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AIDA Cruises highlights barrier free travel for people with special needs

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 June 2023 16 June 2023

AIDA Cruises, the German unit in the Carnival group, said people with special needs should be able to travel on the company’s ships and that it is working to lower the barriers to ensure that as many as possible could do this.

“In order to continuously optimize the barrier-free travel experience both ashore and on board, the company is constantly breaking new ground, for example with the establishment of the Expert Council under the patronage of Kristina Vogel in April 2022. The Expert Council includes, among others, people with limited walking, visual or hearing abilities, who advise the cruise company from the perspective of a wide range of guest and interest groups,” the company said in a statement.

Specially trained AIDA employees are available to guests with individual impairments for personal travel advice and almost all public areas of the AIDA ships, such as bars, restaurants, lifts, outdoor decks, public toilets and cabins are accessible without barriers and equipped with orientation signage in profile and Braille.

“A barrier-free meeting on the first day of travel ensures proper orientation on board. Here, all questions about excursions, restaurant reservations, individual assistance, equipment rental and much more are answered,” the Rostock based company said.

The barrier-free balcony and inside cabins are perfectly designed to meet the needs of guests with physical disabilities. “A wider, inward-opening automatic door, for example, ensures that the personal oasis of well-being can be reached with ease. Plenty of space for your travel wardrobe and other utensils can be found in the spacious wardrobe, whose clothes rails you can easily reach by means of a lift system,” AIDA pointed out.

The bathroom is comfortable thanks to a height-adjustable sink and a ground-level and shower with shower seat also barrier-free. “If desired, a deaf set with vibration alarm function and pager can be installed in all cabins - for haptic alarm signals, calls, wake-up calls or door signals,” the company noted.

Numerous aids can be borrowed on board, for example wheelchairs and walkers, shower stools and toilet seat raisers, mobile grab bars for the sanitary area and deaf set (signal system).

Many restaurants on board are barrier-free. The paths to and at the buffet are wide enough for wheelchair users to move around and serve themselves comfortably. Several tables are reserved near the entrance area for guests with mobility impairments up to half an hour after the restaurant opens.

All restaurants are prepared for allergies or food intolerances and guests with limited hearing are provided with reserved seating at shows where acoustic signals are amplified for hearing aids and implants with tele-coils or inductive receivers.

“AIDA's excursion program specifically identifies excursions that are suitable for guests with limited walking ability. To find the optimal shore excursion, these are divided into five levels of difficulty,” the company stated.

Giles Hawke to head Celebrity Cruises’ EMEA business

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 June 2023 14 June 2023

Giles Hawke will succeed Jo Rzymowska as Vice-President and Managing Director Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) of Celebrity Cruises.

Hawke had previously worked for the Globus Group that entails the travel brands Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways and before this, he spent seven years at MSC Cruises.

Hawke will report to Celebrity Cruises’s new president, Laura Hodges Bethge, and he will join the Royal Caribbean Group company in September.

Carnival Venezia arrives to New York City

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 June 2023 13 June 2023

Carnival Venezia, the latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, sailed into its New York City homeport for the first time this morning. The ship’s guests just completed a 15-night transatlantic sailing that began in Barcelona, Spain.

Carnival will host a welcome ceremony on board the ship Wednesday evening and acclaimed comedian and television host Jay Leno will become the first godfather named to a Carnival ship. On Thursday, Carnival Venezia will mark its first departure from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, with guests set to embark on a 4-night cruise visiting Bermuda.

Carnival Venezia is debuting “Carnival Fun Italian Style” and introducing several new concepts, from restaurants and bars to entertainment programming. The new venues and experiences enhance the ship’s theming, as its design is inspired by the city of Venice, Italy.

The 25th ship in the fleet, Carnival Venezia will offer a wide range of options for guests cruising from New York, including 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

Celebrity Cruises unveils Celebrity Ascent details

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 June 2023 13 June 2023

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled details about what travelers can experience on board, Celebrity Ascent, the fourth Edge class ship of the line that is part of the Royal Caribbean Group , once it launches this November.

