#99: Daniel Suarez, TrackHouse Racing, Princess Cruises Chevrolet Camaro
Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez and Ross Chastain own their share of fans who root for each to win every weekend on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. But, thanks to Trackhouse and the team’s newest corporate partner – Princess Cruises – every NASCAR fan now has another reason for supporting Trackhouse drivers throughout the 2022 playoffs.
Princess Executives Jeff Larson, Francois Leroux, along with TrackRacing’s Daniel Suárez and Princess Captain Paolo Arrigo, and Princess Staff Captain GioVanni Cardile
On Saturday, Trackhouse Racing and Princess Cruises announced a new sweepstakes that will give 10 lucky race fans a 7-day Princess MedallionClass vacations for two if either Suárez or Chastain score a top-10 finish in any of the 2022 playoff races.
“Now this is real pressure – racing for vacations for our amazing NASCAR fans,” laughed Suarez who joins 15 other drivers when the NASCAR Playoffs begin next weekend at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
The 10-race playoffs culminate in the season-finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway on Nov. 6.
“Raising the stakes on the playoff races knowing I could send 10 or perhaps even 99 fans at Homestead, on a free cruise is even more incentive to get to victory lane.” Suarez added.
Fans will also have an exclusive opportunity to book specially-priced cruises starting this weekend through an exclusive portal that will also live as a QR Code on the No. 99 Princess Chevrolet at Homestead and in marketing around the car leading up to the race.
Chastain admits he has never been on a cruise but wouldn’t mind joining fans on a Princess vacation if it means scoring top-10s in the playoffs.
#99: Daniel Suarez, TrackHouse Racing, Princess Cruises Chevrolet Camaro
“Let’s win a championship and then go cruise around the world for the whole off-season,” said Chastain whose two victories in 2022.
The world’s most iconic cruise brand served as the primary sponsor on Suárez’s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro at the Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International race on Aug. 21 and will again at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway on Oct. 23.
This is the first of its kind program to engage all race fans to follow an exceptionally exciting and dynamic team throughout the playoffs knowing if those drivers win, fans can win just as big,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.
“We wanted to enter this legendary sport offering an innovative way for race fans to feel vested in our Trackhouse drivers and team. Giving as many chances as possible to win an iconic Princess cruise vacation is sure to create a ton of excitement.”
The cruise vacation includes regular onboard meals and entertainment, and excludes all expenses related to taxes, fees & port expenses, airfare, fuel charges, gratuities, ground transportation to/from ship, incidentals, alcohol, excursions, travel insurance, and any other personal expenses. Cruise must commence by December 31, 2023, or Certificate will be void.
More 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.
Regardless of vaccination status, guests 2 years and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation.
Guests under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.
All policies are subject to local destination requirements. MSC Cruises will continue to monitor these requirements carefully and will advise guests and Travel Advisors of any changes.
MSC Cruises will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements and recommends fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible, per CDC recommendations. More than 95 percent of MSC Cruises’ crew are fully vaccinated, and all crew are regularly tested.
Guests can book with confidence with MSC Cruises for safe and enjoyable cruising. Guests should refer to the website for the latest health and safety requirements at: USA Health and Safety Measures. Booked guests should also monitor all pre-cruise email communications for the latest information.
Norwegian Cruise Line has christened its newest ship Norwegian Prima, which made history as the first major cruise ship christened in Reykjavík, Iceland.
The first of six ships in the groundbreaking Prima Class, Norwegian Prima, debuted to more than 2,500 guests who enjoyed an immersive experience in the beautiful Icelandic capital and a christening celebration like no other.
Norwegian Prima Christened
Norwegian Prima Christened in Iceland by Godmother Katy Perry
Norwegian Prima’s Stunning Design
“With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring ‘only-available-on-Prima-experiences,’ she is continuing NCL’s legacy of industry firsts. We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion. We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.”
Norwegian Prima features innovative firsts including The Concourse, the first outdoor sculpture garden at sea; Prima Speedway, the first three-story racetrack at sea; and the Penrose Atrium, NCL’s first three-level atrium.
Leading-edge Prima Class
At 965 feet (294 meters long) and more than 143,535 tons with capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship. She also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept. Her variety of recreational activities including the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop – and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, provide guests with adrenaline-pumping moments. Spaces like Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walk way which wraps around the entire ship; The Concourse, which boasts a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach, offer guests a chance to slow down and relax. To learn more about all Norwegian Prima offers, please click here.
“We have been eagerly anticipating and preparing for this special event for several years, so we are delighted to embark on NCL’s next chapter with Norwegian Prima,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It’s been a joy to see our vision come to life with this landmark christening ceremony, which sets the tone for the unparalleled holidays guests will enjoy for years to come. We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have made Norwegian Prima a stunning reality.
Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to a show-stopping performance by popular Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” fan favorites, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”), before Norwegian Prima’s very own godmother, Katy Perry took to the main stage to officially name and christen the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.
The three-level Prima Theater & Club stage was then transformed into a whimsical backdrop where guests enjoyed a powerhouse performance of some of Perry’s chart-topping hits including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Firework.”
“It was so much fun to sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her on her way to sail the high seas,” said Katy Perry. “I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I was happy to wish all the vacationing guests a happy bon voyage!”
An Icelandic Experience
Guests attending Norwegian Prima’s Christening celebration were treated to show-stopping musical and dance performances by a cellist Quartet, the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic pop star Bríet and more.
Prior to the Christening ceremony, guests were surprised with an authentic Icelandic experience at the HARPA cultural center. Attendees were treated to a captivating LED light show by Artist Olafur Eliasson as well as performances by Icelandic singer-songwriter Bríet who joined the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in an awe-inspiring show.
Katy Perry Christens Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima Upcoming Voyages
Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning Sept. 3, 2022, before making her way to the U.S. She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.ncl.com or call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or contact a travel professional.
What exactly is MedallionClass and how does it affect your cruise experience?
Princess Cruises is proud of their MedallionClass technology and are pushing it out across their fleet. Newer ships like Enchanted and Discovery are being built exclusively with MedallionClass in mind. This technology has great potential on top of the many things it can already do. But what exactly is MedallionClass and how does it affect your cruise experience? In this article, I’ll break down the different aspects of MedallionClass: what it can do, what works well, and what doesn’t work so well.
What is MedallionClass?
At its most basic, MedallionClass is Princess’ proprietary “internet of things”. That is to say it is Princess’ hardware, supported by their app, underpinned by their internet. Still confused? That’s okay – let’s dig into the details.
The Ocean Medallion Disc is the central piece of hardware used aboard a MedallionClass ship.
The Hardware
Medallion Disc
The central piece of hardware is the OceanMedallion disc, which is little bigger than a quarter. This disc replaces your cruise key card and is used in all the same ways: scanning on and off the ship, opening your stateroom, and paying for purchases. What differentiates the disc from a key card is that it does all these things from a distance – it unlocks your stateroom door from about 10 feet away as you approach and it tells crew members your information when you order food or drinks, avoiding the need to hand them a card or tell them your stateroom number.
Vendors in various ports are even partnered with Princess to be able to take payment via your OceanMedallion disc. This means you don’t have to carry cash or cards, though it can limit your shopping selection. Princess has recently introduced this feature and offers an onboard credit as “cash back” on your in-port purchases using your OceanMedallion Disc.
The disc also has a locator function. This can be used to find travel mates (no more “let’s meet at the starboard aft entrance to the buffet at noon”), or for crew to find you to deliver food or beverages. One can imagine this could be life-saving in an emergency situation as well, allowing crew to quickly find people anywhere on the ship.
MedallionClass ship’s feature a portal showing ship activities and much more
On the practical side, portals display interactive deck plans of the ship. You can browse by deck, or search for specific venues, then tell the portal to give you directions from your location to where you need to go. If you scan your OceanMedallion disc at the portal, you have more personalized options. For example, you can select an option to take you to your stateroom. Other portals display the ship’s activities for the day, with the option of bookmarking those you’re interested in attending. When in port, you can even browse port attractions through the portals.
A Portal Showing Deck Plans aboard a MedallionClass ship
On the just-for-fun side, you can scan your OceanMedallion disc and play casual games, casino games, or customize your Tagalong, a sea animal avatar. There’s a leaderboard for the casual games so you can compete against other guests for the high score. One game even takes you
on an adventure from portal to portal around the ship, helping to acquaint you with the ship’s layout (or keep the kids occupied for an hour or so).
The MedallionClass App
As cool as it is to unlock your stateroom door from 10 feet away, the heart of MedallionClass technology is the app. With a large majority of the world’s population carrying around smartphones, a robust app to enhance the cruise experience seems like a no-brainer. So, what does the app do, exactly?
Pre-cruise, the app is where you’ll enter in and upload all your travel information and preferences:
● Your passport info, other required documents, personal information, payment preferences, and all other items that you would otherwise fill out on the cruise line’s website. You can also set personal preferences such as dietary restrictions, bed configuration, accessibility options, and favorite activities.
● Watch the safety briefing video from anywhere, then simply go to your muster station and scan in with your OceanMedallion disc to complete your muster drill.
● If you have travel companions, the app allows you to connect with them and chat via text. You can also allow others to see your location so your travel mates can find you and vice versa.
● Finally, if you need assistance, there is a chat function that connects you to the crew. This means you don’t have to wait in line at the Guest Services desk, but instead resolve your issue whilst relaxing in your favorite onboard venue.
