MSC Cruises updates winter 2023-24 itineraries

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 27 October 2023 27 October 2023

MSC Cruises has cancelled MSC Orchestra full winter schedule, which consisted of sailing in the Red Sea from November 8, 2023 to April 17, 2024, due to the proximity of some ports of call to Israel as well as the number of restrictions in the bordering countries that would have adversely affected passengers’ travel experiences.

The line is also making changes to some of its other itineraries to ensure the safety of guests and crew, in light of the current geopolitical situation, travel restrictions issued by local authorities in certain destinations, and various government advisories against travel to certain areas.

MSC Sinfonia’s winter schedule has also been cancelled from November 12, 2023 to April 15, 2024, as the ship’s itinerary was focused on Haifa, Israel. MSC Cruises has also made some minor changes to the Grand Voyages itineraries for MSC Virtuosa, MSC Opera and MSC Splendida, as well as two 11-night sailings on MSC Armonia.
Guests affected by the itinerary changes can move their cruise to an alternative ship and itinerary of a similar length. They can also request a full refund.

The safety of guests and crew is always MSC Cruises’ top priority. As this is an evolving situation, the line will continue to monitor the situation and modify ship itineraries if necessary.

Cruise tourism generates record A$5.63 billion for Australian economy

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 October 2023 23 October 2023

Australia’s cruise industry has generated a record A$5.63 billion for the national economy in its first year of revival, bringing new levels of employment and visitor spending to destinations around the country.

An economic impact assessment jointly commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) shows cruising has rebounded rapidly since local operations resumed in mid-2022, bringing significant economic impact to every state and coastal territory.

The assessment shows A$5.63 billion in total economic output generated by cruise tourism in Australia during the 2022-23 financial year, a 22.1% increase over 2018-19*. It shows cruise tourism supported a total employment of 18,225 full time equivalent positions around Australia, and total wages worth A$1.82 billion to Australian workers.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the economic impact from cruise tourism last financial year was the highest ever recorded in Australia.

“Cruising returned to Australia much later than other parts of the world, but the ships have been resoundingly welcomed by cruise fans who have been heading back to sea in huge numbers,” Katz said. “The 2022-23 year has brought higher levels of passenger spending, higher levels of cruise line spending, and record levels of economic output around Australia. The result is a resurgent cruise industry worth A$5.63 billion to the Australian economy.”

ACA Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel said the level of employment supported by cruising was also at a record high, bringing renewal to dozens of tourism destinations around the country.

“Cruise ships visited more Australian destinations than ever in 2022-23, reaching 62 communities around our coast,” Abel said. “Together these destinations welcomed 1,354 ship visits, which generates enormous income for businesses like tourism operators, hotels and restaurants, retailers, transport providers and port operators. The supply chain that supports cruising is extensive, from the travel agents who manage the passengers’ arrangements through to the farmers who provide Australian produce served on board.”

The Value of Cruise Tourism economic impact assessment for Australia was prepared by AEC Group on behalf of CLIA and the ACA. Its key findings for 2022-23 show:

