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Avalon Waterways’ Spotlights Special 2022 Cruises

By
John Shallo
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Avalon Floriade
Avalon Floriade

Next year, for six months, the Netherlands will bloom brighter and a Bavarian village’s faith will be restored thanks to once-in-a-decade experiences: The Floriade and Oberammergau’s Passion Play. And, while these special events only happen every 10 years, for the first time, 2022 will see both play out across Europe. Avalon Waterways is offering travelers the chance to enjoy these special events with special sailings, plus its most robust line-up of “special interest’ cruises for 2022, making it a landmark year for river cruising.

SPECIAL EVENTS: 

  • Passion at Play: Oberammergau Cruises An opportunity that arises once every 10 years is an opportunity not to be missed. A theatrical tradition since 1634, the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play – which recalls the Passion from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion – has been performed in the quaint Bavarian village of Oberammergau once a decade. Because of the worldwide pandemic of 2020, this experience was postponed, for the first time in 400 years. And that makes its 2022 resurgence even more magical. On Avalon Waterways’ special Passion Play departures, in addition to exploring the Old World in a new way aboard award-winning Suite Ships, Avalon’s guests will enjoy premier seating for the Passion Play and accommodations in the heart of Oberammergau as well as the support of on-site staff, helping them make the most of their stay. Avalon is offering three (3) Oberammergau itineraries in 2022 sailing the Rhine and Danube Rivers.
  • Bloom & Grow: Floriade Cruises Avalon is also inviting travelers to be their guest at the 2022 International Horticultural Exhibition Floriade Expo. To join in this celebration of phenomenal flora in all its finery and fill their senses with color, fragrance and fantastic food. This amazing event in the Dutch town of Almere can now be witnessed as an included excursion on three (3) Holland river cruises with Avalon Waterways. It’s also available as an optional excursion on 12 itineraries.

In addition to its “special event” itineraries, Avalon is offering a plethora of “special interest” cruises in 2022, inviting travelers to pack their passions on vacation. “These itineraries complement stories with stout, winding scenery with wine, palatial impressions with palaces and photography and fairytale villages with holiday festivities,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Our special interest vacations unite our guests with their pastimes and other like-minded travelers.”

SPECIAL INTEREST:

  • Holiday Joy and Jolly: Festive Time Cruises Experience the holiday season the European way! Travelers will enjoy the jolly atmosphere on their festively decorated Suite Ship as they delight in the sights, smells, tastes and local traditions of Europe’s Christmas markets. In 2022, Avalon Waterways is offering 17 Christmas Cruises throughout Europe.
  • The World in Red & White: Wine Cruises Whether travelers are weekend-sippers or wannabe sommeliers, it’s time to take a cruise where the river and Rieslings flow. On these wine cruises, vino-lovers of the world unite with the world’s most renowned winemakers and wine masters on the rolling vineyards of Europe along the Danube, Moselle, Rhône and Saône Rivers.
  • Adventure is Brewing: Beer Cruises Pairing fascinating history with a beverage that goes just as far back in time, an Avalon beer cruise promises incredible scenery and visits to the greatest beer scenes in Europe. NEW for 2022 are Bites, Brews & Viewscruises through Holland & Belgium.
  • Palate-Pleasing Fun: Culinary Cruises From fondue to fromage, from croissants to crepes, France is home to food-lovers who love to share famous dishes and to dish over the stories behind authentic recipes. Savor an adventure in haute cuisine and family favorites on a culinary cruise through Burgundy and Provence.
  • Picture-Perfect: Photography Cruise Focus your sights on the beauty, history, people, and natural wonders of Europe on a picture-perfect cruise for photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re an accomplished photographer or an aspiring shutterbug, you’ll develop your skills along Europe’s most iconic rivers.
  • Tip-Toe Through Tulips: Garden & Nature Cruises With seasonal blossoms ready to burst, the fields of Holland and Belgium erupt in a spectacle of epic proportions in the springtime. Nature lovers and green thumbs will relish this ultimate garden party on an Avalon Garden & Nature cruise.
  • Remembrance on the River: World War II Cruises All river cruises venture back in time. These World War II history cruises make a special trip to the 1940s to honor and commemorate the significant sites of the second World War and the fearless and fallen that fought for freedom.
  • Once Upon a Castle: Habsburg Cruises From the palaces of Budapest and Vienna to the castles and estates of the surrounding countryside, it’s time to sip Champagne in the same reception rooms, walk the same art-filled corridors and even take a waltz lesson in the grand ball tradition of Europe’s royal past.
  • Under the Star: Jewish Heritage Cruises Deep in the Jewish quarters of Europe’s most historic cities, explore museums and monuments, cemeteries and synagogues and get the touching stories behind them all on-site and with onboard lectures.

