Scenic Redesigns France-based Space-Ships for 2017

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July 31, 2016

Reducing guest count to 155, enlarging cabins and public areas, and adding private cooking emporium

Culinary experiences have long been a centerpiece of many of the highlights of visits to France and Scenic has always made sure to incorporate its importance in its offerings. Raising the industry standards even higher, as they have done so often in the past, Scenic is redesigning its France-based Space-Ships for 2017. Highlights include reducing the number of cabins/guest to 78/155 from the current level of 84/167 while keeping the same crew count for even greater personal service; two new 510 ft² Royal Owners Suites; larger wellness centers; a vitality pool; and a private cooking emporium offering tailored cooking classes. This is in addition to adding new Freechoice activities and Scenic Enrich experiences. The ships are the Scenic Diamond, plying the rivers of Bordeaux, and the Scenic Sapphire, which cruises the Rhône and Saône in the south of France.

The new and exclusive Scenic Culinaire is an onboard cooking school using dedicated space to offer immersive courses in the culinary wonders of the Rhône, Saône and Bordeaux regions. The dedicated space will feature cooking stations and a cheese and wine cellar as well as real-time cameras and screens to ensure each participant can see every cooking move in detail. Fresh ingredients will be sourced from local markets and the cooking instructors will introduce guests to regional recipes based on the itinerary regions. Plenty of sessions are scheduled throughout the cruise, however with class size limits, guests are encouraged to register their interest early. As with all Scenic programs the culinary experiences are included in the price of the sailing.

New Scenic Enrich experiences (these are exclusive to Scenic) include Scenic Rouge – performed under a big-top in Lyon where guests will enjoy a traditional French cabaret performance including the famous can-can, and an exclusive four-course dining experience with matched vintages at the acclaimed Mumm Champagne house in Riems. New Scenic Freechoice activities include a Tournon vineyard hike and wine tasting, and for the more active, three new cycling options in Caudebec, Arnhem and Bordeaux.
Each itinerary in France has been designed to seamlessly connect across these diverse regions by air, rail or road, to deliver the ultimate French cruising experience. The Seine and Bordeaux and Seine and Rhône have been the most popular combination cruises while the new 10-day Douro river cruise combines easily with French itineraries.

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 full-size private balcony staterooms – all making use of Scenic’s unique Sun Lounge technology – where the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button, expanding the living area of the stateroom. On-board river highlights and on-shore experiences are made exceptional by the included Scenic Tailormade handheld GPS guided tour system provided to every guest.

On board cuisine allows for up to six dining options, including the tradition of dégustation at Table La Rive, fine dining at L’Amour and the more casual fare at the River Café. As with all Scenic river cruises, guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything is included (except a haircut or massage): 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, transfers, all meals, etc.

Scenic offers award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere, while offering the same level of expertise and the only truly all-inclusive river cruises in Europe and the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Russia.

Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained via travel agents or in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone 866-689-8611; or e-mail: canada@scenic.ca; and the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone (844)788-7985

Uncommon Journeys Offers “Autumn in the Great Smokies,” 14-day Land, Rail & Riverboat Cruise

By

John Shallo

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July 31, 2016

Book by August 31 & Enjoy Pre-Paid Shipboard Staff Gratuities of up to $420 per Couple

Uncommon Journeys is offering “Autumn in the Great Smokies,” a unique 14-day land, rail and riverboat holiday November 7-20, priced from $4,895 per person/double occupancy.

Experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, small towns, bustling cities, fabled estates, a celebrated train ride and a 7-day voyage aboard the deluxe riverboat Louisiane. The intimate flagship of America’s newest river cruise line for a maximum of 150 guests with an attentive U.S. crew of 64 will explore regional food, music and culture along the Cumberland, Ohio and Mississippi rivers from Nashville to Memphis.

The journey begins with an overnight in Atlanta at downtown’s Atlanta Hilton and a welcome reception at Trader Vic’s. Depart in the morning for a scenic drive to Asheville, NC and two nights at the Doubletree Biltmore. Take a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Grove Arcade and Grove Park Inn, followed by a tour of the Vanderbilt family’s European-style Biltmore Estate and lunch on the estate. Marvel at the 250-room French Renaissance chateau that was constructed on what is now 8,000 acres of manicured gardens from 1889 – 1895 and contains more than four acres of floor space.

