Top Headlines

Crystal Expedition Cruises christens Crystal Endeavor

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 June 2021 27 June 2021

On June 26, Crystal Expedition Cruises officially welcomed its new 20,200 gross ton luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor to the Crystal fleet as the ship was christened by Godmother Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Stralsund, Germany. Marking the occasion were executives from Genting Hong Kong (GHK) including Group President Colin Au; Crystal’s senior vice president, hotel operations, Bernie Leypold; the yacht’s master, Captain Jan Rautawaara; and MV Werften’s president & CEO, Peter Fetten. Also, joining the milestone event was Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs & Energy, Peter Altmaier, and Harry Glawe, Deputy Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Health.

Almost 100 people attended the ceremony that took place on the helipad of the ship, which is docked at MV Werften in Stralsund, the shipyard that designed and built the vessel. Master of Ceremonies Keith Cox, Crystal’s vice president of entertainment, hosted the event which began with the playing of the German national anthem as Crystal crew members looked on from the upper deck of the ship. After a series of remarks and a musical performance by German Soloist Carina Smerdon Kärcher, Prime Minister Schwesig christened the ship. The event was livestreamed on the Crystal Cruises Facebook page so that members of the Crystal Family around the world could celebrate the occasion.

“Today is a landmark day as we christen Crystal Endeavor, the first and only Polar Class Six (PC6) expedition yacht to be ‘Made in Germany,’ and a testament to Crystal’s award-winning design and MV Werften's superb German engineering with system redundancies, including 100 percent additional lifeboat capacity, to handle extreme polar conditions,” said Tan Sri KT Lim, the Chairman of GHK. “She combines the finest attributes of the award-winning Crystal Experience with unmatched technical capabilities including the most installed power per gross ton for any cruise ship at over 13 MW. The most luxurious and expensive ship ever built at $20,000 per gross tons, she sets a new high standard in luxury cruising including the largest space ratio, at over 100 gross tons per guest, and most importantly, the highest staff to guest ratio in the industry at one-to-one. We are delighted that Crystal Endeavor, as the new pinnacle of expedition excellence, now commands the highest cruise fare per night of any cruise ship in the world.”

Crystal’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Bernie Leypold thanked the line’s travel partners and guests around the world for their support and loyalty and the Crystal Family, both onboard and shoreside for their devotion and service excellence to make the Crystal Experience so personal and so unparalleled. “We have the best officers and crew in the world,” Leypold said. “They are the reason travelers feel like family each time they embark, as they embody the spirit of Crystal at its very best.

“Crystal Endeavor is nothing short of superb in her design and technical features. Her details — great and small — add up to an unparalleled experience that has made Crystal’s brand stand out for more than 30 years offering travelers every convenience and indulgence they would expect from Crystal, as they venture to some of the world’s most remote and rugged places,” he continued.

Godmother Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the region where Crystal Endeavor was built, expressed her best wishes for the ship, captain and crew as she christened the ship, and offered her congratulations to the team at MV WERFTEN.

“Crystal Endeavor’s naming ceremony is a sign of Germany’s relaunch as a shipbuilding location and I am honored to be named Godmother, and proud for our region and country to play an important role in the story of this unique ship,” Prime Minister Schwesig said. “Our shipyards are innovative high performers, with highly motivated experts and know-how acquired over decades. The employees at MV Werften have successfully driven the transformation process from containership production via special-purpose shipbuilding to cruise ship construction in the last few years, demonstrating that even under difficult circumstances they can achieve top performances.”

“Today is a special moment of joy for all those who have contributed with great commitment to the creation of Crystal Endeavor,” said Peter Altmaier, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs & Energy. “She exemplifies the level of shipbuilding expertise and broad maritime know-how we have in Germany and want to retain even in the difficult times caused by the pandemic.”

At the beginning of June, the Federal Government agreed with the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to continue to support the shipyard with finance from the economic stabilization fund, Altmaier explained. “We want to further strengthen the competencies of high-quality shipbuilding and make shipping more climate friendly. The Federal Government is thus providing many hundreds of millions of euros for developing innovative solutions in shipbuilding. We wish Crystal Endeavor always a hand’s breadth of water under the keel.”

