Cunard is set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its pioneering world cruise, and the first-ever continuous circumnavigation of the globe by a passenger liner, with two celebratory voyages in 2023 on board Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.
These unique voyages will mirror many ports of call from Cunard’s first world sailings on ships RMS Laconia followed by RMS Samaria, as well as calling at some of today’s most inspiring destinations.
Destinations on Queen Mary 2’s roundtrip New York, 117-night Centenary World Voyage will include Colombo, Singapore and Hong Kong, emulating RMS Samaria’s 1923 world sailing. The voyage also includes overnight stops in Dubai, Sydney and Cape Town as it travels from Southampton through Asia, Australia and South Africa. Fares start at $21,499 per person.
Queen Victoria’s 92-night Centenary World Voyage (New York to Southampton, England) will visit RMS Laconia’s 1922/23 port calls with stops in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Cabo San Lucas, Colombo, San Francisco, Hilo, Honolulu, Manila and Naples as well visiting Aruba, Jordan, Tonga and a full transit of the Panama Canal. Fares start at $18,499 per person.
“Cunard pioneered the World Voyage and a century later we’re as passionate about these very special voyages as ever,” said Simon Palethorpe, president, Cunard. Our Centenary World Voyages in 2023 will provide a unique opportunity for guests to celebrate 100 years of visiting the four corners of the world in true Cunard luxury.
As well as the full Centenary World Voyages both Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria’s journeys can be booked in individual segments ranging from two to 40 nights in duration.
“For those looking to explore the very best of Australia and New Zealand we’re delighted to once again offer a comprehensive season of sailings on Queen Elizabeth, including a Cunard first of a 28-night circumnavigation of Australia,” Palethorpe said.
With her sister ships exploring the world, Queen Elizabeth will enjoy a season of home port sailings around Australasia with a selection of two to 28-night voyages, with departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Auckland. This includes for the first time a 28 night circumnavigation of Australia voyage. Fares for the 28-night roundtrip Sydney voyage start at $6,199 per person.
To learn more about a Cunard World Voyage and 2023 itineraries, contact your Travel Advisor, call 1-800-728-6273, or visit Cunard.com/en-us/new-voyages.
Passengers aboard Holland America Line's ms Zaandam line the forward deck as they view Margerie Glacier Sunday, July 29, 2007, while cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Cruises to Alaska have become popular with vacationers to experience the natural beauty of glaciers and other scenic, wildlife and cultural aspects of the state. (Photo by Andy Newman/Holland America Line) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO SALES.
Holland America Line has announced it is extending its pause of cruise operations to now include all June 2021 roundtrip sailings to Alaska from Seattle, Washington. This includes six cruises on Eurodam and Oosterdam with a call at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
At this time, Alaska cruises sailing roundtrip from Seattle departing in July and onward have not been canceled. Following the earlier Canadian Transport Ministry Interim Order that closed Canadian ports to passenger vessels, discussions continue with Canadian and United States government authorities to try to preserve remaining Seattle Alaska sailings. Holland America Line previously announced the cancellation of all 2021 Alaska cruises to or from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“““We continue to stay actively engaged in dialogue with authorities in Canada and the United States to understand what cruise opportunities may still exist in Alaska, knowing how important this market is not only to our brand, but to the communities and individuals who depend on our business,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We share with our guests the disappointment of canceling these voyages, and we remain hopeful that we can operate some of the Alaska cruise season.”
All Guests Will be Moved to a Comparable Alaska Cruise in 2022
Guests currently booked on the canceled roundtrip Seattle-Alaska June departures will automatically be moved to an equivalent cruise in 2022 at the 2021 fare – with all cash and Future Cruise Credit funds moved to the new booking.
Once a new booking confirmation is received, if guests decide not to accept the 2022 cruise booking, they will have the option to decline the booking and receive an FCC of 110% of any cash paid. Guests will also be able to request a full refund of all monies paid to Holland America Line.
The minimum FCC is $25 and will be valid for sailings departing through Dec. 31, 2022, and will be moved to the guest loyalty account. Non–cruise fare purchases (shore excursions, airfare, gifts, dining and spa) will be transferred to a new booking or automatically refunded via the method of payment used to purchase the goods or services.
