Crystal Cruises to sail Northwest Passage in 2016

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 18 July 2014 18 July 2014

Crystal Cruises is introducing a new expedition-style  voyage traversing the Arctic Ocean via the legendary Northwest Passage – one so mysterious and remote (500 miles north of the Arctic Circle), that explorers spent centuries seeking the passage, until it was first completed successfully by Roald Amundsen just over 100 years ago.

Crystal will be the first luxury cruise line to ever navigate the route, maneuvering through 900 miles of majestic waterways lined with spectacular glaciers, towering fjords, and vast unspoiled landscapes away from mainstream civilization and tourism, north of mainland Canada.  Beginning August 16, 2016 in Anchorage/Seward, Alaska, the award-winning Crystal Serenity will sail for 32 days from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean/New York City.

 “Crystal’s inaugural Northwest Passage offers guests the opportunity to begin a new story of thrilling adventure, all the while indulging in the world’s very best luxury vacation experience,” said Crystal President Edie Rodriguez.  “The voyage combines intrepid adventure, the great outdoors, and immersive cultural experiences with Six-Star service as only Crystal can deliver.”

Crystal’s Executive Vice President Thomas Mazloum spearheaded the strategic planning of the itinerary, with the help of Expedition Voyage Consulting by EYOS Expeditions, providers of bespoke expeditions to the most remote regions on Earth in safety and luxury.

“From reviewing operations with Canadian officials to meeting with Inuit elders of the Arctic who have provided their backing, our team has spent almost two years diligently gathering the field experts, information,  resources, and support to ensure an epic experience that is exceptionally rewarding and safe for guests and crew, and respectful of local lands and cultures,” says Mazloum.  “During this voyage, speakers will enlighten guests on information regarding climate change, and how it has impacted this passage.  With the recent retreat of polar ice, the time is right for us to lead the way within the travel industry, as Crystal has done throughout our 25-year history.”

Following in the footsteps of intrepid explorers, the once-in-a-lifetime journey through once-unpassable waterways marks Crystal’s maiden expedition-style itinerary and a break from many cruising traditions.  Approaches to itinerary scheduling, destination visits, onboard offerings, and safety standards are all new or enhanced, with major changes including:

A flexible itinerary: Extra “surprise” days are built into the schedule to allow unplanned “calls of the wild” for polar bear-viewing, whale-watching, glacier-cruising, scenic helicopter flights, and/or seeking out the best wildlife and weather on the advice of local specialist guides.

New adventures ashore: Crystal will introduce “Wilderness Adventures” that take guests across polar tundra, up ice-strewn fjords, and into scenic coves to explore areas in and near maiden ports-of-call.  Travelers will also be able to respectfully visit the small, remote communities and uninhabited, unscheduled spaces/lands/waterways en route – often with champagne waiting at the other end.  Although some excursions will only be determined “in the moment” based on circumstances and environment, Crystal will spend the next two years planning a plethora of excursions and “Arctic safaris” involving kayaks, Zodiacs, a helicopter, ATVs, fishing, hiking, climbing, golfing at the world’s northernmost nine-hole  course, and even possible camping and/or overnighting away from the ship.  Voluntourism opportunities to help local lands and communities will also be offered complimentarily to guests and crew via the line’s “You Care.  We Care.” program.

New enrichment: A 14-person expedition team of experts in a variety of subjects -- including a native Arctic guide, scientists, and accomplished wildlife and landscape photographers -- will not only provide lectures on subjects such as the science and history of the area, but also offer hands-on seminars and workshops, host dinners with guests, guide wildlife watching from the ship, and accompany excursions, where appropriate.

Respect & understanding of the local culture:  Guests will be given a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the lifestyles of these small and remote communities during port visits, with activities created in partnership with the communities.  Designed to show modern life today in the Arctic, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the region, visits will include demonstrations of local arts and crafts, Arctic sports, traditional drum dancing and throat singing, and tastings of local foods, such as Arctic char and bannock bread.

Onboard experience, expedition-style: Embracing the spirit of expedition, Crystal’s usual onboard atmosphere of rest and relaxation will be relaxed even further with wardrobe (complimentary parkas, boot rentals, outfitter recommendations, and no “black tie optional” nights) and cuisine that, although still gourmet, is modified to reflect the locale and limited ability to re-supply goods and store waste during the month-long voyage.

Ports-of-Call: Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, and Nome*, Alaska; Ulukhaktok*, NW Territories; Cambridge Bay* and Pond Inlet, Nunavut; Ilulissat*, Sisimiut*, and Nuuk, Greenland; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island, and New York, New York. (*=maiden call)

Waterways: North Pacific Ocean; Bering Sea & Bering Strait; Chukchi & Beaufort Seas; Amundsen Gulf; Dolphin & Union Strait; Coronation Gulf; Dease Strait; Queen Maud Gulf; Victoria Strait; Larsen Sound; Franklin & Bellot Straits; Peel Sound; Parry Channel; Barrow Strait; Prince Regent Inlet; Lancaster Sound; Croker Bay; Navy Board Inlet; Eclipse Sound; Baffin Bay; Davis Strait; Labrador Sea; North Atlantic Ocean.

Enhanced safety and environmental standards:  Crystal Serenity and its escort vessel will be using low-sulphur Marine Gas oil fuel, exceeding environmental regulations.  The escort vessel will carry additional safety and environmental protection equipment, as well as personnel specifically trained in its use.  In addition, it will serve as a platform for a helicopter and zodiacs, and be manned by a crew highly experienced in all aspects of operating safely in this unique area.

The first call in the Canadian Arctic is planned for the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, a settlement of just a few hundred people on the shores of the Amundsen Gulf, just 1,400 miles from the North Pole.  “The community is very pleased to see the thought that has been given to ensure that the experience for the passengers, as well as the residents, is positive and beneficial,” said William Bennett, Senior Administrative Officer of the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok.  

With the new cruise comes a new booking process.  A 20% initial deposit will be required to secure all bookings, with $500 of the deposit being non-refundable.  Starting July 17, the initial booking window will only be available to guests who have sailed with Crystal before (i.e., Crystal Society members).  Non-members may add their name to a waitlist, and remaining space, if any, will open to the public on September 2.  Crystal Adventures will open for pre-reservation 18 months in advance of the cruise.

All-inclusive “Book Now” fares start at $19,755 per person, double occupancy, with an additional Crystal Society savings starting from $495/person and $3,000 included in savings if booked by August 29, 2014.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

Oceania Cruises adds 'Around the World in 180 Days' voyage for 2016

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 18 July 2014 18 July 2014

Oceania Cruises announced an additional 180-day journey aboard the newly refurbished Insignia, scheduled to depart on January 4, 2016.  Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response by guests to the first two 180-day cruises offered by Oceania Cruises, this newest voyage is the latest in a series that represents the longest and most comprehensive world exploration itineraries available in the cruise industry. Reservations open for the new Around the World in 180 Days itinerary on July 30, 2014.

“Oceania Cruises provides guests with the opportunity to explore the world on their terms by offering an incredible array of diverse itineraries and unique destinations,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Oceania Cruises. “The Around the World in 180 Days itinerary is a dream come true for those looking to traverse the globe in comfort and style.  Not only do we offer the most destinations, but we also have the added luxury of time, providing our guests with longer port days and more overnight stays to fully appreciate the breadth and diversity of art, architecture and cuisine found around the world.”   

Embarking from Miami on January 4, 2016, Insignia will set sail for the Caribbean before continuing on a southern course to South America where the ship will visit ports in Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana and Brazil.  The ship then heads to Africa where guests will enjoy some of the most incredible scenery the world has to offer in countries such as Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.  After traveling around the African continent, Insignia sails for Asia where guests will enjoy two-night stays in Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar), and Shanghai, China, as well as visits to a myriad of exotic and alluring locales. Insignia then heads to the South Pacific for a number of stops, including Oceania Cruises’ first call on the Australian port of Cooktown, serving as a gateway for the Great Barrier Reef and the Aboriginal community of Hopevale.  After sailing through the azure Hawaiian waters, Insignia stops in Los Angeles before heading down the west coast, through the Panama Canal and completing the journey in Miami on July 1.

Celebrity Cruises launches first Travel Professional Appreciation Season

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 16 July 2014 16 July 2014

Launching today, Celebrity Cruises is announcing the cruise industry’s first Travel Professional Appreciation Season as a unique way of saying ‘thank you’ to travel partners.

A special 'thank you' video message will be sent directly from the officers and crew onboard a different Celebrity ship every week during the 10-week season, from July 14 through Sept. 15, 2014. Plus, Celebrity is introducing the “Book It Onboard Sweepstakes” as part of the season, giving away a $500 gift card each week.

To enter the sweepstakes, partners who booked clients on a sailing simply need to direct those guests to visit the Future Cruise Vacations teams onboard Celebrity ships*, and when they book a future vacation while onboard that cruise, the travel agent will automatically be entered to win. This entry is an added perk to the credit and commission travel partners automatically receive for each booking.  The odds of winning the weekly prize increase with each onboard booking, and the winner will be announced during the video message, which will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and www.celebrityonboardcruisesales.com

“The appreciation season is our way of saying a huge thank you to our loyal partners” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, SVP, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Celebrity Cruises. “Travel professionals can visit our social channels every Monday to watch the special message for them from our officers and crew and see the winners of the highest amount of agency bookings made onboard.”

Grant Van Ulbrich, Director, Onboard Cruise Sales, Celebrity Cruises, added: “We are always looking for ways to demonstrate our sincere appreciation to our partners for booking their guests on our beautiful ships, so we created a special season just for them. We would like to wish all our travel partners a happy Travel Professional Appreciation Season.”

For more information about Celebrity’s Travel Professional Appreciation Season, visit www.celebrityonboardcruisesales.com.

Fincantieri begins construction of Seven Seas Explorer

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 15 July 2014 15 July 2014

Construction began this morning on Seven Seas Explorer at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy.  The crisp pop of a cork being freed from a Krug Grande Cuvée magnum initiated a laser, which cut the ceremonial first piece of steel for the new ship.  Incorporating a bottle of the world’s finest champagne to start the building process is symbolic of the high level of sophistication and design being developed for Seven Seas Explorer, which is scheduled to debut in summer 2016.  

The ceremonial first piece of steel cut this morning will serve as the foundation for an opulent, one-of-a-kind owner’s suite unlike any other at sea.  The suite, resplendent with exquisite stonework and luscious fabrics, will serve as a hallmark for the superior level of elegance found throughout the ship.   When it debuts, Seven Seas Explorer will establish a new benchmark for style and service and perfectly complement the all-inclusive luxury experience currently enjoyed by guests sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

During the ceremony, Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Gabriele Cocco, senior executive vice president of merchant ships for Fincantieri, began a countdown that culminated with Maison Krug Italy’s master sommelier, Michela Cimatoribus, releasing the cork from a magnum of Krug Grande Cuvée.  As the cork soared and the champagne flowed, confetti cascaded down and the laser cut the first piece of steel for the 750-passenger ship.

“We’re one step closer to fulfilling our dream of building the most luxurious ship in the world and giving our guests another exciting option to explore inspired global destinations with our special brand of all-inclusive luxury,” noted Kamlani.  “Seven Seas Explorer will surpass the current standard in luxury cruising, offering a new level of grandeur throughout the ship from its lavish suites to its elegant public spaces and gourmet restaurants.”  

“We are extremely excited to welcome a new partner in Regent Seven Seas Cruises and to start construction of this brilliant new ship,” commented Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri.  “As a global leader in cruise ship construction, we’ve built some of the finest ships at sea.  Building the most luxurious ship ever built is quite a challenge, but with our craftsmanship and experience building luxury ships we feel that Seven Seas Explorer will become the definition of excellence.”   

At 54,000 gross-registered tons and carrying only 750 guests, Seven Seas Explorer will boast the highest space ratios and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry and further strengthen Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ widely recognized position as the most inclusive luxury cruise line.   Seven Seas Explorer will join the rest of the award-winning Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet in the summer of 2016.      

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will begin taking reservations for the maiden voyage and inaugural season for Seven Seas Explorer in early 2015.