Top Headlines

Next-generation Sun Princess to feature exciting new spaces

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 05 February 2023 05 February 2023

Princess! Princess Cruises has revealed a first glimpse of the most contemporary and state-of-the-art designs imaged yet onboard Sun Princess – “The Love Boat” line’s newest, largest and most innovative ship ever built and scheduled to debut in early 2024. With bright designs inspired by rays of sunlight and next-level expanded spaces, guests are in for an extraordinary cruise experience including a showstopping Arena theater and stunning three-deck dining venue – a first for Princess.

“With the construction of any new ship, we have the incredible opportunity to design standout spaces with our guests’ preferences in mind,” said John Padgett. “With the new platform and size of Sun Princess, we’re uniquely able to refresh venues we know our guests love and expand upon, redesign and elevate them to the next level. We know our sun-inspired designs will exceed expectations and elevate the entire Princess experience.”

A first for Princess, the Horizons Dining Room introduces a stunning three-deck dining venue. This newly envisioned space is open and flexible, featuring dining options to suit every mood. Stunning wake views and natural light highlight a decorative sculpture that stretches from deck 6 to deck 8. The three decks will each have their own personalities, offer different dining experiences and range in levels of formality.

Contemporary and versatile, the Princess Arena is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design. Upon entering, guests will be drawn to a stunning visual above the central stage which can become part of the show. A radical ceiling accentuates the Arena’s in-the-round configuration with soft curved walls that allude to the movement of the tide. With moveable seats and capacity of a little more than 1,000 people, three configurations will maximize sight lines, as technological capabilities deliver a truly captivating experience.

Additional signature favorites with new designs and décor scheduled to debut onboard Sun Princess in early 2024, include:

Alfredo’s Pizzeria – This charming favorite that has been named “Best Pizza at Sea” will once again have an open kitchen design, allowing guests to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand and serve them straight out of them oven. New to the kitchen is a professional, open-mouth oven that reaches 968 degrees, allowing chefs to create truly authentic contemporary Neapolitan pizza. Guests will enjoy an authentic experience comparable to one they would receive when traveling to Italy.

Princess Casino – The largest Princess casino in both size and number of gaming positions will be in the Piazza, giving guests easy access to their favorite betting games. The spacious floorplan ensures guest comfort and entertainment, and with over 200 of the newest and most popular slots and video poker games, there is something for everyone.

Crown Grill – A favorite of Princess guests who enjoy a perfectly grilled steak, Crown Grill on Sun Princess takes this iconic space and modernizes it with a classic steakhouse feel weaved with modern touches. Inviting leather booths, circular seating and modern artwork custom designed for this restaurant will welcome guests in for an unforgettable dinner experience. Plus, guests can enjoy views of their food being prepared in the largest show galley on a Princess ship.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria – Serving a modern, casual but elegant Italian dining experience, the newly imagined Sabatini’s will appeal to families with unique handmade pasta courses prepared fresh daily. A crisp, tailored, geometric design that also will feature a pasta room for guests to marvel at the pasta-making process. The restaurant is designed with intimate bistro-style nooks and a dramatic circular main room.

Princess Live! – Combining the design elements of Princess Live! and guest favorite Explorer’s Lounge, guests on Sun Princess will enjoy participatory, signature cruise activities like game shows, trivia and the daily Wake Show. Luxurious textures and materials will be featured on a mixture of comfortable loose and fixed lounge seating with full beverage service, an inviting semi-open façade, and large LED screen on stage. Guests can easily move from Princess Live! to enjoy a meal or cocktail with the close proximity to restaurants and cocktail lounges, bridging a seamless integration of entertainment and bar concepts.

The Shops of Princess – With five retail locations, plus an art gallery, The Shops of Princess get a makeover on Sun Princess and guests can expect the same great experience, just more of it. Modern, elegant boutiques connect fluidly, featuring interactive experiences. Guests can shop easily from space to space featuring Princess logo merchandise, a lifestyle boutique, a new bazaar featuring destination-specific selections, plus jewelry, watches, cosmetics fragrances and a modern art gallery.

