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Captain Nick Nash Appointed Commodore of the Princess Cruises Fleet

By
John Shallo
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Princess Cruises Regal Princes
Princess Cruises Regal Princes

Captain Nick Nash, a 31-year veteran of Princess Cruises, has been promoted to the rank of commodore of the cruise line’s global fleet, the seventh in the cruise line’s history. The title of commodore is an honor that is bestowed upon the most senior captain of a fleet of ships, and the position represents the highest rank attainable to a Princess Cruises mariner.

Commodore Nick Nash
Commodore Nick Nash

Commodore Nash becomes the senior master of the fleet, representing the interests of all ships and its captains. He also was recently recognized at the delivery of Enchanted Princess as captain of the newest vessel and has the great privilege of navigating the ship out of the Fincantieri shipyard for the very first time.

“It’s an honor and a testament to his dedication as a master seafarer to name Captain Nick Nash the next commodore of our global fleet,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “With his successful tenure and utmost focus on the high priority of the safety and security of all guests and crew, we know he will continue to deliver the cruise experience our guests cherish when we return to service.”

Commodore Nash first joined the company in 1989 and was promoted to staff captain in 1997. In 2002, he became captain and has been at the helm of many Princess vessels, most recently Royal Princess. In fact, Commodore Nash’s daughter, Victoria, served as the madrina of Royal Princess during the ship’s float out ceremony in 2012. She has a special connection to the cruise line’s first Royal Princess – as a baby, she was christened onboard.

Most recently, Commodore Nash served as President of the Nautical Institute and after two years now serves on the council. He was awarded the United Kingdom’s Merchant Navy Medal for meritorious service in 2018. He is a Chartered Master Mariner, a Fellow of The Nautical Institute, The Royal Institute of Navigation, The Royal Geographical Society and a Younger Brother of Trinity House.

“As a young man, I ran away to sea at the age of 17 to start working on cargo ships and now here I am today, extremely proud to take on this new role as commodore of the Princess fleet,” said Commodore Nash. “It’s been the highlight of my career to recently take Enchanted Princess out of the shipyard for the very first time to now overseeing all ships of the cruise line that has allowed me to always continue to learn and grow professionally and personally.”

Commodore Nash succeeds Commodore Giorgio Pomata, who recently retired after serving Princess Cruises for 42 years.

When not at sea with Princess, Commodore Nash resides in his hometown of Penzance, Cornwall, with his wife, Sue.

Viking.TV Celebrates Six Months of Award-Winning Programming

By
John Shallo
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Viking.TV
Viking.TV Celebrates Six Months of Award-Winning Programming

Viking.TV went live in mid-March in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and was conceived as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences while people are staying home, rather than traveling. Now six months later, Viking.TV has broadcast more than 160 sessions featuring original cultural content and virtual Privileged Access to interesting people and places around the world. The digital platform, where all content is free to watch, has resonated well with people during this unusual year. Livestreams and archived content on Viking.TV have been enjoyed by more than two million viewers, which include past Viking travelers and Viking crew, as well as those who have not traveled with Viking. Additionally, Viking.TV was recently honored with the “Breakthrough Award for Product Innovation” in the 2020 Silver Travel Award.

“There is no doubt that we are living in an unusual time that has disrupted all of our lives. It is well known that having a daily routine is important during times of stress and isolation, so we launched Viking.TV to livestream at a set hour each day, when our guests, crew and other curious people can continue to explore the world and have a daily session of positivity and learning,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. “After just six months, we are honored to have welcomed so many esteemed viewers on Viking.TV and to have received such positive feedback. We look forward to once again traveling together, but in the meantime, we are pleased to continue fostering the Viking.TV community—with daily livestream sessions and conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating people.”

