlighting Germany’s third-largest city’s Olympic grounds, BMW factory, and illustrious sites of the Friedensengel and National Theatre. Another Crystal exclusive tour takes guests to Vienna’s Belvedere Palace for a signature evening concert event and VIP access to the artists’ masterpieces in the museum. Among the dozens of other inclusive opportunities to explore the gems along the Danube are:

– A tour through the Parliament and Great Market Hall, or exploration of the Dohány Synagogue and Jewish District in Budapest, Hungary
– Full-day ventures to either Salzburg, including visits to the city’s most iconic sites, or to the lovely Salzkammergut Lake District, both from Linz, Austria
– A glimpse into the culinary treasures of Vienna, offering tastings and pairings with local beers and wines, as well as an immersion into the pastry cafés, which are known as the heart of the city
– A trip to 13th century Červený Kameň Castle in Bratislava, Slovakia, for a guided exploration of the captivating interior including beautiful Sala Terrena, plus tasting wines from the region and a falconry demonstration.

For guests seeking a high-intensity shore-side activity, Crystal is introducing its newest shore-side program called “Active Exploration Adventures,” tailored to allow guests to explore the splendid European landscapes while staying fit on their vacation. These complimentary excursions, under the assistance of a Crystal fitness instructor, range from a 1,700-foot hike to the top of Pöstlingberg for a birds-eye view of Linz, to 16-mile bike ride through the Wachau Valley, and two-mile treks through the vineyards of Vienna.

The late November/December and holiday voyages feature particularly extraordinary excursions to some of the most famous and quintessential Christmas markets in Austria, Germany and Slovakia, as well as special concerts and services in the region’s magnificent cathedrals.

In addition, the Crystal Adventures will be enhanced by the introduction of four brand new luxury motor coaches, which will follow the ships along each itinerary, and feature plush-seating accommodations for 42 guests, knowledgeable local guides, complimentary Wi-Fi and beverages including an espresso machine. The Crystal motor coaches will also provide transportation service to and from the airport on embarkation and debarkation days.

Four cruise ships at Navantia shipyard in Cadiz

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 April 2016 28 April 2016

Four cruise ships have bee docked at the Navantia ship repair and refit yard in Cadiz in Spain at the same time, the company said in a statement.

Mein Schiff 3 from TUI Cruises, has proceeded to the installation of a stern transverse propeller, to improve the maneuverability of the ship. The shipyard prefabricated a new block of steel with the new propeller and once the ship arrived, the shipyard has proceeded to the installation in a record time.

Splendour of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International has arrived for a major refit before the ship will will enter service as TUI Discovery of Thomson Cruises, a British unit of the Anglo-German travel group TUI.

Work to improve accommodations on board The World, the world’s only passenger vessel with residential accommodation, is also being carried out.

World Odyssey from Cruise American Associates, previously the Deutschland of Peter Deilmann Kreuzfahrten, will spend a month in Cadiz while work to improve accommodation will be done.

Andrew Hemphill takes helm at Cruise Scotland

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 April 2016 28 April 2016

Andrew Hemphill, Port Director with Peel Ports - Clydeport has been appointed as Chairman of Cruise Scotland at the marketing association's Annual General Meeting in Glasgow having previously served as Vice Chairman for the past two years, the organisation said in a statement.

Hemphill replaces Victor Sandison of the Port of Lerwick in Shetland who served in the role over the last three years.

Sandison commented “Andrew has been extremely successful in his work in developing cruise business at Greenock for Peel Ports - Clydeport. His knowledge and experience in the cruise industry will be of great value to Cruise Scotland and I feel absolutely confident that Andrew’s passion for the industry will enable our organisation to continue to grow in stature and flourish in the years ahead".

Oceania Cruises celebrates christening of Sirena

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 April 2016 27 April 2016

Oceania Cruises officially welcomed its newest ship, Sirena, into the fleet this evening with a christening ceremony at the Port of Barcelona. After the ship’s godmother, Claudine Pépin, delivered the traditional blessing, a bottle of Moët & Chandon’s finest champagne kissed the ship’s hull and a flurry of confetti filled the sky in celebration of Sirena’s inaugural voyage.

Joining Pépin for the signature bottle-breaking moment were Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO, Frank Del Rio; President and COO for Oceania Cruises, Jason Montague; and Claudine’s father, legendary master chef Jacques Pépin. The Pépin family and Oceania Cruises have enjoyed a long and treasured relationship, with Jacques Pépin serving as the line’s Executive Culinary Director since its inception.

“We launched Oceania Cruises with a visionary belief that we could create something special. With an unwavering commitment to serve our guests the finest cuisine at sea, we established a culinary reputation that to this day defines the Oceania Cruises brand,” said Del Rio. “That culinary tradition continues, as we welcome Sirena to the family. Sirena builds upon our epicurean heritage with new gourmet dining experiences, and in godmother Claudine Pépin who is a noted chef and member of the culinary world’s royal family.”

The second-hand, 684-passenger Sirena follows the design blueprint of its sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, with amenities such as four gourmet restaurants, six lounges and bars, the renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and 342 suites and staterooms. Before entering service, the ship underwent a 35-day, nearly $50 million refurbishment that renovated all public spaces and accommodations to Oceania Cruises’ standard of elegance, and added several new amenities for guests to enjoy.

The ship debuts with two new specialty restaurants, providing guests with new culinary indulgences to explore. Tuscan Steak, a completely new restaurant concept, is inspired by both Oceania Cruises’ traditional steak house, Polo Grill, and the line’s authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana. Red Ginger, the beloved contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant currently available on Marina and Riviera, will offer culinary delights such as Miso Glazed Sea Bass and Lobster Pad Thai.

Another new dining option awaits Sirena guests at the Grand Dining Room. During lunch the restaurant will transform into Jacques Bistro, offering an exclusive menu featuring some of legendary chef Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes.

“The expansion of our culinary offerings on Sirena with Tuscan Steak, Red Ginger and Jacques Bistro further exemplifies our commitment to epicurean excellence,” shared Montague. “We’ve given our guests three new gourmet dining options, and more opportunities to enjoy the finest cuisine at sea.”

In addition to the new dining options, Sirena’s most palatial and prestigious accommodations -- the Owner’s and Vista Suites -- will debut with an elegant new design that features a crisp and modern motif. Sirena is also the first ship in the Oceania Cruises’ fleet to showcase the enhanced entertainment offerings being developed for the line. Guests will be treated to a full range of world-class musical, theatrical and comedic productions in the Sirena Lounge.

Haimark Line Ltd cancels future cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 April 2016 26 April 2016

The Federal Maritime Commission advises passengers that Haimark Line Limited (Haimark), a passenger vessel operator, has cancelled all future cruises. Haimark operates a single vessel, the Saint Laurent.

In accordance with Commission regulations, Haimark maintains an escrow account for the purpose of refunding applicable passenger fares and deposits for cruises departing from a U.S. port in the event that the cruise line fails to perform any such cruises. The escrow account does not provide reimbursement for payments for air travel, shore-side hotel expenses, or other expenses that do not constitute water transportation or its related services. Further information about the legal requirements of the passenger vessel operator program can be found on our Passenger Vessel Operators webpage.

The escrow agent will automatically process refunds and send payments to passengers who paid deposits or fares for cruises on the Saint Laurent. However, passengers who previously obtained a refund from their credit card issuer or travel insurance are not eligible.

The Commission’s Office of Passenger Vessels and Information Processing is available to assist passengers with respect to questions about Haimark or their refund procedures and may be contacted by phone at (202) 523-5818 or e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..