A Pending Food Delivery on App
Princess is likely to add more functionality to the app as new opportunities arise and more guest feedback is collected, but it is already a powerful tool for streamlining the cruise experience.
How It All Connects
The app and all its functions are supported by MedallionNet, Princess’ internet service. To use the app, guests must connect to MedallionNet using the instructions in each stateroom. This does not mean that guests must purchase an internet package – connecting to MedallionNet is complimentary for all guests in order to use the app, but is restricted to only that function.
What Works Well with MedallionClass Technology
The OceanMedallion disc works brilliantly for all its functions. Scanning on and off the ship is a simple tap, the stateroom door unlocks upon approach, and all purchases on board happen with ease. The disc is also more convenient than the old key card system in that it never has to leave your pocket and can simply reside in one of several wearables that Princess offers such as lanyards, wrist-straps, bracelets, or clip-ons.
Some aspects of the app work very well. Ordering food and beverages is convenient for a poolside lunch without having to leave your lounger. The locator function is handy to find travel mates – my husband and I were separated during sailaway but were able to find each other thanks to the app. Along with that, the interactive deck plans are useful for navigation. The app’s ability to turn your device into a game controller for gameplay on the big screen is stunning. I played one game on the pool deck competing with other guests and was surprised at the real-time interaction between everyone’s devices and the game.
What Doesn’t Work So Well
For all its functionality, the app has a long way to go. To be fair, the app has to work across multiple kinds of devices and operating systems which presents a technical challenge. Some guests use an Apple operating system, others an Android OS; some have cutting-edge brand-name devices, while others have a no-frills off-brand device, and everything in between. Engineering the app to work across all these devices is likely an enormous challenge for the Princess IT team.
Be patient when filling out your pre-cruise information and uploading documents. The process (which can only be completed in the app) has glitches. There is poor design of form input fields, form errors are not clearly highlighted (leaving you to guess where you filled out something incorrectly), and form restrictions are too sensitive (eg., accidentally adding a space after my name meant the form field was considered invalid).
The app layout is clunky – rather than simple labels such as “Order Food” or “Play Games”, it uses unhelpful names like “OceanView”, “JourneyView”, or “OceanReady.” Finding what you need can be difficult. There is a steep learning curve.
Functionality is spotty. The interactive deck plans, for example, worked very well for wayfinding, but only worked about half the time. Many times it simply stalled out on a loadscreen.
For all its shortcomings, MedallionClass technology does make the cruise experience more convenient and streamlined and I’m definitely a fan. Whether Princess will be able to fix the bugs remains to be seen. One thing is for certain – MedallionClass is here to stay.
Discovery Princess is Princess Cruise’s final ship in their Royal class line and first set sail in Spring 2022. With a sleek, contemporary design, indulgent specialty restaurants, impressive entertainment, and of course, exemplary service, Discovery delivers an all-around enjoyable cruise experience. I recently sailed to Alaska on Discovery Princess and these are 7 things I loved on board this understated but elegant ship.
Discovery Princess
Discovery Princess docked in Alaska
The Enclave at Lotus Spa (Discovery’s Thermal Suite)
The most expansive Thermal Suite in the Princess line includes twelve heated stone beds, four sensory showers, a large hydro-therapy pool with massaging jets and a cascading rain shower, plus three steam and sauna rooms infused with a variety of aromas and dynamic mood lighting.
The rooms include the Hammam, a Turkish-style steam bath with a large warm marble slab set under twinkling lights, the Caldarium, a light steam ceramic chamber with seven stool-like seats where the walls, floors, and seats are all heated for a deep penetrating warmth, and the Laconium, a dry, sauna-like room which gradually warms the body to help with purification and detoxification.
Passengers can purchase full-cruise passes or day passes to access The Enclave. Booking pre-cruise will save you on cost and visiting The Enclave while in port will mean fewer people vying for the desired and limited spots.
Included with the cost is access to a locker room and locker, a robe, slippers, refreshing cold towels, and self-service fruit-infused water. I spent nearly three hours in The Enclave with a day pass and found the cozy, modern, and warm space to be an absolutely worthwhile splurge.
Good Spirits at Sea
Want a great drink and a show? Head to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar off the Piazza on Deck 5. Based on Good Spirits, the popular TV series that traveled the globe in search of local ingredients for original cocktails, Good Spirits at Sea offers a large menu of unique drinks, created in front of you while the talented mixologist explains the process and culture behind the drink. A camera hung from the ceiling captures the crafting and is shown on a large flatscreen television hung behind the bar so all passengers can follow along.
The bartending team is entertaining, incorporating Cocktail-esque flips and tricks, creating a lively and captivating experience. To top it off, each concoction is served on a coaster featuring the drink’s recipe so you can recreate it at home!
