Carnival Jubilee has officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet
Carnival Cruise Line welcomed Carnival Jubilee into it’s fleet today. She is the third ship in its award-winning Excel-class, during a delivery event with ship builder Meyer Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany. As the 26th Fun Ship in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Jubilee begins its journey to Galveston, Tex. where it will bring added capacity and offer an exciting mix of new entertainment, dining and fun to one of the cruise line’s most popular homeports.
Carnival Jubilee Officially Joins The Carnival Fleet
Carnival President Christine Duffy, alongside Ben Clement, Carnival’s SVP of New Builds, Refurbishments & Product Innovation, and the ship’s senior officers, joined Meyer Werft Managing Director Jan Meyer, to welcome Carnival Jubilee, the first Carnival ship to be built in Papenburg, Germany. Once in Texas, Carnival Jubilee and her team will welcome guests for the first time on Dec. 23. The ship will sail from Galveston year-round on week-long Western Caribbean voyages.
“Carnival Jubilee is the fifth additional ship we’ve welcomed into our fleet since 2021 and an integral part of our growth strategy. This ship will bring our most dynamic offering of fun to one of our most popular homeports and will be a great addition to our plans to remain the number one cruise line in Galveston,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “From the thrill of the roller coaster, BOLT, to a piece of paradise at the Serenity retreat, and so much more, we’re delivering a new level of fun for our guests sailing from Galveston that will complement our current and upcoming operations there.”
Carnival’s Expanding Fleet Of Modern Ships
Carnival Jubiliee will be the third Carnival ship to feature BOLT – The Ultimate Sea Coaster
Carnival Jubilee ushers in a significant expansion of capacity from Galveston, one of Carnival’s top homeports. Carnival was the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston in 2001, and the new ship with a Texas star on its bow is a Texas-sized symbol of the cruise line’s loyal and intense following by guests and travel advisors in the region. Carnival Jubilee will join Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream at the port as part of a four-ship deployment plan that will be complete when Carnival Miracle repositions to Galveston in October 2024.
Over the past month, Carnival Jubilee’s captain and senior officers have led the final trials to test the ship’s seaworthiness, completing many technical and nautical operations ahead of its transatlantic voyage and arrival to Galveston on Dec. 20. The 183,000 gross-ton ship can accommodate approximately 6,400 guests at full capacity, plus 1,750 crew.
The ship is Carnival’s third to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, the first cruise ship to run on LNG from Galveston and will operate out of Terminal 25 at the Port of Galveston which underwent a recent $53 million investment to accommodate the ship and provide an enhanced guest experience.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Margaritaville at Sea has announced an entirely new way to float into island time aboard their new flagship vessel, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. Starting June 14, 2024, the fully-reimagined ship will sail four- and five-night cruises with sun-soaked stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso, expanding the growing cruise line’s itinerary availability to the Gulf of Mexico along with entertainment-packed sea days designed to fully immerse guests in the Margaritaville state of mind. Guests can reserve 2024 sailings online starting today and take advantage of exclusive preview incentives available for a limited time.
“Since we launched our first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, last year, we’ve been working to expand what our guests have been asking for: more amazing views, longer itineraries, and new ports of call,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “The addition of the Islander is an exciting moment for Margaritaville at Sea and marks the next chapter of growth for our business.” Christopher continued, “We are also pleased to add Tampa as a new homeport – the perfect location to provide access to our adventurous new itineraries in and around the Gulf of Mexico.”
Coming To Port Tampa Bay
“We’re honored Margaritaville at Sea has chosen Port Tampa Bay to homeport this new addition to their fleet and we welcome them to the Gulf Coast,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “Our port’s cruise terminals are easy to navigate and provide a variety of unique and interesting activities just steps from the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The ship will be a great addition to our portfolio of cruise lines and a fantastic new option for cruisers from Florida’s west coast.”
Margaritaville at Sea Islander
The Margaritaville at Sea Islander spans 12 passenger decks accommodating 2,650 adventure-seeking passengers. Currently undergoing an extensive transformation, Margaritaville at Sea will fully redesign all 1,100 staterooms with custom styling reminiscent of the sand, sea and sky and all new furnishings including Margaritaville’s signature bedding, pillows, and linens. With more than 700 Breezy Balcony staterooms, Grand Terrace Suites, luxurious Corner Suites, and ultra-exclusive Islander suites, couples, families, and friends alike can chase the sunset from their spacious balconies with endless gulf breezes.