Viking.TV Highlights

Since its launch, Viking.TV has featured exclusive interviews and live Q&A with remarkable explorers, museum curators, musicians, astronauts, actors, artists, performers, photographers, filmmakers and more. Highlights include:

  • Museum Mondays – Museum directors, curators and experts have hosted virtual Privileged Access to cultural institutions around the world, including Oslo’s Munch Museum and The Viking Ship Museum, The British Museum in London, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Iowa.
  • Tuesdays – Viking Resident Historians, who typically provide a destination-specific curriculum on every ocean cruise itinerary, have shared Iconic Lectures about world history, including “Greek Civilization,” “The History of France,” “The Italian Renaissance,” and “The Vikings.” Additionally, Viking Resident Photographer Alastair Miller has hosted conversations with notable individuals such as filmmaker Ric Burns, wildlife filmmakers Amos Nachoum and Gavin Thurston and artists Magne Furuholmen and Alexander Talbot-Rice.
  • (Explorer & Music) Wednesdays – In the spirit of exploration, Viking has hosted sessions with explorers from around the world including, Thor Heyerdahl, Jr., whose father famously crossed the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft; anthropologist Benedicte Ingstad, who has written biographies about her parents, famed Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad; and Paralympic skier Cato Zahl Pedersen. Other Wednesday sessions have been dedicated to arts and music and have included interviews with Los Angeles Opera Maestro James Conlon; Royal Academy of Arts curator Ann Dumas; and composer and conductor Debbie Wiseman, OBE.
  • Guest Speaker Thursdays – Every week since the launch of Viking.TV, iconic British broadcast journalist Anne Diamond has interviewed significant figures, including Xander Parish, principal ballet dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre; the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon; the Duke of Devonshire; explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, OBE; former PBS MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton; Downton Abbey’s “Mrs. Patmore,” actress Lesley Nicol; polar explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft; and classical musicians Alma and Helen Deutscher.
  • At Home Fridays – The Countess of Carnarvon has led more than a dozen virtual Privileged Access tours and glimpses of life at her home, Highclere Castle, widely recognized as the filming location of Downton Abbey. Additional “At Home” sessions hosted by members of the Viking family have provided insight into their local life in Basel, Reykjavik, Amsterdam, Sydney, Prague, Budapest, Russia, the Orkney Islands and more.
  • Wellness Weekends – Yoga instructor Mona Therese has led Mind & Body yoga sessions every week since the launch of Viking.TV.
  • Sissel Sundays – Sissel Kyrkjebø, a Norwegian National Treasure and one of the world’s most beautiful voices—and Viking Jupiter® godmother—will by Christmas have performed 52 songs for Viking.TV viewers.

Livestream sessions on Viking.TV start every day at 2 p.m. Eastern Time / 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and all content is archived and available on-demand for anyone who cannot view at the original time of the broadcast. Also on Viking.TV there are more than 200 original short-form Destination Insight documentaries and 60 additional pieces of content in from Viking Cultural Partners, with programming from TED, BBC’s Wonderstruck, Libera and more.

This Week—Space Week on Viking.TV

As Viking.TV continues to plan new content, each month will feature one week dedicated to a single theme. This week is dedicated to taking viewers out of this world with space-themed content. Beginning today, “Space Week” features Viking Resident Astronomer Ray Arvidson speaking about the exploration of Mars; a conversation with photographer Benedict Redgrove, creator of the book NASA: Past and Present Dreams of the Future; and Anne Diamond will interview retired NASA veteran Charles Armstrong, who worked on a variety of projects including the Space Shuttle. The week will be capped by a special At Home Friday—”When Space is Home”—with broadcast journalist Lynn Sherr hosting a conversation between Dr. Anna Fisher, godmother of Viking Orion®, and three additional astronauts: Colonel Jack Fischer, Richard Linnehan and Barbara Morgan.

Viking.TV Viewer Feedback

Many travelers continue to write Viking with comments of appreciation for this new opportunity to explore the world in comfort…from home. Examples of viewer feedback include:

  • “We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful 24 weeks of programs-one more interesting than the last!…We have loved every day of programs and have learned so much while whetting our appetites to once again begin cruising with Viking.” – Bob and Maryann O.
  • “As a lifelong learner, I look forward to being able to access and view more from your library of weekly programs.” – Henriette and Klaus
  • “Since I cannot be with you on board one of your fabulous ships, the next best thing is attending an enrichment…I only wish that I was sitting in the Star Theater or having success cake and tea or a glass of Prosecco in the Explorer’s Lounge.” – Brenda G.
  • “I have learned and seen so many new things. My world during this lockdown has been opened.” – Valerie
  • “I just wanted to say thank you again for offering your weekly yoga sessions through Viking tv. I have been following them since day 1 and enjoy the gentle spirit and guidance that Mona provides. I have done yoga before but I feel that this series is perfect for the challenging times we are experiencing because they are instructive, relaxing and geared to different levels and abilities. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks and Namaste!” – Jennifer A.
  • “This has been such an enjoyable way to ‘travel’ and educate ourselves during the pandemic crisis – – – truly one of the “silver linings” in the clouds of our difficult and uncertain days…This is armchair traveling at its finest!” – Patti F.