Retreat Pool
The Retreat Pool is Discovery’s complimentary adults-only pool and is located on Deck 17. It’s a bit tricky to find as you can only access it through stateroom hallways or by using the forward elevator bank. But once you get there, you’ll find a quiet oasis with a medium-sized pool, numerous loungers, and a full-service bar. If you’re craving a drink that’s not offered at the Retreat Bar or need a snack, order them both using OceanNow on your Medallion app and have it delivered straight to you! There is also an upper level that overlooks the pool area with hot tubs and cabana-style seating facing the ocean. The contemporary feel of the space creates a relaxing environment and is an excellent place to get away during your cruise.
The Crown Grill’s Mediterranean-Style Spiny Lobster Cake, Tarragon Foam
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria on Deck 5 offers a 6-course meal for $25 per person. The house appetizer includes a warm bread roll, a tuscan zonzelle, and prosciutto. Next up is the soup/salad course offering salad or cheese fondue. Then comes your antipasti course where you can choose from lamb skewers, zucchini and squash, roasted bell peppers, or one of the tastiest items on the ship, the deep-fried calamari. Fresh pasta options are next, followed by a main entree including sole piccata, pork tenderloin, veal marsala and more. And if you still have room, indulge in a decadent dessert (I recommend the Rocher dessert) or after-dinner drink.
Crown Grill on Deck 7 is Discovery’s premium seafood and chop house offering a 4-course meal for $29 per person. On the menu you’ll find beef tartare, jumbo sea scallops with salmon caviar, black tiger prawns, shrimp and pancetta bisque, goat cheese and tomato salad, King Salmon, Chilean sea bass, Maine lobster tails, steaks served with an assortment of salts, an array of sides served family-style, and rich desserts like salted caramel crème brulee and the warm chocolate mousse trifle. Described by our server as the best specialty restaurant with the worst view, the windows usually have the blinds drawn since the view looking out is of the many lifeboats directly outside. But don’t let this deter you from a fabulous meal!
The Salty Dog Gastropub on Deck 5 is an upscale casual restaurant serving gourmet pub favorites for $18 per person. The included appetizer of breadsticks with beer cheese fondue and smoked salt leads into a number of entrees including short ribs, lobster mac and cheese, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, beyond burgers, and poutine. For dessert, choose from chocolate pot de crème, strawberries and cream, doughnuts, or lemon posset.
Bisto Sur La Mer is Discovery’s french-style bistro located adjacent to the Piazza on Deck 7 for $29 per person. The 3-course menu includes standouts like the polenta fries and goat-cheese stuffed olives, lobster bisque, seabass filet, seared duck breast, and the rich and delectable chocolate bar with coffee sauce for dessert. Bistro’s seating offers the best view out of any of the specialty restaurants with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the promenade deck and ocean.
The Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar located midship on Deck 6 is a small and ultra-casual venue serving sushi, sashimi, and rolls at a-la-carte prices. Seats fill up fast and service can be slower due to crowds so pick non-peak meal times to dine. The wait is worth it for sushi lovers who appreciate fresh and uncomplicated offerings like spicy yellowtail rolls, scallop rolls with sriracha, salmon sashimi, and crab hand rolls.
No matter your workout style (cardio, yoga, agility, weightlifting), the fitness center supports it all.
Fitness Center
The clean, large, and well-appointed fitness center on the aft starboard side of Deck 17 shines with state-of-the-art equipment including bicycles, treadmills, ellipticals, resistance machines, a Smith machine, and dumbbells up to 75 pounds. No matter your workout style (cardio, yoga, agility, weightlifting), the fitness center supports it all. It has a group exercise room and a second, more open space in the back. Large windows line the wall with stunning views of the passing scenery. You can also book appointments with certified personal trainers or take advantage of counseling and nutritional guidance. Supplement your workout with the jogging track and Sports Court just one deck up outside.
The huge 300 square foot LED screen can be seen clearly at mid-day and heard clearly even while the ship is moving at full speed
Movies Under the Stars
Even with the chilly 50° weather, Discovery Princess offered Movies Under the Stars at the Sky Pool almost daily on my Alaskan cruise. The huge 300 square foot LED screen can be seen clearly at mid-day and heard clearly even while the ship is moving at full speed. With cozy fleece blankets available, the open-air poolside amphitheater hosted big name movies throughout the cruise. Complimentary fresh-popped popcorn and soft serve is also available at Swirls just starboard and aft of the Sky Pool. My husband and I grabbed prime spots in a Lido deck hot tub for our viewing of Danny Boyle’s Yesterday. I can only imagine how packed the showings would be on a warm-weather itinerary!