BOOK NOW & SAVE: FLY FREE & SAVE up to $1,000/couple on select 2021/2022 Europe river cruises. For details, click here.

Carnival Cruise Line, Federal Maritime Commission, Galveston Officials Hold Cruise Restart Rally at Port of Galveston

By
John Shallo
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The Carnival Breeze and the the Carnival Vista return to the Port of Galveston on Sunday, May 2, 2021 with an escort by the Bay Houston Towing Company Tugboat Wesley A.

In a unified showing of support to encourage the resumption of cruising in the U.S., Carnival Cruise Line joined members of the Federal Maritime Commission, Galveston city and port officials and local businesses at the Port of Galveston to highlight the economic impact of cruising in Galveston and throughout Texas.

The Port of Galveston at the Galveston Wharves is the fourth most popular cruise homeport in North America and the only cruise port in Texas. Galveston’s cruise business generates $1.6 billion in expenditures annually and 27,000 jobs statewide.

With Carnival Breeze and Carnival Vista providing a stunning backdrop, speakers described the dramatic effect that the 14-month pause in operations has had on local businesses that rely so heavily on the cruise industry.  Speakers included:

  • Carnival President Christine Duffy
  • Galveston Mayor Dr. Craig Brown
  • FMC Commissioners Louis E. Sola and Carl W. Bentzel
  • President Ad Interim UTMB Partnership Dr. Ben Raimer
  • Port of Galveston Director/CEO Rodger Rhees
  • Chairman, Board of Trustees, Port of Galveston Albert Shannon
  • International Longshoremen’s Association President Alan Robb
  • Vacations2Go CEO Emerson Hankamer
  • Galveston Park Board CEO Kelly de Schaun
  • Bay Houston Towing Company President Philip Kuebler
  • Galveston Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Gina Spagnola

In addition, U.S. Senator John Cornyn also sent a video message which can be viewed here.

Underscoring the cruise line’s strong desire to resume operations, crew members from Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze received COVID-19 vaccinations on site from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

“Today was yet another significant milestone in our efforts to resume cruising in the U.S.,” said Duffy.  “We’ve said all along that we would like the cruise industry be given equal treatment of other travel and hospitality companies and this event sent a strong and unified message that we need to start sailing again.”

Added Galveston Mayor Dr. Brown, “Cruising is so critical to the Galveston economy and today’s event clearly demonstrated our community’s desire that cruising return to bring much-needed visitors and jobs back to our community.  Galveston has grown to become one of the top homeports for seagoing vacations and the time is right to resume cruising and all the wonderful benefits it brings to our city.”

Carnival Cruise Line is the number one cruise operator from Galveston and the only cruise operator with three year-round ships at the port. Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream operate 175 voyages annually from Galveston, carrying an estimated 750,000 passengers a year.

Galveston is part of the line’s close-to-home deployment strategy in which ships are deployed near large U.S. population bases, making it easy, affordable and convenient for guests to get to and from their cruise.   As America’s Cruise Line, Carnival operates from 14 U.S. homeports – the most in cruising – on the East and West Coasts and Gulf of Mexico.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com

UnCruise Adventures Cruise Comeback for 2021 Starts Alaska Early Due to Big Demand

By
John Shallo
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Un-Cruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures, listed on the 2021 Conde’ Nast Traveller Gold List, has been a leader in small boat adventure cruising in Alaska for twenty-five years. Hit hard by COVID-19 the small boat adventure brand makes a significant comeback relaunching in Alaska earlier than expected due to high demand.

Over the weekend UnCruise Adventures quickly modified three Pacific Northwest sailings after Washington State COVID protocols affected departure dates. In place of a cancellation the company saved the long-awaited adventure cruises of dozens of guests offering them an alternative itinerary out of Juneau, covering guest airfare and hotels to ensure an unforgettable experience. The company’s CEO will also lead history walks through Juneau prior to each embarkation.