Other booking and cancellation conditions and policies may apply if the cruise was not booked through Holland America Line.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Guests on Viking's new "England’s Scenic Shores" itinerary will be among the first to sail on board the company's newest ocean ship, Viking Venus, which will be delivered in April 2021. For more information, visit www.viking.com.
Viking® has announced that it will restart limited operations in May 2021 with three special sailings along the coast of England. Available exclusively for UK residents, the new eight-day ocean itinerary—England’s Scenic Shores—will sail roundtrip from Portsmouth, with departures on May 22, May 29 and June 5, 2021. Guests on the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary will be among the first to sail on board Viking’s newest ocean ship, Viking Venus®which will be delivered in April. Pre-registration for England’s Scenic Shores is currently open only to Viking’s loyal past guests; more details about the voyages will be released—and reservations will be available to all UK residents—in due course.
Viking was the first cruise line to suspend operations at the beginning of the pandemic, and today’s update about the official restart was triggered because the UK Government recently signaled that it will allow the resumption of domestic cruises beginning in May 2021. All other previously scheduled Viking sailings through May 31, 2021 remain cancelled.
Available exclusively for UK residents, Viking’s new eight-day ocean itinerary—England’s Scenic Shores—will sail roundtrip from Portsmouth, with departures on May 22, May 29 and June 5, 2021. For more information, visit www.viking.com.
“We welcome the UK Government’s support for the return of safe domestic cruises as an important component in the travel industry’s recovery. In recognition of this support, and to celebrate the fact we have a British godmother—the esteemed broadcaster and journalist Anne Diamond—we have chosen to name our new ship, Viking Venus, in the UK on May 17,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are in a position to restart operations quickly and to start sailing again in May because we have kept our ships crewed during warm lay-up throughout the past 12 months. We have been implementing our additional protocols, including daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests for our crew, for almost six months now. With our new protocol enhancements in place, we believe there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage and we look forward to welcoming UK guests back on board very soon.”
Viking Health & Safety Program
Those who sail these new voyages will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music, and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. Local Life excursions shine a light on everyday activities and include experiences such as Viking Chef-hosted trips to local farmers markets, tea at home with local residents and visits with local schoolchildren. Working World excursions feature behind-the-scenes “making of” experiences, illuminating destinations through their most famous exports, such as factory and farm visits. Privileged Access excursions include experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tours at Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey;” visiting St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum “behind closed doors;” a private cooking class in a Tuscan castle; an intimate organ concert in the Berlin Cathedral; and an exclusive dinner in the Churchill War Rooms in London.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
P&O Cruises is offering a series of short breaks on flagship Britannia this summer and week-long cruises on new ship Iona. These cruises will depart from Southampton between June and September, sailing around the UK coast, “where the sun shines brightest.”
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Given recent announcements we have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer. After the stresses and challenges of the past year everyone certainly deserves a treat and this series of cruises will provide memorable and much needed UK getaways. Whilst there is still uncertainty about holidays abroad this summer, we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the ultimate escape here in the UK with the reassurance that we will take care of everything. Also, we really will look at the weather forecast each cruise and aim to take our ships where it is warm and sunny.
“As the start of Iona’s very special maiden season, the new Ultimate Escape series of holidays includes a memorable seven night maiden voyage sailing around the Scottish islands. Iona will anchor off Iona, the island after which she was named, with a celebratory extended stay until sunset for magical views of the historic shores.”
Setting sail from Southampton guests will be able to enjoy the ultimate British break on Britannia and Iona – gourmet dining and poolside bites; cocktails and coffees; shopping, spas, shows and endless sea views.
Britannia will offer three and four night breaks and one six night holiday running from June 27, 2021 through to September 19, 2021. Iona offers seven night itineraries running from August 7, 2021 to September 18, 2021. Prices start from £449 per person for a three night break on Britannia. Iona’s seven night maiden voyage starts from £1,199 per person.
Given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination programme, and strong expressed preference on the part of our guests for this limited series of UK coastal cruises, these sailings on Britannia and Iona will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated* guests only.