“We have shown that even under the most challenging conditions we in Stralsund can build ships of the greatest complexity that meet the highest standards,” said Peter Fetten, president & CEO of MV Werften. “Crystal Endeavor is a unique vessel that will represent the art of German shipbuilding throughout the world. We would also like to take this special occasion to express our thanks to the federal government and state government for their commitment and support.”

Harry Glawe, Deputy Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Health also offered best wishes and praise, “A jewel has been created that widens the portfolio of MV Werften in a special way and another milestone ‘Made in Germany’ can now take to the sea. That is a positive signal MV Werften is sending during the pandemic, that new ships are being completed even in globally adverse times for shipbuilding.”

Inaugural voyages, Iceland, the Arctic Circle and Europe

As the first and only true luxury expedition yacht to restart cruising in the Arctic and Northern Europe, Crystal Endeavor will set sail beginning July 17 with five 10-night immersive voyages circumnavigating Iceland’s most dramatically beautiful and fascinating locales. The Luxury Iceland Expedition voyages will sail round-trip from the ship’s homeport of Reykjavík, affording travelers convenient air options, just six hours from New York City, three hours from London and with frequent non-stop flights from many major cities in the U.S. and Europe and will be followed by the 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway from Reykjavík to Tromsø departing September 5, 2021.

MSC Group's luxury cruise arm will be Explora Journeys

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 June 2021 11 June 2021

The MSC Group has announced the company’s entry into the luxury cruise market with the launch of a new brand created for the next generation of discerning luxury travellers: Explora Journeys. Built by Fincantieri, the first of four luxury ships will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025 and 2026. "Each will utilise the latest in cutting-edge maritime technology to provide journeys of discovery through destinations on and off the beaten path. Guests will be hosted on a ship like no other, with the highest level of service and amenities," the company said in a statement.

“Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division. “Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury.”

Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy striking views at sea and in port from their floor to ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 square metres which is among the most spacious for the category in the industry.

Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and seclusion. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 square metres overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.

“Explora Journeys was designed for guests who want to stay longer, leave later, and travel deeper,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “Customer centricity is at the core of everything we do. We’ve commissioned research, organised focus groups, and hosted roundtable discussions with global specialists in luxury to design the perfect ship for our guests. Explora Journeys will bring a new perspective to the travel industry, reinventing the classic cruise experience for the next generation of luxury travellers.”

With the perfect blend of intimate and vibrant spaces, a guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1 ensures anticipatory service at every turn. Tailored to suit personal preferences, flexible dining times at nine distinct restaurants will provide unrivalled variety at sea. Each venue will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. To make sure guests are spoilt for choice, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges will also be available. Relaxation begins the moment a guest steps aboard, not having to reach for their wallet for any additional costs.

Personalisation continues in wellness with a spacious indoor/ outdoor spa and fitness area on board. From treatment rooms to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes to personal training appointments, tailor-made programmes make staying well while on holiday easy and enjoyable. Bespoke wellness experiences in each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation easily accessible onboard and ashore.

Guided by the sea

In partnership with Fincantieri, Explora Journeys is building ships for tomorrow, utilising the latest in environmental-supporting technologies, while being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available. The design incorporates provision for battery storage allowing future hybrid power generation, as well as the latest selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, enabling a reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 90%. Built with ship-to-shore power capabilities to avoid CO2 emissions while at berth and powered by marine gas oil, all four ships will be RINA DOLPHIN certified for reduced underwater noise. Single-use plastics will not be used onboard the ship, nor will they be offered during land-based experiences, as Explora Journeys is focused on leaving a positive impression on the places and people visited.

“The MSC Family knows the sea like few others, and with that knowledge comes passion, love and most of all, a deep respect,” continued Pierfrancesco Vago. “Our ships will utilise state of the art technology to ensure we are leading the movement towards a more sustainable future. Together with our partners, we’re currently developing ground-breaking technologies that will elevate the status quo, not just for this generation but also beyond.”