“When recent changes were made affecting our Seattle departures, I knew I could not disappoint our guests with another cancellation. Some of our guests have been waiting on this cruise for two or three years,” shares the company’s CEO, Dan Blanchard. “It makes me proud to see my team jump into action and ready to do what it takes to make this year one of the biggest comebacks we’ve ever had.”

May 7th will kick off the company’s first full sailing out of Juneau with even more adventure in Glacier Bay National Park. The full Alaska season will include six adventure itineraries of 22-86 guests, led by a fully vaccinated crew. The company’s recent policy requires all guests to provide proof of vaccination to embark on their adventure to the Great Land.

After a global cruise shut down, UnCruise Adventures emerges as a leader in the industry and continues to work with local, state, and national officials to progress travel initiatives and a much-needed boost of cruise lines to the state of Alaska.

Commenting on his company’s 2021 return, Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures states “After a challenging year, it is a remarkable moment to see this realized and look forward to a new day. We continue to win the trust of our partners and guests with our safety-first policies and our commitment to the return of a strong and healthy cruise industry.”

Eager travelers and travel advisors await access to the nature-rich scenery of Southeast Alaska. UnCruise Adventures provides a combination of daily multi-sport activities and a connection to nature, for the adventure seeker, solo traveler, and multi-generation families.

“We understand the importance of cruise lines in the Alaska economy and a return to sailing to the future of my company,” shares Blanchard. “Vaccinations are on the rise and data has shown that Alaska has outperformed other states during the pandemic. There is hope on the horizon, and Alaska is wide open for us this season!”

UnCruise Adventures summer Alaska season will include departures from Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, and with fully vaccinated crew and guests, the state is welcoming them back with open arms. The company has extended typical wave season specials for 2021 travelers including, waiving single supplements for solo travelers, additional savings up to $600 on May and June departures and including a free hotel night in partnership with Ramada Juneau on select sailings.

The company’s updated vaccine policy and travel resources can be found on the website uncruise.com.

For additional information or to make reservations, travelers can contact an UnCruise Adventure Specialist at 888-862-8881 or contact their travel advisor.

MSC Seaside Returns To Sea In The Mediterranean

By
John Shallo
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MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside joined MSC Grandiosa back at sea this past Saturday, welcoming guests back on board for weekly 7-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean, featuring new destinations in Siracusa in Sicily and Taranto in Puglia, Italy. The ship is now two days into her voyage, having departed from Genoa, Italy on May 1, followed by a relaxing day at sea on Sunday and is now in the stunning port of Valetta, Malta today. As part of her itinerary, the ship will also call in Civitavecchia for Rome.

MSC Seaside becomes the second ship back at sea for the 2021 summer season, with further ships, including sister ship and future flagship MSC Seashore to join them in the Mediterranean from August. All ships will implement the Company’s rigorous health and safety protocol, which has been developed with a Blue Ribbon Panel.

The Sicilian port of Siracusa makes its MSC Cruises debut offering a choice of protected shore excursions so that guests can discover the rich historical and archaeological sites in this area, including the Greek theater of Siracusa — the biggest ever built in Sicily and one of the largest in the Greek world — or immerse themselves in the beautiful countryside and baroque cities where the world-famous Inspector Montalbano films are shot.

The southern town of Taranto in Puglia will offer something very special for those looking for a day to relax and unwind while making the most of this historic region. The old town of Taranto, full of charm with its winding alleys and dozens of churches and palaces and the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA) displays the history of Southern Italy and the roots of its culture. In addition to the range of protected excursions, MSC Cruises will introduce a special private beach experience in Taranto from June, exclusively for MSC Seaside’s guests, where they can relax next to the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.=

The iconic MSC Seaside rewrote the rule book of cruise ship design, combining indoor and outdoor areas to connect guests with the sea like never before and features generous outdoor spaces with plenty of outdoor deck space and pools. Located as low as Deck 8 is a unique seafront promenade lined with places to dine, drink, lounge, swim and sunbathe. The ship features the MSC Yacht Club for those looking for exclusivity and privacy with the facilities of a private club and 24-hour butler service. This ship is specifically designed for warmer weather and is best enjoyed outdoors, making this the ideal ship for the start of the warm summer in the Mediterranean.

