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Celebrity Cruises reveals new sailings, destinations and overnights in 2017-2018

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 December 2015 03 December 2015

Celebrity Cruises is introducing its 2017-2018 cruises. The premium line’s richest season yet offers many firsts for guests to choose from among 282 destinations in 76 countries that include new ports of call, 236 exciting overnights in 55 cities and 31 double overnight stays in 10 different ports. On Monday, Celebrity has revealed its new Alaska, Bermuda and Canada/New England cruises, the first series of the “Go Celebrity!” campaign to open for sale. Two ships in this lineup are part of a $16 million refresh initiative, Celebrity Infinity in Alaska and Celebrity Summit in Bermuda and Canada/New England. More destinations will be unveiled this month. Captain’s Club members have early priority access to begin planning their ultimate vacation, three days before the 2017-2018 sailings open to the general public on Friday, Dec. 4.

Additionally, beginning in 2016, Celebrity will introduce new, dynamic experiences that bring destinations right onboard before guests even get there, including chef-led shore excursions named “Chef’s Market Discoveries,” regional experts, authentic flavors and local entertainment.

Celebrity’s new cruises now revealed:

Alaska

Celebrity will continue to bring the wonder of Alaska within reach in 2017-2018, with three Celebrity ships – Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Infinity, the last of which has emerged from an $8 million modern luxury refresh with new venues and updated interiors. On these vacations, guests can indulge in:

– Views of Alaska’s magnificent scenery from beautifully designed onboard venues, including The Lawn Club onboard Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Infinity’s Rooftop Terrace, a brand-new venue where food and film are fused against a backdrop of chic, comfortable furniture, unique artistic elements, and a large outdoor film screen
– Destination-inspired experiences onboard, from authentic food sourced from each port, to local performances that will thrill guests
– Two new cruisetours that combine cruising with a land tour, for those who want to dive deep into the heart of the Last Frontier:
Ten-night “Authentic Tastes of Alaska”: A local Alaskan culinary experience, where guests can taste indigenous foods and discover the narrative of their place in Alaskan culture and history
Twelve-night “Great National Parks Expedition”: Guests can explore two national parks – Denali National Park and Kenai Fords National Park – and see the tundra, bays and fjords that are home to the region’s array of wildlife
Exclusive Uniquely Celebrity shore excursions including: a trip to an organic farm, an exploration of the rich history of Skagway, Alaska a tour through a local brewery straight to a cooking school, and participation in a crabbing and seafood feast
In-depth insights from one of Celebrity’s “Resident Naturalists” – a group of marine biologists, adventurers and wildlife researchers

The premium brand will offer the industry’s only seven-night, round-trip itinerary to the Hubbard Glacier from Vancouver on Celebrity Infinity, along with Celebrity’s popular, seven-night roundtrip Tracy Arm Fjord itinerary from Seattle, Washington onboard Celebrity Solstice, and a variety of open-jaw options from either Vancouver, British Columbia or Seward, Alaska aboard Celebrity Millennium.

Bermuda

Celebrity will transport guests to a Bermuda state of mind before they arrive at the stunning island, through experiences on Celebrity Summit, which will undergo an $8 million refresh similar to that of Celebrity Infinity, prior to its 2016 Bermuda season. Vacationers can enjoy:

– Bermuda’s stunning views at Celebrity Summit’s new Rooftop Terrace, which officially will be opened after the ship’s modern luxury makeover in 2016:
– Additional enhancements from the refresh will include exquisite upgrades to Suite Class amenities and experiences, and the addition of one of Celebrity’s signature venues, Tuscan Grille
– The chance to discover the island’s natural wonders with educational programs specially designed by Celebrity’s “Regional Destination Expert,” marine scientist and author Dr. Ellen Prager
– Celebrity’s first-ever, nine-night cruise that visits New England and Bermuda, with the first American female captain of a mega-ton cruise ship, Captain Kate McCue
– A brand-new “Signature Event Sailing” to witness one of the world’s most coveted sailing races, where teams go head-to-head for a prestigious trophy
– Authentic onboard entertainment, from a Bermudian steel drum band to cuisine inspired by the local flavors of the Caribbean, all part of Celebrity’s onboard experience newly infused with the destination’s culture
– Thrilling Uniquely Celebrity shore excursions such as: a night on Bermuda’s award-winning Rising Sun II catamaran for a festive white party; an immersion into the natural wonders and panoramic seascapes of Bermuda as guests hike the historic Railway Trail; and a tour of Wadson’s Farm, an organic farm that has been operating since 1976

Celebrity’s seven-night Bermuda cruises, onboard Celebrity Summit, feature three days and two nights in the tropical destination.

Canada/New England

Celebrity is offering an exciting season in Canada and New England – for the first time in the premium brand’s history, vacationers can discover New England and Bermuda on a new nine-night sailing. More destination highlights include:

– The opportunity to experience key moments in time during a new Signature Event Sailing, which welcomes guests to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday overnight in Halifax and the USA’s Independence Day when overnighting in Boston, Massachusetts
– Sailing with the first American female captain of a mega-ton cruise ship, Captain Kate McCue, aboard Celebrity Summit
– Exciting Uniquely Celebrity shore excursions that grant guests access to an interactive tour through historic Halifax and the sights of Quebec City, Quebec by way of a walking tour, ending with a cup of tea at Chateau Frontenac

Cruises sailing to Canada and New England are featured in Celebrity Summit’s 14-night vacations, which can include visits to Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and two nights in Quebec City – the premium line’s first double overnight in the guest-favorite destination in 10 years.

