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Hurtigruten to introduce Galapagos cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 June 2021 24 June 2021

Hurtigruten Expeditions is expanding its global offering to one of the most iconic destinations on the planet: The Galapagos Islands. Famous for its unique nature and wildlife, the isolated archipelago some 600 miles (1000 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador has mesmerized travelers and scientists for centuries.

From January 2022, Hurtigruten Expeditions will expand its breadth of destinations to include the Galapagos Islands offering modern-day explorers in-depth adventures described as ‘beyond imagination’.

“We are extremely excited to expand our South America offering to one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. We have seen a clear trend of travelers seeking out truly unique and meaningful travel experiences, with a sharp increase in demand for the type of small ships / big experiences we offer. The pandemic has dramatically pushed this development forward. There is huge pent-up demand for traveling right now, and we are responding with this breathtaking new destination,” said Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

Two pioneers – one partnership

To offer guests one-of-a-kind experiences, Hurtigruten Expeditions has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, the most experienced and renowned travel company in the Galapagos.

Guests will explore the Galapagos in style and comfort onboard the fully upgraded 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II, adding to Hurtigruten Expeditions’ growing fleet of small purpose-built expedition cruise ships.

“This partnership brings together two companies that combine the best of two worlds: Hurtigruten Expeditions as a global player with an excellent reputation in expedition cruises, and our long history and deep knowledge of the Galapagos Islands. We are really excited to welcome the first Hurtigruten Expeditions’ guests on board,” said Metropolitan Touring CEO Paulina Burbano de Lara.

Unparalleled experience

Metropolitan Touring has offered intimate and unique encounters with the islands’ wildlife since they pioneered expedition cruises in Galapagos almost 70 years ago. Hurtigruten Expeditions pioneered expedition cruises in 1896 and has since grown to the world’s largest expedition cruise line.

“This is a significant milestone in our 125-year history of exploring. The Galapagos is one of the world’s ultimate expedition cruise destinations. It is a perfect match between two companies with a proud history, strong heritage, and passion for the well-being of our oceans and our planet,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.

Santa Cruz to be fully upgraded

Starting from January 5, 2022, Hurtigruten Expeditions will offer nine-day adventures, visiting some of the most spectacular and iconic sites of the archipelago onboard MS Santa Cruz II, as well as pre- and post packages before and after the six-night expedition cruise.

It is also possible to add a four-day pre-program to Machu Picchu in neighboring Peru before embarking on the Galapagos adventure. To book, please visit Hurtigruten Expeditions or contact your preferred travel agent

As part of the partnership, the MS Santa Cruz II – including all suites and cabins, explorer lounge, dining room, bar, and other public areas - will be fully upgraded.

A Hurtigruten Expeditions hallmark, a Science Area, will also be added, where guests and the onboard expedition team will create an even deeper understanding of the wonders they explore.

“Our unmatched experience in the Galapagos has enabled us to design and perfect the ideal way to explore the archipelago. Our itineraries are based on the concept of seeing as many of the ‘Big 15’ species as possible, with exclusive island and site visits. There really is no better way to see the islands,” said de Lara.

Carbon neutral exploring

With both companies sharing common values in investing in sustainability, all Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises to Galapagos are carbon neutral. Hurtigruten Expeditions guests will contribute directly to the protection of biodiverse forests in northwestern Ecuador, named a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2018.

“The Galapagos has long been regarded as one of the world’s greatest natural sanctuaries. It’s wild, isolated, diverse, and safe. As in all destinations, we will be working closely with local communities to ensure we play a positive role in long-term sustainability,” said Lassesen.

Cruise highlights include exploring the Giant Tortoise breeding center, getting close to sea lions and land iguanas, bird watching, kayaking, and snorkeling, as well as daily lectures to better understand the islands, their history, and animal population both above and below the sea.

Overall, the Galapagos is home to more than 9,000 species of wildlife, many of which are native only to the remote archipelago.

Growing demand for adventure travel

Last month, the Hurtigruten Group reported record-strong booking numbers for 2022, with booking levels almost 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels. With the addition of the Galapagos Islands, the growth is expected to further accelerate.

Silversea Cruises taps Barbara Muckermann as new Chief Commercial Officer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Silversea Cruises, the leading global, ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, today announced the promotion of Barbara Muckermann to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective immediately. In her new role, Muckermann, who most recently served as the line’s Chief Marketing Officer, will focus on strengthening the company’s guest-centric approach across the sales and marketing channels to further enhance the cruise experience for patrons of the Monaco-based luxury line.

As part of her expanded responsibilities, Muckermann will oversee all aspects of Silversea’s guest relations, sales and marketing, revenue management functions, strategic communications, and brand recognition. Muckermann’s strategic duties will encompass initiatives that will enhance the customer experience across operations for Silversea Cruises, a subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group.

“Barbara’s unparalleled experience and extensive knowledge of the luxury travel industry, paired with her intimate understanding of guests’ and travel advisors’ needs, make her the perfect leader to drive the profitable growth of Silversea Cruises globally,” says Jason Liberty, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “Barbara has a proven track record of success and is deeply respected across the industry. Her expertise will prove pivotal in strengthening Silversea’s presence on the global stage as the recognized leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” adds Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea.

Muckermann joined Silversea Cruises in October 2001, returning in 2016 after stints with multiple luxury and cruise brands from 2005. She was at the forefront of Silversea’s brand evolution, helping to establish Silversea as the world’s leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. Muckermann spearheaded numerous successful marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships, including Silversea’s ongoing collaboration with iconic photographer Steve McCurry. She pioneered such product innovations as the Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) deep-dive culinary program, the most immersive travel concept at sea, among others.

