As a result of the extension of the restrictive measures related to movement within Italy, as set out in the latest decree from the Italian government preventing access to and use of ports of embarkation until January 15, MSC Cruises today announced that it is forced to cancel the cruises of MSC Grandiosa departing from Genoa, Italy on January 10 and, as a measure of precaution, to also cancel the cruise departure of January 17. As a result, the first cruise of MSC Grandiosa following the temporary suspension of operation in connection with the implementation of these same measures during the Christmas and end-of-year festivities, will now depart from Genoa on Sunday, January 24.
MSC Grandiosa will resume her planned weekly cruises leaving every Sunday from Genoa and calling the Italian ports of Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo and Valetta in Malta, with embarkation available in each port in Italy. MSC Grandiosa will offer these itineraries until March 21, after which she will remain in the Western Mediterranean to offer cruises from the summer program with a new itinerary.
From February 14, MSC Magnifica will also resume her operation departing from Genoa for 11-night cruises designed to enable guests to discover the West and Eastern Mediterranean in Italy, Greece and Malta.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages and L’OCCITANE en Provence are proud to announce the launch of the first-at-sea Luxury SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE. Guests on a World Navigator luxe-adventure expedition will be able to opt from a holistic and sensorial menu in the new luxury SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE to perfectly complement their exciting and awe-inspiring shoreside experiences. The new SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE will be featured aboard World Navigator when she launches her inaugural Holy Land and Black & Mediterranean Seas season in July 2021.
“We are glad to partner with L’OCCITANE to bring their signature treatments to the open seas,” said Mário Ferreira, Chairman of Mystic Invest, parent company of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “World Navigator’s SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE will offer experienced, inquisitive and fun-seeking guests the luxury brand’s Mediterranean art-de-vivre with the same top-quality service and ingredients for which L’OCCITANE is world-renowned. Our two companies have already been working well together for Mystic Invest’s hotel brands and river vessels, and this is a positive, organic next step.”
“We are delighted to go further in our partnership with Mystic Invest and bring Spa L’OCCITANE unique experience to sea with Atlas Ocean Voyages,” said Frederic Darque, L’OCCITANE Global B2B & Spa General Manager. “Travelers at sea can enjoy the same high-quality treatments as they do on land, a fully integrated wellbeing journey to the sunny soils of the South of France.”
SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE treatments combine exclusive sequences, all hand-performed, with authentic ingredients from Provence, certified in origin and proven effectiveness. Guests can choose among L’OCCITANE exhaustive spa treatments menu, which features the Destination Deluxe 2020 award-winning treatment “Sleep & Reset Massage,” an innovative 90-minute massage with proven* effectiveness on sleep quality. (*Tests and results accredited by European Sleep Center in Paris.)
Located on the main deck, Deck 4, the new 947 sq. ft. (88 m2) SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE welcomes guests in a soothing reception room, featuring the Relaxing Pillow Mist, L’OCCITANE’s signature scent. Therapists invite guests into one of two treatment rooms for their SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE experience. Afterwards, guests can bask in their post-treatment glow and detox in SeaSpa’s infrared sauna or relax on plush loungers in the spa’s serenity lounge and enjoy soothing vistas of the passing oceanscape through expansive windows.
Additionally, all staterooms and suites will also include complimentary L’OCCITANE shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash, and handwash for guests to enjoy in their en-suite spa bathrooms.
Awe-Inspiring Cruising
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure, expedition cruise brand designed for worldly and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in active and awe-inspiring experiences in less-trodden, bucket-list destinations. The 9,030 GRTs, World Navigator will foster a refined and convivial ambience for up to 196 guests and feature the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her design.
All Inclusive All the Way
Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides guests a more worry-free experience by including emergency medical evacuation insurance for all guests, as well as complimentary round-trip air travel, prepaid gratuities, premium wine and spirits and international beers, coffees and smoothies, Wi-Fi, L’Occitane bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.
World Navigator’s Inaugural Season
For her inaugural season, World Navigator will embark on seven- to 24-night itineraries in The Holy Land, Black and Mediterranean Seas, followed by nine- to 13-night itineraries in the Caribbean, South America and on Antarctic expeditions for winter 2021/22. World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and her construction is on schedule for delivery in July 2021, followed by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.