– A total economic output of A$5.63 billion nationally (up 22.1% over 2018-19*), including direct output of A$2.50 billion.
– Total employment of 18,225 full time equivalent positions nationally (up 9.9%), with total wages income of A$1.82 billion (up 35.7%).
– A total of 62 Australian ports and destinations visited, welcoming a combined 1,354 ship visits.
– A total of 3.35 million passenger visit days (down 4.1% due to fewer ships operating in the region during the industry’s recovery phase).
– Direct passenger expenditure of A$1.49 billion (up 10.6%) and direct crew expenditure of A$52.0 million (up 48.1%).
– An average passenger spend per day on shore of A$446 per person (up 15.2%). Average crew spend per day on shore A$137 per person (up 7.9%).
– The largest beneficiary of direct passenger expenditure was the hotel and accommodation sector which received A$457.1 million, or 30.6% of passenger spending. Other beneficiaries included food & beverage (A$300.1 million, 20.1%), shore excursions (A$194.3 million, 13.0%), transport (A$208.8 million, 14.0%), retail shopping (A$163.1 million, 10.9%) and entertainment (A$57.8 million, 3.9%).
– Direct cruise line expenditure of A$1.17 billion (up 8.3%).
– Cruise line expenditure included A$227 million (up 1.4%) paid to Australian ports and governments.
– New South Wales recorded the biggest benefit from cruising with a total economic impact of A$2.75 billion, or 48.8%) of the national total, which supported 8,908 full time equivalent jobs.
– Queensland is the country’s second-largest cruise economy, with a total economic output of A$1.69 billion, or 29.9% of the national total, which supported 5,546 full time equivalent jobs.
– Victoria recorded a total economic impact of A$379.5 million, which supported 1,173 full time equivalent jobs, followed by Western Australia (A$333.5 million, 1,055 jobs), South Australia (A$215.4 million, 704 jobs), Tasmania (A$144.1 million, 455 jobs) and the Northern Territory (A$127.3 million, 384 jobs).

*All comparisons are to 2018-19, the previous complete year of cruise operations in Australia. This year’s economic impact assessment adopted a revised methodology to calculate the direct economic output generated by cruise tourism expenditure, aligning with methodologies used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This shows a record level of total economic output, despite being a more conservative method of calculation. Figures for 2018-19 comparisons have been adjusted in line with the new methodology.

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Asia for the first time in three years

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 19 October 2023 19 October 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 56-year history, today celebrates its long-awaited return to Asia as Norwegian Jewel set sail from Tokyo and commenced its extensive six-month season of voyages in the region.

As the first ship in the NCL fleet to return to Asia in over three years, Norwegian Jewel will offer 16 immersive and port-rich itineraries, visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Bangkok (Laem Chabang) Thailand; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) Malaysia; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; and for the first time in NCL history Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.

Cruises range in length from 10 to14 days with an average of less than two sea days per sailing, inviting guests to enjoy up to 13.5 hours in iconic destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; and Bali (Benoa), Indonesia. The brand will also make its first calls to Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines; Bintan Island, Indonesia; and Hualien, Taiwan.

"Today is a milestone moment, as we return to Asia with Norwegian Jewel’s arrival to Tokyo," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We pride ourselves in delivering the best vacation experience and providing endless opportunities for our guests to explore the world…including Asia! This region delivers some of the most intriguing history, cuisine, and culture for travelers to discover, and we are thrilled to deliver a diverse selection of port-rich voyages. This market is important to us, and we are committed to servicing it in the long term."

Firmly underlying the brand’s commitment to Asia, both as a source market and destination, NCL will have a record four ships deployed in the region during the 2024/25 season, providing travelers with unrivalled choice. In addition to Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky will also visit the area’s most diverse ports, offering guests the opportunity to explore iconic and less discovered destinations including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia.

Norwegian Sun debuts in Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Asia

Making its premiere, Norwegian Sun will offer a six-month Asia Pacific season, including 13 exotic itineraries from October 2024 to April 2025, four of which have never been offered before, including three departures from Melbourne, Australia and an Auckland, New Zealand to Bali, Indonesia sailing in March 2025. Departure ports include Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu; and Papeete, French Polynesia with itineraries showcasing the sublime scenery of each bucket-list worthy destination.

Norwegian Spirit returns to Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Asia

After a successful maiden season, Norwegian Spirit will return to Australian and New Zealand waters for its second consecutive season from December 2023 through March 2024 for a series of popular open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland. It will then sail a number of repositioning cruises in the South Pacific, before returning to the region for a series of 14 Asia voyages during an eight-month season from September 2024 to April 2025, departing from Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul.

Norwegian Sky sails a series of exotic Itineraries in Asia, Asia Pacific and Africa

Norwegian Sky’s four-month Asian season features seven sailings departing from Manila, Philippines; Singapore; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo; and Port Louis, Mauritius between December 2024 and March 2025. Sailings range from 10 to 17 days and include several country-immersive voyages for a deeper discovery of fascinating destinations such as the Philippines and Japan.