Cruise Compete

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Healthy Sail Panel Delivers Health and Safety Recommendations for the Cruise Industry

By
John Shallo
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The Healthy Sail Panel, a group of globally recognized experts assembled by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., has concluded cruising can be safer in the current health environment with a robust set of science-backed protocols. Through research and their relevant experience in various disciplines including public health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, hospitality and marine operations, the panelists have outlined more than 70 recommendations. Take a look at the five focus areas the group has identified in collaboration with co-chairs Governor Mike Leavitt, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

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Royal Caribbean Announces Updates to 2021 Summer Cruises

By
John Shallo
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Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has provided an update to its 2021 summer cruises, announcing upcoming changes in itineraries and homeports. Tapping market research and valuable feedback from guests and travel partners, the cruise line has adjusted its schedule with the goal of providing guests with greater variety for their 2021 adventures.

Highlights of the updated summer cruises for 2021 include new 4- and 5-night Mediterranean getaways from Barcelona, and more island time in the Caribbean with ships sailing from additional, popular U.S. cruise ports next summer including Tampa, Fla. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The new itineraries combined with Royal Caribbean ships and crew will deliver the signature vacation experience that guests know and love. Most importantly, the global cruise line is applying the best available public health, science and engineering insights to deliver a safer and healthier cruise vacation.

Guests with confirmed bookings between April and November 2021 and whose cruises are affected by these changes are being notified directly. These existing bookings are covered by Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program.

New Itineraries and Homeports

Europe

  • Adventure of the Seas, which was previously scheduled to sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm, will head for Barcelona to sail a mix of new 4- and 5-night Mediterranean itineraries to historic destinations like La Spezia and Rome, Italy; Ajaccio, Nice and Marseille, France; and Palma and Ibiza, Spain.
  • Jewel of the Seas, originally planned to homeport in Amsterdam and Barcelona, will now sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm on 7-night cruises calling on Northern Europe’s picturesque ports of Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Visby, Sweden.

The Caribbean

  • Independence of the Seas, originally sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. offering 3- and 4-night cruises, will now make the neighboring city of Miami her home for the summer season and offer a combination of 6- and 8-night cruises to the Southern and Western Caribbean, visiting far-flung islands including Aruba and Curacao.
  • Vision of the Seas¸ previously planned to sail from Barcelona, will sail from San Juan, offering a new summer program from the island of enchantment. She will offer 7-night Southern Caribbean itineraries to exotic destinations like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; St. John’s, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Bridgetown, Barbados.
  • Brilliance of the Seas will stay in Tampa for the summer offering a new drive to port for guests. She will sail 4-, 5- and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean, elevating Caribbean summer sailings from Florida’s west coast.

Royal Caribbean’s other summer 2021 cruises will sail on as planned in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Visiting more than 200 destinations in over 50 countries with 27 ships in 2021-22, the cruise line’s summer 2021 highlights span the globe.

Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay

In Europe, new ship Odyssey of the Seas will join Anthem and Harmony of the Seas and make its debut in Rome to kick off its inaugural Europe season. Over in Alaska, the region will see the cruise line’s biggest season yet with four ships, including newcomer Quantum of the Seas. The warmer temps in the Caribbean bring travelers variety in itineraries, destinations and ships with newly amplified favorites like Mariner and Navigator of the Seas sailing 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday itineraries to The Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Oasis of the Seas cruising from the New York area for the first time. In Asia, guests can sail aboard the region’s newest ship, Spectrum of the Seas, offering 4- and 5-night sailings from Shanghai and visiting Japan.

Royal Caribbean’s full list of 2021 summer cruises can be found here.