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.**
Ludlow added: “As we have spent the majority of the last year at home, to be able to have a restorative and relaxing break, sit on deck with a sea view in the summer sunshine and then enjoy an indulgent dinner and show – it’s certainly what we all need this year and we cannot wait to have our guests back on board.”
Example Ultimate Escape itineraries:
Prices for a balcony cabin and subject to availability
Three night cruise on Britannia, from £449
The price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising along the south coast of England.
Four night cruise on Britannia, from £499
The price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising along the south coast of England.
Iona Maiden – Scottish Islands, 7 nights, from £1,199
Seven night cruise on Iona (G126N) from £1,199 per person. Departing August 7, 2021 the price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising to Scotland including the Inner Hebrides and the island of Iona.
Voyage to the sun, 7 nights, from £779
Seven night cruise on Iona from £779 per person. The price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising past the Channel Islands and along the coast of France.
The cruises go on sale on Monday March 22, 2021 at 8.30am and will be available to book online on www.pocruises.com or telephone 03453 555 111 or through a travel agent.
Dining
Foodies are spoilt for choice on both Britannia and Iona. The Glass House boasts 40 wines handpicked by wine expert Olly Smith and paired with a delicious small-bites menu. There’s fine dining in beautiful surroundings at Epicurean, and authentic Indian food with a British twist at Sindhu as well as Britannia’s Marco Pierre White Cookery Club. The Market Café on Britannia is full of sweet treats by master pâtissier Eric Lanlard (and Epicurean offers his decadent afternoon tea), while The Beach House is a laid-back spot offering comfort-food favourites.
On Iona, good food is an art form. With 30 different places to eat, there are many exciting new dining concepts including The Quays, piazza-style dining with a lively atmosphere and choices including American diner, Mediterranean classics, Asian favourites or traditional fish and chips. The Keel and Cow is a British gastropub serving speciality aged steaks and for a lighter bite the global dishes at Taste 360 offer an exciting new on-deck dining experience which will include authentic dishes from Spanish chef Jose Pizarro.
Entertainment
Guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment from movies to full-scale production shows, live music to impromptu aerial acrobatics. Iona’s entertainment will reach new heights in SkyDome and its retractable stage presenting top acts, live shows and late-night dancing. In the Grand Atrium there will be aerialists and pop-up performances while Headliners theatre will present contemporary shows mixing song, dance and showbiz glamour. Music-lovers will enjoy The 710 Club catching live sets from renowned music and singing talent. Ocean Studios is the place to be for new releases and classic movies.
While Princess Cruises continues to work with various United States and Canadian government officials to try to preserve a portion of the Alaska 2021 cruise season, the company is extending its pause of cruise vacations for sailings from Seattle through June 27, 2021.
The pause in operation affects seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises on Emerald Princess and Majestic Princess.
For guests booked on a cancelled voyage, Princess will offer to move guests to the equivalent cruise in 2022. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests’ 2021 fare on their 2022 voyage. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 USD) or a full refund to the original form of payment.
Requests must be received through this online form by April 15, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022.
Princess will transfer the commission earned by travel agents from the cancelled 2021 cruise to the new booking in 2022 for bookings that were paid in full. This convenience is in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.
The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.
Albatros Expeditions has announced that following the successful sea trials for the brand-new expedition cruise vessel, Ocean Victory, they are convinced the ship will deliver the lowest Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions per passenger in the industry.
The environmental performance is created by the unique features of the vessel. Hans Lagerweij, the company’s president, explains:
“First of all, Ocean Victory has Tier III compliant engines, the cleanest engines in the world that limit the amount of nitrous oxides. Secondly, we only burn marine gas oil, which emits less CO2 per ton burned compared to a heavier bunker fuel. Thirdly, the patented and revolutionary Ulstein X-bow is fantastically efficient, especially with surf and in rougher seas. And lastly, Ocean Victory has a fully optimised compact design, providing comfortable space for 185 guests in only 104 metres length and just over 8000 gross tonnage”.
According to Albatros Travel Group owner and founder, Søren Rasmussen, the ship uses 60 per cent less energy. Rasmussen says “We look forward to the day when we can replace the last 40 percent with sustainable fuel”.
