Victory Cruise Lines has announced the addition of its fourth vessel, Ocean Discoverer
Victory Cruise Lines has announced the addition of its fourth vessel, Ocean Discoverer, from Sunstone Ships, Inc. Currently, under construction, the Ocean Discoverer will be delivered in September 2022 and will join Ocean Victory in Alaska in 2023. Ocean Discoverer will make its debut with the Discover Beyond ™ Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruiseitineraries, which are currently available for booking onboard the Ocean Victory.
“We are pleased to welcome our second Alaska-bound expedition ship and expand our Victory Cruise Line experiences,” shares John Waggoner, founder, and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Following the success of our inaugural season on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes, and coastal New England, we are excited to continue that momentum with the new Ocean Discoverer and look forward to showcasing the very best of expedition cruising in Alaska.”
As part of Sunstone Ships’ INFINITY-class of expedition ships, the aptly named Ocean Discoverer was designed for in-depth destination access and exploration, while promoting responsible and sustainable travel. Providing world-class accommodations and amenities, guests will enjoy immersive shore excursions led by expert marine biologists, scientists, and naturalists throughout the 12- to 13-day expedition voyages.
The 8,500-ton, 104.4-meter and 200-passenger Ocean Discoverer will be identical to the Ocean Victory.
The 8,500-ton, 104.4-meter and 200-passenger Ocean Discoverer will be identical to the Ocean Victory and feature 93 suites, of which 68 will have balconies, nine French balconies, and 16 panoramic windows. The vessel will carry a crew of 100 and boast a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio. Onboard venues include two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, observation and lectures lounges, piano bar, library, gym, spa, swimming pool with a pool bar and jacuzzi.
The Ocean Discoverer will also utilize Victory Cruise Lines’ partnership with the acclaimed Department of Marine Biology at California Polytechnic State University to feature marine biologists, scientists, and naturalists among the ship’s expedition team. This along with the vessel’s fleet of zodiacs and kayaks will provide guests with endless opportunities for active and responsible adventure and up-close wildlife viewing. Offering the same premier service, dining and accommodations guests have come to expect on board Victory Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat Company, Ocean Discoverer will feature the finest regional cuisines, top-of-the-line entertainment, and immersive shore excursions.
Princess Cruises is temporarily modifying its cancellation policy for cruises and cruise tours departing through May 31, 2020. The cruise line is implementing this revised policy to assist guests in making decisions regarding their upcoming cruise vacations during the evolving worldwide COVID-19 situation.
The details vary by departure date.
Date of Departure* Policy Update
Apr 3 or earlier Cancel up to 72hrs before sailing to receive a
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees
Apr 4 – May 31 Cancel by Mar 31, 2020 and receive FCC for 100% of cancellation fees
Jun 1 – June 30 Final Payment moves to 60 days prior to sailing (from 90 days)
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.
As part of the cruise industry’s continued commitment to the health and safety of guests and crew, as well as the residents of port cities and destinations around the world, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, announced the adoption of additional enhanced screening measures in response to COVID-19.
Screening Measures for COVID-19
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry,
As a result of these changes, which are effective immediately, CLIA members are to:
Deny boarding to all persons who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in South Korea, Iran, China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government, as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within 14 days prior to embarkation.
Conduct illness screening for all persons who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in any destinations listed on the U.S. CDC “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel” page within 14 days before embarkation. Illness screening includes symptom history checks for fever, cough, and difficulty breathing in the 14 days before embarkation and taking of temperature.
Deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days prior to embarkation, have had contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who are currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
Conduct pre-boarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19
“The adoption of these measures further demonstrates the cruise industry’s unique ability to respond quickly as circumstances evolve,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA. “We remain in close contact with local governments around the world, and while we regret that these changes will result in the denial of boarding for some of our guests, travelers should know that their health and safety is the absolute priority for the industry.”
In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA, and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to COVID-19 and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.
With strict measures in place, as guided by national and international health authorities, CLIA and its member lines, in concert with pronouncements from the World Health Organization, do not believe restrictions on the movement of ships are justified.
AmaWaterways has announced its 25th river cruise ship, the luxurious new AmaDahlia, is scheduled to set sail on Egypt’s legendary Nile River beginning September 2021. The 11-night cruise and land adventure includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor and is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stays in historic Cairo at the prestigious five-star Four Seasons, Cairo at The First Residence. This immersive Secrets of Egypt & Nile itinerary will provide travelers a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, while embraced in the luxurious, warm and welcoming atmosphere AmaWaterways guests have come to know and love.