Elevated Fun and Signature Margaritaville Experiences
The ship will feature a soaring 14-story atrium with a unique nautical Margaritaville flip flop and a lively atrium bar with three awe-inspiring multi-story floating margarita glass chandeliers. Exclusive innovations like the only three-story poolside LandShark Bar at Sea and a Margaritaville-inspired cornhole and mini-golf course alongside new family-friendly spaces like the Caribbean Amphibian Splash and Slide and signature favorites like JWB Prime Steakhouse and Rita’s Taco House will make sailing aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander a journey of discovery.
The more than 250,000 guests who have sailed aboard the Palm Beach-based Margaritaville at Sea Paradise will find several familiar favorites, including Paradise Pickleball at Sea, Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria, Margaritaville Coffee Shop, and Cheeseburger in Paradise, surrounded by unforgettable new spaces and experiences to explore.
Sailing Begin June 14, 2024 from Port Tampa Bay
“We are excited to expand our cruise line with the launch of Margaritaville at Sea Islander as our flagship vessel,” said John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville Holdings. “The addition of this ship will allow our guests to visit more island destinations and, while at sea, enjoy a broader and more elevated range of fun and signature Margaritaville onboard experiences.”
Margaritaville at Sea Islander’s first available sailing will be June 14, 2024 on a 4-night itinerary from Port Tampa Bay, Florida featuring a stop in Cozumel, Mexico and two sea days.
Get To Know Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea brings Margaritaville’s iconic hospitality to the open ocean for a floating offshore vacation experience. The cruise line’s maiden vessel, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, carries guests from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, on two- and three-night sailings to the Bahamas, while the all-new Margaritaville at Sea Islander sets sail June 2024 on four- and five-night itineraries with stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso.
On board, guests can relax and unwind in casual-luxe comfort, featuring a range of suites, balconies, ocean view and interior staterooms dressed in nautical details and colors inspired by the sea, sand, and sky.
Among the passenger decks, guests can enjoy endless entertainment and several dining venues, while unique bars and lounges provide non-stop excitement. With the addition of the Islander, guests will have even more choices for a Margaritaville at Sea vacation or getaway with a range of itineraries from two to five nights and four exciting ports of call.
Accompanied by Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney and Scenic Group Managing Director for the US Ken Muskat, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) President and CEO Kelly Craighead christened Emerald Cruises’ newest, warm water luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, in front of an esteemed audience in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 2.
In the Pier 4 East terminal, all decked out for the occasion and with music provided by a local cultural band, speeches were made by Glen Moroney; Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico; Crystal J. Bell, Air & Cruise Director of Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Christian Trinidad De Jesus, Deputy Executive Director of Puerto Rico Ports Authority; and godmother Kelly Craighead. In attendance were Captain Rob O’Leary, captain of Emerald Sakara, local travel advisors and US trade partners, embarking guests and media from around the world. Kelly Craighead christened Emerald Sakara with a traditional champagne bottle breaking ceremony, followed by an exciting surprise for all in attendance— flyboarders emerged from behind the yacht, providing a celebratory finish to the ceremony.
Emerald Sakura Christening 2023
“We are a pretty unique entity in the cruise industry when it comes to both our river and ocean luxury ships,” offered Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group. “We are intimately involved with every aspect of the build process—coming up with the concept, doing the design, overseeing the engineering, then building the ships including all interior design in house then employing all of the crew members directly. Having Kelly as the godmother of our newest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, follows that same thought process as she embodies a similar can-do attitude and history, and her leadership and guidance with CLIA over the recent challenging years for the industry is inspirational.”
Yacht Cruising – The Emerald Cruises Experience
Yacht Cruising with The Emerald Cruise Experience
As President and CEO of CLIA, Kelly Craighead represents a broad and growing community of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, as well as a network of more than 75,000 CLIA Travel Trade Members and stakeholders. She joined CLIA in 2019, bringing a deep knowledge of public policy and how governments around the world work. Under Craighead’s leadership, CLIA has honed its focus on leveraging its diverse community to advocate for a sustainable cruise industry. During the multi-year pandemic, Craighead and the CLIA team worked tirelessly to help ensure the long-term viability of cruising and the ability to safely return to operations in line with other travel sectors. In 2023, the cruise industry is projected to carry 31.5 million passengers – surpassing historically strong 2019 levels.
“The dedication of Emerald Sakara was extraordinary, and I am honored to be an ambassador for the entire CLIA team in the esteemed maritime tradition of godmother,” said Kelly Craighead, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association. “The stunning luxury of Emerald Sakara, complemented by Emerald Cruises’ commitment to environmentally responsible tourism, exemplifies CLIA’s advocacy for sustainable tourism and preservation of cruise destinations around the world for future generations. Thank you to Emerald Cruises for this very special recognition.”