With journeys starting at 7 nights, a best-in-class guest experience will ensure relaxed mornings and exciting evenings. Non-conventional arrival and departure times combined with overnight stays will allow Explora Journeys to offer guests exclusive access to once in a lifetime experiences. With ships that travel far north and south of the equator, itineraries in the inaugural collection will offer the ideal blend of celebrated destinations such as Saint Tropez, Bordeaux and Reykjavik, and hidden gems such as Kastellorizo, Bozcaada and the Lofoten Islands. Explora Journeys will bring guests to lesser-travelled harbours to enjoy a more authentic experience and a slower pace of travel.

A symbolic emblem

Inspired by the mandala, the Explora Journeys logo was designed by Alexa Aponte-Vago, CFO of the MSC Group, daughter of founder Gianluigi Aponte and wife of Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. With roots in spirituality, the pattern represents a journey of personal discovery and fulfilment. Illustrations of the lotus flower symbolise purity of body, speech, and mind, while a nod to the fleur-de-lis represents humility and a connection to European heritage. A sophisticated typeface alludes to the subtle curves of the sea.

Building a ship like no other

Yesterday morning, Explora Journeys hosted a steel cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. A long held maritime tradition, this moment celebrates the commencement of the building process for the first ship from Explora Journeys, Explora I, which is scheduled to set sail in 2023. Mr. Vago and Mr. Ungerer were both in attendance, alongside representatives from Fincantieri’s management team.

Royal Caribbean International announces U.S. comeback for summer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 05 June 2021 05 June 2021

Royal Caribbean International has announced that six of its ships will begin sailing from major U.S. cruise ports in Florida and Texas in July and August. The cruise line’s comeback will kick off on July 2 in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, with Freedom of the Seas* embarking on a special Fourth of July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay. By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising once again across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.

On the heels of the first cruise in Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated return to the U.S. will be the debut of the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas on July 3. The ship will set sail from Fort Lauderdale on new 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, to soon be followed by Allure, Symphony, Independence and Mariner of the Seas. In the coming weeks, the cruise line will announce its plans to reintroduce its full fleet around the globe by year’s end. The 2021 summer cruises are available to book today.

“This is it. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone. I would like to sincerely thank our guests and travel partners for their incredible patience and understanding during this very difficult period. Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated. As of today, 90% of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We also thank Governor DeSantis of Florida, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Broward County Mayor Steve Geller and Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority board Wayne Justice and board commissioners for their steadfast support of our industry and for providing access to vaccines to the thousands of crew on our ships off the eastern seaboard. This act of understanding and humanity has been deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for their support, which is enabling the health and safety of our guests, crew members and the communities we visit.”

Royal Caribbean’s newly revealed cruise vacations offer a range of itineraries that vary in length and destination, ease and flexibility in booking, and convenient departure ports across the U.S. Whether departing Florida on two of the world’s largest cruise ships, cruising from Texas to discover the best of the western Caribbean or venturing out to cooler temps to explore the wilds of Alaska, there is something for everyone.

Royal Caribbean’s full summer lineup:

– Freedom of the Seas – 3- and 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Miami, starting July 2
– Odyssey of the Seas – 6- and 8-night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, starting July 3
– Serenade of the Seas – 7-night Alaska sailings from Seattle, starting July 19
– Allure of the Seas – 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 8
– Ovation of the Seas – 7-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, starting Aug. 13
– Symphony of the Seas – 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, starting Aug. 14
– Independence of the Seas – 7-night Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, Texas, starting Aug. 15
– Mariner of the Seas – 3- and 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay sailings from Port Canaveral, starting Aug. 23

The expanded summer lineup will go beyond the U.S. to include international ports across the Atlantic, like Barcelona and Rome, when Harmony of the Seas returns to Europe. Starting Aug. 15, the Oasis Class ship will set sail on 7-night itineraries to the Western Mediterranean and visit iconic destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Provence, France.

The new U.S and Europe cruises extend Royal Caribbean’s previously announced plans to return to sailing, which include Adventure of the Seas departing from The Bahamas on June 12 as well as Anthem of the Seas sailing out of the U.K. and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus in July.

Sales open for MSC World Europa

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 03 June 2021 03 June 2021

Sales opened on May 31 for MSC Cruises’ most innovative and environmentally advanced vessel to date, MSC World Europa. The first in a new class of ships - the MSC World Class, this next-generation ship introduces to the market a completely new platform that boasts future-proof marine and on board hospitality technologies as well as ground-breaking and ultramodern design all-around.

MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago commented, “Quite unlike anything else at sea today, MSC World Europa and the entire MSC World Class redefines the cruise experience in so many ways: from the future-proof on board technologies that this completely new platform introduces for the first time all the way to its ground-breaking marine and interior design features. Put it simply, MSC World Europa marks the beginning of a new era for cruising.

“At MSC Cruises innovation will and has always been at the heart of our business, driving how with each new class of ships we reimagine the guest experience, the operations as well as every single aspect of the technology that brings it all together. Whether it is the new advanced air filters that will be introduced here or the vessel’s iconic and never seen before Y-shape design, MSC World Europa is all about the future.

At MSC Cruises we have a strong, clear vision for the future and we combine that with our own timeless style. MSC World Europa embodies this perfectly - bringing together future-proof technologies, globally inspired urban design and our signature European flair to give our guests a next-level cruise experience.”

“Just as important, we want to provide our guests not only with a truly unique and memorable holiday but also a sustainable one, so this is an intrinsic part of our innovation program. This is why MSC World Europa, our first LNG ship and our most environmentally advanced yet, signifies another important step forward for us in terms of our long-term vision for zero emissions.”

Guests will find numerous reasons to book MSC World Europa, but here are four of the top highlights.

"Urban metropolis at sea"

As a brand-new prototype, the MSC World class ships have enabled MSC Cruises architects to create so much more than just new features, and instead guests will find a veritable world of different experiences – an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea. The size of the ship allows for completely distinct districts, each with their own mood and experiences, from a tranquil adults-only zen district to the lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, to a separate family district that houses as many as ten new kids facilities. The result is a vibrant cosmopolitan melting pot, for a varied and exciting guest experience that is unlike any other at sea today.

Indoor promenade

Among the many leisure activities on board, guests will be faced with choosing which of the new single-brand shops to visit first and how to divide their time between the incredible variety of six pools and 14 hot tubs. A family sundeck will offer the littlest ones a chance to enjoy a day at sea, while an Aquapark with integrated virtual reality technology will entertain both children and every adult’s inner child in equal measure. Guests can also expect the same high quality, full-scale production theater shows that they have come to expect from MSC Cruises, as well as new and exciting, immersive performance venues.

Elevated dining experience

MSC World Europa also features next-level dining, not limited to geographical boundaries, but based around seasonality and carefully curated immersive experiences. There will be a strong focus on artisanal and craft products, particularly in the variety of bars and lounges, as well as new exceptional gourmet dining concepts.

The ship will feature 13 dining venues, including an incredible six specialty restaurants. The new prototype offers a blank canvas with the opportunity to introduce brand-new concepts and immersive experiences, based around creative expression and offering an unexpected, interactive experience. The two entirely new locations include the trendy Chef’s Garden Kitchen focusing on flavorful microgreens and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. Fan favorites will also return with enhancements, including the classic American-style steakhouse Butcher’s Cut and Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, as well as the newly launched Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina. Guests will also have the opportunity to discover not one but three ample restaurant-buffets on board, each offering their distinct ambiance, including a brand-new location open 24/7.

The snack and bar selection will also set itself apart, with numerous soon-to-be-revealed concepts making their debut and familiar faces returning with amplified offerings, such as the Masters of the Sea Pub, which will be split across two decks and brew craft beer specially on board for the first time. Other concepts will include the Elixir - Mixology Bar with elaborate signature cocktails, a South Asian-style tea room filled with perfumes from the East, an authentic Emporium coffee bar with selections from around the world, a widely stocked Gin Bar inspired by a real distillery, a zesty juice bar made from fresh ingredients, a gelateria with a multitude of flavors to tempt your sweet-tooth, and many more to come!

New cabin categories

MSC World Europa will also offer an extensive range of accommodation options for every taste, with 19 different categories to choose from and 65% of staterooms including balconies. The ship will see the introduction of seven new and innovative stateroom types. These include:

– Balcony suites and staterooms that overlook the promenade designed for guests to soak up the vibrant atmosphere below.
– Luxurious duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with large balconies and private hot tub, as well as open living/dining room area.
– Stylish Aurea Suites with spacious balcony and private hot tub.
– Infinite Ocean view staterooms with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open.
Whether guests seek increased sea views, larger balconies, more spacious staterooms than ever before or other requirements, MSC World Europa offers increased options to meet each of these needs.