Søren is proud Ocean Victory is further supporting the sustainable vision of Albatros Travel, and says: “We received our first sustainable travel award back in 1997, when most of the industry had no clue what sustainable travel meant, so of course we are always wanting to aim higher and find new solutions”.
Ocean Victory
Ocean Victory is 104 metres long, 18 metres wide, and features 93 large staterooms. The vessel is part of a brand-new generation of low-energy vessels and is of the highest Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6. It has been built with Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning and Zero Speed Stabilisers. The vessel showcases the X-Bow® by Ulstein Design & Solutions. The interior design has Nordic touches as well as environmentally friendly amenities in all staterooms. The ship will be operated by Albatros Expeditions in Antarctica, with the first voyage scheduled for November of 2021. In the summer season, the ship is on charter to Victory Cruise Lines for operations in Alaska.
Ocean Victory will be joined by its sister ship, Ocean Albatros, in October 2022. Ocean Albatros will be operated by Albatros Expeditions year around in Antarctica and the Arctic and will also feature the innovative and unique ‘Remote Islands of The Mid Atlantic’ voyage.
On March 8, 2020, Celebrity Cruises set sail with the first ever all-female bridge and onboard leadership team and made history. Just days later, the pandemic suspended sailings indefinitely. Now, on International Women’s Day 2021, one year after their glass ceiling-shattering achievement, the women behind this maritime first are reuniting to reflect on the historic sailing, discuss the challenging year that followed, share their stories of joy and heartbreak and why it’s more important than ever to #choosetochallenge.
In a sign of the times, the team will gather virtually, coming together from homes across the globe and even from onboard Celebrity Edge stationed in the Bahamas. Powerful voices contributing to this unique, industry-leading conversation include Captain Kate McCue, the first American female cruise ship captain, and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the first female President & CEO of Celebrity Cruises.
They will be joined by Chief Officer Rachel Arnold (UK); 2nd Officer Elizabeth Marami (Kenya); Chief Security Officer Mor “Mia” Segev (Israel); Hotel Director Niina Huataniemi; Assistant Hotel Director Milana Dortangs; Guest Relations Director Julie Sherrington (UK); and Cruise Director Sue Denning (UK).
“Making history with these women was quite extraordinary for our industry and an honor for me. It was a dream come true for all of us,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Our mantra has been to use this time away from the water to come back stronger than ever and reuniting these incredible trailblazers is a sign of that. Together, we will continue to sail beyond conventional thinking and wisdom into a new world of opportunity.”
Around the world, only 2 percent of mariners are women. Celebrity Cruises catalzyed the maritime industry, leading it into a more diverse future and growing the number of women on their bridge teams from 3 percent to 28 percent, ultimately, making 2020’s historic WOMANned sailing onboard the award-winning Celebrity Edge possible. Now, as the company prepares to return to service this year, it is looking again to set new standards across the seven seas.
Join the conversation with these incredible leaders on International Women’s Day by tuning into Celebrity Cruise’s Facebook Watch Party at Noon ET on Monday March 8, 2021. During the airing of the conversation, Captain Kate will take over Celebrity Cruises’ Facebook page to take specific questions from the public and offer additional commentary.
About Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of a fleet of 14 award-winning ships redefining luxury cruise travel with cool, contemporary design and accommodation; dining, spa and entertainment experiences for modern tastes; and culturally rich and diverse destination experiences, all complemented by warm, personalized service. Celebrity has pioneered many industry firsts at sea, including: the first use of solar panels on a cruise ship; the first to eliminate use of plastic water bottles; the first American female Captain of a cruise ship; the first-ever all-female bridge and officer team sailing; the first West African woman to work on the bridge of a cruise ship; and one of the first legal same-sex weddings performed at sea. Driven by wanderlust and a passion for opening the world, Celebrity journeys to all seven continents, visiting nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. You can pass the time until your next cruise by visiting Australian online casino. Celebrity Cruises is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL).
Celebrity Cruises 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. You can also visit casinosonlinecanada. 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, and U.S. government travel advisories, please visit CelebrityCruises.com/travel-alert or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.
Norwegian Cruise Line to host month-long Empowerment Program to commemorate International Women's Day.
In honor of the 110th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, is launching a month-long effort encouraging team members to “Step Up, Speak Up, Stand Up, and Never, Ever Give Up.”
