Norwegian unveils 2018-19 itineraries, Norwegian  Breakaway to Baltic in summer 2018

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 15 December 2016 15 December 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line, the contemporary market unit of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (NCLH), has announced its summer 2018 and fall/winter 2018-19 itineraries that will include a series of Baltic cruises from Copenhagen ion Norwegian Breakaway in the summer of 2018.

Alaska

In summer 2018, Norwegian will once again offer guests the opportunity to sail through the glacier-filled waters and gaze upon the snowy mountain-tops of Alaska on three unique ships, the youngest fleet sailing to the region. The brand-new Norwegian Bliss, arriving in June 2018, will lead Norwegian’s 2018 Alaska fleet with her inaugural season to the region, offering seven-day voyages departing each Saturday from Seattle. The largest and most innovative ship to sail to Alaska, Norwegian Bliss will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruise experience and will be the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to make its debut in Seattle*. Following an extensive renovation in 2017 as a part of the Norwegian Edge program, Norwegian Pearl will sail seven-day Glacier Bay Alaska cruises from Seattle departing on Sundays. Rounding out the Alaska fleet, Norwegian Sun will return to Vancouver and Seward to offer her incredibly popular northbound and southbound seven-day Alaska highlights voyages, offering guests the opportunity to combine back-to-back sailings for an immersive 14-day roundtrip cruise.

Europe

Guest sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and flavors of Europe with five ships based in the region in summer 2018. Norwegian Breakaway will depart her New York homeport on April 15 for the first time since her inaugural season in 2013 for a 12-day transatlantic voyage to London (Southampton).

Following her arrival in Europe, Norwegian Breakaway will undergo enhancements in dry dock and then journey to her new seasonal homeport of Copenhagen, where she will sail nine-day Scandinavia & Russia cruises through the summer season. Norwegian Jade will return to Europe in summer 2018 and sail a series of Norway, Iceland, and North Cape cruises from London (Southampton) and Hamburg, showcasing the spectacular Norwegian fjords, along with British Isles cruises on select dates.

Norwegian Spirit will return as well, sailing longer 10-day Western Mediterranean and 11-day Eastern Mediterranean & Adriatic cruises from Civitavecchia. Norwegian Star will reposition from the West Coast to Venice, sailing a series of seven-day Greek Isles and Adriatic & Greece cruises from The Floating City. Norwegian Epic, which received ship wide enhancements earlier this year during an extensive dry dock, will once again sail seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, showcasing the best of Italy, France and Spain.

In winter 2018/2019, Norwegian Spirit will set sail from Barcelona to the Canary Islands & Morocco, on a series of 10- and 11-day cruises that will bring guests looking to escape winter weather to the exotic bazaars of Northern Africa and Tenerife, which boasts the world’s third largest volcano and the highest elevation in all of Spain.

Bermuda

Norwegian will continue its tradition of sailing from both New York City and Boston to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda between April and September 2018. Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape, will reposition for the first time since she was christened in 2015, and will sail from New York City to Bermuda on seven-day cruises to every Sunday, offering NY-area guests a new ship to enjoy, featuring Norwegian’s first brew pub at sea, the Tony-award winning After Midnight and critically-acclaimed For the Record: The Brat Pack, along with two restaurants from Iron Chef Jose Garces and The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine bar. Norwegian Dawn, essentially a new ship after bow to stern enhancements this year, will sail seven-day cruises from Boston to Bermuda, departing every Friday.

Bahamas & Florida

In summer 2018, Norwegian Gem will set sail for the Bahamas and Florida each Saturday from New York City, bringing guests the best of beaches, theme parks and sunshine. Norwegian Sky will continue to sail three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami year-round, providing guests a private island escape to Great Stirrup Cay, which is currently undergoing enhancements that include a luxury lagoon area for Haven guests, along with enhanced facilities, premium cabana furnishings and more family-friendly amenities.

In winter 2018/2019, Norwegian Escape will remain in New York, and bring guests to the tropical beaches of the Bahamas & Florida on seven-day cruises. Norwegian Breakaway will return to New York from Europe and will also sail seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises from Manhattan during winter 2018/2019.

Caribbean

Guests can set sail to the Caribbean on seven Norwegian ships in 2018 & 2019, sailing from convenient departure ports including New York, Boston, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Miami, New Orleans and Tampa.

