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American Cruise Lines to sail from Washington, D.C.

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024

American Cruise Lines has announced that this year, their exclusive American Revolution cruises, sailing the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and the York River, will operate roundtrip from Washington, D.C. In 2018, American Constitution, one of the company’s small ships, was the first to dock in D.C. in over 60 years. Throughout 2024, the American Revolution cruises are operating roundtrip from D.C. and remain the only cruises in the world to sail on the Potomac River into the heart of the nation’s capital, docking just steps from the country’s most historic and treasured national monuments.

2024 cruises will depart from The Wharf, home to one of D.C.’s most vibrant and bustling communities along the southeast waterfront. The American Revolution itinerary explores throughout the Chesapeake Bay, visiting the region’s most storied ports of call from Yorktown and Mount Vernon to Annapolis and D.C. Guests are transported to the quaint towns and historic cities that shaped this great nation and continue to inspire visitors today.

“We are thrilled to offer our American Revolution cruises roundtrip from D.C. this year. All across the country, we offer cruises and experiences no one else offers, from our small ships docking in D.C., to new ships exploring the country’s National Parks,” said Melissa Young, Director of Business Development. “American’s small U.S. ships offer guests opportunities to visit ports of call inaccessible by larger ships, plus itineraries that are the only cruises of their kind on the market – sailing fully in the U.S.A. throughout. The American Revolution cruises are a testament to what is only possible with American’s extraordinary fleet. And this itinerary also features a fabulous new option for the drive-to market, allowing many guests to skip flights and jump on board hassle free.”

In 2024, American Cruise Lines is operating the American Revolution cruises in spring and fall. Some early spring dates offer guests the added benefit of sailing the Chesapeake during its beautiful Cherry Blossom season, like the first cruise of the season departing March 26, 2024. All cruises highlight curated entertainment and enrichment on board, as well as regionally inspired cuisine featuring Maryland’s famous Blue Crabs. Both on board and on shore the itinerary illuminates the area’s historical significance and natural beauty. Highlights include visits to the cities of the “Historic Triangle,” Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown; and excursions in Washington, D.C., including guided tours of the Capitol including the Crypt, Rotunda, and Statuary Hall; as well as the district’s famous Smithsonian museums. Guests can also visit Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad exhibit, and sail on an authentic “Skipjack” through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, plus much more.

2024 American Revolution cruises are offered aboard 170 passenger American Constitution and 100-passenger American Glory, one of the Line’s brand new Coastal Cats. Roundtrip from Washington, D.C., the 11-day, 10-night cruises stop in: Annapolis, MD; St. Michaels, MD; Cambridge, MD; Norfolk, VA; Williamsburg/Yorktown, VA; and Mount Vernon, VA; also exploring Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Arlington, and Old Town Alexandria.

New 100-passenger Coastal Cat, American Glory

Select Spring 2024 dates currently offer savings up to $1500-off and complimentary airfare. American Revolution cruises also offer opportunities for guests to add pre-cruise hotel stays at the Four Seasons, D.C.; as well as packages that include a visit to the Smithsonian’s new Entertainment Nation exhibit, featuring Judy Garland’s famous Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which are presented by American Cruise Lines.

Big gala night at the Cruise Excellence Awards 2024 in Tenerife

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024

The Tenerife Auditorium was the venue last night for the celebration of the Cruise Excellence Awards Gala 2024, which brought together more than 250 guests including important cruise company executives, local authorities, tour operators, shipping agents, ports, travel agents, professionals, entrepreneurs and suppliers to the sector.

The guests enjoyed an entertaining gala hosted and presented by the comedian and showman "Mr. Corrales", and entertained by the artist DYVINETZ among others.

The CEO of Cruises News Media Group, Virginia López Valiente, highlighted that 2023 has been a very important year for the sector and with significant growth. This industry has adapted well in advance of the new social, environmental, technological and innovation requirements. This year the awards have also incorporated new categories for voting, the winners being:

– Excellence Award: Best Spanish Cruise Port 2023 – Port de Barcelona
– Excellence Award: Best Family Cruise Line 2023 – Royal Caribbean International
– Excellence Award: Best Premium Cruise Line 2023 – Celebrity Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Luxury Cruise Line 2023 – Silversea Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Entertainment 2023 – Royal Caribbean International
– Excellence Award: Best Value for Money 2023 – Costa Cruceros
– Excellence Award: Best Ship in the Mediterranean 2023 – MSC World Europa
– Excellence Award: Best Ship in the North of Europe 2023 – MSC Euribia
– Excellence Award: Best Brand Awareness as recognised by consumers 2023 – MSC Cruceros
– Excellence Award: Best River Cruise company operating in Europe 2023 - CroisiEurope
– Excellence Award: Best Cruise Line for the first Cruise 2023 – Costa Cruceros
– Excellence Award: Best for Gastronomy Experience 2023 – Oceania Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Cruise Itinerary 2023 – Norwegian Prima
– Excellence Award: Best Exotic Cruise Itinerary 2023 – Princess Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Brand Awareness as recognised by travel agents 2023 – Royal Caribbean International
– Excellence Award: Best Expedition Cruise Line 2023 – Silversea Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Exotic River Cruise 2023 - AmaWaterways
– Excellence Award: Best World Cruise 2023 – Oceania Cruises

Cruises News Media Group also presented its special awards to Virgin Voyages; Windstar Cruises; and Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services for their 20th anniversary celebrations.

Puertos de Tenerife also presented awards to several local companies and institutions, in recognition of their commitment to Tenerife and for their humanitarian and social work.

The Cruise Excellence Awards are a brand of CruisesNews Media Group, which chose the capital of Tenerife for the second consecutive year, following previous celebrations in the cities of Barcelona, Palma, Malaga, Cartagena, A Coruña and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The winners of the Excellence Cruise Awards are chosen by cruise passengers and travel agents through online voting, and are awarded in a total of 18 categories.

This edition has been promoted and sponsored by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in collaboration with other public and private bodies including Puertos del Estado, Fred Olsen Express, Loro Parque Animal Embassy, Turismo de Tenerife, Cabildo de Tenerife, Ayuntamiento de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Sociedad de Desarrollo, Puertos Canarios and Turismo de las Islas Canarias

Caitlin Gardner joins Lindblad as Vice President of Brand and Communications

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 January 2024 30 January 2024

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., the recognized global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, announced today the appointment of Caitlin Gardner as the company's new Vice President of Brand and Communications.

In her new role, Gardner will lead the brand’s external communications and consumer marketing efforts – including print and direct mail, creative services, earned media and media relations, crisis communications, brand initiatives and more. She will also play an integral role in the long-term extension and expansion of the Lindblad Expeditions brand’s strategic relationship with renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic.

“Expedition cruising has been on an upward trajectory for years. As pioneers of the space, we’re fostering a best-in-class team, with the talent necessary to lead and redefine the sector for decades to come,” said Noah Brodsky, Chief Commercial Officer, Lindblad Expeditions. “Caitlin's extensive experience in the travel industry and her demonstrated history of achievements make her the right candidate to spearhead our brand efforts as we engage expedition enthusiasts and court new-to-brand adventurers. We are delighted to welcome her aboard.”

Developing a deep background managing cruise communications, PR, and marketing, Gardner spent eight years at Cruise Planners leading communications and digital strategy efforts for the nation’s largest travel advisor franchise. Prior to Cruise Planners, she worked at some of the nation’s leading PR and advertising agencies specializing in hospitality, destination, restaurant, retail, and resort PR. Most recently she was at a Fortune 500 retail grocery company based in the Midwest helping drive a people first culture with a high-performance communications and marketing team.

"I am thrilled to be returning to the world of travel as a leader on the Lindblad Expeditions team,” said Gardner. “I look forward to building upon Lindblad Expeditions' distinguished legacy, the educational travel expertise of National Geographic, and the marketing and sales savvy of The Walt Disney Company to inspire generations of new explorers across the globe. Together, we will build authentic and immersive exploration experiences and drive growth during this extraordinary time in the expedition cruise industry.”

Gardner’s appointment marks a significant moment for Lindblad Expeditions as the company continues to expand and strengthen its team and follows the recent announcement of former executive at The Walt Disney Company Kathi Riddle joining as Senior Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management, as well as the dynamic expansion of Lindblad Expeditions’ sales team throughout 2023.

As the company continues to grow, Lindblad Expeditions currently has several open positions shipboard and shoreside.

Seatrade Cruise Global announces judges for inaugural F&B@Sea Awards

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 January 2024 29 January 2024

Taking place on the 11 April during F&B@Sea, a one-of-a-kind cruise F&B experience, the inaugural F&B@Sea Awards aim to recognise leadership and innovation within the global food and beverage cruise community. Open to both cruise lines and suppliers and sponsored by Campari Group, the awards are comprised of eight different categories, ranging from Most Sustainable Product & Wellness Pioneer to F&B Maverick of the Year.

