Princess Cruises announces new Winemaker Dinner with Caymus Vineyards

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 April 2023 06 April 2023

Caymus Vineyards and Cabernet Sauvignon are synonymous with wine enthusiasts globally as one of the most sought-after wines to pour and share around the table for special celebrations. Now Princess Cruises is working with this renowned winery to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner, available on Princess ships sailing North America itineraries by the end of April, including all Alaska voyages, and across all ships worldwide by late May.

Available in the popular Crown Grill specialty restaurant for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu (see below), crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines.

The dinner, available for 12 guests per seating, will be offered 2-3 times per cruise, based on voyage length, and interested guests can reserve their spot once on board.

“Our new Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner further elevates the Princess culinary experience and wonderfully showcases the elegance of cruising,” said Sami Kohen, Princess vice president of food and beverage. “Our passionate culinary team and Chuck have curated what promises to deliver a deliciously memorable and tantalizing experience that will have our guests talking long after the last course and glass of wine are served.”

Wagner, along with the Princess culinary team, personally selected the wines paired with the multi-course menu served. In addition to Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, he has perfectly matched up the dinner courses with varietals from the family’s other offerings, including Caymus-Suisun ‘The Walking Fool’ Red Blend, Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir and Emmolo Sparkling.

“We have an appreciation for family, friends, delicious food and great wine, along with the many connections between them,” said Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards owner and winemaker. “We love how Princess also recognizes that cruise travel fosters deeper relationships with its guests and the destinations they visit by sharing experiences around the table, and we’re thrilled to pour our wines and share our passion through a specially curated dinner with this beloved cruise line.”

Caymus is a hands-on family affair which Wagner founded in 1972, alongside his late parents, when he was just 19 years old. After 50 harvests, he continues to make two renowned Cabernet Sauvignons – Caymus Napa Valley and Caymus Special Selection.

Chuck now works alongside two of his children, Charlie and Jenny, and the family also makes diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Wagner is widely recognized for his winemaking and industry leadership, and all three Wagners continue to experiment with farming and winemaking, continuing the family legacy and commitment to excellence.

In addition to the new dinner, Caymus Vineyards is also working with Princess on a refreshed wine menu, and Caymus Vineyards will be the curator for the cruise line’s Crown Grill steakhouse, chops and seafood specialty restaurant, with wine pairing recommendations on the menu. Coming later this year, guests will have the opportunity to visit Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley, and Caymus-Suisun Winery in Suisun Valley, Calif., on exclusive shore excursions offered on various California-based cruises.

Silversea launches two new Grand Voyages for 2024

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 April 2023 05 April 2023

Responding to strong demand for extended sailings that take travelers deeper into a given region, Silversea has launched two new Grand Voyages for 2024.

Silversea offers travelers the largest, most broad-ranging selection of extended voyages in ultra-luxury cruising. The highest expression of Silversea’s destination leadership, the cruise line’s Grand Voyages are an important product for the company and its guests, offering travelers an in-depth exploration of a specific region. From their diverse itineraries to the tastes of the dishes on board, the special events, and the commemorative gifts, every aspect of Silversea’s Grand Voyages is considered and tailored to create an unforgettable and meaningful experience for guests.

Silversea’s two new Grand Voyages for 2024 include:
– The Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2024 – 34 destinations, 13 countries, 43 days.

Departing Lisbon on October 4, 2024, aboard the Silver Spirit, Silversea’s guests will journey deep into the Mediterranean over 43 days, calling in iconic ports and hidden gems among 34 destinations in 13 countries. Travelers will explore the Iberian Peninsula, the Principality of Monaco, the stunning landscapes of Croatia, and the marvels of ancient Israel, among other storied regions. As well as calls in Barcelona, Rome, Monte Carlo, Korcula, and more, Silversea’s guests will enjoy overnights in Cadiz, Alexandria, Naples, and Jerusalem. The voyage’s focus will be on connecting guests with each destination’s authentic culture and rich history, through unique experiences and bespoke events. In Dubrovnik, Silversea’s guests will wander back in time through one of the world’s most spectacular medieval towns, accompanied by the famous Dubrovnik Guards in period dress, visiting the 15th-century Revelin Fortress for canapés, drinks, and performances from some of Croatia’s best entertainers. The sailing concludes in Athens (Piraeus) on November 16.