As Princess Cruises continues to prepare and develop its plans to meet the “Framework for Conditional Sailing Order” issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to the uncertainty around travel restrictions, the company is extending its pause of guest cruise vacations on ships sailing through May 14, 2021. This includes sailings in the Caribbean, the California Coast, along with early season Alaska and Europe cruises.
“We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel advisors as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back on board to create summertime memories.
Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid.
Princess Cruises Takes You Into The Heart of Alaska
Princess Cruises previously paused global guest cruise vacations and cancelled all departures on all ships through March 31, 2021.
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.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.
Holland America Line is extending its pause of cruise operations for all departures through April 30, 2021. This includes Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canada/New England departures.
The line also will cancel all Alaska cruises through mid-May, Alaska departures on three ships through early June, any Land+Sea Journeys connected with canceled Alaska sailings, Mediterranean cruises through early June and Zaandam‘s Canada/New England itineraries through August.
Cruises impacted by this pause in operation are:
All cruise departures through April 30, 2021.
Alaska: Eurodam and Oosterdam through the first week of June (roundtrip from Seattle); Koningsdam through mid-May (roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam through mid-May (roundtrip Vancouver and between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska); and Zuiderdam though early June (roundtrip from Vancouver).
Mediterranean: Volendam cruises through early June (between Venice and Civitavecchia [Rome], Italy); Westerdam though early June (roundtrip from Venice or between Venice and Piraeus [Athens], Greece).
Canada/New England: Zaandam cruises through August (between Boston, Massachusetts, and Montreal, Quebec, Canada).
Guests and their travel agents are being notified of the cancellations and options for Future Cruise Credits (FCC) and rebooking.
Holland America Line is closely following the protocol set forth by the CDC, and is preparing ships and implementing procedures to meet all requirements for approval to sail following the pause.
Cruises impacted automatically will be canceled, and no action is needed when opting for the Future Cruise Credit. All guests will receive an FCC per person as follows:
Not Paid in Full: Those with bookings not paid in full will receive an FCC of double the amount of their deposit. The minimum FCC is $100 and the maximum will be an amount up to the base cruise fare paid.
The FCC is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and may be used to book sailings departing through Dec. 31, 2022. Noncruise fare purchases — such as shore excursions, gifts, dining and spa — will not be transferred to a new booking and will be refunded to the original form of payment. Other funds such as air fares paid to Holland America Line may be transferred to a new booking or will automatically be refunded via the method of payment used to purchase the services.
Full Refund Option Also Available
Guests who prefer a 100% refund of monies paid to Holland America Line can visit the Cancellation Preferences Form to indicate their preference no later than Feb. 15, 2021.
The above options are not applicable to guests booked on a charter sailing. Other booking and cancellation conditions and policies may apply if the cruise was not booked through Holland America Line. See the terms and conditions in the Cancellation Preferences Form for all details.
Holland America Line previously paused global cruise operations and canceled all departures on all ships through March 31, 2021.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced additional cruise cancellations, including extending its pause in all operations in the U.S. through March 31, 2021, as well as select ships and homeport operations related to itineraries and dry dock work.
Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations and their options for a generous future cruise credit and onboard credit package, or a full refund.
In summary, the cancellations include:
All embarkations from U.S. homeports through March 31, 2021
Carnival Miracle from San Diego and San Francisco through September 16, 2021 (which includes many 10-day and longer itineraries not allowed under the current CDC guidelines)
Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral from September 17-October 18, 2021 (to accommodate rescheduled dry dock work)
Carnival Spirit’s 15-day cruise from Singapore to Brisbane on June 12, 2021 (consistent with the current limitations on international travel in place in Australia).
“We are sorry to disappoint our guests, as we can see from our booking activity that there is clearly a pent-up demand for cruising on Carnival. We appreciate their patience and support as we continue to work on our plans to resume operations in 2021 with a gradual, phased in approach,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visitCarnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
Viking's first expedition ship, the Viking Octantis, was "floated out" on December 22, 2020. The 378-guest vessel is scheduled to debut in summer 2022 and will sail voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. For more information, visit www.viking.com.