MSC Cruises Begins Fleet-Wide Covid-19 Vaccination Program For Crew

By
John Shallo
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MSC Cruises recently announced that it has started a fleet-wide COVID-19 vaccination program for all its crew members. This becomes an additional core element of the Company’s industry-leading health & safety protocol that has already supported MSC Cruises operations since its first ship returned to service in August last year.

The roll-out saw as its first step the Master of MSC Bellissima Captain Giuseppe Maresca and all of his crew completing their vaccinations on April 30th.

In this initial phase, MSC Cruises will prioritize crew members on board its 10 ships earmarked for Summer 2021 cruise vacations in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, those scheduled to restart in the Caribbean out of U.S. ports as well as others that are gearing up for their restart.  Crew of the flagship MSC Virtuosa will be vaccinated ahead of the ship’s maiden voyage from May 20 around the UK from Southampton.

The plan is for all MSC Cruises’ crew on board operational vessels, as well as ships preparing to restart in parts of the world the Company has served traditionally, to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It has been developed and will be delivered against with the support of a number of national government authorities, destinations and private sector entities.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said, “As our ships prepare to welcome more and more guests over the coming weeks and months, we are pleased to announce the start of a comprehensive plan of vaccinations for all of our crew. Our aim is of adding a further level of protection for both themselves and the guests they will welcome for their holidays as we lead the way in the industry’s restart this summer.

“Our health and safety protocol last year spearheaded a safe resumption of cruising in the global industry and our huge vaccination program for all of our crew further demonstrates our commitment to their wellbeing, of our guests and of the communities that our fleet of ships will visit in the months ahead.

“We focused and invested heavily in a health and safety protocol last year and worked relentlessly to engage and gain approval from a range of authorities to return to cruising safely and responsibly. Similarly, we have taken this approach to vaccinations for our crew – plan, prepare and perform.”

MSC Cruises became the industry’s first line to resume international sailings in August 2020 when the Company’s flagship MSC Grandiosa set sail from Genoa for a 7-night voyage in the Mediterranean. The Company has since welcomed on board some 65,000 guests for a safe and relaxing cruise vacation at sea.

The Company’s 10 ships set to serve the Mediterranean and Northern Europe this Summer have confirmed itineraries and ports of call in Italy, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Germany and the UK with plans to add France, Spain and more, as more countries open their borders and relax their international and other travel restrictions.

Costa Cruises Restarted Cruising Saturday, May 1, from Savona, Italy

By
John Shallo
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Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda, Costa Cruises’ flagship, departed Saturday from the port of Savona on a weeklong cruise. It is the first ship of the Italian company to resume operations in 2021, officially kicking off the summer season, which will see a total of four Costa ships cruising the Mediterranean.

The restart of Costa Smeralda was celebrated at the Palacrociere terminal, attended by Costa Cruises President Mario Zanetti, Mayor of Savona Ilaria Caprioglio, President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority Paolo Emilio Signorini and Captain of Savona Coast Guard Francesco Cimmino.

“This year, the 1st of May takes on a special meaning for Costa Cruises: on Labor Day, our Company is resuming its operation, celebrating the resumption of work, for us and for the entire allied industries. We are delighted to be starting off again from a Ligurian port, from the region that has been our home for over 70 years,” said Mario Zanetti president of Costa Cruises. “The cruise and tourism sector is essential for the recovery of the Italian economy. Suffice it to say that, before the pause due to the Covid-19 emergency, our company generated an economic impact of €3.5 billion (US$4.24 billion) at national level, with over 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, working with about 5,000 partners. We hope that today’s restart will be a sign of a return to normality, for us, for our guests, whom we are pleased to welcome back onboard, and for all the suppliers working in our sector.”

Costa Smeralda’s first cruise features an all-Italian itinerary, departing Savona and calling at Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Messina, Cagliari and La Spezia. Guests can choose to book the entire itinerary for a weeklong holiday or split it into three- and four-day mini-cruises.

Health and safety procedures have been enhanced through the adoption of the Costa Safety Protocol, developed by the company together with scientific experts and Italian authorities, which contains operational measures related to all aspects of the cruise experience, both on board and ashore. The measures include a reduction in the number of guests; swab tests for all guests before embarkation and after half of the cruise; swab tests for the crew before embarkation and regularly during their stay on board; temperature checks every time guests disembark and re-enter the ship and every time they enter restaurants; visits to destinations only on protected excursions; social distancing on board and in the terminals; new ways of using onboard services; enhanced sanitation and medical services; and the use of protective masks when necessary.