The luxury yacht carries 100 guests in 50 deluxe staterooms and suites ranging from 185 to 1,185 square feet—with 44 featuring large walk-out balconies. The open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds ideal for relaxing and enjoying a cocktail from the nearby Aqua Café. A wellness deck complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym allows guests to keep focused on their health goals, while the top deck Sky Bar offers the ideal spot to watch the sun set. Located off the yacht’s stern, a marina platform boasts water toys galore—kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs and a giant trampoline available to guests when the platform is deployed. The extra-spacious La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings. Finally, with 76 crew members onboard, guests can count on receiving attentive, personalized service.
Along with its many amenities, Emerald Sakara employs some of the industry’s latest technology, as Scenic Group’s commitment to environmental safeguards and travel sustainability is unwavering. Engines meet IMO tier III emission regulations, including the removal of NOx and SOx from exhaust gases; recycled energy is used to heat water for the yacht’s needs; and advanced sewage treatment complies with the latest regulations. The company has earned a Green Passport from the EU for its recycling efforts.
Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises across four continents. On the world’s rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Their first 100-guest, luxury ocean yacht, Emerald Azzurra, debuted in March 2022, and twin sister-yacht Emerald Sakara launched in August 2023. Both yachts sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red and Caribbean Seas and the Indian Ocean.
The brand offers innovatively-designed ships, outstanding service and a focus on active shore excursions and wellness through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program. Emerald Cruises was recognized in the 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as a favorite river cruise line and voted the #1 small ship cruise line for their fleet of luxury ocean yachts.
Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours, and Evergreen Tours in Australia. Emerald Cruises can be found on Twitter as @emerald_cruises, on Facebook as EmeraldCruisesGlobal and on Instagram as @EmeraldCruises.global.
Additional information can be found by contacting a travel advisor; on Emerald Cruises’ website, www.emeraldcruises.com; or by calling the consumer/travel agent reservations line at 844-428-8389. Digital brochure downloads are available on the website.
The holiday season is off to a roaring start for Princess Cruises as the brand experienced its most prolific sales period ever for the week of Thanksgiving including Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Nov. 20-27). Princess kicked off the Black Friday promotion early to give guests the best opportunity to take advantage of the great savings on the tremendous selection of cruises all over the world.
“The extraordinary, all-inclusive appeal of a Princess cruise is something that is clearly very attractive to consumers, as is the exceptional value it offers compared to land-based vacations,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
Guests were able to take full advantage of the Black Friday promotion to book across the full spectrum of the 330 destinations Princess sails, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada/New England and others.
Guests also capitalized on the benefits of all-inclusive packages Princess Plus and Princess Premier which offer significant savings of up to 65% on a wide array of sought-after onboard amenities, such as gratuities, WiFi, beverages, and much more.
“The response has been remarkable and smart shoppers were able to reserve voyages at attractive prices and lock into preferred dates and accommodations they want in 2024 and 2025,” Padgett added.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com
Queen Anne. The Next in a Fine Line. Cunard announces the name of the new ship joining a world-renowned fleet.
Cunard has reported its highest ever number of guest bookings over the Black Friday period.
The luxury cruise line has seen strong booking momentum across 2024 and 2025 sailings, with Queen Anne’s European itineraries proving to be particularly popular with guests.
Black Friday Period Bookings
Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “Following a record start to the year with our strongest Wave campaign in ten years, we have seen unparalleled bookings during the latest Black Friday period. It’s fantastic to see momentum for our newest ship Queen Anne gathering pace, and these results are testament to the enduring appeal of Cunard’s commitment to unrivalled luxury, unique White Star Service, and unforgettable holiday experiences.
“We look forward to a bumper start to 2024 with ever-increasing demand for Queen Anne as we approach the final countdown to her maiden voyage in May.”
For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com.
Celebrity Cruises today introduced the world to its newest cruise ship – Celebrity Ascent – in a special naming ceremony. Headlining the festivities were her inspiring co-Godmothers, Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo TV’s hit franchise, Below Deck, and her sister Michelle Dunham, Founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism, who officially named the ship in true maritime tradition with the breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull.
They were joined by Greek brothers Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and Captain Tasos Kafetzis, who will take the helm of the new ship, after being named Co-Captains of Celebrity Ascent, a first for the brand and the industry.