Infinite Ocean View cabin with a sliding window

"Future-proof design"

MSC World Europa’s ground-breaking design is based on a new platform and sets her apart. With a striking futuristic silhouette, the ship’s signature 90-degree plumb bow shaped like an arrow will cut through the water with ease. The impressive, never before seen Y-shaped aft opens onto the impressive 341-ft.-long Europa Promenade with breath-taking ocean views. Half open to the sky and half-covered by an imposing LED-sky screen, the screen will feature tailor-made displays throughout the day.

One of the key features of the completely reimagined ship is The Spiral - a striking architectural centerpiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks - the longest at sea! The sleek curves of the impressive stainless-steel slide make it a true work of art as well as a fun way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade.

At 1,093 ft. long, 22 decks high and with 430,556 sq. ft. of public space, MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ longest ship in the fleet, but this space is not just for show. The increased size means that the ship will offer a variety of novel and engaging experiences to be enjoyed by one and all.

MSC Cruises' first LNG-powered vessel

MSC World Europa will be the first LNG-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to-date. The fuel she runs on, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale and is set to play a key role in the transition to the decarbonization of international shipping. It strongly reduces local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides by up to 99 percent and nitrogen oxides by up to 85 percent. LNG also plays a key role in climate change mitigation as it offers CO2 reductions amounting to 25 percent and is paving the way to the uptake of sustainable non-fossil fuels hydrogen and ammonia.

In addition, MSC World Europa will feature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, shore-to-ship power connectivity, advanced wastewater treatment systems designed in line with the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 227(64), underwater radiated noise management system and a wide range of energy efficient equipment that help reduce and optimize engine use.

Inaugural season in the Gulf

MSC Cruises newest ship will come into service on December 2022 and will spend her inaugural season in the Gulf giving guests the ultimate winter cruise experience. Her season will commence with a special 4-night sailing from Doha in Qatar to her new homeport of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

MSC World Europa will offer 7-night cruises from Dubai to the nearby modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, on to Sir Bani Yas Island, where guests will have a chance to discover an exotic array of wildlife or bask in the warm sun on the immaculate beaches, all exclusive to MSC Cruises guests when in port. Her program in the Gulf has been enriched with calls in the port of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, visiting Al Ahsa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ship also calls Doha, the futuristic capital of Qatar, before returning to Dubai with an overnight in the city to discover all the marvels it has to offer.

Departing Dubai on March 25, 2023, MSC World Europa will head to the Mediterranean Sea. In summer 2023, she will offer 7-night cruises calling the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.

Hurtigruten reports bookings exceed pre-pandemic levels by 45%

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 May 2021 28 May 2021

Further evidence has emerged that there is strong pent up demand for cruises as Hurtigruten Group, the Norwegian expedition and coastal express shipping company, said bookings for 2022 are well ahead of those in 2019, before the Covid 19 pandemic, for the following year.

“Across Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s largest expedition cruise company, and Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express, bookings for 2022 are currently 45% ahead of bookings for 2020 as of the same time in 2019,” the company said in a statement.

The Coastal Express service runs along the west coast of Norway between Bergen and Kirkenes, with several ports of call en route. While it is a popular cruise product, its main purpose is to serve the various communities along the coast.

“There is a huge pent-up demand for travel, and we see a substantial and growing demand for authentic adventure travel. After a very challenging year and a half for the entire travel industry, we are extremely excited about our step-by-step return to operations,” said Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam, in the statement.

While bookings for 2022 are already well ahead of the pre-pandemic levels, recent positive news on travel restrictions being lifted and the introduction of vaccine passports to ease international travel has further accelerated bookings over the past 30 days, the company noted.

“Over the years, we have seen a trend that travelers seek out truly unique travel experiences, with an extreme increase in demand for the type of small ships / big experiences adventure travel we offer. But the pandemic has dramatically pushed this development forward,” added Skjeldam.

“Companies offering unique and more sustainable experiences – such as small-ship expedition cruises – are perfectly positioned for a quicker and stronger post-pandemic comeback,” concluded Skjeldam.