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Silversea to develop the southernmost hotel on Earth

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 October 2024 03 October 2024

Silversea, the leaders of luxury expedition travel experiences, has announced it is developing a hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – the southernmost city on Earth – to create an unrivaled experience for guests to explore the rugged landscape of Antarctica.

The hotel will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to the ‘White Continent,’ allowing guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalized service and warm hospitality throughout their voyage. Guests embarking on the cruise line’s innovative Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program – the fastest and most direct route to Antarctica – will fly directly to Puerto Williams from Santiago, Chile’s capital city, for a superior experience.

The new 150-room hotel will be built in partnership with a consortium of Chilean investors with completion scheduled for the end of 2025. The start of construction was celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony where the partners were joined by Chilean government representatives and key stakeholders.

Silversea is the only cruise line that homeports from Puerto Williams during the Antarctica season. Located in the sub-Antarctic zone of the Patagonia region of Chile at the southern tip of South America, Puerto Williams is an ideal gateway for travelers seeking to explore the world’s least visited continent. From there, Silversea guests can immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Antarctica, where they can discover uninhabited islands, snow-covered mountains, magnificent icescapes and a vast array of diverse wildlife.

“As we continue to push the boundaries on the ultimate vacation experience for our guests, this new hotel allows us to offer an unmatched Antarctic expedition that further enhances our diverse portfolio of world-class vacations across our brands,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Partnering with our experienced teams in Chile, we are providing guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking and remote destinations that advances our promise to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”

“We’re thrilled to enhance the Antarctic travel experience by offering seamless journeys that remove traditional barriers for guests to this region,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “This development not only differentiates us from other polar expeditions but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence as Silversea continues to set the standard in experiential luxury travel.”

Overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by pristine forest, the hotel will feature views of the water and snow-capped Patagonian mountains. Amenities will include an expansive restaurant ideal for group gatherings, a bar and lounge, fitness center and gift shop showcasing handicrafts and art by local artisans. Due to its innovative architectural design, the hotel will blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment drawing inspiration from local traditional art, architecture, and materials.

Silversea is committed to fostering long-term partnerships with the communities of Puerto Williams. The cruise line will work with stakeholders to create opportunities for economic growth while preserving the unique cultural heritage and minimizing environmental impact in the area.

Silversea has a history of leadership and innovation in luxury expedition experiences, having led explorations to the far-flung Polar regions for over 15 years. With the opening of this hotel, the brand will further expand the most diverse polar offering in experiential luxury travel and strengthen its leadership in the expedition segment. Among the world’s most luxurious expedition ships, Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud will offer a diverse range of six to 20-day Antarctic voyages appealing to every traveler seeking to discover the region in uncompromised luxury. For guests with limited time, the Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program provides the option to skip the Drake Passage and fly in comfort straight to Antarctica to start their expedition. Expeditions are led by a team of specialists who are experts in their field. With a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1, guests enjoy Silversea’s hallmarks of luxury, including butler service for every suite and some of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising.

Grupo Vidanta announces VidantaWorld’s Elegant cruise vessel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 October 2024 01 October 2024

Grupo Vidanta has announced the launch of VidantaWorld’s Elegant cruise ship, an addition to the world of luxury cruising. "This one-of-a-kind vessel redefines cruising, combining the exclusivity of a private yacht with the opulence of a luxury liner, setting a new benchmark for high-end experiences. Sailing this year, this adults-only experience offers travelers the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most coveted destinations, with breathtaking itineraries across the Caribbean and Europe now open for booking on the official website," the company said in a statement.

VidantaWorld’s Elegant has been completely reimagined to offer a state-of-the-art masterpiece that showcases the pinnacle of luxury, technology, and design. At over 500 feet long, It features six public decks, 149 staterooms and suites, 13 bars and lounges, a full-service spa and fitness center, three top-deck pools, and multiple jacuzzis. This extraordinary mega yacht, transformed through a visionary project led by world-renowned architects Rockwell Group and SMC Design, preserves the charm of a timeless vessel while integrating cutting-edge innovations and world-class amenities. Crafted to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the vessel boasts an expanded superstructure with more spacious common areas, shimmering pools, gourmet dining options, and stylish lounges. Every space aboard has been designed to provide expansive terraces and open deck spaces, creating a true yacht-like experience. The cabin layout was carefully curated, prioritizing fewer but far more luxurious cabins, ensuring each guest enjoys an indulgent and personalized journey.

The marine operations of VidantaWorld’s Elegant will be managed by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Cruise Services (BSM Cruise), one of the world’s most reputable ship management companies in business for more than 140 years. BSM Cruise ensures that the vessel adheres to the highest standards of safety, security, and operational excellence.

“At Grupo Vidanta, we continually strive to redefine luxury travel, and VidantaWorld's Elegant is the perfect embodiment of that vision,” said Iván Chávez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta. “This one-of-a-kind luxury vessel offers the exclusivity of a private yacht combined with the world-class amenities of a premier cruise line, granting access to the globe’s most desired destinations. Every moment on board captures the essence of timeless elegance, blending classic luxury with modern indulgence like never before.”