The ceremony was fitting for a ship that shatters preconceived notions of cruising with its forward-thinking design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers; culinary excellence from Michelin starred chefs; expansive onboard entertainment and more.
Kicking off its inaugural Caribbean season, Ascent will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale on Dec. 3 and travel on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, visiting such popular destinations as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic.
“With each new ship, our ambition is to debut the ultimate vacation experience and Celebrity Ascent achieves this by raising the bar for premium travel,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Her elevated design and new onboard experiences set her apart from competitors and serve as a new benchmark for the travel industry.”
Celebrity Cruises Officially Names the Highly Anticipated Celebrity Ascent
“Celebrity Ascent has been designed to feed our guests travel wanderlust and provide unique experiences they will covet and love,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President at Celebrity Cruises. “Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle, co-Godmothering Celebrity Ascent, add another, and more personal dimension, to this already extraordinary ship. Their connection, combined with the brotherly bond of the ship’s captains, exemplifies the sense of welcome and warm hospitality we strive for on every cruise.”
Vacation Experience Highlights
Celebrity Ascent joins a series of ships without comparison and is a sister ship to Celebrity Beyond which debuted to great acclaim last year. Distinctive ship features and new experiences include:
The Retreat, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests, highlighted by a two-story sundeck;
Accommodations for modern tastes from modern two-story villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living;
An expanded Rooftop Garden and stunning Resort Deck featuring unique cantilevered float pools;
A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar at the ship’s aft;
An expanded onboard entertainment program featuring a transformative nightlife experience on the Resort Deck, six new live productions, interactive gaming experiences, and live music from bow to stern;
A redesigned casino floor and brand-new games;
A new outdoor dining terrace at Blu, the brand’s clean cuisine restaurant, available for al fresco daytime dining;
An exclusive culinary experience in Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud;
And, the return of the Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.
Following Celebrity Ascent‘s maiden voyage, she will offer a variety of alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations through late April, when she then heads to the Mediterranean for sailings from Barcelona and Rome. Vacation sailing options include:
Princess Cruises is pitching another exciting enhancement to its food and beverage portfolio with a new partnership with legendary Hall of Fame pitcher and legendary rancher, Nolan Ryan. Guests aboard Regal Princess sailing out of Galveston can now enjoy Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Angus beef, premium Black-Angus beef graded at the top end of USDA Choice and above; high-quality marbling, tenderness, and natural flavors make the steaks a remarkable eating experience.
Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Angus beef
As a true rancher, Ryan has set high standards for his beef program that prioritize the wellness of the cattle and the land, and that quality beef is now available in Crown Grill, the ship’s award-winning steakhouse, as well as in the ship’s main dining rooms.
One of the most decorated baseball players in history, Mr. Ryan’s Hall-of-Fame career spanned four decades and saw him own the record for most strikeouts – a record he holds to this day. A true icon on and off the field, Nolan was awarded the prestigious Golden Spur award for his decades of commitment and contributions to the livestock and ranching Industries.
“We are honored to welcome a true sports and ranching legend, Nolan Ryan, into our Princess Cruises family,” said Sami Cohen, Vice President Food and Beverage for Princess Cruises. “Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Angus beef represents a distinctive, all-American addition to our Food and Beverage portfolio, and we are excited to offer our guests a taste of his passion and expertise.”
Ryan also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
“This is a great opportunity to bring an incredible eating experience and the Texas ranching spirit to Princess Cruises’ guests, and we are honored to serve them for years to come,” said Ryan.
An iconic figure in the world of sports, Ryan is the only player in Major League history to have his uniform retired by three esteemed teams—the California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. His incredible baseball journey, spanning from 1966 to 1993, saw him setting or breaking an astounding 51 Major League records.
Regal Princess Arrives in Galveston, Texas, for Inaugural Season
The addition of the Goodstock by Nolan Ryan portfolio further solidifies Princess Cruises’ commitment to providing outstanding culinary experiences for its guests and follows a recent announcement of Princess joining forces with Dario Cecchini, the world’s most famous butcher, to deliver the new specialty impromptu bistro, The Butchers Block by Dario, onboard the next-generation Sun Princess, debuting in February 2024
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has welcomed Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the award-winning Prima class, back to Miami following a celebratory voyage.
The cruise line officially christened its newest ship in Miami on Nov. 28, 2023 with exclusive performances and festivities.