– The Grand Indian Ocean Expedition 2024 – 45 destinations, 12 countries, 66 days.
Silver Cloud will depart Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) on April 4, 2024, to unlock the off-the-beaten-path destinations of the varied and diverse Indian Ocean. Over 66 days, Silversea’s guests will discover the region’s unique wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and ancient history of 45 destinations in 12 countries, before arriving in Darwin on May 24. Before departure, all Silversea guests joining the Grand Indian Ocean Expedition will enjoy an included two-night pre-cruise overland program: the ultimate African adventure in Shamwari, a private game reserve in South Africa, where travelers will witness many of the continent’s most iconic wildlife species and enjoy the cruise’s Bon Voyage dinner reception. The Grand Voyage’s numerous highlights include an exploration of Madagascar’s verdant jungle, moments of relaxation on the remote beaches of the Maldives, and snorkeling and diving opportunities in some of the world’s most vibrant waters. In the UNESCO-listed Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, Silversea’s guests will connect with local culture at the ruins of Malindi Mosque, Fort Gereza, the tombs of the sultans, and the Great House. They will learn about the lives of the semi-nomadic people of Vezo, who safeguard their ancestral way of life in Belo sur Mer, Madagascar. They will encounter some of the planet’s richest wildlife grounds, from the Seychelles’ Bird Island to the Addo Elephant Park in South Africa, where all manner of endemic species await. A discovery of Australia’s remote Kimberley Region concludes the adventure.

With these two new additions, Silversea’s collection of Grand Voyages for 2024/2025 becomes the largest in the cruise line’s history, comprising eight unique journeys:
– Grand Pole-to-Pole Expedition 2024
– Grand South Pacific Expedition 2024
– Grand Pacific 2024
– Grand Mediterranean 2024
– Grand Indian Ocean Expedition 2024
– Grand South America 2025
– Grand Africa and Arabia 2025
– Grand Asia 2025

Swan Hellenic takes delivery of its third newbuild from Helsinki Shipyard

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 April 2023 04 April 2023

Swan Hellenic today announced that it had taken delivery of SH Diana from the Helsinki Shipyard on Friday the 31st of March, and that its newest and largest ship is en-route in the Baltic and will pass the through the Kiel Canal tomorrow night.

SH Diana is now sailing to Palermo for its inaugural cultural expedition cruise, the ten-night Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors, which will take her guests to explore some of the most fascinating locations in North Africa before crossing the “Pillars of Hercules” to Seville and Lisbon. Departing Lisbon on the 25th of April, the nine-night Historic Ports of the Western Seaboard will see her hugging the coasts of Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands to reach Amsterdam.

Here on the 4th of May, a Christening Ceremony with US luxury travel industry icon Valerie Wilson as godmother will take place naming SH Diana in the traditional manner with a modern twist, sending her on her way in style to cruises of the Scandinavian fjords and a full Arctic season.

“We’re delighted to have taken delivery of this exceptionally beautiful and versatile new 5-star vessel,” said Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “As the largest ship in our fleet, she is the first to be outfitted with large tender boats as well as expedition zodiacs, offering guests a wide variety of extraordinary in-depth experiences seeing what others don’t.”

Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum to examine trends on economic impact of cruise business

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 April 2023 04 April 2023

As the international cruise business prepares for the highly anticipated Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) predicts that the sector will attract up to 33 million passengers in 2023, significantly exceeding the 29.7 million recorded in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.