The crew truly makes your experience onboard valuable and unforgettable.
Crew
The best customer service I’ve ever experienced has been at sea and Discovery Princess is no exception. I was warmly welcomed and greeted by every crew member I came across. Even behind the masks, you can tell they’re smiling and their service is impeccable, with crew members constantly anticipating our needs. Many would engage in lively conversation and share with us personal stories and details about their shoreside lives. The crew truly makes your experience onboard valuable and unforgettable. Their hard work and commitment to exemplary service shines and it would be impossible to enjoy a cruise without acknowledging it!
A Viking Osiris cruise is definitely a bucket list adventure.
When Viking Osiris debuted in August 2022, it immediately became the premier ship for Nile River cruises.
The 82-passenger, five-deck riverboat includes most of the trademark touches that regular Viking cruisers will find onboard the European river ships and the fleet of ocean vessels. But these are mixed with fairly subtle nods to Egyptian style, culture and history.
The result is an elegant and comfortable voyage in one of the most interesting and exotic places in the world.
Program Directors on Viking Osiris are Knowledgeable
Viking’s expert guides for Nile River cruises are more than tour guides. They are Egyptologists with a passion and deep knowledge of Ancient Egyptian history and culture.
The ship’s program directors facilitate the voyage from the time they meet up with you in Cairo. Viking’s 12-day “Pharaohs and Pyramids” itinerary begins with a couple full days in Egypt’s capital, where you visit famous sites like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, as well as the Egyptian Museum, while staying at a luxury hotel.
The guides lead small groups, and you are assigned to a guide for the entire voyage. We had marvelous directors, Hanan and Salah, who showed us the way and gave us insight along with funny tales about the temples, gods and rituals.
Hanan was the guide for our group, and she was completely attentive to our needs, making sure we drank plenty of water (temps were above 105 every day on our trip) and got all of our questions answered. Her enthusiasm for the sites we visited, like Luxor and Karnak Temples and the Valley of the Kings, was incredible.
“It’s my passion; Ancient Egypt and dogs are my passion,” Hanan said after leaving some water for a stray dog at Karnak Temple. “And maybe humans, third.”
The guides also give enrichment talks in The Lounge on the ship and offer a clear outline of the next day’s plans.
The Shore Excursions on Viking Osiris Visit Highlights
The incredible places you visit are the highlight of any Nile River cruise. That’s why you come all the way to this magical place, after all.
The Viking itinerary in Egypt gives you a lot of time in Cairo to see museums, pyramids, the Sphinx and even ride camel. These are all bucket-list-type experiences in Egypt are all available in your program.
The journey also features stop a in Luxor to go to the Valley of the Kings and ride in hot-air balloons at sunrise. These are premium excursions with an added cost, but we highly recommend them. You get to see the ornate tombs of pharaohs, including that of the famed King Tut.
You have plenty of temple time, with visits to the second-largest temple in the world, Karnak (ranks behind just Angor Wat in Cambodia) and Luxor Temple while in Luxor.
At Quena, you can see the well-preserved Dendera Temple. In Esna, it’s the Ancient Temple of Esna and time to explore the village and haggle with the vendors for souvenirs like a scarf or carving. When you stop at Aswan, you can go to Abu Simbel to marvel over the Great Temple of Ramses II. Or, choose to go for a ride in a traditional felucca wooden sailing boat.
Dining Options
Viking Osiris offers two dining venues: The Restaurant and Aquavit Terrace. They each offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with breakfasts and lunches a hybrid experience with a menu of selections alongside a buffet area with a range of choices. Dinners are standard plated meals with a full menu.
At Aquavit Terrace, the experience is more casual and you have the option eat inside or outdoors. The food was a nice mix of familiar American favorites, like a steak or cheeseburgers, pastas and salads, as well as some popular Nordic-inspired fish dishes seen on Viking’s ships elsewhere around the world.
But cruisers will really enjoy trying regional Egyptian dishes that are offered. Pita breads and yogurt dips, tahini, baba ganoush and hummus were frequently on the menu, and you will also see traditional items like rack of lamb, beef kofte and many sweets made with dates or figs.
Viking Osiris Cabins are Large and Comfortable
Viking Osiris cabins are quite spacious for a river cruise ship, especially for one that cruises in Egypt on the Nile. The ship features 41 well-appointed staterooms,
I stayed in a Veranda Suite located on Deck 3, and this cabin offered a separate, large living area with a balcony, a large bedroom with a walk-in closet and French balcony and a dual-sink bathroom with a large walk-in shower.
There are six Veranda Suites measuring 409 square feet. Viking Osiris also features 21 Veranda Staterooms (239 square feet), 12 Deluxe Staterooms (232 square feet, located on Deck 1 and with a window only) and two Explorer Suites (525 square feet).