Viking® recently announced its first expedition ship – the 378-guest Viking Octantis®– was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. Scheduled to debut in early 2022, Viking Octantis will spend her maiden season sailing voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second, identical expedition ship, Viking Polaris®, is set to debut in summer 2022 and will sail journeys to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking has also developed a series of short videos about the new expedition voyages, ship design and prestigious scientific partnerships, which can be found on its website here
Viking’s first expedition ship, the Viking Octantis, was “floated out” on December 22, 2020. The 378-guest vessel is scheduled to debut in summer 2022 and will sail voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes.
“Working with Fincantieri over the last eight years, we have built the world’s most beautiful ocean ships. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Fincantieri’s VARD and celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our first expedition vessel,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “In creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America. Viking Octantis and her sister ship, Viking Polaris, will allow our guests to explore further – to the ends of the earth as well as closer to home. I would like to thank our partners at VARD and everyone working at the yard for the hard work and dedication on the building of Viking Octantis; we look forward to welcoming her to our fleet in early 2022.”
The float out is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out ceremony of Viking Octantis took place today, December 22; she was then moved to a nearby outfitting dock for further construction and interior build-out. After final outfitting, Viking Octantis will be delivered at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, class=”xn-location”>Norway.
Esteemed explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft will be honored as ceremonial godmothers to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, respectively. Arnesen, a native Norwegian, became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. Bancroft is the first woman to successfully ski to both poles. Arnesen and Bancroft also became the first women to ski across Antarctica in 2001. Together they co-founded Bancroft Arnesen Explore / Access Water, an initiative that aims to engage and empower more than 60 million minds to create a sustainable tomorrow.
Viking’s first expedition ship, the Viking Octantis, was “floated out” on December 22, 2020. The 378-guest vessel is scheduled to debut in summer 2022 and will sail voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes.
Viking Expedition Ships
The new Polar Class 6 Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Designed by the same experienced nautical architects and engineers that designed Viking ocean ships, the ships are optimally sized and built for expeditions – small enough to navigate remote polar regions and the St. Lawrence River, while large enough to provide superior handling and stability in the roughest seas. The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but that have been reimagined for expeditions, as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions. Straight bows, longer hulls and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers will allow the ships to glide over the waves for the calmest possible journey; ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 hulls will provide the safest way to explore; and U-tank stabilizers will significantly decrease rolling by up to 50 percent when the ships are stationary. Viking’s expedition ships will feature modern Scandinavian design with elegant touches, intimate spaces and attention to detail. Highlights include:
The Hangar (Credit: Viking)
The Hangar
An industry first, The Hangar brings true comfort to expedition cruising. This enclosed, in-ship marina permits the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors. The Hangar’s most innovative feature is an 85 ft. slipway that allows guests to embark on RIBs from a flat, stable surface inside the ship, shielded from wind and waves. There is also a FerryBox, a set of instruments continuously collecting and displaying data on water quality, oxygen content, plankton composition and more.
Rendering of Zodiacs and Sub stored within the Hangar on-board the Viking Expedition ships Polaris and Octantis (Credit: Viking)
The Laboratory
Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, while hosting guests, will also be working research vessels with an onboard team of Viking Resident Scientists working on a variety of studies. Developed in consultation with Cambridge University and Viking’s other academic partners, The Laboratory, at 430 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities, a sample processing area, fume cupboard, freezer and cool storage, comprehensive microscope optics and extensive bench space for analysis-specific instruments. Guests will have supervised access to The Laboratory, which is located in a glass-enclosed mezzanine above The Hangar, to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking primary research, an experience unique to Viking.
Rendering of the Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica. (Credit: Viking)
Expedition Equipment
Viking will offer a variety of ways for guests to experience their destination, according to their interests and activity level, at no extra charge. With a robust program of complimentary experiences, expedition equipment available for guests on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will include a fleet of military pro zodiacs designed for professional use in the harshest of environments; a fleet of two-seater Arctic-tested kayaks; and two 12-seater convertible RIBs.
Rendering of the Deck 2 Aft area, Finse Terrace and Theater Auditorium on-board the Viking Expedition ship (Credit: Viking)
The Aula & Finse Terrace
Viking has created the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea with The Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium at the stern. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, The Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.
Adjacent to The Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock “firepits” – perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings. Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.
Rendering of the Viking Expedition ship: Penthouse Junior Suite – Polar Option (Credit: Viking)
Nordic Balcony
A first for polar expedition cruise vessels, all staterooms on board Viking Octantis and Viking Polarisfeature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform. Harnessing the Norwegian reverence for light and to create the optimal wildlife observatory at sea, the Nordic Balcony’s floor-to-ceiling, distortion-free glass at the very edge of the ship lets guests take the views in, while keeping the elements out.
