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Star Breeze takes over French Polynesia sailings as Windstar Cruises’ new, year-round ship in the region

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 February 2024 06 February 2024

Windstar Cruises, the leader in small ship cruising in Tahiti with more than 36 years of experience in the region, has introduced the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze, replacing Wind Spirit, as the new year-round ship in Tahiti and French Polynesia.

Star Breeze began cruising in Tahiti on February 4th, following a memorable ceremony attended by over 500 guests including esteemed dignitaries such as Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, Tony Geros, Speaker of the House, and Manouche Lehartel, Deputy Mayor of Papeete, Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourism partners, port officials, travel advisors, media and Windstar executives. The event marked a significant milestone in Windstar's commitment to providing unparalleled small ship experiences in Tahiti. In celebration, local artist Jessie Tiare Manutahi is on board to reveal an artistic Tahitian-inspired logo made up of symbols representing Windstar in Tahiti.

“This strategic shift in ships not only doubles capacity but also brings new experiences given the Breeze’s multiple dining options, enlarged spa and fitness center, and spacious accommodations,” explained Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog at the pier side celebration. “Travelers aboard Star Breeze still navigate Tahiti’s out-of-the-way harbors, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches in Windstar’s signature, small ship style.”

Prelog also noted that the vessel shift means faster travel to and from the islands of French Polynesia and the greater South Pacific, enabling expansion to the remote Marquesas Islands with the brand-new, 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas set to sail in July 2024. The 148-guest Wind Spirit leaves Tahiti to sail in the Caribbean during the winter season and the Mediterranean and Greek Isles between May and November. Wind Spirit strategically joins sister-ship Wind Star in the Greek Isles to double occupancy in this top selling region.

Windstar’s Star Breeze visits 11 islands and atolls in French Polynesia beginning in 2024, offering enriched cultural onboard experiences and new elements like:

– An evening of “arearea” French Polenesian fun! Join local group the Mamas and the Papas on deck to learn how to make a lei, tie a pareo, and enjoy Tahitian music and dancing

– Hiring local team members in the service department

– A French Polynesian cultural ambassador on each cruise organizing events such as Tahitian dance and language lessons, crafts, Ukulele performance and more

– New shore excursions: Sail on a cultural catamaran cruise in Raiatea, explore coral nurseries with Coral Gardeners and refresh your PADI certification in Papeete prior to the cruise

– Local artwork decorating the ship; Tahitian media including movies, music channels, books and board games

– Turndown gifts made in the islands

As part of its partnership with Coral Gardeners, two new shore excursions take guests to the headquarters to meet the team, visit coral nurseries, and learn about the importance of protecting the corals in a hands-on and interactive way. To date, Windstar, along with its guests, have adopted over 2,500 corals with Coral Gardeners, but Windstar’s goal is to open a dedicated nursery supporting 5,000 corals in 2025.

Windstar’s longtime partnerships with island communities, Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourism continue to evolve with new ideas and offerings such as extended hotel stays for an enhanced Tahiti experience combining the cruise with hotels and activities on land. Air and hotel packages are offered from Seattle and Los Angeles and a new foodie cruise tour combines the seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise with a three-night stay at Moorea’s Hotel Manava Beach Resort and Spa, a foodie adventure and snorkeling tour.

Windstar will continue to offer key Tahiti favorites including the signature Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event on a private Tahitian motu where guests enjoy an al fresco dinner with traditional foods, live music and local fire dancers light up the night. Tahiti tattooist, cultural expert and guide Tihoti brings local culture and traditions alive on board in a not-to-miss presentation. Another favorite of Windstar guests – swimming directly off Windstar’s Watersports Platform. The South Pacific becomes the swimming pool and playground with complimentary paddle boards, kayaks, floating mats and snorkel gear.

Prelog tells all who ask that Tahiti is his favorite destination. “We have dialed in our itineraries and curated cultural experiences on and off the ship,” says Prelog. “We can’t wait to share it with more travelers.”