“We are excited to be coming back to the legendary Nile and introducing a new river cruise experience in Egypt,” said Rudi Schreiner, president, and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Everything about this new ship and curated itinerary reflects AmaWaterways’ focus on delivering luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine and enriching experiences designed to engage with local communities and historic sites.”
AmaDahlia (Artist’s Rendering)
The newest addition to the AmaWaterways fleet, AmaDahlia will guide guests through the heart of Egypt as they experience the Nile’s life-giving waters and find themselves surrounded by flourishing palm trees, fertile plantations and millennia-old attractions – many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guests will follow expert guides to legendary locations like the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the beguiling Temple of Luxor, and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens, as well as be treated to exclusive private access to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and a Nubian village. While in Cairo, they come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures like the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the 4,000-year-old Great Sphinx and three Pyramids of Giza; the Egyptian Museum, featuring the exquisite collections of King Tut; and a private tour of the principal workplace of the President of Egypt, the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.
“Egypt is rich with culture and history and deserves its ranking as one of the most fascinating destinations in the world,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of the leading river cruise line. “We continuously search for new ways to expand our offerings, bringing new experiences to our loyal repeat guests as well as attracting new luxury travelers in search of adventure and exploration.”
Newly designed to accommodate only 68 guests, the stunning AmaDahlia will feature 34 luxurious staterooms, 24 of which are spacious balcony suites measuring up to 430 sq. ft. Onboard amenities include a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, two massage rooms and two restaurants – The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, offering a delectable seven-course tasting menu. Guests will be treated to authentic nightly entertainment including a Belly Dance show, a Galabeya (a traditional Egyptian gown) party and a Darawish show.
The river cruise, sailing round trip from Luxor, and Cairo program — with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor — will operate seasonally from September through to May each year. To complement this immersive 11-night cruise and land adventure, Secrets of Egypt & the Nile will be offered with optional extensions including pre-program, three nights in Dubai or four nights in Jordan (Amman and Petra) and post-program, four nights in Israel (Jerusalem). Guests are encouraged to book by June 30, 2020 to enjoy early booking rewards combinable with AmaWaterways Past Guest Privilege Rewards program for returning guests.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has spiced up its 2021 river cruise offerings with two 12-day culinary-themed itineraries in France as well as offering travelers who book early savings of up to $500 per person on fares, free economy roundtrip air on 8- to 10-day sailings, free premium economy air on sailings of 11 or more days, and business class air at the low price of $1,995 on select sailings. Guests can enjoy an additional $1,000 or $1,800, respectively, if they book their own flights, and reduce the fare by another $250 to $500 per person by paying in full upon booking. The recently released 2021 Preview Brochure offers details on more than 25 itineraries, countless city stays extensions and cruise-tour options and is available online at www.scenicusa.com and by mail.
A new five-day Tastes of Imperial Europe adds to the roster of great choices. This cruise is for those wishing to dive deep into the cultures of Vienna and Budapest, with two days spent in each city, with a day in Bratislava in between. The extra days mean more time to explore Vienna’s world-famous State Opera, St. Stephens Cathedral, the opulent rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, and to wander through the many shops with local crafts and hard to resist pastries. Two days in Budapest offers guests an opportunity to truly explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. From the Fisherman’s Bastion to labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock to the 20-plus thermal pools of the 107-year-old Szechenyi Bath. Topped off with an exclusive-to-Scenic private classical music concert at the 18th-century Gödöllö Palace, the second largest Baroque Palace in the world. Fares start at $2,195 per person, double.
Scenic is the only river cruise company to offer a river cruise guarantee. Backed by Chubb Insurance, a top global insurance firm, the guarantee automatically covers every guest on the commencement of their cruise for any delays or cancellations due to weather, natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns or labor strikes. Even high/low water issues that plague the industry every year. And just as impressive is that approved claimants will receive direct monetary refunds, up to $750 per day with a maximum of seven days or $5,250 per guest, instead of the industry standard of future cruise credits.
