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Resorts World One starts sailing from Hong Kong

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 March 2023 11 March 2023

Resorts World One commenced its first voyage yesterday from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal for a weekend high-seas cruise, after arriving in Hong Kong on 8 March 2023. The Resorts World One is the first cruise ship to restart cruises in Hong Kong with a year-round homeport deployment. With three sailings a week, vacationers can look forward to a series of 2 and 3-Night High Seas cruises until 31 March 2023, before enjoying a greater diversity of itinerary options when destination cruises from Hong Kong starts on 2 April 2023, boosting inbound and outbound cruise passengers to Hong Kong.

To commemorate the launch and inaugural sailing of the Resorts World One from Hong Kong, a special celebratory event was held yesterday on the cruise ship with over 400 attendees, comprising of local travel and business partners, the media, as well as key influencers. Resorts World Cruises representatives, comprising of Michael Goh – President and Raymond Lim – Chief Operating Officer officiated the inaugural sailing of the Resorts World One from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

In conjunction with this special event, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) also made a special appearance onboard and performed for the very first time on a cruise ship with the Resorts World One as its performing venue. The HKCO performance on the Resorts World One’s Helipad during its first voyage out of Victoria Harbour was broadcasted LIVE online via Resorts World Cruises’ Facebook for the Hong Kong and international audience worldwide, another first for the event.

“Resorts World One’s maiden voyage today from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal signifies an important step forward in reigniting Hong Kong’s cruise tourism. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Tourism Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong Tourism Board and the relevant authorities for their support as we pioneer the restart of the Hong Kong year- round cruise deployment,” said Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises. “Resorts World One will open-up new opportunities for the inbound and outbound travel in Hong Kong for cruising and Fly-Cruise guests, which will have a positive spill over effect beyond the cruise tourism sector in Hong Kong,” he added.

Kenneth Wong, HKTB’s General Manager, MICE & Cruise, said, “Resorts World Cruises’ establishment of business and homeporting deployment in Hong Kong underlines Hong Kong’s undiminished strength as a regional cruise hub and international tourism destination. The arrival of Resort World One on 8 Mar alone has already brought over a thousand cruise visitors from various Southeast Asian countries to Hong Kong. As cruising in Asia further resumes we look forward to collaborate with international cruise lines as well as trade partners in both Hong Kong and source markets to diversify our cruise products, so as to not only enrich our visitor profile but also promote the growth and opportunities in the Asian cruise market.”

Silversea launches charter flights to the Arctic from London, New York, Montreal and Oslo

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 March 2023 11 March 2023

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has introduced new direct private charter flights for 28 Arctic and Greenland sailings in 2023 and 2024. Guests sailing on select Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind, and Silver Cloud voyages will benefit from a more seamless journey via London, New York, Montreal, and Oslo to some of the Arctic’s most remote destinations – such as Longyearbyen, Kangerlussuaq, Pond Inlet, and more. The latest innovation from Silversea Cruises enhances ultra-luxury cruising’s most diverse and extensive Arctic offering, which comprises 37 itineraries to over 110 destinations between 2023 and 2025.

As part of the most complete and seamless journey to the Arctic, Silversea’s guests can enjoy private executive transfers to and from the airport; convenient connections via London, New York, Montreal, and Oslo; and warm welcomes by Silversea representatives throughout the journey. Guests opting for both Silversea’s door-to-door and port-to-port offerings will fly to the Arctic on private charter flights, with an enhanced service throughout, a superior culinary offering, premium beverages, and bespoke in-flight entertainment. When required by the itinerary, overnight luxury accommodation will be included as standard with both port-to-port and door-to-door fares. Once in the Arctic, guests will be transferred to their luxury vessel rested and ready to explore.

“Building on our all-inclusive expedition offering – which is the most comprehensive in the industry – we are pleased to introduce new private charter flights to the Arctic and Greenland to enhance the seamlessness of our guests’ journeys,” said Massimo Brancaleoni, SVP Global Sales at Silversea Cruises. “Silversea is committed to innovation and we are always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience for our guests, including the pre- and post-cruise journey. Not only do we unlock the Arctic’s most remote regions with unique destination expertise and some of the most luxurious ships at sea, but we do so in unparalleled comfort and convenience. Complementing our private executive transfers between home and the airport, our new offering of private charter flights will allow our guests to focus on enjoying their Arctic adventure from the moment they leave their homes.”