Then continue onto the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles numerous forested ridges between the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee. Experience the striking scenery of these ancient mountains while exploring the remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through Nantahala Gorge along the Little Tennessee River with highlights that include Horseshoe Curve and Fontana Lake Trestle. After lunch, drive to Gatlinburg through the Great Smoky Mountains for two nights at the Park Vista Resort.

Tour Cades Cove, a beautiful 11-mile loop road through the Smokies, dotted with pioneer homesteads amidst blue-misted mountains, and for centuries, the preferred hunting grounds of Cherokee Indians. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime in the early 1800s. By 1830 the population of the area had grown to 271. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys and other wildlife are frequently spotted in the open valley of Cades Cove.

Continue on to explore Gatlinburg, a small town with a rich mountain arts and crafts heritage that is proud to be the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the tranquil River Walk along the Little Pigeon River or browse the many artists’ galleries and workshops.

Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Then head to Nashville’s Grand Opryland Resort, with afternoon and evening at leisure to explore Music City USA. Music is the common thread that connects the life and soul of the people of Nashville, and served as the city’s foundation, beginning with fiddle tunes on the banks of the Cumberland River in the 1700s. The city grew to become a regional center for music publishing in the 1800s and is now known as the songwriting capital of the world. This legacy allows visitors to discover their favorite genres, be it pop, rock, bluegrass, Americana, jazz, classical, gospel, contemporary Christian, blues and soul in countless venues throughout the city, from honky tonk cafes and bars to grand auditoriums and concert halls. Nashville is also a delicious city, as its food scene has come to rival the diversity and breadth of its music, with great creativity on display from traditional Southern fare and signature “hot chicken” to haute cuisine that makes best use of the region’s farm fresh bounty.

After exploring the sounds and tastes of Music City, transfer to French America Line’s Louisiane for a remarkable 7-night voyage to Memphis, with all meals, house wines, beers and spirits, and nightly live entertainment in two onboard venues included.

Walk in the footsteps of 42,000 Civil War soldiers at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield in the tiny town of Dover, TN on the banks of the Cumberland. Visit the quirky Purple Toad Winery and see the Floodwall Murals and the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Enjoy two scenic days of cruising. Learn about the 1811 earthquake in New Madrid, MO that caused the Mississippi to flow backwards.

Conclude with a special overnight shipboard stay in musical Memphis, the birthplace of rock’ n’ roll and home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum and the colorful Beale Street historic entertainment district. Great food also beckons, as Memphis is known for casual Southern favorites from barbecue and soul food to award-winning fine dining.

Book by August 31 and receive pre-paid shipboard staff gratuities of up to $420 per couple.

To reserve or learn more, visit www.uncommonjourneys.com or call 800-323-5893; in Canada, call 800-543-2846.

Carnival Cruise Line Teams Up To Create Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea

By

John Shallo

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July 31, 2016

Being rolled out aboard Carnival Dream and is expected to be fleetwide aboard all 25 by Summer 2017

The first Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea is being rolled out aboard Carnival Dream and is expected to be fleetwide aboard all 25 Carnival ships by summer 2017.

Carnival is the family cruise leader hosting 700,000 kids a year, Having a Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea will provide children of all ages an opportunity to make their own cuddly bear that can be customized with a variety of outfits and accessories, from tutus and high-top sneakers to, appropriately enough, vacation wear like bathing suits and sunglasses.

Carnival Cruise Line Teams Up To Create Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea — Each bear comes complete with its own “birth certificate” with the bear’s name and date he or she was created.

Each bear comes complete with its own “birth certificate” with the bear’s name and date he or she was created, as well as a logoed drawstring bag. Additionally, the bears have their own “voice” via a recordable sound chip with kids recording their own special message.

