When was the last time you played with your food? If you’re ready to get creative in the kitchen, join Holland America Line April 6 to celebrate the first annual National Food Faces Day. Designated in the National Day Archives, the day commemorates the culinary pop art created by the brand’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, whose birthday is April 6.
Holland America Line is encouraging fans to get playful and share their creations on social media using #NationalFoodFacesDay to spread the joy.
“We have seen the way Food Faces resonates with people, showing us that Rudi’s passion for bringing happiness through food can transcend beyond our guests to fans everywhere,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. Designating April 6 National Food Faces Day not only honors Rudi’s creativity when it comes to food and art, but it also shows everyone that Holland America Line continues to be an innovator in unique ways.
Sodamin began designing and photographing his Food Faces several years ago on a whim in a shipboard galley to entertain team members. In 2018 he released the art-table book, “Food Faces,” featuring more than 150 vibrant images of his edible cast of characters. His artistic inspiration comes from culinary ingredients and human expression, and he created each personality from food items including vegetables, fruit, meats, fish, grains and sweets.
“When I saw how my Food Faces inspired people and made them smile, I knew that this art was capable of something special. I want to spread that joy through these works of art created with food,” said Sodamin. “Food Faces can be made with anything edible, and I encourage everyone to have fun, be creative and let go while making culinary art.
On board Holland America Line ships, guests who dine at award-winning Rudi’s Sel de Mer upscale seafood restaurant or pop-up can enjoy his dynamic Food Faces on exclusive limited-edition plate chargers made by Bernardaud, the leading French manufacturer of Limoges porcelain. Each plate charger features a different image from the “Food Faces” book, creating a table setting that’s a conversation starter.
Sodamin’s “Food Faces” coffee table book was published by Welcome Books, an imprint of Rizzoli, and is available for purchase at bookstores nationwide and online.
Bernardaud plate charger sets and the “Food Faces” book also can be purchased on board Holland America Line ships.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
CLIA, which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity and the largest network of travel agents and agencies specializing in cruise travel, today reiterated its call for the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) to be lifted—issued the following statement:
We share the priority of the Biden Administration to control the virus—and commend the significant advancements made in the US that are a model for others. We also respect the authority of the CDC to implement measures in the interest of public health. However, the additional cruise industry instructions issued April 2nd by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Framework for Conditional Sailing (CSO) are disappointing. The new requirements are unduly burdensome, largely unworkable, and seem to reflect a zero-risk objective rather than the mitigation approach to COVID that is the basis for every other US sector of our society. The effect of these new mandates is that nearly half a million Americans– from longshoremen and ground transportation operators to hotel, restaurant, and retail workers, travel agents, and tens of thousands of businesses that service cruise ships, are continuing to financially suffer with no reasonable timeline provided for the safe return of cruising.
Moreover, the instructions are at odds with the approach the CDC and governments in other parts of the world apply to all other travel and tourism segments in mitigating the risk of COVID-19. On the same day CDC issued new onerous requirements for the cruise industry, five months after the original order, CDC issued relaxed guidance for domestic and international travel due to vaccination progress and recognition of the improved public health environment.
Nearly 400,000 passengers have already sailed from Europe and parts of Asia since last summer, following stringent, science-based protocols that resulted in a far lower incident rate than on land. The irony is that today an American can fly to any number of destinations to take a cruise, but cannot board a ship in the U.S. This deprives U.S. workers from participating in the economic recovery and does not recognize the public health advances that have been made over many months, including the ability to effectively mitigate risk on cruise ships. With no discernable path forward or timeframe for resumption in the U.S., more sailings originating in the Caribbean and elsewhere are likely to be announced, effectively shutting American ports, closing thousands of American small businesses, and pushing an entire industry off- shore.
CLIA urges the Administration to consider the ample evidence that supports lifting the CSO this month to allow for the planning of a controlled return to service this summer. If anything, the announcement last Friday is a clarion call for closer cooperation and coordination among stakeholders to achieve the President’s goal of reaching a ‘new normal’ by the Fourth of July. Working together, we can avoid the negative consequences that come when cruising, and the workers who support it, are not afforded the same opportunities as other workers in industries with far fewer practices in place to provide for public health and well-being.
Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Frank Del Rio recently was on CNBC with Jim Cramer. He said all workers and guests on board its ships must be vaccinated as part of the company’s efforts to satisfy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols as it prepares to set sail this summer.
The Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was encouraged about the safe return of cruising and the CDC issuing new guidelines shortly. Her office has released the following statement via Twitter.
I feel this news is not a prank considering the date (April 1st) and want to share this exciting news with you:
I was very encouraged by my call today with @CDCgov, & excited to learn they will be issuing new guidelines for a safe restart to cruising. Miami-Dade is ready to partner with the CDC to make sure the Cruise Capital of the World can lead the way to rebuild this critical industry. pic.twitter.com/fOhnayqXzq
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) April 1, 2021
Let’s hope this is a sign of further good news to come and the restart of cruising in the United States. Please like, share and comment below.
Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas has completed the final chapter in its construction odyssey today. The highly anticipated marvel officially became the 25th ship in the cruise line’s award-winning fleet, following a virtual rendition of the time-honored maritime tradition known as a delivery ceremony. Odyssey will now set the stage for a bold, new way to vacation when it debuts from first-time homeport Haifa, Israel in May 2021 and Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November.
Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley, and Master of Odyssey of the Seas Captain Per Kristoffersen received the new ship from Meyer Werft Yard’s Managing Partner Bernard Meyer and Managing Director Jan Meyer in the customary handover ceremony with a virtual twist.
“Receiving Odyssey of the Seas into the Royal Caribbean family is a welcomed breath of fresh air. The ingenuity, passion and hard work our dedicated crew, teams on land and partners at Meyer Werft put into building a new ship always deliver, and to pull it off so well during a time unlike any other is incredible,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are looking forward to delivering the memorable vacations we’re known for today on a ship that will mark several firsts for us, from making Israel a first-time homeport to introducing Quantum Ultra Class to North America. Every new ship is a blank slate to go bolder and be different, and Odyssey is bringing the very best of the new and guest-favorites across two continents for the years to come.”
Later today, fans will have front-row seats to the ceremony celebration during an untraditional Facebook premiere event – a first in the cruise line’s 52-year history. In store is a truly global lineup that includes the ship’s blessing led by Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, a show-stopping performance from signature venue Two70on board Quantum of the Seas sailing in Singapore, and executives of Royal Caribbean in Florida and Meyer Werft Yard in Papenburg, Germany. The celebration exclusively takes place on Royal Caribbean International’s Facebook page at 5 p.m. EDT.
Odyssey is the second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and just in time for summer, it will welcome Royal Caribbean’s first guests to cruise from Israel on sailings where travelers above the age of 18 and crew members are fully vaccinated. Israeli residents can embark on 3- to 7-night getaways through October to visit sun-soaked destinations in the Mediterranean, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus. Following its inaugural summer season,Odyssey will embark on a transatlantic crossing for its North American debut this November, where it’s slated to offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale to idyllic ports of call like Aruba, Curacao and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas.
Weighing 169,000 gross tons and measuring 1,138 feet (347 meters) long and 135 feet (41 meters) wide, Odyssey will be the newest and largest ship to homeport in Israel and the first of its kind to call Florida its home later this year. Vacationers of all ages are in for a combination of 12 all-new and first-to-brand experiences as well as the signature adventures guests know and love, including:
Caribbean-inspired pool deck– Sporting a whole new look across two decks, Odyssey’s two open-air pools, four whirlpools and Splashaway Bay, anchored by a Quantum Ultra Class first – The Lime & Coconut bar – are designed for all travelers to enjoy the sun and stars in style.
SeaPlex – The next-generation of a longtime Quantum Class favorite, this SeaPlex is the largest indoor and outdoor activity center at sea, and debuts this venue’s first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Teppanyaki – Two Royal Caribbean restaurants new to North America join the varied lineup of dining options on board. The fresh take on the cruise line’s signature trattoria is the first to introduce its new wine bar concept while the other serves up East Asian flavors in the traditional Japanese style for which its named.
Action-packed top deck – Returning guest-favorites include the gravity-defying SkyPad virtual reality bungee trampoline adventure, FlowRidersurf simulator, skydiving with RipCord by iFly, and the iconic North Star all-glass observation capsule that boasts 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level.
One-of-a-kind entertainment – In typical Royal Caribbean fashion, Odyssey’s full-scale productions take top billing in teched-out venues such as the Royal Theater and Two70, where immersive technology, unparalleled special effects and world-leading performers and aerialists take the stage alongside six agile Roboscreensfor a multidimensional live show.
Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.
A Mississippi riverboat just gives you that certain feel — especially if you love cruising and have an interest in the history of this great American waterway.
Just seeing a paddlewheeler from shore evokes images of the fascinating era of the classic steamships that helped develop the Mighty Mississippi by delivering passengers and goods to towns and cities along the river and its tributaries.
Getting onboard for a sailing, however, is even better. A Mississippi River cruise lets you follow some of these routes and immerse yourself in history and adventure. American Queen Steamboat Company has expanded the offerings for cruising in North America with the arrival of American Countess.
The vessel offers a spacious home for a fun mix of entertainment, enrichment, food and relaxation while you meet new friends and enjoy destinations on weeklong voyages traveling between New Orleans and Memphis on the Lower Mississippi.
American Countess can carry up to 245 passengers on a spacious four-deck design, and it’s the fourth riverboat in the AQSC fleet.
I joined the ship for its christening and inaugural sailing, a five-night voyage from New Orleans to Memphis, and discovered at least four cool reasons that cruisers will love a Mississippi River cruise on American Countess.
The Grand Lobby is the vessel’s main gathering area aboard the American Countess.
Style and Comfort
Most riverboats on the Mississippi have been traditionally adorned in the classic Victorian style. That means Tiffany glass windows and lamps, hardwood paneling and floors and swooping staircases and shiny chandeliers.
American Countess, however, sports a modern elegance that easily blends comfort and style. The décor steers away from the full wood paneling and, instead, features walnut wood accents, Italian fabrics, modern artwork, whimsical sculptures and eye-catching paintings, carpet and wallpaper.
The Standard balcony stateroom offer large amounts of space, and the spacious bathrooms feature big walk-in showers.
Standard balcony staterooms offer large amounts of space, and the bathrooms are among the biggest we’ve seen on the rivers and feature big walk-in showers.
The Grand Lobby is the vessel’s main gathering area. It’s a stylish lounge with a long bar, plenty of seating (couches and chairs) and near floor-to-ceiling windows to view the flowing river and sunsets as you sail. This is where the riverboat’s house band plays tunes at cocktail hour and into the evening after the shows in the adjacent theater. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings.
The top sun deck is wide open, with cushioned loveseats and chairs arranged around tables and situated under canopies to offer a pleasant area to enjoy cocktails while basking in the fresh air and natural surroundings as you sail.
Enjoy cocktails while basking in the fresh air and natural surroundings as you sail the Mississippi River.
Fascinating Itineraries
American Countess sails voyages on the Mississippi River (both upper and lower portions) and on the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.
Cruisers can choose voyages from New Orleans to Memphis (or reverse) and enjoy the music, history, food and heritage on display in this part of the country, which includes stops to Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss. A riverlorian offers enrichment chats so you can learn about the development of the river and communities for which the Mighty Mississippi serves as a vital driving force. You’ll learn about Mark Twain, jazz, blues, and the rich culinary influences of each region.
The Upper Mississippi sailings include visits to St. Louis and Minneapolis, as well as inviting towns in Iowa and Wisconsin. On the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland cruises, you’re immersed in America’s heartland, with exploration of St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville among the highlights.
You can order up dozens of classic cocktails that quench your thirst and help tell the tale of the rivers.
Food and Drink
Your time spent cruising the rivers is a small part of the overall sensory experience. Food and drink is also part of the journey, and American Countess chefs craft menus that are rich in southern cooking classics and offer the very best cuisine in each area where you cruise.
On our New Orleans to Memphis voyage, we indulged in dishes like croque madame, andouille hash and Totally Bananas French Toast (bananas foster, banana nut bread and rum-flavored whipped cream) for breakfast, shrimp and grits for lunch and crispy Delta style catfish and roast lamb rack for dinner. Desserts included strawberry shortcake, carrot cake and molten lava cake.
There were two separate bourbon tastings on our sailing, and you can order up dozens of classic cocktails that quench your thirst and help tell the tale of the rivers. We saw a few people order Hurricanes as we pulled away from New Orleans, of course. I chose to indulge in an Abita beer, instead.
Music and History and More
You can reach a variety of historically and culturally interesting destinations when you cruise on the American rivers. Your excursions offer the chance for deeper exploration of the food, music and architecture of places in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and beyond.