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Azamara Announces New Explorations for 2022 and 2023

By
John Shallo
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Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Pursuit

Azamara, is excited to announce the remainder of itineraries for 2022 as well as 2023 (Q1), featuring over 80 new itineraries, and more than 170 overnights and 300 late night stays. As the brand furthers its commitment to more in-depth exploration by connecting guests to a country’s local life and culture, Azamara will offer more Country-Intensive Voyages between 2022 and 2023 than ever before, allowing guests to experience iconic destinations as well as hidden gems, all within a single country.

“As the leader in Destination Immersion®, we are always enthusiastic about sharing our new deployment, this year it’s even more special as we have the opportunity to announce an extension of our Country-Intensive Voyages,” says Chief Operating Officer, Carol Cabezas. “When we were working on our itineraries for 2022/2023, our goal was to invite new and returning guests to explore places they have never visited before, or better yet, connect our guests to a country they have traveled to before, but adding in ports that are considered hidden gems to allow for a new experience, which our Country-Intensives are designed to offer.”

With over 275 ports of call in more than 70 countries, 26 of the ports will be offered in Greece, with two maiden ports: Syros, and Tinos. Azamara will also add on returning guest favorites including, Greece Country-Intensives, voyages to the Black Sea and Egypt-Israel intensive voyages. Further south, Azamara will continue another guest favorite, South Africa Intensive voyages.

Azamara Announces New Explorations for 2022 and 2023 | 8

Highlights of some maiden ports include:

  • Off the beaten path, Syros, Greece: Far less hedonistic than its neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini. Instead, it offers an authentic look at what Greek life is truly like on the Cyclades. Home to fantastic food and beautiful beaches, Syros is a hidden gem that doesn’t necessarily want to be discovered — only further adding to its unmistakable charm.
  • Poignant Landmarks, Pink Lakes, and Free-Roaming Wildlife in Dakar, Senegal: Enigmatic, electric, and endlessly explorable, Dakar dazzles on the West African coast. Jutting out on the Cape Verde Peninsula, the city is the westernmost point of the African continent, and was an important trading point for European colonial powers.
  • A wonderland of urban delights and pastoral pursuits in Aberdeen, Scotland:  Remote and northerly, Scotland’s third largest city is a surprising gem with distinctive architecture and a cosmopolitan feel. Admire the granite architecture that varies from highly ornamented Victorian to robust, rough-hewn Scottish façade in the heart of quaint Old Aberdeen

For more information on Azamara’s 2022 & 2023 deployment, please visit this link here.

Atlas Ocean Voyages First To Include Emergency Evacuation and Return-To-Home Insurance

By
John Shallo
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World Navigator Antarctica
World Navigator Antarctica

A first for the cruise industry, Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that the luxury-expedition cruise brand will include emergency evacuation and return-to-home insurance for all guests, in keeping with its All Inclusive All the Way experience. Seasoned, fun-seeking and like-spirited travelers can travel with greater peace of mind on future luxury adventures aboard World Navigator, Atlas’ new, safe and small expedition ship, launching in July 2021. The insurance covers emergency medical transportation from the ship to a local treatment center, as well as return transportation to home or a medical facility close to home, as required.

Safety – A Top Priority

“Because safety and the health of our guests is our top priority, we are proud to be the first cruise brand to include emergency medical evacuation and return-to-home insurance as part of every booking,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “With this first-ever included insurance coverage, our guests can enjoy peace of mind when sailing our captivating destinations and know that we take care of every detail, as part of our All Inclusive All the Way experience.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-inclusive, luxury cruise brand defined by simple and refined elegance and will deliver authentic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures in the world’s most extraordinary and remote destinations aboard World Navigator, a newly constructed, safe, clean and green, small expedition ship. World Navigator will embark on her inaugural 2021 year, sailing seven- to 24-night itineraries in the Holy Land, Black and Mediterranean Seas in the summer, followed by nine- to 13-night itineraries in the Caribbean, South America and Antarctica in winter 2021/22.

World Navigator Deluxe Veranda
World Navigator Deluxe Veranda

All-inclusive Luxury Expedition

Experienced, fun-seeking and like-spirited discerning travelers will find community aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ all-inclusive luxury expedition ships and revel in its welcoming and lively venues to share their day’s exploits. All Atlas Ocean Voyages journeys include emergency medical evacuation insurance; complimentary round-trip air travel from major U.S. and Canada gateways; prepaid gratuities; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; free shore excursions in select ports; international gourmet dining; and onboard binoculars, coffee and tea service, and butler service in suites.