The Explorer Suites are located at the front of Deck 3 under the bridge, with views to the front and side of the ship, as well as a nice-sized private terrace right outside at the front. All cabin categories feature spacious rooms with mini-fridges and walk-in showers.
There really is not a bad room on the ship.
The ship is a wide build at 92 feet (this is why the cabins are so spacious), with tons of windows around the Atrium that runs through the middle of the ship from Deck 2 to Deck 4.
Windows Everywhere Enhance the Views from Viking Osiris
It’s a joy to sail along and watch life along the Nile from your balcony, the top Sun Deck, the pool at Aquavit Terrace (yes, a pool!) or through the large glass windows of The Restaurant, The Lounge or the Atrium.
The ship is a wide build at 92 feet (this is why the cabins are so spacious), with tons of windows around the Atrium that runs through the middle of the ship from Deck 2 to Deck 4.
On the Sun Deck, you’ll find rocking chairs positioned at the rail and cushioned couches and chairs under a large canopy to offer shade from the intense sun. Sunrises and sunsets are fantastic here! The deck is also trimmed with planters displaying green grassy reeds. Area carpets complete the look of a beautiful backyard patio.
The small, narrow infinity-style pool at the very aft of the ship is an ideal place for a dip after a long day walking through the heat to see the sites.
It’s a joy to sail along and watch life along the Nile from your balcony, the top Sun Deck, the pool at Aquavit Terrace (yes, a pool!)
What’s Included on Viking Osiris
The Viking cruise program in Egypt for its Nile cruises features a range of inclusions to make your voyage relatively hassle-free. This includes airport transfers (when air travel is bought through Viking), relatively strong Wi-Fi, all meals, at least one shore excursion in each port, soft drinks, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, coffees, teas and bottled water (water is provided in your cabin, too), port taxes and fees. We also have a full deck-by-deck tour of Viking Osiris to help get familiar with this exciting new cruise ship in Egypt.
Viking® recently named its newest river ship, the Viking Osiris, with a celebration in Luxor, Egypt. As part of the intimate event, the company’s first ceremonial godfather, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship—an evolution of the naval tradition that dates back thousands of years. Designed specifically to navigate the Nile, the state-of-the-art ship was built at Massara shipyard in Cairo and will sail Viking’s bestselling Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
As part of the intimate event, the company’s first ceremonial godfather, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship—an evolution of the naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.
The naming of the Viking Osiris comes as Egypt marks several key events this year, including the highly anticipated opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo on the Giza Plateau and the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by the world’s most famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and his benefactor and co-explorer, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
The company’s first ceremonial godfather, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship.
“Egypt has always drawn curious explorers for its rich history and ancient antiquities, and ever since we first began operating on the Nile River in 2004, our guests continue to be amazed by the country’s many cultural treasures. Today we are pleased to officially welcome the Viking Osiris to our growing fleet on the Nile River, which allows us to welcome even more curious explorers to this incredible destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “During this milestone year for Egypt, we are also very grateful for the continued close friendship with the Carnarvon family, and that Lord Carnarvon has honored us by serving as the first godfather in our history.”
The company’s first ceremonial godfather, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship
“It is a great honor to be asked to be godfather to the Viking Osiris, one of the most beautiful river vessels to have ever graced the Nile. This is especially the case in the centenary year of my great-grandfather’s discovery of the tomb of the Pharoah Tutankhamun, and no doubt he and my great-grandmother, Lady Almina, would have been delighted to board the Viking Osiris had it been sailing in their day,” said Lord Carnarvon. “The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was one of the great explorers and excavators of his time, and today you may join in his love of the glories of ancient Egypt, all in the exceptional comfort and style of the Viking Osiris.”
Godfather of Viking Osiris , George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon
The 8th Earl of Carnarvon, Godfather of the Viking Osiris
The 8th Earl of Carnarvon is the son of Henry Herbert, 7th Earl of Carnarvon, and Jeanie Margaret Wallop (1935–2019). His mother was born in Big Horn, Wyoming, to Oliver Wallop, who was the brother of the 8th Earl of Portsmouth. The 8th Earl of Carnarvon was educated at Eton College and St. John’s College, Oxford. He succeeded to the title of Earl of Carnarvon when his father passed away on September 11, 2001. He lives at Highclere Castle with the 8th Countess of Carnarvon, and they run the estate and business together. He is a keen horseman and sits on the board of the Historic Houses Association (HHA). He also takes a considerable interest in conservation and farming and has been an investor in start-up technology businesses. Together, the Carnarvons are Viking’s first “godparents,” as Lady Carnarvon is godmother of Viking’s newest ocean ship, the Viking Mars®, as well as the river ship, the Viking Skadi.