Cruising out of Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale from December 2023 to April 2024, the new ship will transport guests to some of the Caribbean's most desired destinations like the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, before departing to Europe for a summer of bucket-list Mediterranean cruises in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain and France, the company said in a statement.

On board Celebrity Ascent, guests will enjoy the signature experiences of the brand's Edge Series ships, including its industry-first outward facing design that maximizes views and outdoor areas allowing guests to connect with the world around them, a robust food and beverage program with 30 plus choices from casual to fine dining to satisfy all palates, plus spacious and sleek staterooms in a breadth of accommodation options catering to all travelers from solo adventurers and couples, to multi-generational family groups.

Edge Series Favourites Return:

Incorporating all the features that made her sister ships in the Edge Series a TIME magazine "World's Greatest Places," Celebrity Ascent will bring back favored signature experiences, like:

The Theatre - that takes entertainment at sea to a new level with state-of-the-art technology and experiential, imaginative performances.

The Rooftop Garden - the ultimate outdoor haven where guests can enjoy live music, movies, infinity float pools, and even al fresco dining at the Rooftop Garden Grill.

The Spa - where holistic wellness takes center stage through 120 destination-inspired treatments, the SEA Thermal Suite featuring eight distinctive therapeutic experiences inspired by nature, plus specialty treatment beds, a full-service salon and barber.

The sprawling Resort Deck - featuring a main pool lined with cabanas, two-story martini-glass-shaped hot tubs, and The Solarium, an adults-only, tranquil spa-inspired retreat built for relaxation and complete with pool, hot tub and loungers.

The Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus - where an international beach club ambiance meets fresh sea breezes and boundless views.

The Magic Carpet - the world's first cantilevered lounge and gathering space at sea sits on the edge of the ship, offering a new way to drink, dine and socialize while enjoying unobstructed panoramic views.

Inventive culinary experiences – like the three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling views, or the fully immersive and animated Le Petit Chef dinner.

The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar – that stun guests with an interactive chandelier and jaw-dropping Flair, Flash, Fusion bartender shows.

Modernized accommodation options – such as the Infinite Veranda that transforms from window to terrace with the push of a button, and the AquaClass staterooms built for wellbeing-seekers that are packed with thoughtful design and exclusive amenities.

New Food and Beverage Experiences:

Celebrity Ascent will treat guests to a culinary journey that includes new experiences like:

Redesigned Le VoyageSM by Daniel Boulud restaurant – first featured on Celebrity BeyondSM, the brand will continue its partnership with Boulud and introduce his second restaurant at sea. The reimagined space, created by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, will offer an intimate fine dining experience inspired by the Chef's travels.

Plant-based tasting menu at Eden Restaurant - bringing guests closer to the earth through a culinary journey rooted in untouched, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Never-before-seen Le Petit Chef dinner - the crowd favorite dinner will feature an all-new animation and menu to match.

Bourbon offerings and tastings - expanding on existing whiskey tastings, Craft Social will now offer high-end bourbons and new tasting seminars.

More Martinis at the Martini Bar – aligning with the trend of low-sugar cocktails and fresh, crisp ingredients, the Martini Bar will feature brand-new creations and an expanded menu including lychee and passion fruit martinis.

Revitalized Main Dining Experience - once again featuring four complimentary main dining options, each with a signature menu and rotating nightly dishes, Ascent will feature a redesigned Cosmopolitan restaurant inspired by the culture of champagne.

Outdoor terrace at Blu - the clean-cuisine restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests will feature an outdoor terrace with 24-person seating that will be available for daytime dining, from al fresco brunches to lunches.

New Entertainment, Art and Retail Experiences:

On board Celebrity Ascent, travelers will enjoy enhanced entertainment, art and retail offerings like:

Nightly entertainment - as the sun sets the Resort Deck will become the center stage for the ultimate nightlife experience treating guests to an open-air celebration with live performances, live music, and a DJ creating a pulsating dance floor.