Additional spaces with new designs, signage and décor will include Crooner’s, Wheelhouse Bar, International Cafe, Good Spirits and Gelateria.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the largest Princess ship ever (175,500 gross tons) constructed, accommodating 4,300 guests, embraces Italian heritage by featuring a newly designed, brand-iconic Piazza and The Dome, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. While introducing a completely new class of ships for the cruise line, Sun Princess also remains true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics of the cruise line’s famous Seawitch icon and popularized in the original “Love Boat” TV series.

Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion experience that will extend Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional and custom experiences at unmatched scale, offering guests personalized service only previously found on the industry’s smallest ships.

Part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising focus, Sun Princess will be the first Princess ship and one of 11 new vessels in the corporate fleet powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest fossil fuel.

The 2024 Sun Princess inaugural cruise season in the Mediterranean is on sale now.

Photos, from top to bottom: Horizon Dining Room; Arena; Wheelhouse Bar

Hong Kong welcomes first international cruise ship after the pandemic

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 20 January 2023 20 January 2023

Hong Kong is back in cruise itineraries again. Hong Kong welcomed the first international cruise after a three-year hiatus, with the arrival of Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit at Ocean Terminal on 18 January, marking an auspicious beginning for the local cruise scene in 2023 as Hong Kong is all ready to welcome international cruise passengers with a slate of new offerings. As a gesture of seeing off Silver Spirit on 19 January, Silver Spirit was sent off with the city's nightly spectacular light and sound show across Victoria Harbour – A Symphony of Lights, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the passengers.

Among the first to enjoy Hong Kong’s innovative shore excursion itineraries packed with ever-evolving experiences, the Silver Spirit guests were treated to Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture, culinary delights and authentic street food, inspirational visits to museums and art galleries, with top-notch hospitality from friendly locals.

They visited various attractions such as the West Kowloon Cultural District and Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Peak riding on the brand-new Peak Tram, admiring the city’s renowned skyline and took a guided stroll in the oldest yet most dynamic district, Old Town Central.

The Silver Spirit is the first of many more international cruises to return to Hong Kong in 2023 and beyond, as cruising in Hong Kong is on full steam to surge ahead again.

Adam Radwanski, Managing Director Asia Pacific, Silversea Cruises, was thankful for Hong Kong’s support in arranging the return of the cruise, and addressed that Silversea remains committed to the region, “Cruising in Asia could not be completed and fully satisfying without calling Hong Kong. It would probably be one of the most anticipated sailings in the region for us. Throughout 2023, Silversea is going to offer another 7 voyages that will return to Hong Kong.”

Silversea unveils all Silver Nova venues

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 10 January 2023 10 January 2023

Silversea Cruises has revealed full details on the public venues aboard its new ship Silver Nova, including the largest array of bars, lounges, and restaurants of any ultra-luxury cruise ship. As well as being one of the most environmentally conscious ships ever built, Silver Nova will offer guests the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury as one of the world’s most spacious ships. The 728-guest Silver Nova will host 10 bars and lounges, eight distinct restaurants, and an array of additional public venues when she launches in August 2023. Silversea will enhance Silver Nova with a new design approach in a first for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line: guests will benefit from an asymmetrical design, as well as a horizontal layout, which will heighten the ship’s sense of spaciousness and provide a natural flow between venues on entire decks.

“In addition to her pioneering sustainability credentials, Silver Nova will unlock a new luxury experience for our guests, offering an industry-leading variety of bars, lounges, and restaurants with an entirely new design approach for Silversea,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Silver Nova represents a milestone in our strategy to build the perfect ship for every itinerary, with her array of venues enhancing the guest experience to a new level. Pushing boundaries in ultra-luxury travel, she will enrich the social aspect of cruising to unprecedented levels, fostering the strong sense of community that is core to life on board each Silversea ship. Her openness to the destinations she visits will offer guests a new way of connecting with the world.”