“We are excited to bring a truly unique product to the market with VidantaWorld’s Elegant,” said Martin Springer, president of BSM Cruise & Hospitality at Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement. “With our 140 years of maritime expertise, we are proud to ensure that this vessel operates at the highest levels of safety and performance. Partnering with Grupo Vidanta on this incredible project allows us to deliver the gold standard of operational excellence for a seamless and luxurious experience at sea.”

Before its official launch, VidantaWorld’s Elegant will offer exclusive one-night escapes for guests of Vidanta Riviera Maya throughout this November and December. These special previews will allow guests to explore the ship and experience its grandeur firsthand. Additional preview itineraries are also set to be announced, with some beginning as early as the Christmas holiday week. Full itineraries for 2025 are also open for booking, including voyages to the Caribbean and Europe. Guests are encouraged to call for the most up-to-date itinerary information.

The ship will explore some of the world’s most exclusive and hard-to-reach destinations, including tropical paradises in the Caribbean, the stunning volcanic landscapes of the Azores, the glamour of the French Riviera, the breathtaking coasts of Greece and Italy, and many more. Travelers can expect an ongoing rollout of new itineraries, with the latest information available at elegant.vidantaworld.com.

A hallmark of the VidantaWorld’s Elegant experience is its unparalleled attention to service. With a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, each traveler will enjoy personalized concierge service and a level of care designed to meet their every need. VidantaWorld’s Elegant also provides a robust and elevated onboard culinary experience with 13 restaurants and lounges, featuring gourmet dishes crafted by renowned chefs using the finest local ingredients. Evenings come alive with live music and exclusive performances at Amura Lounge, while days are filled with curated cultural experiences and exciting onboard activities. Other high-end amenities include the Mosaico Lifestyle Boutique, featuring everyday essentials and unique souvenirs, alongside Modern Mexico, an onboard shopping experience highlighting Mexico’s rich heritage and craftsmanship and offering a series of exclusive workshops. Additionally, the serene onboard spa offers comprehensive treatments, while the fitness center boasts panoramic sea views, creating a truly rejuvenating experience.

The launch of VidantaWorld’s Elegant represents a significant milestone for Grupo Vidanta, expanding the company’s renowned luxury and attention to detail to the seas and the most spectacular reaches of the earth. This new chapter in Grupo Vidanta’s journey promises to set the bar even higher for the future of luxury cruising, offering guests an extraordinary experience where timeless sophistication blends seamlessly with modern indulgence.

Victory Cruise Lines partners with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 October 2024 01 October 2024

Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, is partnering with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, for hotel operation, provisioning, crewing and logistics services. An established small-ship and expedition provider led by cruise industry veteran President and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl, Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management was chosen for its high-quality and cost-efficient expertise that will seamlessly maintain superior guest experience standards.

“Dietmar Wertanzl and the Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management team have a proven track record of superior service delivery across the cruise industry and small ship space, paired with firsthand knowledge of these specialized vessels operating in the Great Lakes,” said David William Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Victory Cruise Lines. “I value Dietmar’s personal touch collaborating on the onboard cuisine development in particular and look forward to this partnership relaunching Victory Cruise Lines together.”

The Victory Cruise Lines team, in partnership with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, has developed a fine food and beverage program onboard Victory I and Victory II delivering casual pub fare to elegant meals with breathtaking views. The Tuscan Stone Grill, a new inclusive specialty concept for dinner in The Grill, was meticulously created by Victory COO David William Kelly and Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management’s Dietmar Wertanzl. Transforming into an upscale interactive dining experience utilizing hot stones for guests cooking at their table, the space spanning the stern of the ship offers expansive views of The Great Lakes.

“At Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, we are passionate about small-ship cruising and admire the Victory Cruises Lines Founder and Chairman John Waggoner, for returning these beautiful boutique vessels back to where they were intended to sail – The Great Lakes,” shares Wertanzl. “I look forward to once again collaborating with David William Kelly and the Victory Cruise Lines team to deliver memorable experiences onboard.”

Victory Cruise Lines will mark the inaugural season with a special New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise Portland to Toronto departing April 16, 2025. Hosted by John and Claudette Waggoner, the 10-night cruise through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes will reunite friends from past voyages featuring notable guest entertainers, Greg and Lindy Pendzick and Michaelyn Oby.

Victory Cruise Lines voyages along magnificent coastlines, journeys through seaways and lakes, navigates hidden harbors and calls on downtown marinas with ease.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program including engaging, destination-oriented historians and naturalists who share their vast knowledge and expertise of the history, ecology, and culture of each port of call. Victory I and Victory II feature a home-away-from-home atmosphere with gathering spots including the Compass Lounge, home to a grand piano and a favorite locale for old fashioned sing-alongs. The English-style Tavern is another favorite onboard venue to share stories and laughter with friends and fellow travelers. Guests may lounge on the aft deck on the Observation and Sun Deck with cushioned outdoor sofas, the perfect place to celebrate a successful excursion, gather for afternoon cocktails, amber sunsets, or late-night stargazing.