New production shows - building on Celebrity's award-winning entertainment, the brand is partnering with industry-leading creatives to introduce three spectacular new productions shows in The Theatre, new interactive digital experiences and shows in The Club, and new engaging immersive shows in the Eden Bar and Restaurant, all featuring world-class dances, vocalists, musicians and specialty artists.

Redesigned Casino floor and brand-new games - a first for Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Ascent will feature an all-new gaming floor complete with a new layout, new design featuring deep reds and golds, and all new slot machines with the latest technology.

Redesigned Art Gallery - the new space is thoughtfully reimagined, allowing guests to better experience priceless art pieces, and enjoy exclusive auctions and art events.

The Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus - a collection of chic travel and home accessories available exclusively on board Celebrity Ascent, the company stated.

Patrik Dahlgren joins NCLH leadership team as Executive Vice President, Vessel Operations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 June 2023 12 June 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a leading global cruise company that operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, today welcomed cruise industry veteran Patrik Dahlgren as the Company’s new Executive Vice President, Vessel Operations. Dahlgren will oversee marine and technical operations, hotel operations, entertainment, cruise programs and security across NCLH’s three brands, reporting to NCLH President and CEO-Elect, Harry Sommer. Dahlgren succeeds Robin Lindsay who will serve as Executive Vice President, Newbuild and Refurbishment, overseeing the company’s robust newbuild program and refurbishment projects.

“We are pleased to welcome Patrik and are confident his breadth of experience will greatly complement our executive leadership team,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer-elect of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Patrik is a dynamic and forward-thinking strategic leader with a profound understanding of all facets of cruise operations, developed over the course of an impressive 20-plus-year career in the industry, making him uniquely qualified to assume this role. His accomplishments also include a track record of successfully building diverse, inclusive, and performance-oriented teams, which aligns closely with NCLH’s core values and is an invaluable asset as we grow our fleet and strive to deliver on our business and financial goals.”

Sommer continued, “We would also like to congratulate Robin as he focuses on overseeing our robust newbuild program – including seven exciting new ships scheduled for delivery across our three brands through 2028 – as well as refurbishment projects across the existing fleet. Having already led the introduction of 10 groundbreaking vessels during his tenure at the company, Robin was the natural choice for this role.”

Dahlgren joins NCLH after having spent more than 23 years in leadership positions at Royal Caribbean Group, most recently as Senior Vice President of Global Marine Operations from 2016 to 2022. In that role, Dahlgren managed maritime operations and fleet optimization across all brands for more than 60 ships, providing direction for more than 10,000 team members. His responsibilities included working on design development of newbuild and innovation projects and steering the operator's energy and decarbonization program. Dahlgren was also instrumental to the cruise industry’s post-COVID comeback as he served as a member of the Healthy Sail Panel, a group of world-renowned experts brought together in a collaborative effort between NCLH and Royal Caribbean Group. Dahlgren’s previous roles at the company also included Vice President of Technical Operations (2014-2016) and Director of Newbuild and Innovation (2011-2013). Prior to joining shoreside management, he spent over a decade at sea including serving as Captain across a range of cruise ships, giving him firsthand knowledge of the ins and outs of ship operations.

“It’s a tremendous honor to join the passionate and talented team at NCLH, a trio of brands that offers extraordinary vacations for its guests worldwide and upholds a consistent world-class product across its fleet and private island destinations,” said Patrik Dahlgren, executive vice president, Vessel Operations of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “I began working on cruise ships in 1999 and this truly unique industry has had a special place in my heart ever since. I am excited for the opportunity to write the next chapter of my maritime career at an impressive organization like NCLH.”

Dahlgren continued, “As a relationship-driven leader, I am a big believer in empowering people and strengthening cross functional collaboration to accelerate progress and achieve desired outcomes. As we look to the future, I hope to combine tradition, innovation and the power of digitalization and technology to help take NCLH to new heights. I am eager to hit the ground running and bring a fresh perspective as we collectively work to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for our guests and drive a positive impact on society and the environment.”