For guests looking to fully immerse themselves in the destination, select sailings can also be combined with a three night/four day land exploration with one of NCL’s Cruise Tours in Tokyo, Taipei and Singapore.

South Korea's Incheon is a new destination for NCL. Photo credit: Carolyn Spencer Brown

Seabourn replaces Chef Thomas Keller partnership with Solis

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 18 October 2023 18 October 2023

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, has announced the next chapter in its culinary experiences with the debut of Solis, a new fine dining venue, that celebrates Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the places visited by the line’s ultra-luxury ships. Solis, an exquisite addition to Seabourn’s onboard culinary experiences, will offer an array of light, modern Mediterranean cuisine bursting with color and character, handcrafted and prepared fresh daily. The new restaurant will launch on board Seabourn Quest in January 2024, and will be rolled out across Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn by Spring 2024.

The new fine dining experience has been meticulously curated to bring Seabourn’s signature elegance and sophistication to its fleet of ultra-luxury ships, ensuring that each meal becomes a truly memorable occasion. Designed to evoke every one of the senses, Solis will transport guests to the Mediterranean through a number of surprise-and-delight culinary moments. Highlights include whimsical cocktails, vibrant plating, and flavor combinations that are both familiar and elevated, all served within a redesigned dining space reminiscent of the afterglow of the sun.

Solis was developed in collaboration with long-time Seabourn partners, Master Chef and Culinary Partner Chef Anton Egger, and Senior Corporate Chef Franck Salein. Their years of Michelin-level experience, strong passion for travel, and deep knowledge of Seabourn guests have contributed to the brand's culinary success, elevating their world-class dining to rival the finest restaurants anywhere. Chef Egger has opened restaurants in Singapore and Bangkok and has appeared worldwide in culinary events alongside Michelin-starred chefs. Chef Salein's extensive background includes roles as executive chef at several 2 and 3 Michelin-star restaurants. The skilled culinary team excels in providing a variety of dishes that cater to different appetites, ensuring each one is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented with a discerning eye.

“Culinary is an integral part of our ultra-luxury experiences, and we are committed to continuously innovating to delight our guests with unparalleled dining options. The addition of Solis is truly inspired by the voice of our guests and our team has worked hard over the past several months to bring this to life," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “Solis will showcase a vibrant, chic atmosphere with feel-good background music and a menu reminiscent of our favorite travel memories. With each dish, guests are transported to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. An evening at Solis will surely delight our guests and leave them with lasting Seabourn Moments and memories.”

Solis will debut an array of dishes to reflect the diverse and tantalizing range of flavors of the Mediterranean. The menus will include colorful dishes inspired from the Rivieras to the central Mediterranean to the Greek flavors in the eastern Mediterranean. Each dish will represent a masterpiece of flavor, presentation, artistry, and story of our travel memories.

Solis will offer a delightful array of dishes to satisfy and linger long after the last bite. Sumptuous, featured dishes include Piquillos De La Mama - Basque piquillo peppers with fresh Murcia goat milk cheese served on country bread crostini; Branzino - Whole Sea Bass baked in a sea salt and fresh thyme crust served with artichokes and tomatoes; Bistecca Alla Fiorentina – Tuscan-style grilled beef porterhouse steak; and Spiced Lamb Shank - Chargrilled smoked eggplant with tahini, pomegranate, roasted pine nuts, and labneh. A beautiful assortment of vegetarian and vegan options will also be incorporated throughout the menu.

Beyond the culinary, guests will be able to indulge in a truly sophisticated experience with Seabourn’s newly presented, refined vintage cocktail menu, featuring an allure of classic cocktails expertly crafted to perfection. From classics such as the Kir Royale or Negroni to the always-popular Aperol Spritz, the team of talented mixologists have meticulously curated this menu to ensure that every drink is a masterpiece of flavors and aesthetics.

With the addition of Solis, Seabourn will end its eight-year culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller by Spring 2024.