As for the holiday experience, guests will be able to enjoy new features, including a totally renewed excursion program, which will allow them to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations, exclusively for Costa guests, and new menus, with dishes related to locations visited on the itinerary.

Costa’s restart takes place with the most advanced ship in the fleet in terms of reducing environmental impact. Costa Smeralda is the first cruise ship of the company to be powered by LNG, the most advanced propulsion technology currently available for reducing emissions. The ship’s entire daily water requirements are met by directly transforming seawater using desalinators; energy consumption is reduced to a minimum thanks to an intelligent energy efficiency system; waste is managed on board with 100% separate collection for recycling of plastic, paper, glass and aluminum.

Costa Smeralda is the first of a total of four ships that will operate for Costa in summer 2021, offering cruises in the Mediterranean. Costa Luminosa will restart May 16, offering weeklong cruises to Greece. On June 26 Costa Deliziosa will begin sailing one-week cruises to Greece. On July 4 Costa Firenze, the new ship inspired by the Florentine Renaissance, will start sailing a one-week itinerary in Italy. Alongside the return of Costa Firenze, from July 3 Costa Smeralda will be back on international itineraries, with weeklong cruises calling in Italy, France and Spain.

“The restart of Costa Cruises on the occasion of the Labor Day takes on a strong symbolic value and must be a good omen for the recovery of an important economic sector such as tourism. The municipality of Savona is pleased to celebrate this restart with Costa Cruises, after very difficult months of health, economic and social crisis, in the 25th year of the Company’s presence in Savona. Savona is ready to welcome cruise passengers again,” said Ilaria Caprioglio, mayor of Savona.

 

Port Canaveral First Port in U.S. to Support COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seafarers

By
John Shallo
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cruise port webcams
Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is the first U.S. port to sponsor COVID-19 vaccine distribution to port workers and vessel crew members in response to a Florida Public Health Advisory approved by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, MD issued on April 29 expanding vaccine eligibility to include individuals who are in the state for purpose of providing good or services for the benefit of residents and visitors of the State of Florida.

“We have been working closely with our cruise partners, the Florida Department of Health, and our port community to come up with a plan and timeline of vaccinating cruise ship crews that could begin the process for a safe return to cruising,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port CEO. “This expanded eligibility is significantly important for our cruise tourism business, and we’re proud of our efforts to help get this industry up and running.”

Port Canaveral developed its vaccination model in cooperation with the Parrish Healthcare Center at Cape Canaveral, Canaveral Fire Rescue, and cruise lines medical personnel. Up to 1,000 COVID-19 vaccination shots per day can be provided to vessel crew members, shoreside and waterside support personnel, which aligns with recommendations released this week by the federal Centers for Disease Control for a return to cruising in the U.S.

Port Canaveral officials consulted with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and cruise line operators, as well as the CDC to develop its vaccination model to efficiently and expeditiously get vaccines disbursed to crew members and shoreside personnel. Ship operators responded positively to the expanded eligibility and vaccine doses were administered to personnel on Friday at the Port.

Recently, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance, allowing cruise ships to sail with vaccinated crew and passengers as early as mid-July. The change to the restart timeline comes after a month of twice-weekly meetings between the CDC’s maritime team and the cruise industry and ports, including Port Canaveral.

For more information, visit www.PortCanaveral.com

 

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain Talks About Return Of US Cruises

By
John Shallo
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CNBC’s Seema Mody discusses the outlook for cruises and the latest CDC guidance with Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain.

Azamara Returns to Sail This August with Greece Country Intensive Voyages

By
John Shallo
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Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Pursuit

Azamara is pleased to announce that Azamara Quest® will return to the high seas beginning August 28, 2021 with five back-to-back Country-Intensive Voyages and one classic Mediterranean sailing; each seven-days in length and a total of 18 late-night stays in port, including Santorini, Rhodes and Heraklion, Greece.

“Over the past year, our team – ship to shoreside – continued to connect with our guests and travel partners. Our biggest takeaway is the desire everyone has to sail again, and we are excited to share that we can finally make this dream come true,” said President of Azamara, Carol Cabezas. “There’s no better way to return to service than in a country Azamara knows best, Greece. Our return to sail wouldn’t be possible without the support from Honorable Minister Harry Theoharis, the local government and port authorities, and we are extremely grateful for welcoming us back into this beautiful and culturally rich destination.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Azamara and its guests in Greece in August,” says Honorable Minister Harry Theoharis. “We fully support the line’s return to cruising in the Aegean waters and we are sure that all of its passengers will have unique experiences in our beautiful destinations.”

Voyages will open for booking on May 11, 2021. With the health and safety of guests and crew being the top priority for the return to sail, Azamara has made the decision to require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated no later than 14-days prior to departure. Once the sailings open for booking, the upmarket cruise line will reveal protocol guidelines led by the Healthy Sail Panel, to reassure guests a healthy return to service.

With travel requirements remaining unconfirmed throughout most of Europe, all sailings aboard Azamara Journey® and Azamara Pursuit® will be suspended until September 2021. Current Azamara Quest sailings through October 2, 2021 are also suspended, with the new Country-Intensive voyages beginning August 28, 2021. Guests impacted by summer suspensions will be offered a number of flexible options to rebook or request refunds for current reservations.  Guests looking to book these new voyages and other Azamara cruises can still take advantage of Azamara’s “Cruise with Confidence” benefits, offering flexibility for fully paid reservations booked by May 31, 2021 for sailings through April 30, 2022.

Greece Highlights

Medieval, ancient wonders of Rhodes, Greece:  Known as the Island of the Knights, guests can visit ancient wonders including the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Stunning architecture and ruins of Heraklion, Greece: The fourth largest city in Greece, guests can explore Heraklion’s architectural marvels including The Bronze Age Palace of Knossos, an ancient palace with ruins dating back to the early Minoan period.

Volcanic splendors and stunning sunset in Santorini, Greece: Santorini was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Travelers can sail the caldera or discover the ancient ruins of Akrotiri by day and soak in the sunset views from Azamara Quest, as nightfall descends upon the island.

Ancient Delos and beautiful beaches of Mykonos, Greece: Step back in time to mythological Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can explore the hidden corners and captivating coastline of Mykonos by 4X4 or caique, a traditional wooden boat.

A blend of old and new in the coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus: Travelers can visit the last divided capital of the world, Nicosia, shared by Cyprus and Turkey. Byzantine landmarks, tales of the Crusades, or ventures into the countryside to explore the fruit orchards, olive groves and vineyards await.

For more information visit www.azamara.com.

Oceania Cruises Announces Restart of Cruise Operations in August 2021

By
John Shallo
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Marina in Miami
Marina in Miami

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced that it will resume cruise operations with the 1,250-guest Marina in August, beginning with sailings to Scandinavia and Western Europe. Marina will resume her originally published voyage schedule, commencing on August 29, 2021 in Copenhagen.

“The entire Oceania Cruises team is excited to now shift our focus to safely restarting operations and ultimately welcoming back our guests to begin exploring the world once again,” stated Bob Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceania Cruises.

Phased restart dates for the balance of the Oceania Cruises fleet will be forthcoming and itineraries will be evaluated for port availability and adjusted as needed closer to the sailing dates.

Robust, New SailSAFETM Protocols

Oceania Cruises is undertaking a phased restart with its science-backed plan for a healthy return to service that protects our guests, crew and communities visited. The robust SailSAFETM Health and Safety Program creates multiple layers of protection against COVID-19 and was developed with guidance from our team of public health and scientific experts including the Healthy Sail Panel and the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council.

“At Oceania Cruises, we value health, well-being and safety above all else. Our guests, our crew, and, of course, the many amazing, dedicated people who work with us in the destinations we travel to are the very lifeblood of our business and we’ll do everything in our power to safeguard their health and safety,” stated Binder.

Full details on our SailSAFE protocols can be found here. These protocols will be continuously evolved and refined using the best available science and technology.

Better Than Ever – New and Exciting OceaniaNEXT Enhancements

When the line’s ships start sailing again, beginning with Marina in August 2021, guests will be delighted with an array of truly surprising enhancements to the brand’s already acclaimed culinary experience and onboard service.

“Our guests have been waiting a long time for this moment. We know that when our guests return, we want to not just welcome them back to the Oceania Cruises they remember and cherish, but also to exceed their expectations by elevating the dining experiences and service levels. We’ll be sharing more information about these exciting developments in the coming weeks,” added Binder.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

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