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SunStone takes delivery of Ocean Odyssey and Sylvia Earle

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 October 2022 26 October 2022

SunStone Maritime Group A/S, the world’s largest tonnage provider to the expedition cruise industry, has taken the delivery of two Infinity-class vessels, the Ocean Odyssey, and the Sylvia Earle. Final documents were signed on Friday, October 21, completing delivery of the two vessels from the CMHI Shipyard in Haimen, China to the SunStone companies. They will now begin repositioning before going on long-term charters.

The Sylvia Earle and the Ocean Odyssey are vessels four and five being delivered in the Infinity series being built at China Merchant Heavy Industries in Haimen, China. Both vessels will be on long-term, year-round charter – the Sylvia Earle with Aurora Expeditions, and the Ocean Odyssey with Vantage Deluxe World Travel.

The Infinity series is the product of a unique collaboration between European design and technology and Chinese shipbuilding efficiency resulting in an expedition cruise vessel with best-in-class safety and comfort features, and high operating efficiency. For two consecutive years, Infinity series have been awarded the Magellan Awards Gold Medal. In 2021 Albatros Travel won the gold medal Overall-Eco-Friendly “Green” Cruise Ship for the Ocean Victory, and in 2022 Aurora Expedition for the gold medal Overall-Eco-Friendly “Sustainable” Cruise Ship for the Greg Mortimer.

Infinity-class Vessels are 104 meters long, and 18 meters wide, having a draft of 5.1 meters. They feature a passenger capacity between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The Vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning and zero speed stabilizers. The Vessels are featuring the X-Bow by Ulstein Design & Solutions. They are small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere and yet large enough to yield all expected services and facilities such as a swimming pool, bar and restaurants, lounges, boutique, gym, spa, and sauna.

Five Infinity-class newbuilds have now been delivered, and the next vessel Ocean Albatros will be delivered in March 2023. All vessels ordered have long-term charter agreements in place.

Costa Cruises reported to pull out of Asia for foreseeable future

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 October 2022 26 October 2022

Costa Cruises, the Italian unit in Carnival Corporation & plc group, has reportedly decided to pull out of Asia for the foreseeable future.

“As a result of continuing uncertainties regarding the full restart of international cruises in East Asia, Costa Cruises has decided to reorganise its structure in the region,” the South China Morning Post cited Costa Cruises as saying. The company was cancelling “future Asian home ports cruise programmes,” it added.

The decision comes against the background of continued zero- Covid-19 policies of China, where Costa Cruises had started operations in 2006 with the 28,500 gross ton Costa Allegra. It was the first western cruise line to enter the Chinese source market and to base a ship in the country.

Several ships affected

Two 135,000 gross ton newbuildings, Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze, were built at Fincantieri with the Chinese market in mind. However, the last named ship never entered service in China due to the pandemic and both vessels are now employed on the US market under a new, Costa by Carnival brand. They have also been reflagged from Italy to the Bahamas.

The 114,000 gross ton Costa Serena that was completed in 2009 and which had been employed on the Chinese market remains in lay up in Dubai.

Last year, Costa cruises transferred Costa Atlantica and Costa Mediterranea that are both of about 86,000 gross tons to CSSC Carnival Cruise shipping, a Chinese venture in which the Carnival group has a minority stake. Both these ships that were built at the turn of the millennium are laid up in Cyprus at the moment. The Chinese company also has two 133,500 gross ton newbuildings on order at China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

It appears to be unclear at the moment where these two vessels and the second hand purchases would be employed in the future.

Silversea Cruises reveals culinary experiences for Silver Endeavour

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 October 2022 25 October 2022

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has revealed details on the array of dining experiences aboard its newest ship Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition vessel – set to welcome guests in Antarctica from November 21, 2022. Silver Endeavour will feature four signature restaurants, as well as the cruise line’s Arts Café and 24-hour in-suite dining, offering discerning guests some of the finest dining experiences at sea and the luxury of choice – even when cruising in the world’s remotest regions, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

“A trademark of the Silversea experience, our guests will enjoy the luxury of choice while travelling to the world’s most remote regions aboard Silver Endeavour,” said Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. “Travellers will be able to sample fine international fare of the highest quality in four of our signature restaurants, while admiring the icy landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic from the comfort of the ship’s spacious interiors. They can also have their butler serve meals in-suite, around the clock, if they prefer. The exceptional culinary offering aboard Silver Endeavour helps to discern the ship as the most luxurious expedition vessel in the world.”