The 5-star Scenic Space-Ships offer all-inclusive luxury experiences – from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to six on-board dining options and a wellness area and fitness center. And guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all Scenic Freechoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events which are exclusive to Scenic and its guests.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 34-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive river, and ocean cruises and handcrafted land tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has offered river cruises in Europe, SE Asia, Russia and Egypt on its 15 Space-Ships. In 2019, Scenic introduced the world’s first luxury Discovery Yacht, the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse. Sister brand Emerald Waterways has eight Star-Ships offering sailings on European rivers and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River. In July 2021, the Emerald Azzura will be the first ship to launch under the new Emerald Yacht Cruises brand – a 100-guest superyacht that will ply the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red seas.
Additional information can be obtained via travel agents; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com
The sparkling atrium staircase on Regent Seven Seas Splendor sets the tone for decor on the ship.
Regent Seven Seas Splendor has joined the fleet of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, combining high-end service, gourmet cuisine and elegant décor featuring a top-notch art collection. The all-inclusive experience puts the cruise line at the forefront of the industry when it comes to delivering a truly posh cruise vacation.
Seven Seas Splendor is essentially “The World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Ship 2.0,” joining sister Regent Seven Seas Explorer, which debuted in 2016 and set the footprint for these spectacularly spacious and glitzy 750-passenger luxury vessels.
While sailing on Seven Seas Splendor, we discovered seven features on this showy ship that give passengers an over-the-top luxury experience.
All-Inclusive
The cruise offers hassle-free inclusiveness. Passengers get drinks, meals, a lineup of included excursions, gratuities, airfare, transfers and WiFi for the price of their cruise fare. You only pay for premium shore excursions, spa treatments and casino play.
The fitness center offers the full mix of cardio and resistance-training equipment as well as a lineup of classes.
The spa features separate locker rooms for men and women, and each area has an experience shower, cold room, sauna, and steam room. You’ll also enjoy the co-ed thermal suite and infinity pool at the aft of the ship right off the spa.
The spa offers a full range of massages and treatments, such as facials and wraps. There is also a beauty salon offering hair and nail treatments, as well as shaving and grooming services for men. The fitness center is part of the spa complex and is located above the spa one deck up.
Save your appetite for Sunday Brunch.
Sunday Brunch
On Sunday when it’s a sea day, the crew puts out an incredible spread in the ship’s Compass Rose restaurant. The Sunday Brunch lasts for two hours and includes huge lobsters, fresh sushi, King crab and other seafood, as well as mounds of caviar. Another station features meats and cheeses — with Iberico and Iberian hams. I found a delicious lasagna next to the omelet station, and you also can dive into salads, fruits and a wide array of desserts.
All of this is washed down by Veuve Clicquot Champagne — or a Bellini or two. You might partake in this feast and consider yourself set for the day. However, you’re more likely to need a nap to regroup before heading off to the Pacific Rim (Asian) or Prime 7 (steakhouse) for another large gourmet meal.
The dragon at the entrance of the Pacific Rim restaurant is an iconic feature of the ship.Regent Seven Seas Splendor contains $5 million worth of artwork.
Design and Décor
The ship is filled with elegant touches in the décor and wonderful craftsmanship throughout. Luxury oozes as you wander the main atrium and corridors of the ship, noting the woodwork, shiny metal and stylish carpets and window treatments. A large chandelier lights the marble staircase that descends from Deck 5 to Deck 4 in the atrium.
There is marble everywhere, along with glimmering gold-colored railings. Paintings and sculptures fill the public spaces and restaurant walls. Seven Seas Splendor boasts $5 million in artwork, with pieces from Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Roberto Matta, and Juan Roberto Diago on display.
Thomas, our bartender at the pool deck, is just one of the friendly crew members we encountered on the ship.
Crew that Cares
With only 750 passengers on board, the crew gets to know you fairly quickly. The attentive staff delivers service with a smile. You won’t experience waits to place a drink order, and the staff goes out of their way to fulfill special requests, such as for those who have special dietary needs or unique drink orders or craving for a meal not listed on the menu.
24-Hour Room Service
That custom-curated service experience extends to your suite. Passengers in every stateroom can take advantage of 24-hour room service. The deep menu includes steaks, seafood, salads, burgers, paninis, sandwiches, and desserts. You can simply dial up an order whenever hunger strikes or if you decide to have a romantic meal in your room or out on the spacious balcony.
This is the incredible spa bathroom in the Regent Suite.
Spacious Staterooms
All 375 staterooms on Seven Seas Splendor offer at least 307 square feet and large balconies.
We stayed in a Concierge Suite, which has a large walk-in closet, tons of storage space in dresser drawers and a big bathroom with dual sinks, soaker tubs and spacious showers with rainfall settings. (See a video tour of eight different cabin categories below.)
