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Lindblad Expeditions unveils its new Galápagos ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 April 2022 06 April 2022

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has unveiled the newest addition to their fleet, National Geographic Islander ll. With just 48 guests, and the spirit and soul of a private yacht, the all-suite ship will make her inaugural voyage in the Galápagos on August 18, 2022 for year-round expeditions in the islands.

“I had the pleasure of being in Galápagos for the first-time last week and you could feel the Lindblad- National Geographic legacy in these iconic islands – from the second-generation Galápagos crew aboard, to the locally grown food on the table to stories of the role we have played in supporting conservation in the archipelago,” stated Dolf Berle, President and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “With the new National Geographic Islander II, we will be able to build on that legacy and offer an even greater connection to Galápagos and its people for just 48 guests.

Formerly the Crystal Esprit, the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander ll’s top-to-bottom refit will elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level. Travelers will find encircling teak decks that gracefully connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, a well-outfitted observation deck, indoor-outdoor dining options, 26 light and airy suites, and new expedition amenities including a marina and Science Hub.

Elegantly appointed, each of the 26 suites feature large windows, convertible king/twin beds, sofa, marble double-sink bathrooms, stocked mini-bar, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and ample closets. The four Islander Suites, three of them brand new, have four windows, separate living rooms and bathrooms outfitted with a tub and rain shower. Connecting suites are available, plus four dedicated solo suites and triple options. The Santa Cruz Islander Suite can be reserved as a family suite with a connecting double suite.

The reimagined Cove lounge will be the gathering spot for pre-dinner recaps, crafted cocktails and enriching presentations. Dining will be offered in the newly expanded al fresco Patio Café and sophisticated Yacht Club Restaurant.

The ship will celebrate Lindblad’s deep connection to the islands, Ecuador, and its people. From the carefully considered food and beverage program that highlights the four regions of Ecuador with locally sourced ingredients, to artwork and decor created by local artists and artisans, on National Geographic Islander II, guests will experience the beauty and wonder of Ecuador on and off the ship.

Guests can expect the same best-in-class expedition experiences and adventures that are at the heart of every Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage. Designed for active exploration, National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a custom-built glass bottom Zodiac and flotilla of versatile Mark V Zodiacs – so that everyone can be out exploring at once.

The new Science Hub – outfitted with an interactive video display, lab benches and seating – will connect guests to the Lindblad-National Geographic legacy of supporting conservation and research. Two Cabins for Conservation Suites, designated exclusively for Galápagos community members, local and international researchers, educators, storytellers, and other experts, will provide guests a deeper connection to people and place.

Named to honor the much-beloved National Geographic Islander that she will replace, the best-in-class expedition ship will offer a 1-1 guest-to-crew ratio, expanding on Lindblad’s renowned shipboard services. Her celebrated expedition team will include an expedition leader and four Naturalists, including an undersea specialist, certified photo instructor and trained field educators who run the acclaimed National Geographic Global Explorers family program.

The National Geographic Islander II is a true ocean-going vessel, 280 feet long, 46 feet wide, and is equipped with stabilizers for smooth sailing. The refit of the ship for Galápagos includes key environmental and fuel-efficient upgrades like reduced outdoor lighting, special paint, and recycled water from new air conditioning systems.

Swan Hellenic names third new build as SH Diana

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 April 2022 06 April 2022

Today, Wednesday the 6th of April 2022, Swan Hellenic announced that construction of its third and largest next-generation ship was proceeding smoothly at Helsinki Shipyard, with more than half the structure already assembled and all but two blocks now delivered. Crowning the announcement was news revealing her name – SH Diana – in the classic Swan Hellenic tradition.

The new ship is a next-generation polar expedition vessel, designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Diana will feature a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC 6 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. Although the largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, the 125 m long, 12,100 gross ton expedition vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing panoramic 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana will be operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide exceptional personal service. Cutting edge hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences and extensive open views, the on-board amenities include a swimming pool, spa, panoramic sauna, gym, library, expedition laboratory and observation lounge for lectures by seasoned expedition leaders and leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. World-class gourmet cuisine, local specialities and healthy dining will be offered in the panoramic restaurant, club lounge and pool bar, as well as through full room service.

In addition, SH Diana builds on the outstanding facilities of her sister ships, offering a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, more suites and 2 tenders, which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. Expedition day trips are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.

