More News

Holland America Line refreshes Rudi’s Sel de Mer specialty restaurant with Mediterranean bistro atmosphere

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 January 2025 27 January 2025

Holland America Line is updating Rudi’s Sel de Mer with a relaxed Mediterranean bistro feel aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam. The intimate venue will feature casual but classic Mediterranean dishes that reflect the cuisine of regional countries including Italy, France, Spain and Greece. The new concept is rolling out in January and February 2025.

Holland America Line’s culinary team developed the refreshed concept and menu for Rudi’s Sel de Mer with oversight by Chef Rudi Sodamin, the restaurant’s namesake. Guests will savor vibrant, light cuisine bursting with flavors from the Mediterranean, highlighting traditional ingredients like olive oil, lemon, fresh vegetables and herbs. New table settings enhance the ambiance, creating a restaurant that blends the charm of coastal dining with modern simplicity.

“The new Mediterranean bistro concept allows us to diversify the menu at Rudi’s Sel de Mer and showcase the beautiful flavors and fresh ingredients that are synonymous with the region,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions. “By refreshing the menu, we’re able to offer our guests a variety of dishes that appeal to a wide range of palettes, as well as some of the most popular dishes that have been mainstays on the menu from the start.”

The Rudi’s Sel de Mer dining experience is available for a $55 supplemental charge per person, or now included as a dining option with the “Have It All” premium cruise package.

Fresh starters: a prelude to culinary delight

The new Rudi’s Sel de Mer starter menu showcases a range of flavors that set the tone for the meal to follow. Examples include:
– Burrata and Prosciutto: with cherry tomatoes, thyme and olive oil
– Nicoise Salad: seared tuna with preserved lemon oil dressing
– Warm Garlic Shrimp: with olive oil, butter, lemon and basil
– Foie Gras Torchon: with fruit chutney and toasted baguette
– Roasted Baby Beets: with pomegranate, Labneh Salad and balsamic reduction
– Wild Mushroom Soup: with truffle oil, crème fraiche and scallion churro

Mediterranean-inspired mains

The refreshed menu allows diners – whether they’re meat lovers or vegetarians—to embark on a culinary journey, with Mediterranean-inspired mains celebrating fresh, vibrant flavors. Examples include:
– Greek Spiced Lamb Chops: with lemon chickpea puree, fava beans and garlic jus
– Fresh Spaghetti Fruits de Mer: with tomato, tiger prawns, crab, scallops, mussels and clams
– Bone-In Striploin: with chanterelles, confit potatoes tarragon and Shiraz reduction
– Seafood Cioppino: with crab, squid, shrimp, scallops, mussels, grouper and potatoes
– Duck Breast À L’Orange: with orange zest, caramelized orange segments and thyme
– Vegetable Bourguignonne: with mushrooms, carrots, shallots, red wine and misoceleriac purée
– Osso Bucco Ravioli: with cherry tomato, Stracciatella and basil

Decadent desserts provide a memorable finish

Guests at Rudi’s Sel de Mer can close out their meal with the ultimate in dessert decadence from a carefully curated selection that’s designed to delight and impress. Examples include:
– Chocolate Hazelnut Volcano: with raspberries and Frangelico cream
– Salted Caramel St. Honoré: with vanilla puff pastry, Choux paste and chantilly
– Floating Island: chocolate crème Anglaise with toasted pistachios
– Warm Strawberry Tarte Tatin: with sugar puff pastry crust, caramel and crème fraiche
– Home-Made Sorbet/Gelato of the day
– Artisan Cheese served with walnut bread and fig chutney

Side dishes include bistro fries, celeriac mash, green beans in garlic oil, gratin potato, ratatouille and pilaf rice.

HX Expeditions debuts first-ever Greenland cruises with roundtrip flights from New York

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 January 2025 23 January 2025

HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is launching the first-ever cruises from New York to Greenland, roundtrip from Newark Liberty International Airport. Departing on June 21, 2025 – Greenland’s National Day, marked by the summer solstice – these itineraries feature dedicated flight allocations on United Airlines’ direct route to Nuuk. Crafted with Greenlandic communities, they provide authentic access to Greenland’s west coast aboard the hybrid-powered expedition ship Fridtjof Nansen.

