Top Headlines

Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates full relaunch of 17-ship fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 09 May 2022 09 May 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the completion of its Great Cruise Comeback with the sailing of Norwegian Spirit, the 17th and final ship in its fleet to return to service.

NCL’s return to service after a 500-day pause began with Norwegian Jade’s July 25, 2021 sailing from Athens (Piraeus), Greece. Since then, the Brand has systematically relaunched its ships around the world, welcoming guests and crew members aboard its award-winning vessels.

"This is an incredibly important day in our history and a defining moment for our future," said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We are moving full speed ahead, having already welcomed more than half a million guests for an exceptional vacation at sea."

Norwegian Spirit, which is sporting an extensive bow-to-stern, over $100 million revitalization, will be sailing through the deep blue South Pacific, visiting eight ports in 12 days, with departures from the beautiful Island of Tahiti. Itinerary highlights include a journey to Bora Bora, where guests can enjoy snorkeling and discover why the elegantly calm waters are world-famous. They also can venture to Raiatea, which is considered the most sacred island in the South Pacific, where visitors can spend the afternoon exploring lush rainforests and the extinct volcano, Mount Temehani. The itinerary also features other destinations for guests to experience, such as Nāwiliwili, Kaua'i, where nature is truly the star. Nicknamed "The Garden Island," guests can admire scenic views of the Kokee Mountains and stop at the geological wonder, Fern Grotto, a lava-rock cave covered with tropical flora. This cruise departs from Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia Saturday, May 7, 2022, and disembarks on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Honolulu, Oahu.

As part of the most extensive renovation in Company history, Norwegian Spirit now showcases 14 new venues, additional and updated staterooms, enhanced public areas and new hull art. Enhancements included a doubled-in-size Mandara Spa that features a new thermal suite and relaxation areas, an expanded Pulse Fitness Center and the second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea. New complimentary dining venues include an additional main dining room, Taste; the 24-hour eatery, The Local Bar and Grill; the all-day dining outlet, Garden Café; the Great Outdoors Bar; and Waves Pool Bar. Making their debut are The Social Comedy & Night Club and Spinnaker Lounge, which features the Humidor Cigar Lounge, as well as the adults-only retreat Spice H2O, a daytime lounge featuring two new hot tubs and a dedicated bar, which transforms into an after-hours entertainment venue.

Silversea reveals more details of Silver Nova's asymmetrical design

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 April 2022 28 April 2022

Silversea Cruises has unveiled the latest insight on its fleet’s 11th ship, Silver Nova – scheduled for delivery in 2023. Built with a revolutionary asymmetrical design – a first for the cruise line – the new ship will offer guests all-new outdoor spaces for an unprecedented openness to the destination, with a reimagined, outward-facing pool deck; an al fresco dining area; and a sky bar that offers panoramic views from the ship’s aft.

“Silver Nova represents the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury, with an entirely new design approach that will enhance our guests’ cruise experience,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “With her outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and her all-new outdoor venues, Silver Nova will offer our guests a brand new way to connect and engage with each destination. Moreover, with her groundbreaking environmental credentials, Silver Nova will strengthen our position at the forefront of sustainable cruise travel.”

Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has enabled the creation of a reimagined pool area and unseen outdoor venues on decks 10 and 11. Each space places emphasis on the destination, with panoramic views that connect guests with the world beyond. The following venues and deck spaces highlight Silver Nova’s all-new outdoor offering:

The Pool Deck – Decks 10/11

Silver Nova’s pool decks will be the primary outdoor areas in which guests can relax, refresh and socialise – with ample space for 280 sunbeds on decks 10 and 11. The horseshoe-shaped pool area will occupy a generous space on the starboard side of the ship, affording unobstructed views on the destination from the swimming pool, the adjacent pool bar, and the sunbathing areas. At 130m2 (1,400ft2), the main pool is larger than on the cruise line’s previous ships, reimagined with a new layout, wide entrance steps, and more shallow waters in which guests can sit. Deck 10’s pool bar offers a centralised hub for socialising, day and night. Silver Nova’s uppermost level, deck 11 forms an amphitheatre-shaped structure with deck 10. It will offer guests a quieter, more intimate space for relaxing, with expansive views over the destination and out to sea. At its centre, overlooking the ship’s port side, extends an all-new infinity edge whirlpool, named The Cliff Whirlpool.