“I am truly honored to work with such a talented senior leadership team at one of the world’s most iconic brands, recognized as the pinnacle of luxury travel,” says Muckermann. “This is an exciting year of opportunity for the company, and Silversea is uniquely positioned within the industry’s return to service to capture growth in the global market, placing our guests at the center of the luxury experience.”

An accomplished professional in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience to her new position. She has been an innovator and leader in the cruise industry. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from the London Business School and Columbia University.

Helsinki Shipyard launches SH Minerva

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Helsinki Shipyard is currently building a three-ship series for the cruise shipping company Swan Hellenic. The first ship in the series got water under its keel on Wednesday, 23 June. At the same time, the hull of the second ship, which already has a ship shape, was floated in the dry dock. The production of the third vessel in the series started on June 10.

The ships being built at Helsinki Shipyard are designed to meet the latest emission standards in order to minimize their impact on the environment. Preparations are made for implementing battery technology, which would make it possible to operate also silently. This allows the vessel to move, for example, in sensitive polar nature with minimal disturbances. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced treatment system for wastewater and storage facilities for waste that are required for operating in sensitive polar areas.

The state of art infotainment system provides the cruise passengers with a personal experience and a possibility of sharing their experiences in real time. The ship facilities with open views are designed to provide excellent opportunities to experience the nature surrounding the ship. Onboard you will find also an expedition laboratory and library for studying marine life, and in the observation lounge lectures are held by the experienced expedition leaders and specialists. Expedition day trips on the rubber boats to interesting surrounding areas are central part of the program onboard. Available also kayaking, trekking and other activities. Available also gym, spa & sauna, top quality restaurant and club lounge, as well a pool deck with bar.

“The vessel, which has now been launched, is a forerunner in many respects. The ship’s ice class says its structure is top-notch and is guaranteed by Helsinki Shipyard’s solid experience in building ice class vessels. The ship is designed for top class cruising, with small amounts of passengers, giving a prestigious cruising experience for intelligent customers.” says Esko Karvonen, CEO, Helsinki Shipyard.

The first of the ships under construction at Helsinki Shipyard will be handed over to its client in Fall 2021, the second in Spring 2022 and the third in Fall 2022.

Carnival Cruise Line to grow fleet by two additional ships by 2023

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to grow its fleet by two additional ships by 2023, taking the delivery position of an Excel-class ship that had previously been assigned to sister line AIDA Cruises that will arrive in late 2023, as well as taking ownership of Costa Magica from another of its European sister lines, with that ship going through a dry dock, renaming and Carnival-branded conversion and joining the fleet by mid-2022.

These two ships are in addition to the new capacity growth represented by Mardi Gras, Carnival's first Excel-class, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship which starts sailing from Port Canaveral on July 31 and her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which will be delivered and sail from Miami starting in late 2022, as part of Carnival's 50th birthday festivities.

The addition of these four ships will bring the Carnival fleet to 27 by year-end 2023, and these ships bring many new amenities and features for guests, as well as environmental benefits and enhancements as Carnival continues to exceed and expand targets for emissions efficiencies.

"We are excited about these additions to our fleet which reflect the strong position that Carnival has established in the U.S., the pent-up demand we continue to see for cruise vacations, and the overall plans by Carnival Corporation to optimize capacity and growth in key markets," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "While our immediate focus is on our restart of guest operations this summer, this is another cause for excitement at Carnival, and we will be announcing more detailed plans about homeports, itineraries and ship names very soon."

Atlas Ocean Voyages to offer first dedicated Solo Suites

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2021 23 June 2021

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that the luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for fun-seeking, discerning travelers, is introducing the industry’s first dedicated Solo Suites. Solo Suites will be available for booking aboard World Navigator voyages departing March 22, 2022, and onward, and offer individual travelers the suite-level experience without a single supplement. Appointed in retro-chic, simply elegant décor, Solo Suites measure 183-sq.-ft. and will be among World Navigator’s four categories of suite accommodations, which provide guests an even more lavish experience on their once-in-a-lifetime, luxe-adventure journey to remote and captivating destinations around the world.

“We are always searching for ways to elevate and innovate the luxe-adventure experience,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “As the first new luxury product in the industry for more than two decades, Atlas is already poised as the industry’s most-inclusive luxe experience. Atlas’ new Solo Suites is another example of how we are catering to the new lifestyles and preferences of the modern luxury traveler.”

Each Solo Suite features a plush queen-size bed, flanked by twin nightstands with embedded USB and power outlets, and lay opposite a 42-inch, flat-panel television and infotainment system. The suite is illuminated with sconces and recessed ceiling lights for a soothing ambience, while a large, picture-frame window hangs over a rich-wood desk, which also encloses a mini-fridge stocked with the guest’s personal beverage preferences. The en suite, marble-paneled bathroom features L’OCCITANE bath amenities and is accentuated with a mosaic-tiled shower with surround body jets and rain shower for a restorative, spa-like experience in the privacy of the Solo Suite.

Ample storage is also built into the Solo Suites. In addition to two closets for clothes, guests also enjoy an additional shoe closet to hold footwear for the many possible luxe-adventure experiences in port.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for discerning, fun-seeking travelers to immerse in unique and awe-inspiring moments in remote and captivating destinations. World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. At 9,930 gross tons, World Navigator features SeaSpa, the first L’OCCITANE spa at sea, and is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All The Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.