Silversea’s Arctic cruises define transformative travel. Traveling aboard three of the cruise line’s ultra-luxury ships – including the new-to-fleet Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition ship – guests enjoy all-inclusive comfort, enrichments from the cruise line’s expedition experts, and access to some of the region’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations. Guests might spot polar bears and whales, visit Inuit communities, or brave the ‘polar plunge,’ among other immersive experiences – all the while enjoying the signature level of comfort for which the cruise line is renowned.

Silversea rents entire island to delight World Cruise guests in the Philippines

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 March 2023 10 March 2023

Silversea Cruises rented an entire island in the Philippines on February 10 to host a bespoke event for approximately 300 guests traveling aboard Silver Shadow. Travelers journeying on Silversea’s South Side Story World Cruise 2023 enjoyed an immersive cultural display on Kalanggaman Island – an idyllic isle of pristine natural beauty, nestled between the Cebu and Leyte in the Visayan Sea. Two years in the making, the enriching event showcased the talents of more than 500 residents of the Eastern Visayas region, from performers, hospitality professionals, and event planners to massage therapists, mixologists, and chefs.

Connecting with the local culture, Silversea’s guests were warmly welcomed by traditional music and dance, refreshing cocktails, and a marienda (afternoon tea) featuring Filipino delicacies, as they disembarked Silver Shadow for the day of festivities. Wrapped in the island's tropical beauty, guests strolled Kalanggaman’s sanded beaches, swam in its clear waters, relaxed in hammocks and daybeds, and enjoyed complimentary massages on the beach. In the evening, travelers savoured a multi-course dinner featuring local specialities under the stars and a canopy of swaying palms. The event concluded with a colourful and lively dance performance.

“This once-in-a-lifetime experience took two years of planning and preparation, and we are grateful to the local community for their invaluable support,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management. “Utilizing our destination expertise, Silversea invests heavily in bespoke events for our guests’ enjoyment, connecting travelers with our planet’s most captivating cultures, communities, and landscapes. This is especially true of our World Cruise offering. Unlocking some of the most enriching experiences in the world for guests, these extended voyages include experiences that best showcase the most authentic aspects of each destination. Not only did our guests gain a deep insight into the local culture here on Kalanggaman Island, but we were able to benefit the local economy, helping to rebuild the island’s pontoon jetty and make other structural renovations that will improve the destination’s tourism infrastructure.”

“The added value of special World Cruise events like these is truly what sets Silversea apart,” said Barbara Muckermann, Silversea's President and CEO. “And we have more in store for our guests on this amazing 139-day voyage, from a bespoke Freddie Mercury tribute show staged at a historic palace in Zanzibar to an exclusive evening performance at the Manaus Opera House in the Amazon, complete with champagne and canapés, among other experiences. There is simply no better way to explore the world.”

Other events on Silversea’s South Side Story World Cruise 2023 have included a bespoke wine-tasting event at the Black Cottage Winery in Picton, New Zealand; authentic dance performance on Champagne Beach, Vanuatu; fire dancing display in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and fine gastronomy and folklore in the Cave of Descending Dragons, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Silversea’s 132-day ‘Far East-West’ World Cruise 2024 will see guests journey throughout the Pacific, incorporating some of the planet’s most extreme destinations. Guests will depart San Francisco aboard Silver Shadow on January 15, 2024, before calling in 65 destinations across 14 countries.

Silver Dawn’s 136-day ‘Controtempo’ World Cruise 2025 will depart Tokyo for New York on January 13, 2025, unlocking some of the world’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations during unconventional seasons, with immersive experiences that introduce local people and the most compelling stories. Guests will journey to 59 destinations in 30 countries, across four continents.

Fincantieri floats out Sun Princess

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 March 2023 08 March 2023

Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder that is the world’s biggest builder of cruise ships, said it has floated out Sun Princess at its yard in Monfalcone.

The vessel is the first of two LNG dual fuel powered ships for Carnival group member Princess Cruises and at 175,500 gross tons, it is the largest cruise ship built in Italy so far. It will be delivered in the first quarter of next year.

This will be the third ship to be called in the history of Princess Cruises - the first one was built in 1972 and the second in 1995.

Norwegian Cruise Line expands exotic itineraries Collection for its 2024/25 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 March 2023 08 March 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the opening for sale of new 2024/25 exotic itineraries, including the debut of Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky in Asia, and new ports of call to Manama, Bahrain; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Sokhna, Egypt; and Akita, Japan.

With this new season of itineraries from October 2024 through December 2025, NCL is expanding its voyages to Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand by 37%, and its Extraordinary Journeys - the Brand’s collection of immersive and port-rich voyages - overall by 15%. This collection of itineraries only reaffirms the company’s commitment to providing guests with carefully curated voyages to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

"Our guests are craving longer, immersive and more unique itineraries that take them off the beaten path," said Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. "These new sailings represent the most diverse itinerary program to date and feature many brand firsts, including an extended Asia offering and new ports in Argentina, Bahrain, Japan and Egypt. Coupled with NCL’s renowned onboard experiences – from spacious accommodations, exceptional entertainment and diverse dining options that rival land-based offerings, it truly is an unforgettable way to explore the world."

Notable itineraries available to book as of today, include:

NCL’s first voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina: Norwegian Star will sail a 14-day South America voyage to Brazil and Antarctica departing March 1, 2025, offering a more immersive and port-intensive way to experience South America and cruise to Antarctica. Embarking from Ushuaia, Argentina for this once-in-a-lifetime journey reduces the number of sea days needed for an Antarctica cruise providing more port time for travelers. During the voyage, guests cruise through Paradise Bay in Antarctica and witness the surrounding glacial mountains and local wildlife while also having the opportunity to experience the culture in Puerto Madryn, and Buenos Aires, Argentina; Montevideo and Punta Del Este, Uruguay; and Sao Paulo (Santos).

NCL’s maiden call to Bahrain, its first dedicated Middle East sailing: The Brand will offer a seven-day Middle East cruise on Norwegian Sun from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) departing April 12, 2025. An overnight stay in Abu Dhabi, UAE provides travelers with more time to explore the culturally rich destination. In addition, the open-jaw voyage includes visits to Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Manama, Bahrain – a first time visit for NCL; as well as Dubai and Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island southwest of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Three NCL ships to Asia for the first time: Together Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky will debut in Asia, offering an extensive eight-month season from October 2024 through May 2025, sailing country-intensive voyages in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan – including a collection of coveted Japanese spring cherry blossom and fall foliage itineraries. For the very first time, NCL will call to Akita, Japan during Norwegian Sun’s 12-day roundtrip sailing from Tokyo, embarking on Oct. 23, 2024. Both ships will be joined in region by Norwegian Spirit, who will embark on a brand-new repositioning voyage from Australia to Asia on Dec. 7, 2024, followed by her first voyage in Asia on Dec. 21, 2024.

Extraordinary Journeys: NCL’s collection of immersive journeys that take guests to lesser-visited and once-in-a-lifetime destinations will include two new back-to-back voyages aboard Norwegian Sky. Departing December 2024, the vessel will offer a 16-day Africa sailing to Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Oman and more during its voyage from Dubai, UAE to Mauritius. Immediately following, she will offer a 17-day sailing from Mauritius to Singapore with calls to Seychelles, Maldives and Zanzibar. On April 19, 2025, Norwegian Sun will embark on a 16-day cruise from Dubai, UAE to Haifa, Israel featuring 10 ports of call, including Sokhna, Egypt – a brand-new port for NCL. Visiting Sokhna, Egypt allows for easier access to Cairo, where guests can explore the ancient Great Pyramids of Giza.

Brand-new Australian itinerary: Norwegian Spirit returns Down Under for her third season and launches a new 14-day open-jaw voyage from Sydney to Bali via the Queensland coast in December 2024. The voyage includes calls to Cairns and Darwin, Australia; as well as an overnight visit to Bali (Benoa), Indonesia, providing more time for cruisers to enjoy this exotic destination. In addition, the ship will make the Brand’s first port of call to Rarotonga, Cook Islands in November 2025.

Two NCL ships departing from Haifa, Israel: In November 2024, Norwegian Sky will sail a 16-day Middle East Extraordinary Journey from Haifa, Israel to Dubai, UAE, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to transit the Suez Canal in Egypt. Guests can also choose from an 11-day Mediterranean cruise from Haifa, Israel to Istanbul, Turkey aboard Norwegian Sun. Departing May 5, 2025, the voyage will call to sought-after destinations in Greece, Turkey and Egypt.