“Greenland is on the cusp of transformation,” said Laali Berthelsen, Local Product Manager for HX Expeditions and Nuuk resident. “With the opening of our new international airport and direct flights, Greenland is more accessible than ever. As interest grows, we have a responsibility to ensure tourism uplifts our communities and respects our environment.”

HX Expeditions, the Leaders in Greenland

– Unmatched Expertise: A legacy of Arctic exploration since 1896, with over 20 years of experience in Greenland.
– Exclusive Locally Designed Itineraries: The only expedition cruise company with itineraries crafted and managed by Greenlanders, built in collaboration with local communities, and featuring cultural ambassadors on every sailing.
– Sustainability Leadership: Voyages aboard the hybrid battery-powered MS Fridtjof Nansen, recognized as the world’s safest and most sustainable cruise ship, prioritize emissions and waste reductions.
– Supporting Greenlandic Communities: Partnerships and investments strengthen Greenland’s communities, with HX Foundation contributing over $186,605 to youth education, mental health, and cultural preservation projects.
– Unrivaled Access: Greenland’s rugged terrain and limited infrastructure make expedition cruising the best way to explore its dramatic coastline and iconic landscapes, while venturing to the northernmost reaches of the world.
– Seamless Experience: Dedicated flight allocations offer an exclusive, hassle-free journey, with all-inclusive itineraries featuring daily excursions, onboard Science Center activities, meals, gratuities, and drinks.
– Extended Exploration of Nuuk: Travelers enjoy a night in Greenland’s vibrant capital, exploring landmarks, local cuisine, and fjord adventures before heading to remote regions.

Joining all voyages is Aleqatsiaq Peary, an Inuk storyteller, musician, and hunter from Qaanaaq. As the great-great-great-grandson of Robert Peary, the first person to reach the North Pole, Aleqatsiaq embodies the connection between Greenland’s past and present.

"If you’ve read about Arctic explorers, these itineraries offer a chance to experience it for yourself,” said Aleqatsiaq Peary. “To see what they saw and feel what it was like to journey to the far north aboard their ships." Onboard, Peary will share his knowledge of Greenlandic traditions, connecting guests with remote communities and deepening their understanding of Northwest Greenland.

Berthelsen added, “Here, the stories of polar explorers intersect with the wisdom of our Inuit ancestors, offering travelers a perspective that is both historic and deeply personal."

Royal Caribbean Group signs agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for sixth Edge-class ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 January 2025 23 January 2025

Royal Caribbean Group announced on January 21st that it has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Edge-class ship for delivery to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Edge 6 or “Xcel 2” will be the sister-ship to Celebrity Xcel, which is preparing to take its inaugural sail later this year. Other Edge-class ships include Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Edge – the first ship in the series that was delivered in 2018.

“Celebrity's Edge Series redefined premium travel at sea, blending groundbreaking design and unforgettable guest experiences. Each ship in this award-winning series has set a new standard for the industry, and Celebrity Xcel, sailing later this year, is no exception,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. Partnering with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to expand the Edge Series with Edge 6 is another milestone in our mission to deliver the world's best vacations responsibly.”

“Celebrity Xcel will be the happy place of vacationers globally when she launches in November and we’re thrilled to be making this commitment to bring her a sister ship in Edge 6," said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Celebrity Xcel will take forward the best of Edge Series ships coupled with seven new experiences, all perfected with the help of our recently announced Xcel Dream Makers - an industry first program enlisting the power of cruisers to make final decisions across culinary, interior design and entertainment."

Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series ships transformed guest’s experience by bringing them closer to destinations with state-of-the-art features like the iconic Magic Carpet – the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform at sea – offering a unique way to dine, drink and connect with destinations, or take in the dramatic local landscapes. Other innovations introduced by Celebrity’s Edge Series ships include Infinite Veranda® staterooms, which erase the boundaries between ship and shore. The sixth ship in the lineup will incorporate the series’ key features and make room for other yet-to-be-announced innovations.