To christen Norwegian Viva in Miami is incredibly special to many of us at NCL, not only because Miami is our hometown, but also because we can share this moment with our local family and friends,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Launching a ship is no solo endeavor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards the entire NCL team, our partners and especially our amazing crew who have contributed to bringing Norwegian Viva to life and who care for and deliver exceptional vacation experiences for our guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line President, David J. Herrera, in Miami to officially name and christen the second ship in the groundbreaking Prima Class on November 28, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line)
Following Norwegian Viva’s debut this past August and its inaugural summer season of European voyages, over 1,500 guests joined the christening ceremony held in the Company’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami. The Prima Class is committed to breaking new ground in ship design and amenities, reflecting Norwegian Cruise Line’s unwavering dedication to putting the guest and onboard experience at the forefront.
Norwegian VivaNaming – Watch The Big Moment
Norwegian Viva Naming Ceremony
As a Company, it has been a milestone year with the debut of next-generation ships across all three of our best-in-class cruise brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said Harry Sommer, president & chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “The addition of Norwegian Viva further elevates our world-class fleet, providing our valued guests with another incredible way to vacation, discover new experiences and create unforgettable memories. Since she launched in August, Norwegian Viva’s initial guest satisfaction scores have outshined any newbuild in the history of the NCL fleet, a testament to not only how stunning this ship is, but also the exceptional level of service and attention provided by our amazing crew on board.”
Luis Fonsi, Norwegian Viva’s godfather and GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, officially named and christened the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull which signifies good fortune and safe travels for all who sail aboard. As a native Puerto Rican, who is also based in Miami, Fonsi embodies the vibrant energy guests can enjoy aboard Norwegian Viva with warm-weather itineraries spanning from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.
“Saturday Night Live” cast member Marcello Hernandez; Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Norwegian Viva godfather and Latin music sensation Luis Fonsi; David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line; and Pedro Capó, GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer.
The celebration continued through the evening of Nov. 28 with an unparalleled and next-level entertainment lineup headlined by Fonsi, who performed his award-winning and global chart-topping hit “Despacito,” among his other beloved Latin hits like “No Me Doy Por Vencido” and “Échame La Culpa.” Other talented performers with authentic Miami and Latin roots took the stage, including “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native, Marcello Hernandez; the Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; and recently announced GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist, Pedro Capó.
On Nov. 28, 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line christened the highly anticipated Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the award-winning Prima Class. The milestone event took place in the Company’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami, the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’, with over 1,500 guests in attendance.
“It was so exciting to celebrate the magnificent Norwegian Viva in true Latin-style in Miami and alongside fellow amazing Latin entertainers,” said Luis Fonsi, award-winning global artist. We gave her a proper despedida before she makes her debut in my hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
NEW! Knut Kloster Hall
Knut Kloster Hall
Norwegian Viva’s christening festivities also included the unveiling and dedication of the Knut Kloster Hall, a newly added installation at the NCL Terminal that pays homage to the Company’s founder, Knut Kloster, and colorfully shares details on NCL’s 57-year history of innovation in the cruise industry.
At 965 feet long with the capacity for 3,099 guests, Norwegian Viva has unique, thrilling activities including the three-story Viva Speedway; elevated offerings such as Indulge Food Hall, an open-air food market featuring 11 unique eateries; and an awe-inspiring art collection with stand-out pieces including British digital artist Dominic Harris’ 52-foot-wide interactive work of art named “Every Wing has a Silver Lining” installed at the Metropolitan Bar.
Norwegian Viva
Following the three-day exclusive inaugural sailing, and select voyages from Miami, the ship will reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico and be the newest ship to homeport in the destination when she arrives on Dec. 15, 2023. Through March 2024, Norwegian Viva will offer port-intensive seven-day Caribbean voyages, where guests will wake up each day in a new tropical island paradise with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with no days at sea.
Norwegian Viva’s Atrujim
In April 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to sail Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries that offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Europe. In addition, NCL’s year-round ‘Free at Sea’ offer provides travelers with more value with vacation-enhancing benefits, including unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounted rates for the third and fourth guests and free roundtrip airfare for the second guest.
To celebrate the all-star entertainment lineup at Norwegian Viva’s christening event, NCL has put together a Live it Up! Spotify Playlist inspired by top Latin music superstars.
To access Norwegian Viva’s press kit, please click here. To download high-res images and videos from Norwegian Viva’s christening activities, please click here.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visitwww.ncl.com.
Viking® is celebrating the start of its third expedition season in Antarctica, as the Viking Octantis® and her identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris® have arrived again in the region. Both ships will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before returning to North America’s Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall.