Safety is at the core of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Category-C and Ice Class-1B, expedition ships, and all of the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures are being incorporated into their design. World Navigator’s construction in Portugal is on schedule and the line’s first ship will launch in mid-2021, with sister-ships World Traveller, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer to follow before the end 2023.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is also committed to preserving the breathtaking locales and waters that its ships visit for future generations to enjoy, and is among the first to employ the latest conservation and sustainability technologies, including a hybrid power management and propulsion system that maximizes fuel efficiency and consumes as low as one-fifth the fuel compared to conventional cruise ship systems. Additionally, World Navigator and her sister ships utilize underwater, forward-looking sonar to confidently navigate coastal, harbor and icy polar waters, and feature an alternate hydrojet propulsion system, which helps the ship quietly cruise up to five knots without disturbing marine wildlife for incomparable up-close encounters.

For more information, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com

Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Mardi Gras’ Massive Grand Central Atrium

By
John Shallo
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Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Mardi Gras' Massive Grand Central Atrium
Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Mardi Gras' Massive Grand Central Atrium

Carnival Cruise Line is breaking the mold with Grand Central, a transformational three-deck-high atrium that is one of six themed zones on Mardi Gras, set to debut in February.

A unique twist on the traditional atrium, Grand Central spans Decks 6, 7 and 8 with massive 3,000-square-foot glass panels built into the starboard side of the ship providing guests with impressive views of the ocean and ports of call as they relax in comfortable seating or stroll throughout the space.

Mardi Gras' Grand Central Atrium
Mardi Gras’ Grand Central Atrium spans Decks 6, 7 and 8 with massive 3,000-square-foot glass panels built into the starboard side of the ship

According to Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s director of new build product development and part of the design team that developed the groundbreaking venue, the idea was to create a space that was as functional as it was eye-catching, while providing guests with that “take your breath away” moment when they first board the vessel.

“Building an atrium into the side of a cruise ship is no easy task and it was a total team effort between our new build management team, engineers, designers, and hotel and entertainment teams to create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional,” Aprile said.

During the day, Grand Central serves as a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy a coffee, drink or light fare, people watch, listen to live music, or partake in trivia contests and other leisurely pursuits.  At night, Grand Central transforms into an intimate and immersive venue with a rotation of spectacular, soon-to-be-revealed experiences created just for Mardi Gras.  Talented performers will interact with 16 individually controlled six- by 14-foot LED screens displaying video and special effects, as well as lasers and aerial feats to create a truly unforgettable entertainment experience.

Mardi Gras' Grand Central Atrium
Mardi Gras’ Grand Central Atrium

Aprile noted that “with a ship as innovative as Mardi Gras we wanted to create a multi-functional dining and entertainment space that guests can enjoy day and night, while at the same time providing an intuitive way to get around the ship and creating  a dramatic centerpiece that is worthy of our most innovative ship.   Grand Central provides all that and more.  We are extremely pleased with the results thus far.”

Overlooking Grand Central is the multi-level Grand View Bar which like its name implies offers guests a chance to enjoy floor-to-ceiling sea views as they sip custom-cocktails and other libations, amidst awe-inspiring design touches like a virtual waterfall on translucent panels.    There’s also the Center Stage Bar on the main level.  Both venues will feature specialty cocktails inspired by the theme of that evening’s entertainment.

Mardi Gras' Grand Central Atrium
Mardi Gras’ Grand Central Atrium

Steps away is Java Blue, which in addition to serving coffees, cappuccinos and lattes like other Carnival ships, offers a menu of fresh bakery items, wraps, salads and other light fare throughout the day.   The Cherry on Top sweets shop is also nearby for those who want to enjoy a decadent treat, as are the retail shops and casino, providing a variety of fun options for guests to enjoy.

Connecting all of these spaces are a series of spacious and airy promenades and bridges that serve as convenient thoroughfares to other areas of the ship while allowing guests to see all the other happenings on board, adding to the excitement.

Carnival Cruise Line Reveals Mardi Gras' Massive Grand Central Atrium | 8
Mardi Gras’ Grand Central Atrium construction photo (September 2020).” width=”1024″ height=”768″ /> Mardi Gras’ Grand Central Atrium construction photo (September 2020).