Victory Cruise Line chefs bring exclusive culinary delights to the table with menus of local specialties and fresh fish, when available. The wine selection reflects the routes and never fails to impress with fine wines from the various regions. The Coastal Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from the chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes. The Grill serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and seated dinner. Guests will also find a variety of healthy dining alternatives that meet their dining needs.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and ship and from the ship to the airport; all oceanview accommodations, some with veranda; an included shore excursion in every port from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit; acclaimed cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in multiple venues plus culinary events throughout each cruise; gourmet selections including freshly prepared lobster and regionally-inspired dishes; unlimited beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees; open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; unlimited Wi-Fi; live, daily onboard entertainment and enrichment with our own LakeLorians®; hiking sticks.

Fincantieri floats out Star Princess in Monfalcone

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 September 2024 26 September 2024

The launch of "tar Princess, the second LNG (liquefied natural gas) cruise ship that Fincantieri is building for Princess Cruises, took place today at the Monfalcone shipyard.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, and Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. Godmothers of the ceremony Chiara del Vecchio, 3rd Engineer aboard the Sun Princess, and Francesca Maraventano, executive assistant at the Monfalcone shipyard.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 178,000 tons, Star Princess is the sister ship to Sun Princess, also built in Monfalcone and delivered earlier this year. It is the second-largest ship ever built in Italy and the second LNG-powered cruise ship Fincantieri is building for this ship owner. Additionally, it is the second dual-fuel ship, primarily powered by LNG, to join the Princess fleet. Liquefied natural gas is considered the most advanced, mature, scalable, and commercially viable fuel technology for the maritime industry. It is also recognized as one of the cleanest fossil fuels, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mostly eliminates other airborne pollutants and particulate matter.

Star Princess is the second ship in Princess Cruises' Sphere class, with delivery expected in fall 2025. The new vessel will accommodate approximately 4,300 passengers and is based on a next-generation platform design.

Princess Cruises is a globally leading cruise line operating a fleet of 17 modern ships, transporting millions of guests each year to 330 destinations worldwide.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises welcomes Mitsui Ocean Fuji in handover ceremony with Seabourn Cruise Line

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 September 2024 25 September 2024

MOL Cruises, Ltd, which operates the cruise brand Mitsui Ocean Cruises, today marked the handover ceremony in collaboration with Seabourn Cruise Line, welcoming Mitsui Ocean Fuji to the fleet.

The handover ceremony was held onboard Seabourn Odyssey, after the ship arrived at the Port of Yokohama, concluding a 22-day Farewell Voyage from the United States. Following maritime tradition, the flag of Mitsui Ocean Cruises was raised, as the ship transitions to Mitsui Ocean Fuji, scheduled to debut on December 1, 2024.

The event was attended by Seabourn Odyssey's Captain Krasimir Radev, who handed the ship over to Mitsui Ocean Fuji Captain Kim Karlsson. Both expressed their heartfelt congratulations to Mitsui Ocean Cruises:

“It has been my honor and privilege to be one of the Captains of this beloved cruise ship, and I am humbled to officially hand her over to Mitsui Ocean Cruises, beginning a new journey on the high seas” said Captain Radev, Seabourn Odyssey, who started on board as Safety Officer for the ship’s inaugural season in 2009.

Shoichiro Yamashita, Chief Operations Officer, Mitsui Ocean Cruises added, “It is my pleasure to be part of this commemorative day with Seabourn Odyssey. We offer our sincerest respect to Seabourn, Captain Radev, and his onboard team for taking such great care of this ship, keeping her safe and extending their renowned luxurious service to all who have sailed on her for the last 15 years, and we promise to continue delivering exceptional seafaring experiences.”

Captain Karlsson added, “The ship looks absolutely amazing, and we pledge to take great care of her.”

Also in attendance were senior executives of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, senior crew members of Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Seabourn Odyssey, and the Director General of Port and Harbor Bureau from Yokohama Port Shinbo Yasuhiro.

Seabourn Odyssey arrived at the Shinko Pier Passenger Terminal (Yokohama) to the warm welcome of many employees of Mitsui Ocean Cruises and the MOL Group. The ship is loved by many cruise fans, and many loyal Seabourn Odyssey guests who sailed on the debut cruise were onboard the farewell voyage.

The ship will move to Mitsubishi Shipyard in Yokohama for refurbishment, such as the addition of shower toilets in all suites, galley equipment updates and rebranding of venues. Crew training also begins, preparing for the inaugural season.

Mitsui Ocean Fuji will debut in Yokohama on December 1, 2024, as Japan's most luxurious all-suite cruise ship with and spacious passenger venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call. The ship will sail on inspiring voyages celebrating the blue ocean and Japan’s awesome natural beauty.

The 458-guest, 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji embodies “FUNATABI – beautiful encounters with Japan.” On sale now, the inaugural season offers a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).