You’ll get an important look at a former plantation in Nottoway, Louisiana, or learn about the civil war siege of Vicksburg, or discover the music of St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans and how it continues to play an important role in the arts and entertainment in those cities and around the world. American Countess offers a program of excursions and onboard entertainment and enrichment talks to help you expand your knowledge during your journey.
For those with an inclination toward fitness, American Countess offers bikes that you can check out for a pleasant ride along the river walks. The riverboat also offers an onboard fitness center.
Highlights from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ roundtable discussion held on March 26th at Port Canaveral. They discuss the CDC’s no-sail order with executives from the cruise industry and the impact it has had on the industry and the state. The Governor and executives are looking for a pathway they can move forward with a possible restart by July 1, 2021.
Captain Minnie Mouse is delighting children aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships, spreading the message of exploring new horizons as part of a collection of new initiatives aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the maritime industry. The debut of Captain Minnie Mouse, plus new youth programs and the funding of scholarships, are designed to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in the cruise industry and chart a course for success. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
United Kingdom residents will be able to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line close to home with brand-new Disney Magic at Sea “staycation” sailings from U.K. ports this summer for a limited time. Featuring enchanted entertainment and with multiple layers of health and safety measures, the Disney Magic cruise ship plans to sail mostly 2- and 3-night voyages, as well as limited 4-night sailings round-trip from London Tilbury, Newcastle, Liverpool and Southampton.
“Our teams are bringing tremendous ingenuity and fun to these new cruises, tailoring them with care to the times we are living in, yet filling them with everything you’d expect from Disney, from great service and entertainment to immersive dining experiences and magic for the whole family,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line.
Guests will remain aboard the Disney Magic throughout the sailing and will enjoy an unforgettable cruise experience with world-class accommodations, dazzling entertainment and a variety of included dining options. Children and adults alike will delight in spaces created just for them, including family pools and waterslides, whimsical kids clubs, and adult-only retreats such as a secluded pool and spa, a lively entertainment district and a fine-dining restaurant.
Favourite Disney stories, characters and entertainment will come to life during these special Disney Magic at Sea cruises, including a celebration with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, a Frozen flurry of fun with Anna, Elsa and Olaf, and an epic encounter with Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes. Guests will cherish special moments with beloved Disney friends, from capturing physically distanced photos with Captain Mickey, to enjoying a royal promenade with Disney Princesses or seeing favourite Toy Story pals. West End-quality stage shows will captivate guests of all ages in the elegant Walt Disney Theatre.
Disney Cruise Line is implementing multiple layers of health and safety measures considering guidance from the U.K. government, health authorities and medical experts. This includes COVID-19 testing, health screenings, face coverings, reduced guest capacity, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning.
Disney Magic at Sea staycation sailings are expected to go on sale in April 2021 for sailings this summer, pending the issuance of U.K. government guidelines and authorizations. For more information, visit Disneycruise.co.uk or contact a travel agent.
Cunard is offering UK guests the opportunity to spend this summer at sea, with a series of UK voyages on board Queen Elizabeth. Voyages will be round-trip from Southampton, between July and October 2021, and comprise of British Isles scenic cruising and special Sun Voyages, sailing to wherever the sun shines brightest.
Ten British Isles Voyages and three Sun Voyages, lasting between three and twelve nights, are available. Guests will be able to experience the most luxurious summer at sea enjoying exquisite fine dining, the on-board spa and spectacular entertainment while having the opportunity to see the UK’s coastline from a unique vantage point.
British Isles Voyages include scenic sailings along Britain’s coastline including The Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO world heritage site, Cornwall including Land’s End and Scotland including the Isle of Arran, Mull of Kintyre and Sound of Mull. Four voyages will make various port calls, including Liverpool, Greenock, Invergordon, Belfast, Newcastle as well as a maiden call for Cunard’s fleet to the Welsh port of Holyhead.
Four night scenic British Isles Voyages are priced from £599 per person for a Balcony Stateroom, while a ten night British Isles Voyage will start at £1,299 per person for a Balcony Stateroom. Seven night Sun Voyages are priced from £899 per person for a Balcony Stateroom.
Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “Cunard’s Summer at Sea luxury UK voyages are a truly unique way for guests to have a much-needed break this summer. With international travel not yet fully opened up we’re delighted to offer these voyages exclusively for British guests to experience a staycation unlike any other, as they relax in Cunard luxury knowing we will take care of everything.
