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Celestyal Discovery becomes first ship in Greece to operate with marine biofuel blend

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 April 2025 22 April 2025

Celestyal, the boutique cruise line offering unmissable and immersive experiences on land and at sea, has announced that its Celestyal Discovery is the first vessel in Greek waters to be refuelled using a marine biofuel blend. The milestone delivery, conducted at the Port of Lavrion, was carried out by Coral Marine Products SA, part of Motor Oil Group, in partnership with Celestyal.

The locally-produced blend combines conventional marine fuel with a second-generation biofuel derived from recycled used cooking oils. The innovation, created by Motor Oil’s subsidiary Verd, is fully compliant with the new ISO 8217:2024 standards and is credited with reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 21%.

Captain George Koumpenas, COO at Celestyal, said: “This initiative marks a meaningful shift toward sustainable cruising. We are proud that Celestyal Discovery is taking the lead in reducing the environmental footprint of the cruise sector in Greece.”

Chris Theophilides, CEO at Celestyal, said: “From refreshing our fleet to expanding our itineraries, sustainability is central to our long-term vision. This pioneering use of biofuel is a proud moment for us and demonstrates what’s possible when local expertise and global ambition come together. We’re committed to exploring further solutions that support our planet and enhance the cruising experience for future generations.”

The 1,360-guest Celestyal Discovery joined the Celestyal fleet in November 2023 and has recently undergone her second multi-million Euro refurbishment. From April to November, she will offer three- and four-night night “Iconic Greek Islands” cruises departing Athens calling at Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini with prices starting at $389 per person.

She will then reposition to the Arabian Gulf offering her first season of three- and four-night night “Iconic Arabia” cruises departing Abu Dhabi calling at Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Doha, Khasab and Ras al Khaimah. Prices start at $718 for two people on a three-night voyage, and $918 for two people on a four-night cruise.

Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I sets sail from Maine for Great Lakes

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 April 2025 19 April 2025

Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Maritimes, announces Victory I has departed Portland, Maine. Embarking on the line’s first revenue cruise, the New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise is hosted by Victory Cruise Lines Chairman and Founder John Waggoner and wife Claudette. Marking the line’s first revenue voyage in preparation for the inaugural Great Lakes season, the sailing includes many past guests of the Waggoners and special entertainment they have handpicked featuring Greg and Lindy Pendzick and Michaelyn Oby.

“Today is an exciting milestone for Victory Cruise Lines as we set sail for Toronto onboard Victory I joined by family, friends and longtime guests,” said John Waggoner, founder and chairman of Victory Cruise Lines. “In less than a year, Claudette and I purchased these purpose-built ships for the Great Lakes, the team has come together, we are welcoming guests onboard and poised to embark on an incredible travel experience on all five Great Lakes.”

The New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise voyage began with a pre-cruise hotel night in Portland, followed by 10-night sailing with ports of call including Halifax, Sydney, Quebec City, Montreal and concluding in Toronto. Victory I will be christened in Toronto on April 27 and her sister ship Victory II will be christened at Chicago’s Navy Pier on May 12, 2025. Victory Cruise Lines offers 33 voyages in 2025 that touch all five Great Lakes.

The 190-guest Victory I was purpose-built to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes. Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program in partnership with the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which includes 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 transforms to Tuscan Stone Grill for a special dining experience. 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 vessel; all water view 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.

Silversea reveals more on its upcoming world's southernmost hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 April 2025 15 April 2025

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has unveiled the first spaces and name of The Cormorant at 55 South, its new 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, scheduled to open during the 2025/2026 Antarctica season. Upon completion, Silversea’s new hotel will create the most convenient, comfortable and seamless way to visit Antarctica.

“The Cormorant at 55 South is a tribute to the rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and storied history of Puerto Williams, immersing guests in their destination before embarking on their journey to Antarctica,” said Bert Hernandez, President, Silversea. “Every aspect of The Cormorant is thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind, ensuring a comfortable and uniquely Silversea experience. Each room offers panoramic views of Patagonia, and the hotel creates a deep connection to the local community, providing specially designed experiences that will allow our guests to begin their expeditions sooner than ever, all in uncompromised comfort.”

The Cormorant at 55 South

The Cormorant is a nod to the unique location of the property at 55° S – making it the southernmost hotel on Earth – and an acknowledgement of the location’s history. Paying homage to Lakutaia, which is the indigenous Yahgan word for cormorant, the aquatic bird is a symbol of the seafarer and intended to bestow good fortune on guests embarking on their greatest adventure.