Additional 2017-2018 highlights

Celebrity’s early reveal of 2017-2018 vacations is perfect timing for vacationers already imagining and planning their next vacation. As Go Celebrity! destination itineraries are unveiled, additional 2017-2018 highlights will include: new ports of call, four new once-in-a-lifetime Signature Event Sailings focused around the most iconic world events, new overnights (among the most the guests have ever been able to choose from), and more double overnights, guaranteeing a modern, upscale vacation for all guests that only Celebrity can deliver. Through internationally recognized speakers, a taste of the world’s flavors, cultural connections, exclusive Uniquely Celebrity shore excursions, ways to extend a vacation with unique City Stays and Celebrity Explorations vacation packages, and more, a Celebrity vacation infuses more of the world’s destinations at every turn.

Oceania Cruises names Sirena godmother

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 December 2015 03 December 2015

Long-time member of the Oceania Cruises family, Claudine Pépin will serve as godmother for Sirena at the ship’s christening ceremony in Barcelona on 27th April, 2016. Claudine’s father, legendary master chef Jacques Pépin, has been Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director since the line’s inception. Jacques’ involvement with the line has blossomed into a family affair, with Claudine joining him on Oceania Cruises’ annual Jacques Pépin Cruise to co-host special culinary events and cooking demonstrations.

“Claudine’s passion for food, wine, travel and deep family traditions make her the perfect choice for Sirena’s godmother,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Oceania Cruises. “If the culinary world had a royal family, it would be the Pépin family. As we continue to expand upon our finest cuisine at sea offerings, we are excited to deepen our relationship with the Pépin family and absolutely thrilled to have Claudine serve as godmother for Sirena.”

An acclaimed cookbook author and regular co-host on Jacques’ PBS show “Heart and Soul in the Kitchen,” Claudine will officially christen Sirena by breaking a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull during an intimate pier-side celebration in Barcelona. Following the ceremony, she will sail onSirena’s maiden voyage with her father, mother, husband and 12-year-old daughter, Shorey.

During the maiden voyage, Claudine will interact with guests at cooking demonstrations and book signing events which will take place throughout the cruise. All guests booked on the maiden voyage will receive a complimentary copy of Claudine’s cookbook, Let’s Cook French, which was published earlier this year and pays homage to French-style family home cooking.

“It’s truly an honour to be Sirena’s godmother, and to celebrate its christening and maiden voyage with my entire family,” said Claudine. “We’ll be cooking together, enjoying delicious food – and, of course, laughing as much as possible. It will be a pleasure to share this special experience with all guests aboard Sirena.”

Many culinary fans have watched Claudine and her father prepare classic French dishes on the James Beard award-winning series “Jacques Pépin’s Kitchen: Cooking With Claudine,” “Jacques Pépin’s Kitchen: Encore with Claudine,” and “Jacques Pépin Celebrates.”

Earlier in her career, Claudine served as brand ambassador for Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon Champagne in New York while teaching food and wine pairing at the French Culinary Institute (now the International Culinary Centre) and the Sommelier Society in New York. In 2002, Claudine was named Woman of the Year by the Académie Culinaire de France – Filiale des Etats-Unis.

Cunard Line to redesign Kings Court as part of Queen Mary 2 remastering

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 December 2015 01 December 2015

Cunard Line, the premium and luxury cruise brand in Carnival Corp & plc group, has announced its plans for the major redesign of the Kings Court dining venue onboard flagship Queen Mary 2.

“During Queen Mary 2’s extensive refit from 27 May to 21 June 2016, Kings Court will be completely transformed with a more open, intuitive central buffet area and reconfigured seating arrangements to create a relaxed self-service experience with a refined yet informal ambiance,” the company said in a statement.

The buffet will completely be transformed with an open service area. Guests will enjoy a relaxed, informal dining experience open throughout the day and night. A variety of cuisine will be available from Italian, Indian, Pan Asian and Tex Mex menus on a rotating basis. Improved presentation using modern and flexible service counters with feature cooking demonstrations.

The company has previously unveiled plans to refurbish the Grill class cabins and lounge, addition of single cabins and refurbishment of part of Britannia class cabins plus transformation of the Winter Garden to Carinthia Lounge, a multi functional entertainment to dining venue.

The next part of the upgrading of the vessel will be published on 8 December.

Carnival’s China passenger cruise days to rise 50% to 3.9 million in 2016

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 November 2015 27 November 2015

The number of passenger cruise days Carnival group will generate in China next year will increase by a half, head of the Anglo-American company has stated.

"China now accounts for about 2.6 million passenger cruise days but that's predicted to rise by 3.9 million next year," Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corp & plc, the world’s largest cruise shipping group, was quoted by the Australian Financial Review, as saying. Carnival group will have six vessels based in China next year.

Donald was in Sydney, Australia earlier this week to attend the gathering of the five vessels of the group’s contemporary market P&O Cruises Australia unit in the port. A sixth ship is due to join it in 2017.

Chinese buyer acquires Aegean Paradise

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 November 2015 27 November 2015

An undisclosed buyer from China has acquired the 23,287 gross ton cruise ship Aegean Paradise, Masters Shipping, the Piraeus based shipbroker that transacted the deal, said in an email to Cruise Business Online. The ship was built in Japan in 1990 as Orient Venus and it has undergone a number of name changes over the years. Information on the Internet suggests that the buyer was the Hong Kong based New Century group.