Should guests wish to feel even closer to nature, the top of the panoramic glass lowers to transform the stateroom into a sheltered lookout, with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft to 1,223 sq. ft: Nordic Balcony, Deluxe Nordic Balcony, Nordic Penthouse, Nordic Junior Suite, Explorer Suite and Owner’s Suite. All staterooms feature a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror.
Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
Rendering of Explorer Suite Living Room on-board the Viking Expedition ships Polaris and Octantis (Credit: Viking)
Expedition Ship Suites
Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft) on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris rival those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with abundant wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, priority restaurant reservations and more.
Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite, which at 1,223 sq. ft, is twice the size of the Explorer Suites. With the most exclusive accommodations and amenities on board, it features two separate rooms – a living room with six-seat dining table and a bedroom – as well as a 792 sq. ft. private garden with a traditional Norwegian badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) and outdoor dining table.
Rendering of the Aquavit Terrace and Infinity Pool on-board the Viking Expedition ship (Credit: Viking)
Aquavit Terrace & Pools
Located at the stern and featuring a retractable glass dome, this indoor-outdoor heated sanctuary will allow guests to be surrounded by their destination as they swim and lounge in three different temperature-controlled pools, including an “inside-out” swimming experience.
The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center
In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Nordic Spa on board is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind – with a thermal suite that features a Sauna, Snow Grotto and chaise lounges, as well as a warm hydrotherapy pool and badestamp (hot tub), surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center will also provide the latest equipment and workout gear.
Rendering of the Explorer’s Lounge on-board the Viking Octantis (Credit: Viking)
Viking’s expedition ships will offer an array of dining options that build on the successful venues from Viking’s ocean ships, but which have been redesigned for expeditions. The Restaurant will offer fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café will be a new “market” concept that offers live cooking, an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors.
The ships will also included Mamsen’s, named for “Mamsen,” the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine; and 24-hour room service will be complimentary for all guests.
Rendering of a Viking Expeditions RIB – Rigid Inflatable Boat supplied by Boomeranger (Credit: Viking)
Enrichment Programs
Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking creating “the thinking person’s expedition.” As part of that commitment to destination-focused learning, Viking’s exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will match leading researchers and educators with each expedition.
The onboard expedition program is designed to prepare guests for their onshore experiences, with more than 25 experts accompanying each journey – the Viking Expedition Team (expedition leader and staff, photographer and submarine pilots) and Viking Resident Scientists (biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists, oceanographers, ornithologists, polar experts and researchers).
On board, guests will enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination – and engage with working scientists from renowned academic institutions in The Laboratory or participate directly in citizen science programs. On shore, guests can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings – such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.
Viking Inclusiveness
Every Viking Expeditions cruise fare includes a Nordic Balcony stateroom or suite, virtually all shore excursions, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Just as with Viking’s ocean cruises, guests will also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; lectures; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to The Nordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
As part of their fare, Viking Expeditions guests will also receive charter flights for hard-to-reach locales and the use of Viking Expedition Gear specialty equipment for land and sea excursions. On polar itineraries, guests also receive their own Viking Expedition Kit, which includes everything needed to be comfortable – as well as a Viking Expeditions Jacket to keep.
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.
MSC Cruises recently announced the extension to the pause of operations for MSC Magnifica in connection with the additional lockdown measures that the Greek government have recently put in place ashore to manage the pandemic and that will now likely extend beyond the current holiday period. As part of these measures, currently through January 6 passenger ships are only able to make technical calls in Greek ports.
MSC Cruises has to postponed the resumption of operations for MSC Magnifica until February 14, 2021
Due to the uncertainty at this stage as to whether these ports will fully re-open on January 7 or if these measures will be extended further, as is very likely to be the case, the Company has taken the decision to postpone the resumption of operations for MSC Magnifica until February 14, 2021, for the benefit of its guests.
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Viking Cruises began more than 20 years ago (1997) as a river cruise line. Today, you know it as one of the fastest-growing and most-diverse cruise companies in the world, offering river cruises and ocean voyages all over the globe. Plus, Viking will soon be launching (in 2022) its first vessels – Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris — in a planned fleet of expedition ships.