Aptly named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana will take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches in early 2023, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.

Seatrade Cruise Global announces new programming and interactive offerings for 2022

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

Seatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s leading annual business-to-business event, returns to Miami Beach Convention Center, 25-28 April 2022. The four-day gathering will focus on the resiliency of the cruise sector with visionaries, experts and thousands of like-minded professionals collaborating on advancements towards recovery and building a blueprint for a reimagined future.

“Celebrating resiliency, this year’s show will be very special and a long overdue homecoming for our global cruise community,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “We’re elated to welcome back our broader international community to reconvene – our dynamic line-up of programming will ignite powerful dialogue, fostering a renewed spirit of excitement for our industry’s path ahead.”

All-new conference programming

The Seatrade Cruise Global program will feature expert speakers delving into topics and trends shaping the cruise market. Headlined by the highly anticipated annual State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote address, sponsored by Fincantieri, the conference offers thought-provoking forums and workshops exploring the latest developments across health and safety, hotel operations, technology and beyond. Sector-focused content allows visitors to plan their trip based on their professional roles or interests.

New sessions added to the conference program include:

– Bucket-list Voyages: Spotlights how cruise lines are building memorable itineraries and delivering remarkable experiences, both onboard and in destinations around the world.
– A Look at Cruising PR and Communications: Addresses lessons learned in a new era for cruising media communications.
– Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel: Explores diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to hiring strategies and business initiatives.

Expedition day

With expedition cruising rising on the list of the most sought-after leisure travel pursuits, a half-day has been dedicated to unlocking the growing sector. Sessions include An Insider’s Guide to Expedition Cruising; Expedition CEO Panel; Staffing and Crewing Challenges and Opportunities; Hybrid Luxury – Expedition Cruising.

Introducing the Interactive Tech Zone

Debuting this year is the Interactive Tech Zone providing attendees the chance to learn about the latest advances in science through an information technology playground. In partnership with theICEway, delegates are encouraged to engage with VR headsets, emotion recognition technology, dynamic digital displays and AR crew training. Joining the space is software engineering company Sourcetoad, holding a rapid prototype exercise seeking ideas to build an application or software solution to present to the industry.

Revamped, AI-enabled Matchmaking

Further debuting in 2022 is an advanced matchmaking service for optimized networking opportunities. Seatrade Cruise Global’s new AI driven matchmaking software simplifies the process allowing attendees to easily confirm meetings in advance, streamline scheduling and sort contacts by sector, title and business type, providing automatic suggestions to strategically pair attendees with viable leads. The service is complete with a dedicated matchmaking lounge and an on-site concierge team to facilitate the networking experience.

Fresh exhibitors

Uniting 500+ exhibitors from across the globe, Seatrade welcomes over 52 newcomers in 2022, including Philips Professional Displays, La Bottega, Battle Company and Acuity International. The full exhibitor list can be found here.

2022 registration is now open

With international travel back on the cards, the global cruise community is enthusiastic to meet once again. Join representatives from over 100 countries at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 25-28 April by registering today.

Le Ponant to operate in the Seychelles in winter 2022/23

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

Le Ponant, the three masted sailing yacht of the French expedition cruise operator Ponant, will be deployed to the Seychelles for a series of cruises for the 2022/23 winter season.

“Le Ponant will be sailing with the trade winds to the most beautiful places in the Seychelles archipelago, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean. A total of 11 departure dates are planned for this itinerary, including two new ports of call as unique as they are secret, namely the African Banks north of the Amirante Islands and Thérèse Island. Fringed by white sandy beaches, these islands are uninhabited, creating an exhilarating Robinson Crusoe sense of being the first to discover them,” the company said in a statement.

As a prelude to the cruise in the Seychelles, guests have the option to book a pre-cruise night beneath the stars in an eco-lodge nestled into the dunes on the Arabian Peninsula desert, the company said.

Icon of the Seas keel laid at Meyer Turku

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

The keel of Icon of the Seas that will be the first unit in the Icon class of ships for Royal Caribbean International was laid at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on 4 April.

The LNG powered ship will have an estimated gross tonnage of 200,000 and it is due for delivery in the autumn of next year.

Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the company would disclose details about the new ship later this year and added that these would change the perception people have about the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean International is part of the Royal Caribbean Group.

Photo: Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer at the start of the ceremony