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Seabourn Pursuit sails into Australia for the first time

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 June 2024 14 June 2024

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn’s newest ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition vessel, entered Australian waters for the first time, sailing into Darwin in the Northern Territory on the morning of Tuesday, 11th June. The arrival of Seabourn Pursuit marks the start of Seabourn’s highly anticipated inaugural season in the Kimberley region, which will begin on June 12th, when the ship sets sail on the first of six 10-day voyages between Darwin and Broome from June to August 2024.

A once-in-a-lifetime expedition, the Kimberley in Western Australia is one of the world’s most remote destinations, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, abundant wildlife, and Aboriginal culture. Experiencing the Kimberley with Seabourn Pursuit will provide travellers access to remote locations such as Ngula Jar Island; the most picturesque views throughout the entire journey as the 132-suite ship weaves through the towering cliffs and gorges; and navigation by a world-class expedition team of experts through the most exhilarating nature and cultural experiences in the region.

Travellers will enjoy immersive experiences befitting the rich cultural significance of the Kimberley region. Seabourn recently announced the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, making history as the first ever cruise line to appoint Aboriginal Traditional Owners as godparents. As part of this appointment, Seabourn will make a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera to develop a self-sustaining industry, producing authentic works of art and craft by Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell. In addition, Seabourn will also supply the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with pearl shells and various art supplies and polishing materials to foster sustainable, commercial arts and craft initiatives year-round for their artists and craft producers.

Guests who traverse The Kimberley with Seabourn will experience the exhilarating adventure of an expedition sailing - a deeper connection to wildlife, nature, culture and history of the region - with all the ultra-luxury elements that Seabourn is renowned for. Season highlights include:

– Exploration of King George Falls, dual waterfalls and the highest twin falls in Western Australia, and miles-long Zodiac rides through rivers and sandstone gorges crowded with incredible geological formations.
– Helicopter viewing of the Hunter River and the Kimberley en route to the triple falls of Mitchell Plateau on select sailings.
– Montgomery Reef, an ancient and biologically rich reef formed some 1.8 billion years ago and recognized today as one of the most significant geological marine environments in the Kimberley.
– Visit Vansittart Bay, Jar Island and Freshwater Cove - As guests of the Traditional Landowners, view the aboriginal artwork of the Wandjina. Visit remote Islands with the intricate Bradshaw/Gwion Gwion Art.
– Complimentary expedition experiences include Zodiac cruising and nature walks and hikes.

Seabourn’s newest ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, is an intimate ship with private, yacht-like atmosphere, featuring 132 luxuriously appointed ocean-front veranda suites — taking ultra-luxury travelers further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world. Led by a world-class 24-person Expedition Team to deliver immersive experiences throughout the entire journey, each voyage offers exclusive experiences such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling and scuba diving.

MSC Cruises announces future U.S. leadership succession plan

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 June 2024 13 June 2024

MSC Cruises USA President Rubén Rodríguez will retire from his role effective April 30, 2025, given his longer-term personal plans. Lynn Torrent will become the President of MSC Cruises USA beginning on May 1, 2025, consistent with the company’s succession plans. As current Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at MSC Cruises USA, Torrent will continue to work closely with Rodríguez over this extended transition period and collaborate with the U.S. leadership team to ensure a smooth succession.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises said, “I would like to thank Rubén for ensuring a smooth transition before his retirement. I am grateful to Rubén for his significant contributions in helping MSC Cruises grow in North America.”

“I want to congratulate Lynn for this well-deserved internal promotion. Since joining MSC Cruises in May 2022, Lynn has had a tremendous impact leading our commercial efforts across sales, marketing, revenue management and contact center functions. I look forward to working with Lynn in her expanded role.”

Silversea officially names Silver Ray in Lisbon

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 June 2024 13 June 2024

Yesterday, Silversea officially named Silver Ray, the second ship in its innovative Nova-class. This continues a banner year for the brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades as a pioneer and leader in ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel.

At the ceremony, Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, and Bert Hernandez, celebrating his first naming as Silversea’s President, addressed esteemed guests. Dr. Josefina Olascoaga, ocean scientist and the ship’s godmother, and Captain Alessandro Zanello, taking the helm of Silver Ray, officially named the ship followed by a ceremonial champagne bottle break on the ship’s hull, a longstanding maritime tradition. The celebration included a bagpipe performance — Royal Caribbean Group’s customary tradition — alongside live dance performances, and renditions of the U.S. and Portuguese national anthems.

“Welcoming Silver Ray to our global fleet represents the latest commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to continue building the Silversea brand and delivering the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

“It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray's naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “I am incredibly grateful to all involved, most notably to Captain Zanello and his crew who will bring this ship to life, and I proudly welcome Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga to the family as Silver Ray’s Godmother."

American Cruise Lines announces three more newbuilds, confirms seven ships on order

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 June 2024 13 June 2024

American Cruise Lines confirmed yesterday that it has seven new ships on order, all scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026. The new ships include six Project Blue series ships and a brand-new American Riverboat.

“The domestic cruise industry is the healthiest it has ever been. Demand for modern river products, new small ships, and unique exploration in the U.S.A. continues to grow,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “That demand is powered by destinations brimming with history and ships that provide the best onboard experience in the world.”

Three of the seven new boats on order are yet to be named, and additional details about each boat will be announced over the summer. The new American Riverboat will be similar to its award-winning sisterships and will feature several new design elements that will continue to raise the standard for the global river cruise community.

The company plans to operate 21 small ships in 2025, and 24 ships in 2026, all exclusively sailing 100% U.S. itineraries along U.S. rivers and coasts. All seven new ships are being built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.

Windstar Cruises' new ship Star Seeker to sail in Alaska and Japan in 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 June 2024 12 June 2024

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has revealed it’s planning to send its newest ship, Star Seeker, cruising to Alaska and Japan when it joins the fleet in 2026. Windstar last sailed in Alaska and Japan in 2023 before it redeployed Star Breeze to be the year-round ship in Tahiti.

“We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests,” said Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “We know these are popular destinations, and we have many people asking us to return there. We can’t keep this secret any longer.”

Star Seeker will sail in Alaska from May through August on 7-, 10-, and 11-night cruises between Juneau, or Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, B.C. Pre- and post-cruise land tours to Denali will be available as well. After departing Alaska in late August, Star Seeker will sail to Japan to begin the line’s popular 10-night Grand Japan cruises sailing between Tokyo and Osaka. The ship remains in Japan through November.

Windstar plans to have Star Seeker’s new deployment details, including Alaska and Japan, online and bookable in early August 2024.

In Alaska, Windstar will employ expedition leaders on board to lead its Signature Expeditions as it did on previous Alaska deployments. To explore remote wilderness areas such as Misty Fjords, guests can book hiking, kayaking and skiff expeditions through the ship to enjoy up-close adventures in small groups led by an expert guide to provide context during the journey. Expedition leaders will also give presentations on board the ship bringing Alaska’s rich history, culture, flora and fauna to life.

“These immersive, small group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska program and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska,” said Prelog. “Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. It’s also quiet and meditative to be out in these wild places. You never know what wildlife you might see.”

In April Windstar announced the addition of two new ships – Star Seeker and Star Explorer – to its fleet of boutique yachts. Each will have 112 suites for a guest capacity of 224 and will be similar to the line’s current Star Class motor yachts. Star Seeker will be delivered to Windstar in December 2025 and Star Explorer in December 2026.