To meet strong demand for Antarctica voyages, Viking has also announced that the 2025-2026 season is now open for booking, including a new 87-day expedition, From the Arctic to Antarctica, sailing from Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia, Argentina. Departing in September 2025, this epic journey will allow guests to explore the natural beauty and historic waterways of the Canadian High Arctic before traveling down the east coast of North and South America, calling on ports in the Caribbean, Peru, and exploring the Chilean glaciers before continuing to Antarctica.
“As we welcome guests back for a third season in Antarctica, we are pleased to introduce even more opportunities for the curious traveler to experience this phenomenal region in Viking comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “By creating expeditions for The Thinking Person, our guests are able to explore some of the most pristine destinations on Earth in the most responsible way possible, while also participating in meaningful scientific discoveries. On my own trip to Antarctica, I witnessed firsthand the incredible scenery and wildlife this fascinating continent has to offer. In my view, everyone should experience Antarctica at least once in their life.”
Hagen recently sat down with award-winning British photographer Alastair Miller for an exclusive conversation about his journey to the “White Continent” on board the Viking Polaris. They also discuss the intriguing story about how Hagen’s lifelong passion for travel and interest in far-flung destinations began during his childhood, when he sent a letter to Ushuaia from his home in Norway. The full 30-minute interview can be seen on the Viking website here.
The arrival of Viking’s expedition ships in Antarctica also marks the completion of two inaugural Longitudinal World Cruises—the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II, from Duluth to Ushuaia, and the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III, from Milwaukee to Ushuaia.
These highly-rated Grand Journeys offer guests a variety of travel milestones in a single itinerary, sailing from the heart of North America through the engineering wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords and finally Antarctica.
Following Viking’s upcoming third season in the Great Lakes, the Viking Polaris will sail the Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024 and the Viking Octantis will embark on another sailing of the Longitudinal World Cruise II.
Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting with the help of prestigious academic institutions. Exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as other esteemed scientific organizations, match leading researchers and educators with each expedition.
Visiting researchers from partner institutions are part of the 36-person Viking Expedition Team—a diverse group of experts that leads guests through meaningful scientific work, provides guiding and interpretation during shore excursions and delivers world-class lectures on board.
In early 2023, the Viking Expedition Team published the company’s first scientific paper, following observations of the rarely encountered scyphozoan Stygiomedusa gigantea, commonly known as the giant phantom jellyfish. The encounters took place during submersible dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2022. Authored by two of Viking’s Chief Scientists, the paper was published in Polar Research, the scientific journal of the Norwegian Polar Institute.
The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The vessels are built specifically for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include:
A stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.
Finse Terrace
Finse Terrace
An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating, the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for their North and South Pole expeditions.
A state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while sheltered from the elements.
The Bow
An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.
The Science Lab
Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate with scientists in undertaking meaningful research.
The hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis, with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.
The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.
Following a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open to the outside.
Located high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers’ Lounge provides guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travelers or to enjoy a drink.
The Living Room
On the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, The Living Room is located to maximize views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that informs even the best-read explorers. The Library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as on all Viking vessels, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft.) on the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are similar to those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite (1,223 sq. ft.) that has three rooms –a living room, a board/dining room and a bedroom—as well as a 792 sq. ft. private deck with a traditional Norwegian badestamp open to the invigorating outdoors.
Environmentally Considerate
Viking’s expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel with an energy-efficient design that exceeds the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38%. In addition to an integrated bow that creates a longer waterline for the ships, engines with heat recovery systems and Azipod® Electric Propulsion, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris have received one of the industry’s first SILENT-E notations—the highest-level certification for quiet ship propulsion, minimizing underwater noise pollution.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit https://www.viking.com/. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit https://www.viking.tv/.
Viking® has announced its newest and ocean ship—the 998-guest Viking Vela®—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled to debut in December 2024, the Viking Vela will spend her inaugural season sailing voyages in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.
Viking Vela Floated Out
Float out ceremony for the Viking Vela
“Together with Fincantieri, we have built the world’s most elegant ocean vessels, and it is always a proud day when our newest ship meets water for the first time,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our small, elegant ocean ships are ranked #1 by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. We are different than other lines because of all that we do, but Viking also stands apart for all that we do not do. No children. No casinos. No nickel and diming. We look forward to welcoming the Viking Vela to our award-winning fleet next year and introducing even more curious travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”
Viking’s 10th Ocean Ship
Viking Vela
The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Vela began at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when the Viking team cut a cord that signaled water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Vela afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.
Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™.
Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit https://www.viking.com/. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit https://www.viking.tv/.