Silver Endeavour is specifically designed to journey to some of the most remote areas of the world, welcoming guests in comfort and style. The ship features the highest space-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising, some of the industry’s most spacious all-balcony suites, and a range of elegant public spaces and restaurants. Serving the industry’s finest gourmet cuisine, as well as a broad-ranging selection of complimentary wines and premium bottles, Silver Endeavour’s restaurants will be among the most spacious and elegant venues in ultra-luxury expedition cruising. Providing the luxury of choice, she will offer her 200 guests almost 300 seats for dinner each night – plus the option of dining in the privacy of their suites. Silver Endeavour’s dining venues include:

The Restaurant (4,144ft²/385m²)
Set on deck 4, Silver Endeavour’s main dining venue welcomes up to 192 guests with a modern, spacious design for atmospheric meals in an elegant setting. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Restaurant offers a wide variety of international and regional menu options, with a selection that rotates daily.

Il Terrazzino (1,044ft²/97m²)
Featuring a brand new aesthetic and intimate proportions on deck 4, Il Terrazzino – meaning ‘little terrace’, in homage to Silversea’s famed La Terrazza restaurant – marks a nod to the cruise line’s refined Italian heritage. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine from an a la carte menu, including some of the best pasta at sea, hosting up to 36 guests in an upscale and intimate setting each dinnertime.

La Dame® (495ft²/46m²)
Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame offers fine French cuisine in an intimate and refined setting on deck 4. Guests can enjoy an a la carte menu or opt for a six-course tasting menu with a wine pairing. Open for dinner only, La Dame will welcome up to 20 guests by reservation only for a nominal fee of USD 60 per person.

The Grill (2,806ft²/261m²)
Offering 270-degree views of the destination from the ship’s aft on deck 4, with a mezzanine on deck 5, The Grill is Silver Endeavour’s casual eatery. Located adjacent to The Pool Deck, The Grill features an a la carte menu of flavourful, international dishes, welcoming up to 80 guests for breakfast and lunch, and up to 48 guests for dinner.

Arts Café (2250ft²/209m²)
Debuting in Polar Regions for the first time, Silver Endeavour’s Arts Café is an upscale take on a classic coffee shop, located in the heart of the ship on deck 5. The beautifully appointed coffee shop, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows for exceptional views of the destination, will serve an extensive collection of speciality coffees and teas, as well as a delicious selection of fresh pastries and gourmet bites.

Silver Endeavour’s guests will also enjoy 24-hour in-suite dining, with an extensive menu that features casual fare and opulent delights, such as sustainable caviar, champagne, and more.

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, Silver Endeavour is designed for polar exploration. She carries state-of-the-art amenities, with an industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest ratio; kayaks; and cutting-edge navigation and exploration technology, including a remote gimbal camera system, which can capture high-quality images from 5km, among other amenities. She maintains Silversea’s trademark level of comfort, with a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1 and the cruise line’s hallmarks of luxury, including butler service for every suite and some of the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising.

P&O Cruises publish 2024/25 programme

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 October 2022 24 October 2022

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, has published its winter 2024/25 cruise programme.

New ship Arvia (arriving in December 2022) will sail on its first ever four-night, short cruise break to Northern Europe on October 21, 2024. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Zeebrugge and Cherbourg. Prices start from £379 per person (K422), the company said in a statement.

Arvia will also offer a nine-night Southern Cruise break to Spain and Portugal on October 12, 2024. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Le Havre, Vigo, Lisbon and La Coruna. Prices start from £649 per person (K421).

Iona will set sail for a new 35-night holiday to the Caribbean on January 11, 2025. It will be Iona’s first time to the Caribbean and will include two full days in Tenerife and Barbados with visits to many maiden ports. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Tenerife, Tortola, Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, St Kitts, St Maarten and La Coruna. Prices start from £2,579 per person (G501).

For guests looking to join Arvia’s winter season in the Caribbean, 14-night fly cruise itineraries to the region start from £1,749 per person. Ports of call include Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts, Tortola and St Maarten.

In addition to a maiden cruise to the Caribbean, Iona’s winter season will be spent in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands with prices for 14-night itineraries starting from £729 per person. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Madeira, Tenerife (evening in port), Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Seville (from Cadiz) and Lisbon (two full days).