The top suite categories come with butler service, which is a cut above, but the stateroom to top them all is the Regent Suite, a 4,443-square-foot pad that owns space at the front of Deck 14 covering the full width of the ship. The Regent Suite goes for $11,000 a night for two and has a massive living room, grand piano, large spa, guest bedroom, and a huge wraparound balcony space.
The dining room in the Regent Suite on Regent Seven Seas Splendor leads right into the stateroom's observation lounge overlooking the front of the ship from Deck 14.
It’s the world’s largest and most expensive cruise ship cabin.
The Regent Suite on the new Regent Seven Seas Splendor also is the most luxurious stateroom you’ll ever see.
And if you are fortunate enough to call this suite your home during a voyage on this glamorous vessel — actually, you’re probably worth a fortune if you can afford it – you’ll be treated like proper royalty for the princely sum of $11,000 a night (for two passengers).
If that seems like a lot of money, well, that’s because it is. With most cruises at least 10 days or longer on Seven Seas Splendor, the price tag for the Regent Suite comes to more than $110,000 for your trip. Wow!
“There’s nothing like it,” says Jason Montague, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ president and CEO.
Here’s what makes it so attractive to the affluent cruisers who have raced to be among the very first to experience these accommodations.
The Regent Suite
The views are unbeatable! The Regent Suite is located on Deck 14, and it spans the entire front of the ship, offering full panoramic views of the ocean as you sail or amazing vistas of exotic port destinations. You can gaze through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the suite’s large living room or from the cozy observation lounge off the dining room/bar area.
The Observation LoungeThe Regent Suite features a 1,300 square-foot balcony.
The Regent Suite measures a massive 4,443 square feet and features a guest bedroom, master suite, three bathrooms and the most balcony space on any cruise ship.
The 1,300 square-foot balcony wraps around the front of the ship and offers a hot tub, plush sun loungers, chairs, and an outdoor dining table.
The spa bathroom in the Regent Suite has thermal loungers, a sauna, and a steam room, among the amenities.
The master bedroom offers an immense walk-through closet and a spa bathroom with a tub, sauna, steam room and two thermal loungers on which you can lay back a enjoy the views out of a giant front-facing window. Unlimited in-room spa and massage treatments are included.
A $200,000 Mattress
This bedroom is also notable for the custom-made bed that features a $200,000 mattress. The Hastens Vividus mattress is filled with horsetail hair, flax, slow-growing pine, wool and cotton designed to create a superior sleep experience.
The master suite is home to a bed with a $200,000 mattress.
Book the Regent Suite and you also can select your linens and pillows from an Italian bed linen menu.
Other amenities for this stateroom include first-class flights and a personal car, driver and guide for each port you visit on your itinerary.
That’s a lot of goodies, for sure, and a nice way to travel. If you’ve got deep enough pockets, that is.
Norwegian Cruise Line has created “Extraordinary Journeys,” a curated portfolio of port-intensive itineraries designed to offer more immersive and meaningful experiences around the world, and opens for sale select 2021 itineraries on Norwegian Jade, Pearl, Sky, Star, and Sun.
https://youtu.be/VgSEzYd9V6k
The new destination category, Extraordinary Journeys, features a collection of longer, one-of-a-kind port-rich voyages, that inspire a sense of discovery and broader connection with places around the world. From the 22-day African Safari and Seychelles voyage on Norwegian Dawn, to the 15-day Alaska journey on Norwegian Sun, these immersive expeditions have guests globetrotting across continents and to the most desired destinations on Earth.
“The new Extraordinary Journeys itineraries are meant to stir a sense of wonder and encourage meaningful travel, whether you’re looking to disconnect or reconnect with the people and world around you,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. “Travel broadens our horizons and allows us to reset. With cruises from 11 to 22 days sailing and calling to nearly every continent, we are inspiring our guests to discover their own extraordinary journey with us.”
New Extraordinary Journeys – New For 2021
From Jan. 2 to April 16, Norwegian Star will sail eight Extraordinary Journeys, seven in South America and one in Northern Europe. She will sail a series of 14-day voyages from Santiago (San Antonio), Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina, from Jan. 2 to March 13, offering guests the opportunity to explore the continent’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts by sailing around its southernmost point – Cape Horn. Throughout her voyage, she will visit Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco and Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia and Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands; and Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Returning to Europe on April 16, Norwegian Star will depart New York on a 16-day Extraordinary Journey to Southampton, United Kingdom, cruising to the British Isles, France, and Iceland. She’ll call to Halifax, Nova Scotia; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Dublin and Cork (Cobh), Ireland; Liverpool and Portland, United Kingdom; Paris (Le Havre), France; and an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, allowing guests more time to discover the city’s stunning natural beauty.