Viking Cruises has been successful in creating a consistently excellent cruise value, with an emphasis on comfortable and elegant ships, outstanding service and fun and interesting itineraries that highlight a region’s culture and history.
To help you pick your Viking Cruises trip, we offer this guide filled with our insider tips and info to help you enjoy a fabulous cruise with Viking no matter what type of sailing you choose.
Viking Longship Idun on the Main River in front of Johannisburg Palace, Aschaffenburg, Germany
Viking River Cruises
Viking made its name as a leader in river cruising. The cruise features ships with a sleek Scandinavian design, and these vessels carry curious travelers along the great rivers in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Egypt and Asia.
Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger ship, also is scheduled to launch on the Mighty Mississippi River in August 2022.
Viking cruises on nearly all the major rivers throughout the world, from the great inland waterways of Europe to the exotic and beautiful rivers in Asia, as well as the majestic Nile on its Egypt voyages.
The grand voyages along these rivers take you the full length of the Rhine and Danube and also include the Main River (the longest tributary of the Rhine). These are the busiest rivers for cruising, with hundreds of ships moving up and down them weekly during the season, which typically runs from April to December, closing out with the highly popular Christmas Markets voyages.
Viking also sails with ships specifically designed for the Elbe River (between Berlin and Prague), the Nile River in Egypt, the Douro River in Portugal, the Seine in France, the Dnieper in Ukraine, the Volga in Russia and the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. And, as mentioned, Viking Mississippi is coming soon to the United States.
All of Viking’s voyages focus on a theme to highlight the best of a region. This means there are so many kinds of cruises in their portfolio that might appeal to you. In France for example, you could choose the “Paris and the Heart of Normandy” roundtrip sailing from Paris that lasts eight days and explores the gardens and settings that inspired Monet, as well as the battlefields at Normandy and the art, wines, food, culture and other culturally significant points of interest along the Seine.
On the line’s “European Sojourn,” you’ll cruise in the canals of Amsterdam and alongside the stunning castles of the Rhine River as you visit Germany, Vienna, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. That’s eight countries and countless memories on a 23-day epic voyage.
Viking Longships are easily recognizable in the Danube and Rhine Rivers, easing through the waterways or alongside the banks in some of the most charming and historic villages and cities throughout Europe, delivering avid travelers exciting new experiences each day.
The longships carry up to 190 passengers in 95 fairly spacious staterooms, a majority featuring balconies (either full verandas or French balconies). The ships also offer a pair of two-room, 445-square-foot Explorers Suites at the aft of the ships and six 275-square-foot, two-room Veranda Suites.
Cabins also include 40-inch flat screen TVs with a range of mon-demand movies and a selection of cable news and entertainment channels.
The ships offer a lot of outdoor space so that travelers can enjoy the views while sailing. These ships have four passenger decks, with cabins and public spaces on three interior decks. The top Sun Deck offers panoramic views, sun loungers, a walking track, putting green, herb garden and the ship’s wheelhouse, where the captain operates the vessel.
Deck 3 includes a main atrium area with the lobby and guest services desk and a small library area with a selection of books, puzzles and games. Also, this is the level for the Observation Lounge – which serves as the ship’s bar and entertainment area — and the innovative Aquavit Buffet and Aquavit Terrace dining spot, which sits outside at the bow after you pass through the lounge and is an ideal place for alfresco breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails.
The main dining room offers open seating and three meals a day, including buffet stations for breakfast and lunch.
Viking’s river ships don’t have fitness centers, spas or carry bikes onboard. (They do offer biking excursions, and will help you find bike rentals if you want to pedal around on your own.)
Viking’s specialized ships that sail in other regions such as Asia and Egypt offer mostly the same features but perhaps in a scaled-down space depending on the location.
Passengers enjoy a broad range of cultural programming and fun entertainment. Daily activities onboard and ashore include an included shore excursion in every port. This might be a tour of a fascinating city such as Vienna or Budapest or a look around the charming village of windmills, Kinderdijk, in the Netherlands.
Viking also offers a variety of optional excursions that come with a fee. The excursion included in your cruise fare is typically an overview-type tour of the city, town or village that you are visiting for the day. The optional for-fee excursions might be a trip to a popular museum or palace or an evening concert in Vienna, for examples.