During the winter, Britannia heads to the Caribbean with a mix of 14-night fly cruise itineraries with prices starting from £1,179 per person. Ports of call include Bridgetown (Barbados), Curacao, Bonaire (Saint Eustatius and Saba), Castries (Saint Lucia), Grenada, Kingstown (St Vincent), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Antigua and Saint Maarten.

Azura’s winter programme of Canary Islands fly-cruises from Tenerife start from £879 per person for 14-nights. Ports of call include Madeira, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Madeira, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote with three full days in Tenerife and two full days in Madeira.

Aurora to make two month long South America cruise

Aurora will feature a new 65-night Amazon and Caribbean exploration holiday departing Southampton on January 6, 2025. It will include a visit to Parintins in the Amazon River, a partial transit of the Panama Canal and two full days in Manaus.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Gran Canaria, Antigua, Tortola, St Lucia, Barbados, Manaus (Brazil), Parintins (Brazil), Santarem (Brazil), sail by Devil's Island, Tobago, Cartagena (Colombia), Colon (Panama), partial transit of the Panama Canal, Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Roatan (Honduras), Belize, Cozumel (Mexico), Georgetown (Cayman Islands), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Grand Turk, Freeport (Bahamas), Bermuda and Praia da Vitoria (Azores). Prices start from £5,529 per person (R501).

Arcadia to cruise around the world westbound

P&O Cruises world cruise for 99 nights on Arcadia includes two full days in San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore from £9,629 per person. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Madeira, Barbados, Curacao, Transit of the Panama Canal, Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), San Francisco, Hilo (Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands), Honolulu (Oahu, Hawaiian Islands), cross international date line, Apia (Samoa Islands), Nuku 'Alofa (Tonga), Tauranga (New Zealand), Auckland (New Zealand), Bay of Islands (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Whitsunday Island (from Airlie Beach, Australia), Cairns (Australia), Bitung (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Hong Kong, Nha Trang (Vietnam), Singapore, Kuala Lumpar (from Port Kelang, Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Muscat (Oman), Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt), transit Suez Canal, Valetta (Malta), Seville (from Cadiz) and Spain.

In search of the Northern Lights, Aurora will head to Norway on a 12-night itinerary with prices starting from £1,079. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call include Andalsnes, cruise in Romsdalsfjord, Tromso (evening in port), Alta (overnight) and Stavanger.

Ventura’s winter itinerary will include short European breaks from Southampton with ports of call to include Amsterdam and Bruges (from Zeebrugge). Prices start from £399 per person for five nights.

Celebrity Cruises makes its Australia, New Zealand return

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 October 2022 23 October 2022

Yesterday, October 22, marked a new beginning, as Celebrity Cruises celebrated its highly anticipated return to Australian and New Zealand waters.

On Saturday, Celebrity Eclipse set sail from Sydney, Australia, allowing guests to Journey WonderFULL on a 12-night itinerary exploring the ruggedly scenic wilderness of New Zealand. This voyage is the first of 17 sailings departing from Sydney and Auckland through April 2023, and the first for Celebrity Eclipse in Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific waters.

Guests onboard the award-winning Celebrity Eclipse will be treated to experiences as enchanting as the cosmopolitan cities, stunning beaches and exotic wildlife they will explore as part of the season’s enhanced onboard and shore-side experiences, with a focus on luxury and relaxation, destination immersion, and culinary exploration.

“The return Down Under has been long-awaited but someday has finally arrived! Celebrity Eclipse is the first Celebrity ship to sail this region for 930 days – a momentous occasion for the brand and our team members who have worked so hard to get to this point; and the first of many WonderFULL sailings ahead,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Returning to this region is another significant milestone in the industry’s global recovery, as we sail forward into a bright future.”

Celebrity Cruises Vice President and Managing Director of Australia and APAC, Tim Jones, added, “We’ve been patiently waiting for this moment for so long, and to finally see the freshly painted blue hull of Celebrity Eclipse slice through the waters of Sydney Harbour didn’t disappoint. We were one of the remaining major cruise markets to return to service, and we are really proud to be contributing to the tourism industries of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific once more, alongside rebuilding the economy of key coastal communities.

“Continuing our momentum in the region, next year we’ll be taking the guest experience to the ‘Edge’ with the debut season of Celebrity Edge Down Under! It’s the great outdoors that makes this region truly exceptional and we can’t wait to welcome an equally exceptional ship that’s been uniquely designed to connect guests with their surroundings. Whether you’re flying Down Under to join us, or stepping aboard from your front door, Celebrity Edge is a chance to explore our exotic landscapes like never before, all while sailing in complete luxury. ”