Norwegian Jade will feature a 15-day Extraordinary Journey on April 22, from New York to Amsterdam visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia; an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Holyhead, United Kingdom; Paris (Le Havre), France and Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium.
To explore the complete list of Extraordinary Journeys available, click here.
Panama Canal
Beginning Jan. 13, the Company will introduce roundtrip Panama Canal cruises from Panama City. Eight to 16-day itineraries will be available on Norwegian Sun through March 17 and nine-day voyages on Norwegian Sky from Nov. 2 to 29. Guests will begin or end their cruise from either side of the Panama Canal, in Colon or Fuerte Amador, Panama, sailing from coast-to-coast and exploring some of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America. Ports of call include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Puerto Limon and Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Acajutla, El Salvador; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Cartagena, Colombia; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Roatan, Honduras; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; the Company’s private resort area in Belize, Harvest Caye and its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
Beginning in May, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Jade will sail nine to 12-day voyages to the British Isles. Visiting the culturally rich cities of Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge); Amsterdam; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) and Cork (Cobh), Ireland; Holyhead, London (Tilbury) and Liverpool, United Kingdom; Glasgow (Greenock), Kirkwall, Inverness (Invergordon) and Edinburgh (Newhaven), Scotland; Paris (Le Havre); and Akureyri, and an overnight call to Reykjavik, Iceland. Norwegian Star will cruise from Southampton, United Kingdom through May 14, and Norwegian Jade from Amsterdam through June 25.
On July 4, Norwegian Jade will reposition to the Baltic region to sail 10-day cruises from Stockholm; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Amsterdam; in addition to select seven-day roundtrip voyages from Copenhagen. Travelers will journey across Europe visiting the historical sites of Berlin (Warnemünde and Rostock) and Kiel, Germany, Tallinn, Estonia, Helsinki and Kotka, Finland; Stockholm and Visby, Sweden; Gdynia, Poland; Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; including an overnight call to St. Petersburg, Russia.
Mediterranean
On April 5, Norwegian Pearl will depart Miami on a 16-day transatlantic voyage, visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores; Seville (Cadiz), Granada (Malaga), Valencia and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy, before arriving to Rome (Civitavecchia) to commence a season of cruises to the Greek Isles. She will sail a port-rich 11-day itinerary from Rome (Civitavecchia), exploring the most coveted cities in Italy, including Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Naples, and Messina (Sicily); the Greek isles of Rhodes, Mykonos, Volos and Santorini; and Kusadasi and Istanbul, Turkey, before homeporting in Athens (Piraeus), Greece for her first season of seven-day roundtrip journeys.
From May 2 to Nov. 7, she will offer destination-intensive itineraries to Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Israel from Athens (Piraeus), calling to one or two ports a day and delivering only seven days at sea during the entire season. Guests will explore the historical, religious and beautiful sites of the region with full days in Ashdod and Haifa, Israel; Istanbul, Turkey; and Mykonos and Santorini, Greece. Additional ports of call include Kusadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Volos and Rhodes, Corfu and Argostoli, Greece; Limassol, Cyprus; and Palermo, Italy.
Returning to Miami, on Dec. 7, Norwegian Pearl will embark on a 16-day voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia) and visit Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Provence (Marseille), France; Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Seville (Cadiz) and Granada (Malaga), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Ponta Delgada, Azores.
From Oct. 24 through Nov. 4, Norwegian Jade will offer 11-day itineraries to the Greek Isles from Venice, Italy and Barcelona, Spain. Visiting the picturesque coastal towns of Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro, Corfu, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Olympia (Katakolon) and Volos, Greece; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Messina (Sicily), Italy; Provence (Marseille), France; and Kusadasi and Istanbul, Turkey, guests will enjoy only one or no days at sea.