This year's judges include:

– Kimberly Brock Brown, CEPC, CCA, AAC, American Culinary Federation, Board of Directors member and immediate past National President
– Margie Jones, Collins College of Hospitality Management, Interim Dean, "The Wine Professor"
– Rudi Scholdis, Kenoz Caviar Development Center, Casa de Amalia & Amandine Bistró, Culinary Director, Maitre Cuisinier
– Bret Thorn, Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, Senior Food & Beverage Editor
– Rick Welch, RMW Global Consulting, President
– Katherine Wojcik, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Luxury & Lifestyle, Director of Beverage Programs + Partnerships, Certified Sommelier
– David Yeskel, Several trade and consumer publications, Travel Journalist, “The Cruise Guru”

Ken Taylor, Senior Vice President, MarkeTeam and Holly Payne, Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Seatrade Cruise Review will be presenting the awards on 11 April 2024.

This year’s awards are sponsored by Campari Group, a major player in the beverage industry with a portfolio of 50+ premium and super premium brands, including Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey, and Grand Marnier.

A spokesperson for the company said: ‘We are thrilled and honored to be a sponsor of the F&B@Sea 2024 awards. At Campari, we believe in celebrating excellence, innovation, and the passion that drives the food and beverage industry. ‘The F&B@Sea awards are a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection within the industry, and Campari is proud to support and acknowledge these exceptional talents.’

The annual F&B@Sea event takes place April 10-11 at Miami’s Mana Wynwood Convention Center. This two-day event connects cruise lines with suppliers across cruise drinking and dining in a vibrant, immersive marketplace. Plus, attendees will sample goods, witness live demos, and become fluent in F&B trends. F&B@Sea runs in tandem with Seatrade Cruise Global from April 8-11 at Miami Beach Convention Center, with a shuttle bus running between the two venues.

F&B@Sea, now in its second year, was developed in close consultation with cruise lines, food and beverage stakeholders, and culinary leaders with support from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and industry consulting leader MarkeTeam.

Swan Hellenic unveils 2025 cruises worldwide

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 January 2024 29 January 2024

New itineraries of Swan Hellenic will bring rich cultural and wild ecosystem discovery opportunities across West Africa, the Mediterranean and Latin America, as well as the Arctic and Antarctic.

The pioneering company’s 2025 cruises on boutique ice-class ships SH Diana and SH Vega now advance this leading reputation with a choice of almost 60 expertly curated itineraries worldwide.

Building on the Polar, West Africa and Latin America voyages trailblazed to date, the big developments for 2025 are an extraordinary Amazon River exploration odyssey in Brazil and two original new cruises of the Mediterranean, where the Swan Hellenic cultural expedition cruise tradition began.

The new Mediterranean cruises explore some of the most inspiring sites of ancient and medieval culture, many with UNESCO World Heritage status. Most of these can only be accessed by smaller ships such as SH Diana, which also brings cruise guests the pleasure of mooring in the heart of Venice.

The first is the 10-night “Contrasts of Mediterranean Culture” aboard SH Diana. Departing Palermo for Venice on 20 August 2025, its imaginative itinerary follows almost the entire length of the Sicilian, Montenegrin and Croatian coasts. Exploring Lipari, Giardini Naxos and Taormina, Gallipoli, Monopoli, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split, Hvar and Rovinj, guests will be immersed in the landscapes, cultures and histories of the many peoples who have settled these shores over the millennia.

The drily named “Exploring South America from Barbados to Brazil” on SH Vega follows an exceptional 19-night itinerary. Sailing from Bridgetown on 12 October 2025 in the Caribbean all the way down to Salvador de Bahia, this incomparable voyage takes in many of South America’s most famous but also undiscovered and inaccessible cultural and natural wonders. From Port of Spain, Georgetown, Paramaribo, Îles du Salut, Belém, the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Fortaleza and Recife. However, the highlight of this superlative cruise lies in an amazing four-day detour up the Amazon River to Macapa, Iquiqui and Gurupa in the heart of the jungle, returning through the otherworldly Breves Narrows, upriver from Belém in the Thousand Islands region.

For many, Swan Hellenic’s in-depth explorations of the Arctic and Antarctic will continue to be the major attraction. But others will be just as strongly drawn to its one-of-a-kind voyages in exotic regions between the poles, most of which can be daisy-chained to create unforgettable personalised odysseys.

Full details of all these expert-led 2025 cruises are already available on the Swan Hellenic website.

Patrizia Iantorno, Chief Commercial Officer of Swan Hellenic, says: “We’re delighted with the itineraries our specialists have curated for 2025. They not only build on our pioneering 2023 and 2024 cultural expedition cruises, but also bring entirely new opportunities for curious minds to expand their horizons in 2025."