Noted Aprile, “We put the engineers and designers to the test here and our teams have taken everything we’ve learned about shipbuilding and interior design to create a stunning, comfortable and functional environment that truly sets Grand Central apart from other shipboard venues. With its transformation from daytime relaxation to nighttime entertainment, Grand Central is unlike anything that’s ever been done on a cruise ship before and our guests are going to love it.”

Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Mardi Gras Set to Debut from Port Canaveral in February 2021

The first North American cruise ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Mardi Gras is set to debut from Port Canaveral, Fla., Feb. 6, 2021, operating week-long itineraries from the Space Coast.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Viking Announces New Mississippi Itinerary Offering Exclusive Graceland Access

By
John Shallo
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Viking Mississippi
Viking Mississippi Rendering

With strong demand for Viking’s new Mississippi river cruises, Viking has released a new itinerary for its maiden season – Mississippi Holiday Season.

Setting sail in December 2022, the new 8-day itinerary will explore destinations between New Orleans and Memphis. In addition to Christmas light displays, Cajun cuisine and historic ports of call, guests will enjoy exclusive Privileged Access to Graceland. During this special excursion to Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion, guests will experience a private, after-hours visit including a tour of the mansion and the complex’s connecting venues and exhibits – Presley Cycles, Archives Experience, Private Presley: Elvis in the Army Exhibit, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and more.

This week, Viking.TV will celebrate the highly anticipated Mississippi cruises with a week of new content exploring the iconic river.

On Tuesday, September 29 (11am PT/2pm ET), join a livestream with Richard Riveire to discover the inspiration and design details for Viking’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, debuting in August 2022.

Mississippi Week on Viking.TV starting September 28:

Each livestream begins each day at 11am PST / 2pm EST. Content is also taped and available to view the following day on Viking.TV.  

Viking Mississippi

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.

Purpose-built for the Mississippi and currently under construction in Louisiana, the five-deck ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities will make it the largest and most modern cruise ship in the region.

Viking Mississippi Rendering
Viking Mississippi Fwd Suite Deck 3 Bedroom

Sustainable Features

Solar panels, LED lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and an energy-efficient hybrid propulsion system will make Viking Mississippi the most environmentally friendly passenger ship on the Mississippi River.

Viking Inclusive Value

Every Mississippi River cruise fare includes everything guests need, with no surprises or hidden fees. Cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service, lectures, alternative dining at no extra charge, self-service launderettes, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises®’ 2023 World Cruise Breaks Booking Record for Second Year in a Row

By
John Shallo
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Seven Seas Mariner
Seven Seas Mariner

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, has once again shattered the company’s previous world cruise opening day booking record, with reservations doubling the previous record set by the 2022 World Cruise. The line experienced the longest waitlist for a world cruise in its history, with all Penthouse Suites and above selling out within a matter of hours when sales opened on September 23.

“Our world cruises are always highly anticipated, and I am delighted with the response to our latest global voyage, especially considering the unprecedented public health challenges we are currently navigating,” stated Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “This record-breaking 2023 World Cruise launch day demonstrates people’s willingness to take long cruises to exotic lands and the substantial appetite for luxury travel our guests have and it is a testament to the unrivalled Regent experience that our outstanding crew have perfected.”

Regent’s 2023 World Cruise is the line’s longest since 2011 and will explore South America, South Pacific Islands, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, Africa and Spain on a 143-night voyage across 72 ports of call.

The epic journey spans six continents from Miami, Florida to Barcelona, Spain in nearly five months, sailing January 7 to May 30, 2023. Full voyage details can be found in the dedicated brochure and an enticing World Cruise 2023 video has also been created.

Seven Seas Mariner®, the world’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship, will take luxury travelers “Beyond the Horizon,” re-igniting a love for the water by sailing a total of 38,279 nautical miles, including a full transit of the Panama Canal and the navigation of three oceans, 14 seas, straits, gulfs, bays and channels. On land guests will have untold adventures in 42 countries with up to 356 FREE shore excursions and access to 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Guests will also enjoy extended adventure in 11 ports which feature overnight stays, and be treated to exclusive shoreside experiences in three highly exotic destinations – Bali, Indonesia; Singapore; and Walvis Bay, Namibia – as well as a glamorous pre-cruise gala in Miami.