"The strong ties between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Group have led to the creation of the unique Edge Series design,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “This sixth ship marks the epitome of a pioneering series in the cruise industry that is both elegant, high-performing, and ever more innovative, notably thanks to its methanol capabilities.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline currently includes a total of eight ships on order. This year, the company will welcome two new ships including Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel. With this announcement, Royal Caribbean Group continues to drive its moderate capacity growth to help guests turn a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.

This agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.

Resorts World Cruises to homeport in Mumbai, India

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 January 2025 21 January 2025

Resorts World Cruises ihas announced that it will be expanding its footprint to India with the debut and homeport deployment of the Resorts World One cruise ship in Mumbai from 5 March until 1 June 2025.

Resorts World One will depart from the soon to be completed Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at the Ballard Pier Extension (BPX) berth of the Mumbai Port with three weekly roundtrip cruise itineraries. These include the 2 Night Weekend High Seas Cruise departing on Fridays; the 3 Night Lakshadweep Cruise to Agatti Island departing on Sundays; and the 2 Night Goa Cruise departing on Wednesdays.

“In support of the recently announced “Cruise Bharat Mission” by the Indian Government and the new world-class Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, we are excited to further boost India’s cruise tourism sector and bring the Resorts World One cruise ship to homeport in Mumbai,” said Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises. “Mumbai is the main gateway to cruising in India and Indians will have the convenience of departing from their ‘doorsteps’, without the need to fly to another country," he added.

Resorts World Cruises is a well-known cruise brand in India with many Indian passengers taking Fly-Cruise vacations with its ships cruising in Singapore, Dubai, Malacca, Penang, Phuket, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Keelung, Okinawa, Kyushu, Osaka and many other Asian ports.

Cunard’s new ship Queen Anne makes North American debut in New York

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 January 2025 20 January 2025

On January 18, Cunard’s highly anticipated new ship, Queen Anne marked her North American debut as she arrived in New York on her maiden call from Southampton, England. Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years spans 14 decks and features 15 dining venues, accommodating up to 3,000 guests.

For the first time in Cunard’s 185-year history, the line has two female leaders in command. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, one of the few female captains in the maritime industry, is at the helm of Queen Anne, and Katie McAlister, Cunard’s president, is steering the company into an exciting era of luxury cruising.

The design of Queen Anne was led by creative director Adam Tihany who orchestrated a team of world-class designers to imagine a ship that reflects Cunard’s rich art-deco heritage while embracing modern elegance.

A testament to this artistic vision is the ship’s exclusive collection of 4,300 pieces of art, commissioned from both emerging and established artists worldwide, each offering a unique interpretation of Cunard’s iconic legacy. The ship also elevates onboard entertainment to new heights with innovative venues and experiences including the "Bright Lights Society," an intimate cabaret-style venue.

With the debut of Queen Anne, Cunard enhanced its wellness offerings for guests. The Pavilion wellness café is a new venue serving breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining, with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.

In addition, guests can enjoy the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program which offers three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, providing a rejuvenating journey at sea.

Queen Anne’s call in New York marks the first stop on her 107-day inaugural World Voyage. This journey continues Cunard’s legacy as the pioneer of world cruises since 1922; bringing together travelers from across nationalities and reflecting the brand’s dedication to fostering international connections and cultural understanding—values that resonate more than ever in today’s world.

Cunard and New York have a long and storied heritage with an impressive roster of milestones:

– Cunard has sailed into New York since 1847, longer than any other cruise line.

– Cunard ships carried one in five immigrants to America, helping millions begin new lives in New York and beyond.

– Cunard’s legendary ships including Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth epitomized the golden age of ocean travel, hosting world renowned cultural and political figures.

– In 2015, the Empire State Building was lit red to honor Cunard’s 175th anniversary, celebrating the company’s enduring bond with the city.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, expressed her excitement about the ship’s North America debut, stating: “Queen Anne represents the pinnacle of innovation, design, and hospitality for Cunard, and her arrival in New York is an historic milestone for our company. As we celebrate nearly two centuries of maritime excellence, Queen Anne ushers Cunard into a new era of luxury cruising and continues delivering unforgettable experiences that connect people and cultures around the globe. We are proud to contribute to the record-high1.5 million cruise passengers that travel to NYC bringing $500 million in local economic impact to New York.”