For travelers looking for an extended voyage, Norwegian Jade will embark on an 18-day journey from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Guests will explore the highly regarded wonders of the Middle East and Africa with overnight calls to Ashdod, Israel and Safaga, Egypt. The itinerary also includes visits to Haifa, Israel; Port Said and Suez Canal, Egypt; Aqaba, Jordan; Salalah, Khasab and Muscat, Oman; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Africa
Departing Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Dec. 3, Norwegian Jade will sail an 18-day itinerary calling to Muscat, Oman; La Digue and Port Victoria Seychelles; Nosy Be, Madagascar; Port Louis, Mauritius; Pointe Des Galets, Reunion; Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, Richard’s Bay overnight, before arriving to Cape Town, South Africa.
Alaska
Joining Norwegian Jewel, Bliss and for the first time Norwegian Encore in Alaska, Norwegian Sun will sail a mix of five, seven and nine-day voyages from Seattle beginning April 27 through Oct. 7. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Alaska, with calls to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point; as well as discover the charm of Victoria, British Columbia.
The Bahamas
Throughout 2021, Norwegian Sky will offer warm-weather escapes with three, four and five-day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami, calling to Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Grand Bahama Island and the Company’s recently enhanced private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Norwegian Pearl will also offer select three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas in January and April.
Caribbean
Norwegian Pearl will sail a series of five and 10-day itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami over select dates in January and March. Guests can relax in the sun with calls to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Beginning April 19 to Oct. 17, guests can explore the best the Caribbean has to offer with Norwegian Sky’s five to nine-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, calling to Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; Key West, Fla.; Cozumel, Mexico; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Roatan, Honduras; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, and Harvest Caye, Norwegian’s private resort area in Belize.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has taken significant steps to elevate the relationship with St. Maarten. The company has modified its itineraries by adding 15 port visits to the island in 2020 that will increase the number of cruise arrivals there to more than 68,000 guests.
Traditionally, the St. Maarten vacation destination experiences its peak in visitor arrivals between December and March. Between May and December, there is a reduction in those visitor arrival numbers that impact the island’s tourism-based economy. Additional RCL guest arrivals during the May to December period help moderate the highs and lows of St. Maarten’s tourism season fluctuations.
“In order to grow our partnership, we are taking the proactive step of enhancing our Eastern Caribbean itineraries by replacing a day at sea and adding a coveted visit to St. Maarten,” said Vice President of Port Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Joshua Carroll. “It’s part of our culture at Royal Caribbean to focus on continuous improvement and this extends to our relationships with destination partners. It makes perfect sense for us to embrace the win-win opportunities with the additional port calls by Freedom of the Seas that brings not only economic benefit to a great partner like Port St. Maarten, but also offer our guests an amazing travel destination.”
“For an innovative ship like Freedom of the Seas to expand its calls here translates into a significant investment in economic development and tourism jobs,” said Senior Port St. Maarten Manager, Roger Lawrence. “We look forward to working with Royal Caribbean as we continue to improve the port infrastructure to benefit all of our key tourism stakeholders to sustainably build on the numbers of visitors who appreciate our leisure travel offerings.”
Beginning in May 2020 and running through December 2020, St. Maarten tourism officials anticipate that Royal Caribbean vacationers on the newly amplified Freedom of the Seas will have a front-row seat to take advantage of its beaches, snorkel and adventure experiences.
“With many of our first-time visitors, the cruise experience to St. Maarten is the window through which they are introduced to the wonders of our island with its dynamic Dutch/French Caribbean culture, its idyllic beaches and engaging tour options,” said Lawrence. “Since Hurricane Irma, we have made tremendous progress with our tourism infrastructure and we welcome Royal Caribbean’s renewed focus and commitment to increase the number of visits to our port. With the thousands of additional Royal Caribbean guests now projected to visit, the potential is there for them to become St. Maarten’s greatest vacation champions.”
Designed to serve as the gateway to one of the world’s most beautiful cruising regions, Amber Cove features dramatic architectural elements that echo the area’s storied Colonial past. The port is situated in a picturesque cove that serves as the backdrop for soaring mountains and lush tropical landscape. Its cobblestone plazas are lined with a wide variety of retail offerings, including themed restaurants and bars and a marketplace with locally sourced crafts and souvenirs, recreational amenities, and a transportation center for access to land and sea adventures.
Amber Cove Site Plan
Amber Cove also provides easy and convenient access to the nearby historic town of Puerto Plata, named by Christopher Columbus when he discovered the island in 1492. Puerto Plata is home to the first fort built by European settlers in the New World. Visitors to the city can shop in the bustling downtown area featuring numerous artist studios and rum and cigar factories or stroll along the famed Malecon, a three-mile-long open-air beach-side boardwalk dotted with bars, restaurants, and shops.
This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts
