Five expedition cruise ships named

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 22 November 2022 22 November 2022

Five expedition cruise ships have been named in ceremonies in the past few days – four of them taking place in Antarctica.

Silversea Cruises has named Silver Endeavour by hosting ultra-luxury cruising’s first Antarctica naming ceremony on November 19.

The line held an expedition-style celebration in the Lemaire Channel, Antarctica, to inaugurate Silver Endeavour that had started life as Crystal Endeavor of collapsed Crystal Cruises as the 11th ship in its fleet, broadening the most diverse polar offering in ultra-luxury travel. Executives from Silversea Cruises, the ship’s Godmother Felicity Aston MBE, and select members of the cruise line’s extended family were in attendance as an ice-sculpted champagne magnum smashed against Silver Endeavour’s hull to mark the cruise line’s third naming ceremony in just nine months.

Celebrations began at an intimate blessing ceremony, held at the Cape Horn Sub-Antarctic Center in Puerto Williams, on November 15. Local dignitaries from Puerto Williams joined the festivities, which honored maritime traditions. After the parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s customary bagpipe performance, singers sung the Chilean and American national anthems, a video depicted a religious figure blessing the ship, and Felicity Aston was formally introduced as the vessel’s Godmother.

Captain Niklas Peterstam on one of the ship’s outer decks to trigger an ice-sculpted, magnum-sized bottle to smash against the hull. Guests, including Barbara Muckermann and other Silversea executives, witnessed the historic moment from Zodiacs in the 11km-long, cliff-lined stretch of water. ‘Champagne on ice’ took on a new meaning, as guests raised a glass to toast to the occasion.

"We are excited to officially welcome Silver Endeavour to the Royal Caribbean Group fleet, bringing our global fleet to 64 ships," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "Silver Endeavour will continue to strengthen Silversea's position as the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, allowing us to grow capacity while building upon Royal Caribbean Group's mission of delivering the best vacations in the world, responsibly."

Atlas Ocean Voyages names two ships

Atlas Ocean Voyages celebrated a milestone weekend with naming ceremonies for its new World Traveller and World Navigator. The latter ship has been in service since last year but was never formally named due to Covid restrictions. The ships were named in the fjords along the Beagle Channel’s Glacier Alley.

“Both yacht-style vessels specialize in expeditions to some of nature’s most spectacular destinations,” said James Rodriguez, Atlas’ president and CEO. “What a historic weekend for Atlas! It was inspiring to name these two spectacular ships surrounded by majestic glaciers.”

VIP guests at the dual naming ceremonies included travel advisors, shareholders, media and dignitaries from Argentina and Chile. World Traveller was named November 19, followed by Zodiac sightseeing of Pia Glacier. In the evening the portraits of the godmothers were unveiled at a gala welcome reception prior to dinner. The naming festivities for World Navigator took place on November 20, preceded by a celebratory luncheon on that vessel.

Both expedition ships are Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and cater to curious, global travelers with a passion for exploring both iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The stylish and intimate vessels offer every five-star comfort, from an all-inclusive onboard experience and luxurious accommodations to in-depth excursions and customized private tours for a truly personalized voyage.

Seabourn Venture named at Antarctica

Seabourn that is part of the Carnival group said the line’s first purpose-built expedition ship,  Seabourn Venture, has made its first-ever visit. “The ship marked the inaugural voyage to the “Great White Continent” with the official naming ceremony on Sunday, November 20, 2022, when the ship came to a stop in the fast ice of the Weddell Sea, part of the Southern Ocean,” Seaboirn said in a statement.

Seabourn Venture’s guests, serving as honorary godparents, joined the ship’s godmother, global adventurer, mountaineer and polar-explorer Alison Levine, who carried out her ceremonial duties virtually, to wish Seabourn Venture many blessings and extraordinary expeditions to come. The onboard team released a bottle made of ice that was broken against the ship, a time-honored ship naming tradition. The ship's guests and team were all smiles throughout the ceremony, warmed by their complimentary Seabourn expedition-grade parkas while toasting Seabourn Venture.

Following the ceremony, Robin West, Seabourn’s Vice President of Expedition Operations, spoke about the expedition legacy of the Seabourn brand and shared the excitement he has for the adventure-driven voyages to come. Luciano Bernacchi, Seabourn Venture’s Expedition Leader, praised Captain Stig Betten for finding the perfect location for the ceremony, which was met with calm winds and beautiful blue skies.

“We’ve eagerly awaited Seabourn Venture’s maiden voyage to Antarctica since the moment the ship debuted earlier this year,” said Seabourn President Josh Leibowitz. “The extraordinary continent encapsulates exactly what we hope to bring to guests who sail aboard our new ship: adventure, discovery and awe-inspiring wonder. With the beauty of the Antarctic landscape and scenery in the background, it truly was the perfect place to name the most luxurious expedition ship, Seabourn Venture.”

Ocean Odyssey enters service with Vantage Deluxe Travel

Meanwhile, Vantage Deluxe World Travel, has introduced Ocean Odyssey, built for global luxury expedition travel. “The ship’s inaugural cruise departed Aqaba, Jordan on course around the Arabian Peninsula bound for Dubai, UAE, on November 20. Ocean Odyssey and its sister ship Ocean Explorer will navigate worldwide with 48 itineraries that will bring travelers to all seven continents,” the company said in a statement.

“The maiden voyage of the Ocean Odyssey marks yet another way travelers can indulge in far-flung adventures as big as the globe with the award-winning, elevated experience of a small ship environment," says Deirdre Dirkman, EVP Worldwide Operations & Marketing at Vantage Deluxe World Travel. “At Vantage, we provide the ultimate in small-ship luxury experiences and set the standard for women’s solo travel.”

In 2023, Ocean Odyssey will operate small ship discovery ocean cruises in Asia, the British Isles, the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, with plans to add Morocco, the Canary Islands and expedition cruising in Iceland in 2024.

UK cruise passengers get younger - study

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 21 November 2022 21 November 2022

A study has revealed that cruising is becoming more popular with younger age groups in the UK.

Cruise specialist cruise.co.uk revealed the fastest growth is in the under 20s, with 8% of all cruise passengers travelling in 2022 now either teens or younger. This is the highest level ever recorded and compares to 6% in 2019. 

All other age groups under the age of 60 have experienced a rise in the proportion of onboard passengers.

Share of under 60s up 7 percentage points since 2019

The most notable swing is the total number of passengers who are over 60 compared to under 60. In 2019, 37% were under 60. This year that figure has risen to 44%.

The figures - taken from cruise.co.uk’s full 2022 bookings data - are striking as cruises operate all year-round, meaning children and working adults can only travel during their holiday periods, whereas retirees can be more flexible with their sailing dates.

Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “The amazing array of choice you get on a holiday at sea means an increasing proportion of families and younger holidaymakers are choosing to cruise. From kids’ clubs to hair-raising adrenaline activities to tattoo parlours, ships have it all, and every age is catered for.

Photo: Promenade on MSC Virtuosa that operates year round from the UK

 

Mask wearing returns on Carnival Australia ships

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 19 November 2022 19 November 2022

Carnival Australia has reintroduced the requirement for passengers and crew members to wear masks following a surge in Covid-19 cases, it has been reported

The company that operates P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Cruises World Cruising in Australia reintroduced the mandate due to the "evolving public health situation".

Face coverings are now required in all public indoor spaces, outdoors when in large groups where social distancing is not possible, as well as during the embarkation and disembarkation process, reports said.

Cunard and Royal Canadian Geographical Society enter in partnership

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 19 November 2022 19 November 2022

Cunard has announced a partnership with Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), at the nonprofit's annual College of Fellows Dinner last night at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Matthew Gleaves, VP of Commercial Development for Cunard in North America, made the announcement at the event saying, "both Cunard and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society have a deep history and share a dedication to travel and exploration, with a great desire for cultural understanding. This partnership is the perfect marriage of knowledge and discovery."

Experts from the RCGS will be featured on select 2023 voyages as part of Cunard's renowned InsightsTM onboard enrichment program. The RCGS headliners will be on every Cunard voyage in the 2023 Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth, from June through August, and on the Canada/New England voyage in September, from New York to Quebec, on flagship liner Queen Mary 2.

Cunard was founded by Canadian, Samuel Cunard, a pioneer in his time, who began a Transatlantic service between Europe and North America that continues today. 

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is dedicated to understanding and educating people about the diverse human and physical landscapes of Canada and beyond. With more than 26,000 full-time educators from across the country and a robust Fellowship of distinguished thought leaders and those committed to geographical literacy, the RCGS is one of Canada's largest non-profit geographical and educational organizations.

RCGS speakers include explorers, naturalists, geographical experts, and indigenous advocates who will custom curate exclusive programming for Cunard guests. The RCGS experts include: 

• John Geiger, CEO, RCGS: best-selling author, speaker and adventurer who will speak about the history, heritage and expeditions which took place on the surrounding lands;
• Joseph Frey: Scuba diver and former officer with the Royal Canadian Navy who specializes in Anthropology and the migration of people on the land;
• Jill Heinerth, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Underwater diver, explorer, author and educator with a focus on coastal environments;
• George Kourounis, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Worldwide explorer and adventurer who contributes his expertise to the Discovery Channel and the Weather Network;
• Lynn Moorman, RCGS Fellow: Geographer and educator who speaks about the glaciers, fjords and geographic technologies that guests will encounter along the British Columbia Coast and Alaska;
• Perry Bellegarde, Honorary Vice President RCGS: Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous advocate, and educator on Indigenous people and their lands

Gleaves continued, "Cunard is committed to not only exploring the beauty and rich culture of the region, but also to educating guests during the time they spend with us. There is no better organization to help us succeed in this than the RCGS; we intend to make this a long-lasting partnership."

John Geiger, CEO for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society shares, "Our mandate to make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world will be furthered by this exciting partnership with Cunard.  Through collaborative enrichment programming and providing Canadian Geographic content onboard, we hope each Cunard guest will come to appreciate and love the dynamic and diverse landscape and people of our country."