This message of empowerment comes at a time when the Cruise Line is poised to cross the one-year mark of its temporary suspension of operations as a result of the global pandemic.
Throughout the month of March, Norwegian Cruise Line will be hosting speed-mentoring sessions, conversations with female leaders and encouraging team members to both share their empowerment stories and show their appreciation of team members around the globe. In addition, the team will have a front-row seat to a conversation with radio’s leading ladies, Danielle Monaro and Medha Gandhi of Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, a leading American syndicated weekday morning radio program and beloved Norwegian Cruise Line partner. You can always pass the time waiting for your next cruise by playing at high roller casinos.
“The past 12 months have undoubtedly been some of the most challenging in our lives,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Harry Sommer. “Given our year-long suspension of sailing and all that implies, we are happy to take this time to recognize and celebrate the women across our organization who are helping see us through this unprecedented time, and who will inevitably help lead us into a future characterized by innovation and success. Today, and every day, we want to empower all of our team members to challenge the status quo and rise to the occasion all challenges pose.”
Last month, the Cruise Line’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. was featured in Forbes’ 2021 list of America’s Best Large Employers, ranking in the top 75 companies in the overall Large Employer category and among the top 10 companies in the Travel and Leisure sector.
As part of its International Women’s Day effort, Norwegian Cruise Line’s leaders are sharing personal messages of empowerment and inspiring team members to do the same. For a short video message, click here, and to share their messages, click here.
To learn more about Norwegian Cruise Line’s 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit www.ncl.com or contact a travel professional.
Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. You can also visit australianonlinecasinosites online casino. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, mini-suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept.
For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the media center and follow Norwegian Cruise line on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter and Snapchat @CruiseNorwegian.
AmaWaterways has introduced the longest-ever river cruise itinerary, its new Seven River Journey Through Europe. The 46-night experience will take 144 guests through 14 fascinating countries on four of the luxury river cruise line’s award-winning ships providing unique experiences that only AmaWaterways can deliver. Known for its innovative spirit and groundbreaking ideas, AmaWaterways continues to set new industry standards, delivering a journey that has never before been offered in the history of river cruising. Specially curated by the company’s President and “Godfather of River Cruising,” Rudi Schreiner, the journey sets sail June 1, 2023, with rates starting at $25,999 per person*. Reservations open for the general public on March 15.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, AmaWaterways’ Seven River Journey Through Europe will carry guests along Europe’s most legendary rivers, capturing the essence of each region it visits with unique history, cultural traditions, architecture, and of course, delectable cuisine and wine. Included in their epic journey, guests will have over 130 complimentary excursions to choose from with many all-new tours and exclusive experiences guaranteed to surprise and delight. In addition to fine dining and hand-selected wines at every meal in multiple onboard venues, a Wellness Host offering a variety of core strengthening, stretching and yoga classes, and all of the amenities for which AmaWaterways’ ships are known, the Seven River Journey will also include seamless transfers between ships; complimentary laundry and portage service; all gratuities onboard and during shore excursions; and a dedicated Cruise Manager who will personally guide guests throughout their 46 nights onboard.
June 8 – 13: Saône and Rhône rivers – France (AmaKristina) – Lyon to Tarascon, France
June 13 – July 4: Rhine, Moselle and Main rivers – Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands (AmaPrima) – Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands to Vilshofen, Germany
July 4 – 17: Danube River – Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania (AmaVerde) – Vilshofen, Germany to Giurgiu, Romania
Throughout their voyage, guests will journey to some of the most sought-after destinations in Europe while visiting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and indulging in local epicurean experiences. Highlights include sailing through the romantic city of Paris, venturing to the historic D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, being treated to an exclusive visit to Lahneck Castle in Germany, and visiting off-the-beaten-path wonders in countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
The Moselle Bend at Bremm is one of the most beautiful River Bends in Germany. Photo: AmaWaterways
“At AmaWaterways, we continually anticipate the needs of our guests and always strive to provide innovative experiences that push industry standards. With the pent-up demand for travel we are seeing and the increase in requests for our longer cruises, we feel this is the perfect time to introduce our incredible, all-new Seven River Journey,” said Schreiner. “The initial response has been remarkable since we first teased the news of this experience, and I am confident that we will exceed expectations when we set sail in June 2023, creating unforgettable memories for all of the 144 adventurous guests on board.”