According to recently released CLIA data, Greece, which is at the forefront of European cruising, is poised to enjoy an increase in economic impact from the industry, with Piraeus, the country’s leading seaport, forecasted to exceed one million passengers in 2023. In 2021, Greece achieved an unprecedented economic impact of €1.1 billion from cruise activities, compared to €957 million in 2019.

The sector supported 315,000 jobs in Europe, with 15,100 of those jobs based in Greece. Greece led the world with a swift and safe resumption of cruising during the pandemic and saw a significant increase in homeporting, leading to cruise lines purchasing goods and services from port suppliers. Also, passengers spent longer periods in port cities and overnight stays in local hotels, contributing to the increase of the economic impact due to longer stays of ships in port to carry out technical work.

Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions SA, said that the Forum taking place outside Athens is an exciting development that will potentially further enhance cruising in Greece: "The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to come together in Greece’s second biggest city and discover the potential of new destinations. With new cruise terminals set to be built in Souda-Chania after 2024, the planned expansion of the Piraeus cruise terminal, and Thessaloniki’s growing potential as an additional cruise hub, the industry's growth is set to continue in Greece for the years to come."

The value of cruise tourism cannot be overstated, with every 24 cruise guests equating to one full-time job and each guest spending on average €660 in port cities during a typical seven-day cruise. Furthermore, 60% of people that have taken a cruise have since returned to a destination they first visited on a cruise ship, hence each cruise is basically a self-funded fam trip. The CLIA Global Market Report 2020 shows that 85% of millennials plan to cruise again, followed by Gen-X (82%), Gen-Z (79%), Baby Boomers (77%), and Traditionalists (73%).

The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 25-26 April 2023 and will focus on "The Return to Growth: Challenges ahead for Cruise Lines and Destinations". It promises to be a hub for discussions about the future of the cruise industry and its continued positive impact on the economy.

The PSTF 2023 will also be the platform for the first presentation of a socio-economic impact study produced by Thessaloniki Port Authority and Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation, that will contribute to a better understanding of the benefits of cruising for the local community.
 
The benefits the cruise industry generates for both destinations and ports are frequently quoted, but the actual economic impact is rarely measured and seldomly reported. Participants at the PSTF 2023 will have a unique opportunity to learn all they need to know about actual passengers' and crew spending levels, their preferred spending patterns, the levels of satisfaction from their visit, as well as the potential of their return to the city.
 
The presentation will showcase the socio-economic contribution of cruise in the port and city of Thessaloniki and preliminary data already provides useful insight into the spending patterns of cruise passengers and crew members in Thessaloniki. Hence cruise passengers direct their spending towards shopping (44%), restaurants & cafeterias (40%), sightseeing (12%) and food stores (3%). Crew members on the other hand direct their spending towards shopping (55%), restaurants & cafeterias (16%), transportation (14%) and food stores (10%).
 
Theodora Riga, Chief Commercial Officer & Director of Strategic Communications, ThPA SA - Port of Thessaloniki, commented: “We are financing this study together with the Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation to better understand how the cruise industry benefits our city and how we can further enhance both passenger experience during their stay and the benefits for the local, regional and national economy. Once we better understand passenger expectations as a destination, we will be better able to provide cruise passengers a unique experience. This will serve as our stepping stone to attract more cruise lines to Thessaloniki in the coming years.”

The 2023 PSTF is sponsored by Diamond Sponsor Thessaloniki Port Authority SA, Gold Sponsor Region of Central Macedonia, Silver Sponsor Piraeus Port Authority SA, Bronze Sponsors Celestyal Cruises, Global Ports Holding, Greek National Tourism Organisation, Heraklion Port Authority SA, Kyvernitis Travel and Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation. The official airline is SKY express. PSTF 2023 is supported by AVIS, Global Air Compass and Agora Modiano. The Forum is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy and the Ministry of Tourism and supported by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise) and the Union of Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members.