Karine Hagen, EVP Viking and Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking
The 5th Earl of Carnarvon and the Discovery of King Tut’s Tomb
Nearly 100 years ago, in November 1922, the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter was considered the first global media event and has provided a legacy of understanding, knowledge and insight into a remarkable civilization. In her newest book, The Earl and the Pharaoh: From the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun, the Countess of Carnarvon tells the behind-the-scenes story of this discovery and explores the unparalleled life of the 5th Earl. Among many talents, he was an avid amateur photographer with an artistic eye for composition. His photographs are at Highclere Castle currently, stored in photo albums in the Library, and show the process of discovering and excavating the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as scenes of daily life in Egypt of the period. With kind permission, the Carnarvons have allowed Viking to share this private collection for guests sailing on board the Viking Osiris.
Viking and Highclere Castle
For years Viking has offered a variety of ways for its guests to experience life at Highclere Castle, which is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the historic estate best known as the filming location of Downton Abbey. Viking became a household name during its sponsorship of the celebrated MASTERPIECE series through the years Downton Abbey aired on PBS. Karine Hagen, Viking Executive Vice President, worked closely with the Carnarvon family to develop the Privileged Access Pre/Post Extensions that feature the estate, including the highly-rated Oxford & Highclere Castle and Great Homes, Gardens & Gin extensions. Both are available for guests on select river and ocean voyages. For guests sailing the Pharaohs & Pyramids Nile River itinerary, Viking offers a five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt Pre Extension, which gives guests an introduction to Egyptian antiquities in preparation for their Nile experience, including retracing the steps of Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Guests experience Privileged Access to archives and museum exhibits not normally accessible to the public, including a private, early morning tour of the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum, as well as visits to Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Petrie Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, which houses Carter’s archives. At Highclere Castle, guests also have the opportunity to view the Earl’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts.
The Carnarvon family has also welcomed viewers to Highclere Castle on Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv). In the ongoing series, At Home at Highclere, Lady Carnarvon offers virtual Privileged Access to the historic home and its grounds during which she is joined by Lord Carnarvon, who shares his memories and a look inside his ancestral home.
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Osiris is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The vessel features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. The Viking Osiris joins the Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Additionally, in response to strong demand, the Viking Aton, an identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, will join the fleet in 2023. During today’s naming event in Luxor, Hagen also announced that two more sister ships, the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek, are already under construction and will be delivered in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Beginning in late 2022, guests will also be able to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day, round-trip voyage on the Nile River, featuring Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan. Guests also visit a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com.
Wealth and affluence can give you many opportunities. You get to enjoy the luxury of life, have fun with friends, party, and flex on a high sea cruise, and many other things to relieve stress and entertain yourself.
Talking about playing poker, some people see it as a business of making money while others see it as a means of entertainment, albeit profitable. Regardless of how every individual sees it, one thing is certain, once you love poker, you just want to keep playing.
While on a high sea cruise, the urge to play poker might intensify, either to contribute to the fun by entertaining yourself or to make more money as the business-oriented person that you are. Thus, you begin to wonder where and how to play poker. On a high sea cruise, there are several ways to play poker, and they’re as follows:
Play Virtually In Bet365 Poker Room
The advent of technology makes it possible to play poker games online without having to worry about visiting casinos. Based on bet365 poker room reviews, many people on a sea voyage have played poker virtually using this platform.
bet365 poker room is arguably one of the best places to play and enjoy poker while on a high sea cruise. First and foremost, it’s important to know that there are countries where gambling is illegal, so while on a high sea cruise and intend to play poker, be very sure not to be on the shores of any of these countries.
To play bet365 poker on a high sea cruise, you need to have internet access, browse the website, and join exciting online tournaments where you can place bets and compete against lots of poker players from around the world and make real money.
Although bet365 poker doesn’t support live tournaments, you can easily get into the online tournaments with very affordable buy-ins and stake as much as you want. The bet365 poker room app can be downloaded by players on their desktops/laptops running Mac or Windows.
Virgin Games Poker
Another platform to play poker while on a high sea cruise is the virgin game poker. Like bet365 poker, it can be played online by browsing through the website without the need to install any poker software or download an app.
While the buy-ins to their online tournaments are very affordable, they have poker hosts who are always available to guide and answer any questions during your game and help solve any issues encountered during the game.
PokerStars
You can also play poker on PokerStars while on a high sea cruise. You’re allowed to play against their team — a group of elite professional players or enter into their tournaments where you can compete in different enthralling categories. However, to play poker on this website, you need to download the software on your device to make it work efficiently.
You surely don’t want to have issues while playing in a tournament with a lot of money at stake. It can be used on any device, be it a phone, PC, or Mac. There’s a poker dictionary where you get to know specific poker terms and what they mean so that you don’t feel lost while playing, especially if you’re a newbie in playing poker games.