You can also expect to enjoy onboard cultural or history talks or music performances in the ship’s Observation Lounge during your voyage. The cruise manager will also design a program of entertainment like dance parties or trivia contests to that you can interact and have fun with your new friends during your cruise.
All meals are included on the ship, and you can enjoy selected beer and wines, as well as sodas, with your lunch and dinner. You will pay for specialty drinks and cocktails as well as drinks ordered outside of those meal times.
The special touches you get on a Viking river cruise make it unique and memorable. The staff goes out of the way to offer friendly and attentive service. Viking makes every effort to accommodate special requests, whether it comes to food or activities. We made a casual reference to being excited to try the beers of Germany on our Rhine River cruise with Viking, and the cruise manager quickly arranged a special night-time group tour of Kolsch brewhouses in Cologne for anyone interested in joining.
He led our small group around for a festive night sampling the beer that made Cologne famous.
Viking is the world leader in river cruising, setting the standard for modern river cruising. It has the largest fleet, so you can find a special cruise almost anywhere on Viking. Imagine your delight in seeing ancient castles and lush vineyards along the banks of the rivers as you sail through Europe.
The ships also feature large and comfortable cabins and a diverse and engaging program of enrichment and entertainment.
Nightly, the Observation Lounge is filled with passengers engaged in lively conversation or hitting the dance floor.
You can choose cruises in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Northern Europe, Asia, Australia and even an epic sailing on a longer “Grand Voyage” or Viking’s “World Cruise.”
Viking Star’s Atrium
The Ships
As mentioned, each Viking Ocean cruise ship carries up to 930 passengers and have only slight differences in the design of the indoor spaces. Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Star, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter have all been launched since 2015 for the fast-growing Viking Ocean brand.
Viking Venus (2021) and Viking Mars (2022) are also on the way.
Comfort and smart design are the hallmarks of the ships, which offer passengers plenty of space to move around. No crowds onboard these vessels that feature more than 50 cubic feet of space per passenger. Compare that with a number around 30 on the mega cruise ships.
These ships offer a wide variety of staterooms, and they all have balconies. You can choose a Veranda Stateroom (from 270 square feet to 338 square feet), or get a range of extra perks and amenities in the larger Explorer Suites (from 757 square feet to 1,163 square feet). The Penthouse Junior Suite (405 square feet) and massive Owner’s Suite (1,448 square feet) also are options.
Public spaces include the line’s signature Living Room, which a wonderfully inviting gathering area in the center of the ship for live music, trivia, dancing, cocktails or just relaxing to read a book. The smartly designed ship features power outlets in these spaces.
The ships also offer a large fitness center and the LivNordic Spa (a complimentary amenity with thalassotherapy pool hot tub, steam rooms, snow grotto and sauna.) The ships also feature a salon for treatments and shops selling luxury clothes, jewelry and mementos from your cruise.
Deck 7 features a main pool in a serene area that is an oasis in any weather because of a retractable roof. You’ll also find the pool grill and bar here, and the adjacent Winter Garden and lanai areas are additional delightfully designed spaces for relaxing and watching the world go by as you sail. The Winter Garden is also home of the daily afternoon tea sessions accompanied by live music performances.
At the back of the ships on Deck 7 is the blissful Infinity Pool and hot tub, complete with loungers and calming views of the ship’s wake. The Explorers Lounge at the bow of the ship is a gathering spot for afternoon peace and quiet or evening convivial entertainment and cocktails. This lounge spans Decks 7 and 8, the spaces are filled with bookshelves holding reading materials and art pieces highlighting the heritage of adventurous travel. You’ll find it hard to leave once you plop down into one of the comfy couches or chairs adorned with soft blankets and pillows.
The World Café is the buffet area on the ships, and it always offers a variety of fresh seafood, pastas, pizza, sushi and desserts, breads and regional cuisine. The Pool Grill is a fast-casual option, and the burger menu is loaded with all sorts of creative options.
Mamsen’s serves Norwegian comfort foods. The eatery is located in the Explorers’ Lounge and named for the mother of Viking Cruise Line founder Torstein Hagen. You’ll find it hard to stay away. Drop by for a snack of open-faced sandwiches, specialty cakes and pastries or a late-night snack of cured meats and pea soup. The signature favorites include the delicious heart-shaped waffles topped with jam or brown goat cheese.