“Guests can sail along some of the most stunning coastlines anywhere in the world, as Queen Elizabeth provides a unique vantage point, or sail on one of our Sun Voyages where the destination is unscripted and is guided by studying the weather forecast and heading to where the sun shines brightest.”
Given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination programme, and strongly expressed preference on the part of our guests for this limited series of UK coastal cruises, these sailings on Queen Elizabeth will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated* guests only. All other voyages on sale currently do not require guests to be vaccinated.
All guests and crew will be required to follow enhanced health and wellbeing measures to protect everyone on board on these cruises. These have been developed with guidance from our global medical and public health experts and scientists and in close coordination with UK government agencies. These protocols include enhanced sanitation measures, appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks in certain areas of the ship. Crew will also undergo a strict testing and quarantine regime as well as regular testing during their time on board. Our protocols are subject to change, as we will continue to work with our experts and with government bodies to ensure all of our practices evolve in line with latest advice, with our primary focus always being to protect the health and wellbeing of our crew and guests and the communities we visit. Travel insurance will also be mandatory for all guests.**
To book visit www.cunard.com or telephone 0344 338 8641 or contact a travel agent.
Outdated CSO Does Not Reflect Current Conditions or Proven Effectiveness of Science-Led Protocols Supporting Hundreds of Thousands of Passengers Sailing Outside the U.S.
CLIA, which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity, has called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lift the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) and allow for the planning of a phased resumption of cruise operations from U.S. ports by the beginning of July. The early-July timeframe is in line with President Biden’s forecast for when the United States will be “closer to normal.”
“Over the past eight months, a highly-controlled resumption of cruising has continued in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific—with nearly 400,000 passengers sailing to date in more than 10 major cruise markets. These voyages were successfully completed with industry-leading protocols that have effectively mitigated the spread of COVID-19. Additional sailings are planned in the Mediterranean and Caribbean later this spring and summer,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA’s President and CEO.
According to the trade association, the very small fraction of reported COVID cases (fewer than 50 based on public reports) is dramatically lower than the rate on land or in any other transportation mode. “This is a testament to the industry’s unparalleled expertise, gained over more than half a century, in coordinating movements of guests and crew, efficiently organizing complex embarkations and excursions, and designing vessels that are more technologically advanced and operationally agile than any other mode of transportation,” said Craighead.
“The cruise industry has adopted a high bar for resumption around the world with a multi-layered set of policies that is intended to be revised as conditions change. Our Members continue to follow this multi-layered approach to enhancing health and safety that has proven effective, making cruising one of the best and most adaptable choices for travel,” she added. Craighead also noted “the accelerated rollout of vaccines is a gamechanger in providing for the health and well-being of the public, especially in the United States, where President Biden expects all adults will be eligible for vaccinations by May 1, 2021.”
Following the industry’s voluntary suspension of operations one year ago, cruise lines have been prevented from operating in the U.S. by a series of “No Sail Orders” issued by the CDC. The CSO was issued last October, but since then the CDC has not released any further guidance, as called for in the CSO, to support the resumption of U.S. cruise operations. The lack of any action by the CDC has effectively banned all sailings in the largest cruise market in the world. Cruising is the only sector of the U.S. economy that remains prohibited, even as most others have opened or continued to operate throughout the pandemic.
“The outdated CSO, which was issued almost five months ago, does not reflect the industry’s proven advancements and success operating in other parts of the world, nor the advent of vaccines, and unfairly treats cruises differently. Cruise lines should be treated the same as other travel, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors,” Craighead emphasized.
While some cruise lines have announced a few sailings catering to those who have received vaccinations, CLIA does not currently have a policy related to vaccines. The organization and its members are exploring a workable approach for how to consider vaccinations, once widely available, as part of robust protocols.
According to CLIA, restarting cruises as part of the broader travel industry will provide a much-needed boost to the U.S. economy—with the cruise industry supporting nearly 450,000 American jobs and contributing over $55.5 billion annually, prior to the pandemic. Based on economic modeling by research firm BREA, more than 300,000 jobs have been lost in the United States due to the suspension of cruises. The majority of those impacted are independent business owners or individuals employed by small- to medium-sized businesses—including travel agents, taxi drivers, port employees, baggage handlers, and longshoremen, as well as airline, hotel, and restaurant workers.