From December 2018 - February 2019, Norwegian Escape will set sail from New York on extended 12- and 14-day Southern Caribbean cruises, as well as 14-day Western Caribbean cruises, which will include a call at Harvest Caye, Belize’s newest resort-style port of call featuring a cruise ship pier for easy access, seven acre white sand beach and 15,000 square foot pool, among other eco-friendly adventures. Norwegian Breakaway will also sail 10- and 11-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from New York, for a sunshine-filled extended getaway including calls in the Virgin Islands during the heart of winter. New for 2018, guests cruising from New England can set sail to the Caribbean from Boston on Norwegian Dawn for a 14-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in October 2018.

Norwegian Gem will reposition to New Orleans, sailing to the Western Caribbean on seven-, 10- and 11-day cruises from the Crescent City. Guests sailing from Miami in winter 2018 can cruise to the Western Caribbean on Norwegian Getaway, which will sail seven-day cruises that will also include a call to Harvest Caye. Norwegian Pearl will homeport in Tampa during winter 2018, sailing seven-day cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Norwegian Dawn will seasonally homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico during the winter 2018/2019 season, sailing to the heart of the Southern Caribbean on seven-, 10- and 11-day cruises, with calls in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and more. Guests can also sail to the Southern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Jade, on a 10-day cruise on select dates from November 2018 – April 2019.

Norwegian Epic will again return to Port Canaveral in fall 2018, sailing alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, along with select longer 10- and 11-day Western Caribbean cruises from November 2018 – January 2019 that will include a call at Harvest Caye. Guests who wish to visit Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay can do so from Port Canaveral in March 2019, as Norwegian Epic will also offer a four-day Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral and a five-day Western Caribbean cruise that calls in Cozumel and Great Stirrup Cay.

Canada & New England

Norwegian will offer guests the opportunity for prime “leaf peeping” in Canada &New England on three vessels in fall 2018. Norwegian Escape will be the company’s largest vessel to bring guests on spectacular fall foliage cruises, sailing seven-day Canada & New England cruises from New York on select dates in September 2018. For those looking for a summer cruise to the Pinetree State and Great White North, Norwegian Gem will also sail north from the Big Apple in June 2018 on two seven-day cruises, calling in Maine, St. John and Halifax. For those guests looking to explore Canada & New England further, Norwegian Gem will sail extended 10-day cruises from New York that include an overnight in Québec City, while Norwegian Dawn will sail a series of northbound and southbound seven-day cruises between Boston and Quebec, offering the opportunity to combine for the ultimate fall getaway with a 14-day roundtrip cruises.

Hawaii

The recently-refurbished Pride of America will continue to sail her very popular seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday through May 2019. Offering more than 100 hours of in-port sight-seeing time, the only ship to sail the islands features an itinerary with calls that include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Panama Canal and Mexican Riviera

A true bucket-list experience, Norwegian will offer one-way and roundtrip Panama Canal cruises on three ships in 2018/2019. Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Pearl will sail 11-day and 14-day roundtrip canal cruises from Tampa and Miami in 2018/2019, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of the seven wonders of the modern world. For guests looking for an extended Panama Canal cruise, they can embark Norwegian Star from either Miami or Los Angeles during select dates in January – March 2019 for a 14-day one way cruise that includes a day-time transit of the canal. Norwegian Pearl will also sail a one-way 15-day Panama Canal cruise from LA to Tampa in October 2018.

West coast guests looking for a sun and fun cruise can embark on a seven-day Mexican Riviera sailing from Los Angeles on select dates in December 2018 and March 2019 that features calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

South America

Norwegian Sun will once again return to South America, sailing a series of alternating westbound and eastbound 14-day itineraries between Valparaiso, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina in Winter 2018/2019, featuring a sail around Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego's splendid fjords.

 

 

 

Regent Seven Sea publishes itinerary of two Cuba cruises

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 15 December 2016 15 December 2016

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has the distinction of being the only North American luxury cruise line to be granted permission to offer voyages to Cuba, and has added Havana to two Caribbean voyages aboard Seven Seas Mariner in April 2017.  

The two voyages, April 11 and 18, will both overnight in Havana, giving guests ample time to experience the rich culture and history of this iconic city while indulging in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-inclusive luxury.

The two voyages on Seven Seas Mariner featuring Havana are identical. Along with a visit to Cuba’s capital, they will both call on the brand new, upscale resort-style destination in Belize called Harvest Caye. Below is the detailed itinerary for the voyages on April 11 and 18, 2017.

Seven Seas Mariner Caribbean Cruises Featuring Havana, Cuba

April 11 / April 18 Miami (Embarkation Port)

April 12 / April 19 Havana, Cuba

April 13 / April 20 Havana, Cuba

April 14 / April 21 At Sea

April 15 / April 22 Harvest Caye, Belize

April 16 / April 23 Costa Maya, Mexico

April 17 / April 24 At Sea

April 18 / April 25 Miami (Disembarkation)

For these voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will provide a selection of expertly crafted shore excursions as part of its free unlimited shore excursion program. All tours will offer guests an authentic Cuban experience that explores the people, music, art, history and culture of the island and are in compliance with the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) regulations. To provide guests with even greater insights into Cuba and its people, guest scholars and expert lecturers will deliver compelling presentations about Cuba’s past, present and future.

“We’re excited to be the first luxury cruise line to offer voyages to Cuba, a destination our guests have dreamt of visiting,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “With our industry-leading all-inclusive luxury experience, guests will be able to enjoy the wonders of Havana with a robust selection of free, unlimited shore excursions, all of which meet the people-to-people guidelines established by OFAC.”

The seven-night Caribbean cruises aboard Seven Seas Mariner featuring Havana, Cuba start at $2,999 per person and include airfare, unlimited shore excursions, WiFi, fine wine and spirits, along with a host of other amenities. For more information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises, specific itinerary details or for general information about Seven Seas Mariner, guests can visit RSSC.com, call 1.844.4REGENT (1.844.473.4368) or contact a professional travel agent

MedCruise participates airport CEO conference to discuss synergies

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 14 December 2016 14 December 2016

MedCruise, which promotes the Mediterranean region towards the cruise industry, participated the fourth Airport Chief Executives' Symposium that took place in Athens Greece.

Organised by the Athens International Airport this year’s edition of the platform for the exchange of ideas among high-level airport executives was devoted to the search for synergies between airports and cruise ports and their impact on the destinations they serve, MedCruise said in a statement.

In front of representatives from air transport, but also from the tourism, financial, international banking, and public sectors, Mediterranean ports, presented the value that this collaboration might produce for all parties involved and the broader economy.

MedCruise Secretary General Thanos Pallis, delivered a keynote speech presenting those challenges and opportunities that cruise ports in the Med and airports can address together. He also introduced the findings of the MedCruise fact-finding report “Ports Together” that was published earlier this year, examples of existing initiatives aiming to smooth operations and increase the contribution to local communities.

Following a viable discussion and most interesting panels participants recognised the need for the different cruise stakeholders to set up a cruise supply chain approach and so as to together and achieve desirable, and sustainable growth.

 

German spy comedy premiered on AIDA ships before Berlin first night

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 13 December 2016 13 December 2016

A German film will be premiered on the ships of AIDA Cruises next month before the first night in Berlin theatres, the Rostock based cruise line said.

AIDA guests and invited celebrities will get to enjoy an ocean premiere of "Kundschafter des Friedens" - a spy comedy with a stellar cast - will have its first public screening aboard all ships in the AIDA fleet.

At AIDAprima’s Theatrium the red carpet will be rolled out in the early evening on Thursday, 12 January. Actor Winfried Glatzeder - well-known from "Sun Alley," "The Dead and the Living" and other productions - will be coming to Rotterdam for the premiere party.

He will be accompanied by director Robert Thalheim and producer Dirk Engelhardt. In a Prime Time Live special, the Premiere Talk with celebrity guests will be streamed live on Facebook. All three star guests will then stay on board for the trip from Rotterdam to Hamburg where AIDAprima will dock on 14 January.

The movie’s official premiere will not be taking place until 19 January in Berlin and Essen, followed by its general release from 26 January. "With this unique preview on 12 January, 2017, on board our ships we are once again demonstrating the diversity and exclusivity of our entertainment program," says Borris Brandt, Director Entertainment with AIDA Cruises, and continued: "The chance to experience these celebrities close-up offers our guests unforgettable added value."