Viking cruiser’s enjoy the dining experience at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant aboard Viking’s ocean ships.
Manfredi’s is the Italian restaurant, and the Chef’s Table venue offers a rotating multi-course menu highlighting special cuisine from around the globe — such as Mexican, Asian, French and others — and paired with the recommended wines.
Live music and events such as Armanac and chocolate tastings happen in Torshavn, a night club with a dimly lit setting and ultra-hip vibe. The Theater offers enrichment talks, nightly shows and movie nights.
Viking Ocean cruise fares include all meals, and beer and wine with your lunches and dinners.
You get unlimited use of the LivNordic Spa, and Viking offers one included shore excursion in each port (typically a bus tour or walking tour of the destination.)
WiFi is also complimentary.
Tip: Get the Viking Silver Spirits drink package if you like to enjoy a drink or three each day of your cruise. It’s just $19.95 per person per day, an extremely affordable price when compared to other packages in the cruise industry.
Viking Ocean cruises offer creative itineraries to lesser-visited ports and destinations. The 930-passenger ships are welcomed into numerous interesting ports in places like Norway, Estonia and Sweden as well as charming islands of the Caribbean, such as Antigua, Tortola, or on adventurous journeys to the Falkland Islands and the fjords of Chile.
All staterooms have balconies, service is also top-notch, and the space-per-passenger ratio allows you to roam the ship without ever encountering a crowd. It’s a truly blissful and enriching cruising experience.
Carnival Cruise Line has taken delivery of its highly anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras, in a live virtual signing ceremony at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland.
Carnival Cruise Line has taken delivery of its highly anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras, in a live virtual signing ceremony at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland.
Carnival’s Most Innovative Cruise Ship
When the Mardi Gras begins guest operations in April 2021, the 180,000-gross-ton vessel will be the most innovative ship in North America as it will be the first ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), boast a suite of new technology, and BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea.
Located in the heart of Mardi Gras’ French Quarter zone, Emeril’s Bistro 1396 will showcase the chef’s signature dishes that earned him the reputation as one of New Orleans’ most acclaimed and respected chefs.
BAM! Mardi Gras Dining
The ship’s venues, dining and entertainment will be dispersed throughout six distinctive zones, and include a new restaurant by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, the line’s first-ever Big Chicken by Shaquille O’Neal, two dining venues led by Food Network star Guy Fieri, and a new restaurant concept by master chef Rudi Sodamin. The centerpiece of the ship is a breathtaking three-deck-high atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows and movable LED screens that open up to a stunning ocean view.
“I’ve developed restaurants all over the country, but to create my first restaurant at sea – on a ship named Mardi Gras with its own French Quarter, no less – was an opportunity I simply could not pass up,” said Lagasse. “I’m excited to be a part of this brand new ship and bring a taste of the flavors of New Orleans cuisine to the guests sailing on Mardi Gras.”
Mardi Gras will accommodate more than 5,200 guests and a crew of 2,000. Guests will have the choice of more than 2,600 staterooms and 180 suites across 11 categories.
Mardi Gras Captain Giuseppe Giusa
“We have been working tirelessly this year to get to this exciting day to take delivery of this beautiful ship, and the team at Meyer Turku has been an outstanding partner throughout this process,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “I cannot wait for our guests and crew to see and experience Mardi Gras. Notwithstanding the delays related to the pandemic, there is tremendous enthusiasm and pent-up demand for this ship. Next we will work on the development of her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which arrives in 2022 and has sold very well since inventory opened in October.”
“We are delivering a beautiful and highly advanced ship with world-class technology such as LNG propulsion, to name just one. With these sophisticated systems, she will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships to sail the North American waters. I am very proud of our team of shipbuilders and would like to thank everyone involved of their dedication during the building process”, CEO of Meyer Turku, Tim Meyer, states.
La Piazza transports to Italy where they celebrate the rich heritage of Carnival’s senior officers with authentic cuisine, coffee and cocktails.
Sailing From Port Canaveral
Duffy said Mardi Gras will depart from Turku later this month to begin her voyage to North America. The ship will operate seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Fla., and Carnival has worked closely Port Canaveral to build a new cruise terminal to accommodate the Excel-class ship and also facilitate the new LNG fueling process. The inaugural voyage for Mardi Gras is scheduled for April 24, 2021.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visitCarnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