Range of venues

As well as incorporating Silversea’s signature venues with enhanced designs, Silver Nova will introduce all-new public areas – positioned mainly on decks three, four and five, as well as outside on deck 10. The ship’s horizontal layout allows for a stronger connection between settings, with an enhanced guest experience that flows throughout the ship and evolves with each venue according to the time of day. Silver Nova’s public spaces include:

The Dolce Vita Lounge
Silversea’s signature pre- and post-dinner drinks venue, the Dolce Vita lounge will represent the heart of Silver Nova—located on deck five with capacity for up to 120 guests. Open from early in the morning until late in the evening, Dolce Vita will provide an elegant setting throughout the day, welcoming guests for leisurely drinks and enrichment activities, before transforming into a sophisticated piano bar by night. A feature bar will sit centrally within the 370.5m2 (3,988ft2) space, complemented by a performance area, and ample seating.

The Venetian Lounge
Silver Nova’s two-storied Venetian Lounge will have capacity for 370 guests on decks four and five, with a 550m2 (5,920ft2) lower level and an the upper tier of 190m2 (2,045ft2). The home of Silver Nova’s enrichment and entertainment offering, the Venetian Lounge will host live theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, and events of an evening, as well as informative lectures and seminars during the daytime. The venue will incorporate state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including a large HD screen; cabaret-style seating with small tables; and balconies for an intimate viewing experience.

The Shelter
A brand new venue for Silversea, the Shelter will be a sophisticated evening-only bar, accommodating just 32 guests in a chic setting of 131m2 (1,410ft2). Set adjacent to Atlantide and S.A.L.T.® Kitchen on deck three, the Shelter will welcome guests for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails. The venue’s elegant interiors will employ a neutral color palette, illuminated by tasteful lighting. The Shelter’s striking bar will include a wrap-around bottle display with integrated strips of lighting for a modern aesthetic. Forming a harmonious connection with Silver Nova’s other nightlife venues, the Shelter will entertain guests with an open feel.

The Connoisseur’s Corner
Offering guests a selection of premium cigars and liquors on deck five, Silver Nova’s 61.5m2 (662ft2) Connoisseur’s Corner will benefit from a new layout with a capacity of 35, featuring a larger, modern interior space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor area. With comfortable Chesterfield armchairs, the Connoisseur’s Corner will have the exclusive look and feel of a private member’s club.

The Observation Lounge
Offering guests panoramic, 270-degree views over the destination from deck 10, the Observation Lounge will provide a vantage point from the top of Silver Nova, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothing color palette that is inspired by the sea. Enlarged to 256.5m2 (2,761ft2), the venue will accommodate up to 115 guests from early in the morning until late at night. The lounge will house Silver Nova’s library, offering travelers an intimate space in which to relax with a book.

The Panorama Lounge
A peaceful lounge by day and a lively bar by night, Silver Nova’s Panorama Lounge will accommodate up to 190 guests, sprawling over 547m2 (5,888ft2) on deck five. Large windows that surround the space’s interiors give way to 221m2 (2,379ft2) of outdoor space, from which guests will enjoy 270-degree views over the destination from the ship’s aft. Aboard Silver Nova, the Panorama Lounge will feature a new layout when compared to Silversea’s Muse-class ships, as well as a new design and color palette.

S.A.L.T. Bar
The S.A.L.T. Bar will enjoy from a premium position aboard Silver Nova when compared to Silversea’s previous class of ships, relocated to deck 10. More spacious than ever, with capacity for 42 guests and an area of 170.8m2 (1,838.5ft2), the evening venue will be enriched with a larger bar area, as well as far-reaching views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a new outdoor area. The S.A.L.T. Bar will serve regionally inspired drinks in warm, elegant interiors, with a dark color palette and comfortable armchairs for an intimate atmosphere.

S.A.L.T. Lab
Also relocated to deck 10 for a prime view on the destination and with a new outdoor area, the S.A.L.T. Lab will be greatly enhanced aboard Silver Nova with a fresh layout—enlarged to approximately 112.4m2 (1,209.9ft2) and accommodating 28 guests. The test kitchen will enable guests to travel deeper into each sailed region through the lens of food and drink, providing the opportunity to get hands on with regional ingredients under the guidance of local food experts and Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Host. Enjoying the same bright, elegant interior design as on previous ships, the S.A.L.T. Lab will comprise cooking stations and a larger, redesigned central workstation aboard Silver Nova – at which participating guests will be able to sit to view demonstrations.