Though only a few suite categories remain available due to the record-breaking launch day, fares range from $77,999 to $208,999 per guest with every luxury included and past world cruise guests and Seven Seas Society® Members enjoy additional savings. The unforgettable expedition includes a broad collection of bespoke and exclusive amenities, such as first-class air, door-to-door luggage service, unlimited valet laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing, onboard medical services, visa packages, phone time per suite, a commemorative gift and more. This is in addition to the personalized service, exquisite dining in ambient restaurants, premium beverages in a number of bars and lounges, entertainment and unlimited internet access found on board all Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyages and all included in the fare.

Should guests be hungry for even more adventure, Regent has designed 14 bespoke optional overland programs, half of which are completely new and will immerse travelers into fascinating destinations. The tailored tours, which are supplementary, are led by local expert guides and designed to maximize time on shore, with guests leaving the ship for up to four days at a time. Highlights include exploring the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, unlocking the mysteries of Machu Picchu and searching for Africa’s Big Five.

Montague continued, “Featuring a veritable treasure trove of up to 356 FREE shore excursions and a focus on lesser traveled areas of the globe such as Polynesia and Melanesia, Southeast Asia and Africa’s west coast, our 2023 World Cruise is one of the longest and most exciting sailings we have ever curated. This coupled with our highly personalized onboard service, and the fact that every imaginable luxury is included, creates a truly unrivaled experience and the perfect environment for guests to create life-long memories with fellow, like-minded travelers.”

For more information please visit www.RSSC.com, call 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-873-2381) or contact a professional travel advisor.

Costa Cruises Announces New 2021 Itineraries

By
John Shallo
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Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda

Costa Cruises has announced it will continue its program for the gradual and responsible reintroduction of cruise holidays. Following the presentation of its cruises for the 2020-21 winter season, the Italian company has reshaped its itineraries for the rest of 2021, with the goal of providing guests the best possible cruise experience with enhanced health protocols.

From April through November 2021 Costa Cruises will further extend its Mediterranean offer with a large variety of options and the convenience of multiple ports of departure. Also, summer 2021 will see the return of cruising in Northern Europe, one of the most popular destinations among Costa’s guests.

Details of the new itineraries and how to book them will be available shortly at Costa’s website and at travel agencies. Costa is working with national and local authorities in the countries on its itineraries to offer guests a safe and enjoyable vacation experience, through implementation of the Costa Safety Protocol in all the destinations included in the new program for 2021.

From March until fall 2021, three ships will be deployed on a regular basis in the Western Mediterranean: Costa Smeralda, the first ship in the fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG); Costa Firenze, its new ship under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) yard; and Costa Pacifica, which will be offering 7-day cruises calling in Italy, France and Spain.

Three additional ships will be operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, all on one-week itineraries. Costa Deliziosa will sail to the Greek islands, Costa Luminosa will visit Greece and Croatia and Costa Magica will be going to Greece and Malta.

During the 2021 summer season, Costa will have four ships cruising in Northern Europe. Costa Fortuna and Costa Diadema will be sailing on one-week cruises to the Baltic capitals and the Norwegian fjords, respectively. Costa Favolosa will be offering spectacular 14-day holidays in Iceland, nine days in the Norwegian fjords and a fortnight in Ireland, Scotland and England. Costa Fascinosa will be operating on a 12-day cruise sailing all the way to the North Cape, and on a 9-day itinerary in the Baltic Sea.

During spring and fall 2021, Costa Fortuna, Costa Diadema, Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa will all be operating in the Mediterranean. Costa Diadema will visit Israel and Turkey on two separate alternating two-week cruises. Costa Fortuna will offer Western Mediterranean mini-cruises while Costa Favolosa will be deployed on mini-cruises in the spring and 10-day cruises to Morocco in the fall. Costa Fascinosa will sail on 10-day holidays bound for Lisbon.

The other cruises previously scheduled between March and November 2021 and not included in the new program will be canceled. Costa is making the necessary arrangements to inform travel agents and the customers concerned, who will be guaranteed the option of rebooking in accordance with the applicable requirements of consumer protection law.

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