The Cormorant will feature two distinct room views, including serene forest views and tranquil water vistas overlooking the Beagle Channel. This design brings guests closer to the breathtaking natural beauty of Patagonia, immersing them in the landscapes that define this region.

Each room is thoughtfully designed with expansive windows that frame sweeping views, filling the space with natural light and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interiors feature warm wood tones and earthy elements, deepening the connection to the destination while creating an authentic and calming environment. To further this connection, every room will incorporate handcrafted items created by regional artisans, adding a unique touch that celebrates local and regional culture.

Welcoming guests from the moment they arrive will be The Cormorant’s own dedicated staff – all trained in The Silversea Way to provide the high level of service that is synonymous with Silversea.

The hotel will facilitate a uniquely frictionless journey to Antarctica, allowing guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalized service and warm hospitality throughout their entire experience. Silversea’s innovative six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise expeditions allow guests to fly over the Drake Passage, providing a shorter option without compromising on the time spent in the destination.

Having pioneered luxury expedition cruising in 2008, Silversea became the first travel brand to offer luxury Antarctica expeditions. With its experience in the region, Silversea now offers the most enriching and personalized adventures on the continent, with an industry-leading expedition team that comprises up to 28 experts in their field, knowledgeable kayak instructors, world-class onboard lectures and some of the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratios in the industry, among other enriching features.

Silversea’s expedition experts host guided walks ashore, identifying wildlife species, unique glacial and geological structures, and other fascinating features only found on an Antarctic expedition. Back on board, the team’s insightful lectures provide an overview of the day’s sightings and experiences.

American Cruise Lines introduces an array of Extended Cruises for 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 April 2025 13 April 2025

American Cruise Lines has announced a new slate of Extended Cruises; 50-Day+ U.S. River cruises honoring the country’s 250th Birthday in 2026. These new Bucket List cruises are the longest U.S. River cruises on the market. Next year, American will feature a new 52-Day Great United States Cruise; a 51-Day Spring Across America; and a 55-Day Great American Fall Foliage Cruise; plus, a 36-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise. Each of these domestic adventures follows the successful launch of the company’s first Great United States Cruise in 2024.

As the country commemorates its Semiquincentennial, American Cruise Lines will celebrate America the Beautiful by cruising its most magnificent waterways from sea to shining sea. The company’s dynamic new adventures will allow guests to explore more of the country by water than ever before, with each seamless journey cruising multiple U.S. waterways and diverse regions of the U.S.A. Next year, American’s 50-Day+ cruises will sail from the Alaska Inside Passage to the Florida Keys, from the Holy City of Charleston, S.C. to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., and so much more.

Honoring America’s past, present, and future, these extraordinary U.S. River cruise itineraries will enable guests discover and re-discover America’s many blessings, from its astonishingly varied geography to its exceptional blend of peoples, cultures, and histories. American’s 50-Day+ Extended Cruises highlight the United States like never before, illuminating its vast treasures, while honoring its most closely held promise; the unyielding commitment to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Cruising the country’s legendary rivers and picturesque coastlines aboard the newest fleet of riverboats and small ships in the U.S.A., guests on American’s 250th celebratory cruises will enjoy well-curated authentic experiences.

What's next for Crescent Seas? A newbuilding to set sail in 2032

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 April 2025 11 April 2025

On Tuesday, April 8, at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global, Russell Galbut, CEO and Founder of Crescent Seas, exclusively revealed the company’s next groundbreaking venture: the development of a new build to join its portfolio. The Ocean will join Crescent Seas in 2032, further bolstering the iconic fleet that is redefining luxury living at sea.

The first rendering of The Ocean was unveiled during Galbut’s panel discussion at Seatrade, titled, Disruptive Innovation with Russell Galbut, where he shared how Crescent Seas is revolutionizing the future of luxury cruising. Drawing on his 23-year tenure on the board of Norwegian Cruise Line, this panel offered rare insight into Galbut’s real estate career coupled with his profound understanding of commercial cruising inspired him to reimagine the seagoing paradigm.

Blending well-appointed accommodations with extended stays in global destinations and exceptional service, Crescent Seas reinvents life at sea for discerning travelers. Crescent Seas debuted in March 2025 as the latest venture from GFO Investments. The Ocean will join Crescent Seas’ Navigator and Insignia, launching in 2026 and 2027, respectively.