Otium Spa
The Otium Spa will be relocated when compared to Silver Dawn, positioned towards Silver Nova’s bow on deck five with a more spacious interior. Open throughout the day as the home of Silversea’s Roman-inspired Otium wellness program, the 338m2 (3,638.2ft2) space will incorporate an indoor swimming pool; spa, with eight treatment rooms and a tranquil relaxation area; fitness center; and beauty salon. Inspired by the design of Ancient Roman baths, the Otium Spa will have an open, welcoming feel, in which guests’ wellness journeys will flow seamlessly between interconnecting areas. The thermal area will be larger than ever, with a steam room; sauna; and pool, complete with travertine water fountain and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft lighting and natural stones, including hints of red marble, will create an elegant, relaxing setting.

Eight enhanced restaurants

Silver Nova will offer guests the choice of eight signature restaurants, with unparalleled variety – from spacious, open-seated venues to intimate dining options, serving a diverse range of high-quality fare. Decks three, four, and five will accommodate Silver Nova’s indoor restaurants – La Terrazza, Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame, Silver Note®, and Kaiseki – while the Marquee on deck 10 will house her two outdoor dining options, Spaccanapoli and the Grill.

In addition to eight restaurants, Silver Nova will welcome up to 70 guests in the vibrant Arts Café. Silver Nova’s additional public spaces will include a three-storied atrium, casino, and two-storied boutique; as well as two outdoor bars, the Pool Bar and the Dusk Bar, which will host guests on deck 10.

Silver Nova will accommodate guests in 364 spacious suites across 13 categories – the most suite categories in Silversea’s history – including a new generation of premium suites on the ship’s aft.

As well as introducing a new design approach for the industry’s leading cruise line with her asymmetrical structure and horizontal layout, Silver Nova will push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering sustainability credentials. She is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilizes fuel cells, emitting zero local emissions while in port – an industry first.

Photos: The Observation Lounge, The Venetian Lounge and Arts Cafe

Valletta Cruise Port celebrates 20th anniversary

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 31 December 2022 31 December 2022

Valletta Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding plc and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port plc said: “I am so proud to have been part of this company since inception and to have led it over the past eight years. It has been an eventful journey with plenty of milestones along the way. The early days allowed us to return a formerly neglected historical site to its majestic state, such as Grand Master Pinto himself intended back in 1752. There is a success story to tell also on the cruise operations side with year-on-year growth, with the large majority of cruise companies now being regular callers to our islands. We have gradually increased our passenger movements from 260,000 to over 900,000 in 2019, and we are now strategically placed as one of the top Mediterranean ports-of-call, and a flourishing homeport. Valletta Cruise Port has carved a name for itself in the industry, and this is thanks to the support and commitment of all stakeholders. Special thanks go to the Directors, Shareholders: Global Ports Holding, AX Group and Excelsior Hotel Floriana, management and staff – past and present, and all our industry partners and stakeholders who are all part of this success.”

As part of the celebrations Valletta Cruise Port held a party within the historic Magazino Hall with various stakeholders in attendance.

During the event, 19 staff members who have provided 10, 15 and 20 years of service to the company received a gift in appreciation of their loyalty and commitment.

Guests were treated to a photography exhibition by Davide Degano, showcasing photos of the Valletta Cruise Project, in what was formerly the engine room of the first Power House in Malta, opened exclusively for the evening. The photos are a prelude to an upcoming publication that will showcase Valletta Cruise Port’s milestones and achievements through photography and anecdotes

Attendees also received a numbered and individually signed print of a commissioned painting of the Valletta Waterfront by local artist Jacqueline Agius. As a key Maltese destination, the award-winning Valletta Waterfront destination remains true to Valletta Cruise Port’s original mission statement, that of “being a prime leisure and entertainment destination by portraying an image of excellence throughout every aspect of the project”.

Arvia arrives first time in Southampton

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 19 December 2022 19 December 2022

P&O Cruises new ship, Arvia, arrived into its home port of Southampton for the first time yesterday ahead of her maiden voyage on Friday.

At 185,000 tonnes, 345m in length with 16 guest decks and setting new ground for guest experience, Arvia is P&O Cruises second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry's most advanced fuel technology.

Arvia is an innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays.

The ship boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks, and will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool. It will also offer guests several new dining options such as Green & Co feat. Mizuhana, Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.