The Marquee – Deck 10

Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has also enabled the introduction of two new food and drinks venues on deck 10. The Marquee is the first of the pair, positioned towards the ship’s aft on the port side and enjoying views out to sea. The al fresco dining venue will welcome up to 220 guests, incorporating The Grill and Spaccanapoli – two of Silversea’s existing signature venues, which offer guests the cruise line’s trademark ‘hot rocks’ culinary concept and arguably the best pizza at sea, respectively. Due to its proximity to the swimming pool, The Marquee will welcome guests in a relaxed atmosphere, serving casual fare by day and offering dinner under the stars by night.

The Dusk Bar – Deck 10

The second of the two new food and drinks venues, The Dusk Bar is a brand new open-air sky bar that provides an elegant space for up to 70 guests to enjoy a drink, with 270-degree, panoramic views from Silver Nova’s stern.

Among her eight dining venues, Silver Nova will offer guests a selection of Silversea’s signature restaurants on decks 3 and 4 – enlarged and reimagined with enhanced designs. The largest of Silver Nova’s restaurants, La Terrazza will seat 340 guests and will feature a vibrant new colour palette on deck 4. Floor-to-ceiling windows will surround the restaurant’s interior space, offering panoramic views to connect diners with the destination, while its outdoor terrace will be larger than ever. A guest favourite, Atlantide will seat 270 guests on deck 3 as the ship’s second-largest restaurant, complete with a new interior design. Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame, will be more spacious than ever on deck 4, with an enlarged capacity for 70 diners and higher ceilings. Taking inspiration from the world’s best sushi restaurants, Kaiseki will maintain its minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic, welcoming up to 40 guests on deck 4. More information on Silver Nova’s extensive culinary offering will be released soon.

As well as incorporating a new design approach for the industry’s leading cruise line, Silver Nova will push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel withpioneering sustainability credentials. She is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilises fuel cells, emitting zero harmful emissions while in port – an industry first.

Silver Nova will host up to 728 guests in 13 different suite categories – the largest variety of suites in Silversea’s history. Every suite on board will offer guests the use of a private veranda. Among the most spacious suites at sea, a new collection of prized aft suites will afford stunning 270-degree views on the destination. As well as OtiumTM, the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness programme, and S.A.L.T.Ò, its immersive culinary offering, Silver Nova will offer guests Silversea’s trademark level of service and an array of pioneering, new features.

Celebrity Cruises takes delivery of Celebrity Beyond

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 06 April 2022 06 April 2022

Today Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo honored the thousands of engineers, architects, designers, contractors, shipyard employees and Celebrity Cruises teams as the brand took delivery of Celebrity Beyond, the third and most luxurious ship in the fleet’s Edge Series, and a true game changer for the travel industry. The moment was particularly special as it marked the company’s first physical delivery ceremony since the pandemic.

As part of the historic moment, Lutoff-Perlo was joined by Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO Jason Liberty and the ship’s captain, Kate McCue, as they officially took ownership from the shipyard and completed the traditional changing of the flags, hosting a celebratory ceremony onboard Celebrity Beyond while docked in the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The momentous occasion was celebrated alongside other Celebrity Cruises executives, shipyard officials including General Manager Laurent Castaing, and Beyond’s 1,400 crew members from over 60 different countries.

“The delivery of Celebrity Beyond today marks our ongoing commitment to growth and innovation; today, we celebrate the future of travel and its possibilities,” said Liberty. “This incredible ship, on this long-awaited day, signifies our commitment to investing in the future of the travel industry, as well as the ship building industry in Europe. We are so grateful to the Chantiers de l'Atlantique team; our own Newbuild and Celebrity Cruises team; our loyal guests and trade partners, and everyone who has contributed their time, resources, creativity and loyalty. We look forward to what’s to come as the travel industry grows to new peaks.”

“We could not be happier to officially welcome Celebrity Beyond into our fleet with the first physical delivery since the pandemic, celebrating this momentous occasion with our exceptional crew and partners at Chantiers de l'Atlantique,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “With its innovative offerings that reach far beyond expectations from some of today’s most talented designers, artists and creative minds, we believe that Beyond speaks to the growing trend of people seeking new luxury experiences that are personalized, effortless and meaningful. We are seeing a continued desire to travel as business steadily increases, and we see Beyond leading the cruise industry into the next era of luxury. We are more than ready to welcome our guests onboard and show them just how incredible this ship is!”