Travelers who wish to be a part of this history-making journey full of unique experiences that only AmaWaterways can deliver are invited to contact their travel advisor or visit AmaWaterways.com/SevenRiverJourney for complete itinerary details.
Port Canaveral recently marked a historic milestone in the safe, reliable transportation and delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in North America as the Q-LNG 4000, a cutting-edge ship-to-ship articulated tug and bunker barge (ATB) arrived at America’s first LNG cruise port. Nicknamed the “Q4K”, the purpose-built ATB has been designed, engineered, and internationally and U.S. certified to provide safe and reliable ship-to-ship transfers of the cleaner-burning LNG. The Q4K will operate in Port Canaveral providing LNG fuel to cruise vessels, notably to Carnival Cruise Line’s LNG-powered Mardi Gras which will homeport at Port Canaveral beginning this year.
“This project has been four years from concept to reality and we are excited to welcome the Q-LNG 4000 to fuel the next generation of cruise ships,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port CEO. “We have been working closely with our cruise partners, all the federal and state regulatory agencies, and industry leaders to promote this industry initiative.”
Nicknamed the “Q4K”, the purpose-built ATB has been designed, engineered, and internationally and U.S. certified to provide safe and reliable ship-to-ship transfers of the cleaner-burning LNG. Photo: Port Canaveral
The barge, constructed in cooperation with LNG fuel supplier Shell Trading Company and Q-LNG Transport, arrived at Port Canaveral recently for a sailing and berthing familiarization exercise. The vessel docked at Port Canaveral’s newly constructed Cruise Terminal 3, which was completed in June 2020 but not yet welcomed its first cruise passenger, with the global shutdown of the cruise industry due to the COVID pandemic.
“LNG is the fuel of the future, it’s clean, less expensive and made right here in the United States,” stated Canaveral Port Authority Commission Chairman RADM Wayne Justice (USCG-Ret). “We are proud to be part of making this safe secure move to the future in this region.”
The Q4K will operate in Port Canaveral providing LNG fuel to cruise vessels, notably to Carnival Cruise Line’s LNG-powered Mardi Gras which will homeport at Port Canaveral beginning this year. Photo: Port Canaveral
The barge is 324-feet-long, and its attached tug is 128-feet-long. The U.S. owned and operated vessel was constructed at VT Halter Marine Inc. shipyards in Pascagoula, Mississippi and is crewed by U.S. mariners. It is the first Jones Act compliant ATB built in the U.S. that is specifically designed to conduct LNG cargo and bunker operations. When the Q4K is conducting its ship-to-ship waterside bunkering process of a cruise vessel like the Carnival Mardi Gras, it will take place during the ship’s passenger debarking and embarking processes, like conventional refueling operations, and last approximately six to eight hours.
“We are proud to deliver the Q-LNG 4000 to Port Canaveral,” said Chad Verret, President of Q-LNG Transport. “LNG is the marine fuel of the future, it’s domestically sourced and in abundant supply in the U.S. We look to supplying not only cruise ships but trading vessels in the future.”
The barge will load LNG from a fuel distribution facility on Elba Island, Ga., then return to Georgia to refuel after each LNG bunkering operation in Port Canaveral. Q4K has a carrying capacity of up to 4,000 cubic meters of LNG, the equivalent of one million gallons of fuel. The Q-LNG 4000 will carry enough supply of LNG to fuel two cruise ships, each for a seven-day itinerary.
For four years, the Canaveral Port Authority has been preparing for the onset of LNG fueled cruise vessels. The Port has been working closely with federal and state regulatory and oversight authorities and agencies, and investing in infrastructure and personnel training to ensure the safety and security of the Port and surrounding community.
The Q-LNG 4000 fueling operations will be supported while it’s in Port Canaveral by the Port’s newly-acquired fireboat, which arrived in January. The purpose-built Marine Firefighting Rescue Vessel (MFRV) will be operated by Canaveral Fire Rescue to provide enhanced fire protection and response capabilities to serve the expanding maritime and commercial space industry operations at the Port.