888 Poker
Another place to play poker online while on a sea cruise is the 888 Poker. Like the first two poker rooms, bet365 and Virgin Games Poker, you can play without the need to download the 888 Poker software.
There are different poker tournaments on the website ranging from Sit & Go to Poker Satellite, where you’re free to join as you deem fit. 888 Poker buy-ins to join poker tournaments differ but are very affordable.
The Bottom Line
Playing poker is much of a hobby as it is a means of making money, and there shouldn’t be anywhere you can’t play it, even if you’re on a high sea cruise. There’s not much difference between playing poker online and in a casino. While the latter seems more fun and livelier due to the adrenaline rush of being amid opponents physically, the former is preferable.
While on a high sea cruise, you can very much enjoy your poker by joining poker rooms where tournaments are being held and competing with a lot of people virtually. However, you need to learn the ropes, how to sign up for tournaments, and what kind of tournament to sign up for to have the best experience.
While there are several options available to play poker online while on a high sea cruise, the four platforms provided above are highly rated and stand out among the rest. You can enjoy their world-class service while on your sea voyage. Have fun while at it!
Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line's Newest And Most Innovative Ship, Makes U.S. Debut, Docking In Port Canaveral For The First Time.
The BetMGM brand never sleeps. It has conquered the land-based gambling market in the USA a long time ago, and remains one of the top sportsbooks online. Still, the owners know how important it is to expand your reach, and BetMGM has now done that with cruise ship gaming.
In collaboration with the Carnival Corporation, BetMGM will now being to offer gaming on more than 50 ships. Carnival’s ships are ported in the USA and span famous brands such as Princess Cruises, Holland American Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. BetMGM made the right decision to partner up with the popular brand and bring its games into an untapped market.
Thanks to the new deal, BetMGM will have conquered land, sea, and the Internet. It remains one of the most popular sportsbooks and online casinos in the USA, posting growing revenue numbers every year. The casino is known for its range of games and lucrative offers, especially the best sign up offers available exclusively with a BetMGM promo code.
The Destination of Everyone’s Dreams
Sea cruises have become increasingly popular in the past few years. However, when going on a cruise, commodities are important, and not all lines offer that. Carnival Cruises is one of the best in that regard, having over 50 deluxe ships ported across the USA with excellent entertainment. It has now added BetMGM as a partner, bringing the famous gambling brand to the cruise for more top-notch entertainment.
BetMGM and Carnival Corporation Partner To Offer Cruise Ship Gaming 93
Everyone was delighted to sign the deal. BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said that it represents an “excellent opportunity” to increase BetMGM’s footprint in the USA. The company has found an ideal partner in Carnival which will bring its products closer to millions of new players.
About Carnival Cruises
It’s safe to say that Carnival Cruises is the BetMGM among cruise lines. Headquartered in Florida, it is a leader in contemporary cruising. Carnival has a fleet of 23 ships that provide fun and memorable vacation experiences, now boosted with proper casino gaming.
While Carnival itself operates 23 ships, it also owns brands such as Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. Along with those brands, it features over 50 ships, which is more than any other brand can brag about. The company operates in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. In terms of entertainment, the cruise line had it all from rock star concerts to all-night parties that don’t stop.
It was missing gambling, though. Thanks to the new BetMGM partnership, gamblers will surely be excited to join one of the cruises this or next summer.
Responsible Gambling Remains a Focus
With BetMGM’s expansion going to new markets, the company hasn’t forgotten a thing about its responsible gambling policies. It remains a key focus for the customers which can access various self-exclusion tools and reading material through BetMGM’s GameSense program. This program is integrated with BetMGM’s desktop and mobile platforms, so you can access the tools anytime and anywhere.
As one of the leaders on the gambling market, BetMGM’s Android and iOS apps excel at what they do. If you don’t want third-party apps on your phone, you can access the mobile website via www.betMGM.com.
The next time you’re at a carnival cruise, though, you will most likely see the gambling brand all over the ship. Initially, the rollout phase will last for a few months, but everyone’s hoping for an even sooner start. BetMGM is a major brand in online and land-based gambling, but now it will also rule the seas.
Making an icon begins with a bold idea: to create the world’s greatest vacation. Come fall 2023, Royal Caribbean International is bringing this game-changing vision to life with the introduction of Icon of the Seas. You could say Icon has been in the making for more than 50 years, combining the best of the cruise line’s past, present and future.
In the first episode of “Making an Icon,” Envisioning an Iconic Vacation, meet many of the innovators behind it all. From naval architects to interior designers and industrial engineers, to futurists and more, they share details from the early days of imagining the soon-to-be-revealed cruise ship and a sense of the revolutionary, evolutionary and familiar experiences to come.