“Celebrity Beyond is a true new ship. We have worked hard, in a spirit of strong collaboration and even during the pandemic, to achieve this result,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “Celebrity Beyond is one of the exceptional ships that will be remembered.”

Celebrity Beyond’s maiden voyage will depart on April 27, 2022, from Southampton, England, for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain.

It will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries through early October, when it then heads to the Caribbean.

Hurtigruten Group strengthens partnership with significant investment in Metropolitan Touring

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 30 March 2022 30 March 2022

Hurtigruten Group has acquired a significant minority stake in Metropolitan Touring, one of South America’s leading travel companies and pioneers in the Galápagos Islands.

The long-term investment sees Hurtigruten Group take a 24.9% share in the company with headquarters in Quito, Ecuador, and further demonstrates Hurtigruten Group’s global growth ambitions in the adventure travel market.

CEO of Hurtigruten Group Daniel Skjeldam said: “This investment signifies our growth journey and we are delighted to invest in Metropolitan Touring, a proud South American company that mirrors our expedition heritage and sustainability values. It is a unique opportunity for us to contribute to a more meaningful partnership, where we can expand quickly, strategically and deliver on our vision for the future together.”

The strategic partnership broadens Hurtigruten Group’s portfolio of products in iconic, natural destinations, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable adventure travel.

“Hurtigruten Group share our passion for the wonders of South America and we are excited by the prospect of this partnership which brings together two companies that have a common long-term vision of our industry’s power to do good in the world. As we continue the post-Covid recovery, this announcement will bolster South America’s position as an exciting travel destination on the global stage, bringing its stunning natural and compelling cultural attractions into sharper focus for today’s responsible traveller,” Metropolitan Touring CEO Paulina Burbano de Lara said.

Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s largest expedition cruise company and part of Hurtigruten Group, is offering year-round expedition cruises, in close cooperation with Metropolitan Touring, visiting the fabled archipelago’s most spectacular sites on board the 90-guest Santa Cruz II.

Its guests can already explore spectacular land-based South America adventures before or after their voyage, such as the iconic Machu Picchu, the Cotopaxi national park and the vibrant city life of Quito. The strengthened partnership will broaden opportunities to further expand into more unique land-based programmes and excursions.

Formula 1 announces MSC Cruises as a Global Partner ahead of the 2022 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 21 March 2022 21 March 2022

Formula 1 has welcomed MSC Cruises as a Global Partner for the 2022 season. The multi-year deal, which began at the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022, will see Swiss-based MSC Cruises, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing cruise brands, become the Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1.

MSC Cruises and Formula 1 are collaborating to bring some of MSC’s most technologically advanced and glamorous ships port-side during select Grand Prix weekends, enabling MSC Cruises’ impressive fleet to complement the high-end experience of Formula 1 and drive global visibility for its brand.

Through this unique partnership, MSC Cruises will be able to leverage Formula 1’s growing global fanbase to showcase its extensive offering of quality vacations at sea and bring the thrill of Formula 1 to MSC Cruises’ global audience as its ships sail to more than 100 countries around the world and host guests representing more than 185 nationalities.

As global leaders in their respective fields, MSC Cruises will also unite with Formula 1 to continue to drive toward sustainable change. Both companies have committed to becoming Net-Zero Carbon and are pioneering state-of-the-art environmental technologies and solutions.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are thrilled to announce MSC Cruises as a new Global Partner of Formula 1, bringing together two truly global brands. It is a perfect partnership with both of us focused on delivering the best experience for our fans and customers globally and combining entertainment, luxury, and service. We are both committed to sustainable solutions, and MSC’s insight and expertise perfectly complement our global offering and will continue to enhance our brand.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman commented: “There is a strong shared ambition between us and F1 as we are both committed to investing in research to accelerate the development and adoption of next-generation technologies – both maritime and environmental in our case – to build the future of our industries in a sustainable way. We are both working to continuously improve environmental performance with a clear vision to build a lasting legacy for future generations. We are looking forward to developing our relationship together as this exciting season unfolds.”