Liverpool to host Naming Ceremony of Cunard Line's new Queen Anne

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024

Cunard’s spiritual home is to host the Naming Ceremony for its newest ship Queen Anne. The event will take place on the world-famous Mersey waterfront at Liverpool on Monday, June 3 during a celebratory “lap of honor” voyage around the British Isles.

Cunard’s hosts for the momentous spectacle will be none other than Busted musician, Matt Willis, and his TV presenter wife, Emma Willis. The power couple of British pop culture recorded this message revealing what guests can expect from the event.

Queen Anne’s Naming Ceremony

Queen Anne is expected to arrive on the Mersey soon after sunrise on what promises to be the most eagerly awaited port of call on the exclusive 14-night voyage.

Plans are being made for her arrival to include a special salute to the city where Cunard’s pioneering Transatlantic service – and passenger shipping itself – was launched in 1840, and where the iconic Cunard Building forms the centerpiece of the Three Graces.

The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage will depart Southampton on May 24 with maiden calls to Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and Liverpool where guests sailing on the voyage will have an exclusive opportunity to join the Naming celebrations before a spectacular, late evening departure bound for Cobh followed by her return to Southampton.

The formal Naming will be the highlight of a day of celebration for Queen Anne, currently nearing completion in Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The event in Liverpool is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to vantage points alongside the river at Pier Head, between New Brighton and Seacombe on Wirral, and on beaches at Formby and Crosby in Sefton. A live global broadcast will ensure the eyes of the world once again fall on a Cunard event in Liverpool.

Cunard ships have previously attracted more than a million spectators to the banks of the Mersey, first for the maiden call of the renowned QE2 in July 1990, and 2015 for the Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ in front of the Cunard Building to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the most famous name in shipping.

The British Isles Festival Voyage

Guests on the voyage will have an exclusive chance to be part of a unique event in Cunard’s history that will include a host of surprise celebrations at Liverpool’s world-famous Pier Head, with the original iconic Cunard Building at its heart.

An impressive line-up of eminent entertainers will give unforgettable live performances surrounding the official naming as Queen Anne makes her maiden call into Cunard’s spiritual home.

The 14-night British Isles Festival voyage will depart Southampton on May 24 with maiden calls to Greenock, Belfast, Cork, and Liverpool and a program of exciting on-board experiences that showcase the best of Britain and Ireland's shores. The events in Liverpool will be a truly treasured memory for Cunard, on the historical waterfront of a city the brand has such an incredible bond with.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool. It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his transatlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories? Queen Anne is the next in a fine line for our brand and she will be bursting with breath-taking moments around every corner, evolving our core values of luxury, sophistication, and glamour. Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home and we are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close on her maiden call.”

Matt and Emma Willis added: “We’re delighted to be part of such a fantastic occasion and can’t wait to join everyone in Liverpool for an exciting and action-packed day, full of surprises and celebrations. Mersey waterfront will be brought to life on June 3, as world famous entertainers are set to put on a spectacular show. It's going to be a day to remember, and we can’t wait to welcome the fourth Queen to the iconic Cunard fleet.”

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “It’s a huge honor for Liverpool to be chosen as the location for the official naming of Queen Anne. The city and Cunard share a rich history, we are the original home of the world-famous cruise line and we staged the incredible spectacle of the Three Queens on the Mersey in 2015, which lives long in many people’s memories. This is yet another prestigious, international event taking place in our city, casting Liverpool into the limelight once again and showcasing our enviable maritime offer. The naming ceremony is set to be a majestic sight and I’m sure it will attract huge crowds to the waterfront who want to be part of this unique moment in ours and Cunard’s history.”

Further details of timings, activities, and spectator information for Queen Anne’s visit to Liverpool will be published in due course.

American Cruise Lines to sail from Washington, D.C.

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024

American Cruise Lines has announced that this year, their exclusive American Revolution cruises, sailing the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and the York River, will operate roundtrip from Washington, D.C. In 2018, American Constitution, one of the company’s small ships, was the first to dock in D.C. in over 60 years. Throughout 2024, the American Revolution cruises are operating roundtrip from D.C. and remain the only cruises in the world to sail on the Potomac River into the heart of the nation’s capital, docking just steps from the country’s most historic and treasured national monuments.

2024 cruises will depart from The Wharf, home to one of D.C.’s most vibrant and bustling communities along the southeast waterfront. The American Revolution itinerary explores throughout the Chesapeake Bay, visiting the region’s most storied ports of call from Yorktown and Mount Vernon to Annapolis and D.C. Guests are transported to the quaint towns and historic cities that shaped this great nation and continue to inspire visitors today.

“We are thrilled to offer our American Revolution cruises roundtrip from D.C. this year. All across the country, we offer cruises and experiences no one else offers, from our small ships docking in D.C., to new ships exploring the country’s National Parks,” said Melissa Young, Director of Business Development. “American’s small U.S. ships offer guests opportunities to visit ports of call inaccessible by larger ships, plus itineraries that are the only cruises of their kind on the market – sailing fully in the U.S.A. throughout. The American Revolution cruises are a testament to what is only possible with American’s extraordinary fleet. And this itinerary also features a fabulous new option for the drive-to market, allowing many guests to skip flights and jump on board hassle free.”

In 2024, American Cruise Lines is operating the American Revolution cruises in spring and fall. Some early spring dates offer guests the added benefit of sailing the Chesapeake during its beautiful Cherry Blossom season, like the first cruise of the season departing March 26, 2024. All cruises highlight curated entertainment and enrichment on board, as well as regionally inspired cuisine featuring Maryland’s famous Blue Crabs. Both on board and on shore the itinerary illuminates the area’s historical significance and natural beauty. Highlights include visits to the cities of the “Historic Triangle,” Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown; and excursions in Washington, D.C., including guided tours of the Capitol including the Crypt, Rotunda, and Statuary Hall; as well as the district’s famous Smithsonian museums. Guests can also visit Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad exhibit, and sail on an authentic “Skipjack” through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, plus much more.

2024 American Revolution cruises are offered aboard 170 passenger American Constitution and 100-passenger American Glory, one of the Line’s brand new Coastal Cats. Roundtrip from Washington, D.C., the 11-day, 10-night cruises stop in: Annapolis, MD; St. Michaels, MD; Cambridge, MD; Norfolk, VA; Williamsburg/Yorktown, VA; and Mount Vernon, VA; also exploring Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Arlington, and Old Town Alexandria.

New 100-passenger Coastal Cat, American Glory

Select Spring 2024 dates currently offer savings up to $1500-off and complimentary airfare. American Revolution cruises also offer opportunities for guests to add pre-cruise hotel stays at the Four Seasons, D.C.; as well as packages that include a visit to the Smithsonian’s new Entertainment Nation exhibit, featuring Judy Garland’s famous Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which are presented by American Cruise Lines.

Big gala night at the Cruise Excellence Awards 2024 in Tenerife

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024

The Tenerife Auditorium was the venue last night for the celebration of the Cruise Excellence Awards Gala 2024, which brought together more than 250 guests including important cruise company executives, local authorities, tour operators, shipping agents, ports, travel agents, professionals, entrepreneurs and suppliers to the sector.

The guests enjoyed an entertaining gala hosted and presented by the comedian and showman "Mr. Corrales", and entertained by the artist DYVINETZ among others.

The CEO of Cruises News Media Group, Virginia López Valiente, highlighted that 2023 has been a very important year for the sector and with significant growth. This industry has adapted well in advance of the new social, environmental, technological and innovation requirements. This year the awards have also incorporated new categories for voting, the winners being:

– Excellence Award: Best Spanish Cruise Port 2023 – Port de Barcelona
– Excellence Award: Best Family Cruise Line 2023 – Royal Caribbean International
– Excellence Award: Best Premium Cruise Line 2023 – Celebrity Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Luxury Cruise Line 2023 – Silversea Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Entertainment 2023 – Royal Caribbean International
– Excellence Award: Best Value for Money 2023 – Costa Cruceros
– Excellence Award: Best Ship in the Mediterranean 2023 – MSC World Europa
– Excellence Award: Best Ship in the North of Europe 2023 – MSC Euribia
– Excellence Award: Best Brand Awareness as recognised by consumers 2023 – MSC Cruceros
– Excellence Award: Best River Cruise company operating in Europe 2023 - CroisiEurope
– Excellence Award: Best Cruise Line for the first Cruise 2023 – Costa Cruceros
– Excellence Award: Best for Gastronomy Experience 2023 – Oceania Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Cruise Itinerary 2023 – Norwegian Prima
– Excellence Award: Best Exotic Cruise Itinerary 2023 – Princess Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Brand Awareness as recognised by travel agents 2023 – Royal Caribbean International
– Excellence Award: Best Expedition Cruise Line 2023 – Silversea Cruises
– Excellence Award: Best Exotic River Cruise 2023 - AmaWaterways
– Excellence Award: Best World Cruise 2023 – Oceania Cruises

Cruises News Media Group also presented its special awards to Virgin Voyages; Windstar Cruises; and Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services for their 20th anniversary celebrations.

Puertos de Tenerife also presented awards to several local companies and institutions, in recognition of their commitment to Tenerife and for their humanitarian and social work.

The Cruise Excellence Awards are a brand of CruisesNews Media Group, which chose the capital of Tenerife for the second consecutive year, following previous celebrations in the cities of Barcelona, Palma, Malaga, Cartagena, A Coruña and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The winners of the Excellence Cruise Awards are chosen by cruise passengers and travel agents through online voting, and are awarded in a total of 18 categories.

This edition has been promoted and sponsored by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in collaboration with other public and private bodies including Puertos del Estado, Fred Olsen Express, Loro Parque Animal Embassy, Turismo de Tenerife, Cabildo de Tenerife, Ayuntamiento de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Sociedad de Desarrollo, Puertos Canarios and Turismo de las Islas Canarias

Caitlin Gardner joins Lindblad as Vice President of Brand and Communications

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 January 2024 30 January 2024

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., the recognized global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, announced today the appointment of Caitlin Gardner as the company's new Vice President of Brand and Communications.

In her new role, Gardner will lead the brand’s external communications and consumer marketing efforts – including print and direct mail, creative services, earned media and media relations, crisis communications, brand initiatives and more. She will also play an integral role in the long-term extension and expansion of the Lindblad Expeditions brand’s strategic relationship with renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic.

“Expedition cruising has been on an upward trajectory for years. As pioneers of the space, we’re fostering a best-in-class team, with the talent necessary to lead and redefine the sector for decades to come,” said Noah Brodsky, Chief Commercial Officer, Lindblad Expeditions. “Caitlin's extensive experience in the travel industry and her demonstrated history of achievements make her the right candidate to spearhead our brand efforts as we engage expedition enthusiasts and court new-to-brand adventurers. We are delighted to welcome her aboard.”

Developing a deep background managing cruise communications, PR, and marketing, Gardner spent eight years at Cruise Planners leading communications and digital strategy efforts for the nation’s largest travel advisor franchise. Prior to Cruise Planners, she worked at some of the nation’s leading PR and advertising agencies specializing in hospitality, destination, restaurant, retail, and resort PR. Most recently she was at a Fortune 500 retail grocery company based in the Midwest helping drive a people first culture with a high-performance communications and marketing team.

"I am thrilled to be returning to the world of travel as a leader on the Lindblad Expeditions team,” said Gardner. “I look forward to building upon Lindblad Expeditions' distinguished legacy, the educational travel expertise of National Geographic, and the marketing and sales savvy of The Walt Disney Company to inspire generations of new explorers across the globe. Together, we will build authentic and immersive exploration experiences and drive growth during this extraordinary time in the expedition cruise industry.”

Gardner’s appointment marks a significant moment for Lindblad Expeditions as the company continues to expand and strengthen its team and follows the recent announcement of former executive at The Walt Disney Company Kathi Riddle joining as Senior Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management, as well as the dynamic expansion of Lindblad Expeditions’ sales team throughout 2023.

As the company continues to grow, Lindblad Expeditions currently has several open positions shipboard and shoreside.