And the fun doesn’t stop at just making bears — kids can create monkeys, leopards, turtles and other furry friends, as well as a St. Jude Bear with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of Carnival’s primary charitable partners.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop is a popular part of American culture and we’re delighted to provide our guests with an opportunity to make their own custom-designed bear and create a lifetime of memories,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are equally grateful to partner with Build-A-Bear Workshop to help raise money for the special kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” she added.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop stores have always been a destination for families, and our partnership with Carnival Cruise Line will offer passengers the chance to take part in the fun of making new furry friends while onboard,” said Sharon John, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “The arrival of the new Build-A-Bear Workshop experience on Carnival Cruise Line ships is an exciting example of how we’re bringing our nearly 20-year-old brand into more places than ever before.”

Participants can make their custom-designed bears at pop-up Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea workstations located within the Camp Ocean facilities or join the ships’ cruise directors with festive Build-A-Bear At Sea parties held each cruise and featuring music, bear-themed snacks and photo opportunities. The pop-up workstations are set up at designated times throughout the cruise and include everything to make a cute, huggable bear with racks filled with various outfits and accessories as well as an iconic stuffer that allows participants to add soft stuffing to make their bear as plush and cuddly as they want.

Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea complements the wide variety of family-friendly activities available aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships which also include complimentary children’s programs for kids 2-17, spectacular water parks with corkscrew water slides and splash zones, miniature golf courses, video arcades, poolside DiveIn Movies on giant LED screens, outdoor play spaces, volleyball and basketball courts and more.

Prices for the bears start at $20 with outfits and accessories starting at $5.

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

Smithsonian Channel Commemorates RMS Queen Mary’s 80th Anniversary with One-Hour Special

By

John Shallo

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July 31, 2016

One-Hour Special Sets Sail On Epic Journey To Explore Action-Packed Life of Ship

PREMIERING SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 8 PM ET/PT

Cruise Addicts this August, the Smithsonian Channel sets sail on an epic journey to chronicle the spectacular life and times of the singular vessel R.M.S. Queen Mary, as both a luxury passenger liner and a wartime troop ship. MIGHTY SHIP AT WAR: THE QUEEN MARY, a new one-hour special timed to celebrate the 80^thanniversary of the famed ocean liner’s maiden voyage, will premiere Sunday, August 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel.

Bigger and more powerful than the Titanic, and faster than any other ship in her class, the Queen Mary is the last survivor of the golden age of ocean liners. Built by master craftsmen in Scotland shipyards, she helped drag a nation from the depths of The Great Depression and set sail as a symbol of new hope and a better future. She played a critical role during World War II, ferrying troops and Winston Churchill across the Atlantic. Then, after nearly 4 million miles sailed in 31 years at sea, The Queen Mary retired to Long Beach, California, where she’s drawn over 50 million visitors since 1970.

With exclusive access to the magnificent liner and extensive archival footage and photographs, MIGHTY SHIP AT WAR: THE QUEEN MARY will explore the action-packed life of the ship and take viewers through some of the most dynamic periods of the 20^th Century. The ocean liner set a new benchmark in transatlantic travel, transporting movie stars, politicians, and royalty luxuriously across the North Atlantic for over three decades, between 1936 and 1967.

In 1939, the ship was transformed into the largest and fastest troopship, ferrying Allied soldiers during World War II through enemy infested seas. The Queen Mary helped make D-Day possible and by the end of the war had transported almost a million men across the Atlantic. Adolf Hitler offered a $250,000 reward for any U-boat captain that could sink her, but her size and speed made her unsinkable. The documentary also explores the ship’s darkest day when, in October 1942, she accidentally collided with her escort vessel, the HMS Curacoa, slicing it in two. Ordered not to stop under any circumstances, the captain of the Queen Mary had no choice but to continue, leaving 338 men to drown.

The one-hour special gives unique insight into life on the ship, featuring interviews with historians and experts, including a tour by Queen Mary’s Honorary Captain Everette Horde. It also includes firsthand accounts by passengers who walked her decks, such as Heather Beagley, who was lucky enough to sail on the iconic maiden passage, and singer Johnny Mathis, who performed on the rough seas of the Atlantic. Viewers will also hear from U.S. Army troops who crossed the Atlantic to fight, revealing what the liner was like during wartime, and two “G.I. Brides” who boarded the Queen Mary post-war to join their American husbands in the States.

To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com

Fund Setup For Victims’ Families of Aqua Amazon Accident

By

John Shallo

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July 31, 2016

In response to the Aqua Amazon accident, in addition to providing financial support for the injured and families of the deceased, Aqua Expeditions has established a Family Support Fund for donations, it was announced this week by company founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro. On July 16, during the regular turn-around and restocking of the Aqua Amazon, an explosion occurred that caused the boat to sink. No passengers were onboard but there were crew members who lost their lives and others who were injured.

[pullquote]”We received an overwhelming amount of love and support from former guests, friends and colleagues in the travel industry in the wake of this horrible tragedy,” said Galli Zugaro. “Many asked how they could help, so we created the fund to provide a means for those who would like to support the families.” [/pullquote]Information on how to donate can be found on the company’s website:

https://www.aquaexpeditions.com/donation-families-victims-aqua-amazon-accident/.

Regarding the status of those who were hurt and injured, Aqua Expeditions has released the following update:

Of the five Aqua Amazon crew that were missing, three bodies were found and two remain missing. The names of the deceased are:

Antonio De Vasconcelos: Head Cook; 9 years with the company
Aquiles Ramirez: Head Bartender; 9 years with the company
David Luna: Cook; 3 years with the company
Omar Da Silva: Support Personnel; 2 years with the company
Anthony Farro: Cabin Steward; 1 year with the company

The two supplier victims who were missing have both been found. They were:

Teofilo Yahuarcani: Food Supply, JC Transport Company Dania
Sandino Solsol: Fuel Supply, Officer Transport Company

In total, 11 Aqua Amazon crew were injured; three have been evacuated to Lima; all others have been released from hospitals and are expected to make a full recovery. Of the suppliers injured and hospitalized two are recuperating in clinics and expected to make a full recovery.

The company’s other vessel on the Amazon, the Aria Amazon is operating with a full crew and guests along its regularly scheduled itinerary. All safety procedures are in place and additional precautions have been made to go above and beyond the company’s operating standards to provide additional peace of mind for both crew and guests.

“We at Aqua Expeditions are committed to cooperating with the authorities to determine the cause of this terrible accident,” added Galli Zugaro. “We are heartbroken at the loss of our crew members who were part of our extended family, and mourn their loss as well as those of our suppliers.”

Carnival Cruise Line Expanding Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Bar-B-Que to More Ships

By

John Shallo

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July 31, 2016

Food Network Star Guy Fieri serves up food from his new Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, exclusively on Carnival Cruise Line, at CarnivalÕs Summertime Beer-B-Que, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in New York. (Diane Bondareff/ AP Images for Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the expansion of Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Bar-B-Que which debuted recently on Carnival Magic.

Food Network Star Guy Fieri serves up food from his new Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, exclusively on Carnival Cruise Line, at CarnivalÕs Summertime Beer-B-Que, Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in New York. (Diane Bondareff/ AP Images for Carnival Cruise Line) — Food Network Star Guy Fieri serves up food from his new Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, exclusively on Carnival Cruise Line, (Diane Bondareff/ AP Images for Carnival Cruise Line)

The open-air, free-of-charge Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Bar-B-Que will be featured on the

Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ — Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ features an actual wood smoker, a rarity on cruise ships.

new Carnival Vista which arrives in New York in November then launches year-round service from Miami later that month. It will be true authentic BBQ and features an actual wood smoker, a rarity on cruise ships. It will also be added to Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream next year, so be sure to look for it when booking your next cruise.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Bar-B-Que builds upon the chef’s longstanding partnership with Carnival. Guy’s Burger Joints – complimentary poolside venues offering hand-crafted burgers, fresh-cut fries and inventive toppings – are currently featured on more than half the Carnival fleet serving upwards of 100,000 burgers a week, making them the most popular burgers at sea.

To compliment the great BBQ, Carnival offers two dozen different varieties of craft beers throughout its fleet with regional favorites available on ships sailing from Miami, Long Beach, Baltimore, Galveston, New Orleans and Tampa, as well as ships that sail to Alaska and Hawaii.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Menu

The line has also expanded its craft beer options with three distinctly different beers brewed aboard the Carnival Vista at the RedFrog Pub & Brewery – the first on-board brewery for a North American-based cruise ship.

PortholeTV Kicks Off Count Down to Seabourn Encore Video Series

By

John Shallo

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July 30, 2016

PortholeTV, the newly launched video channel by Porthole Cruise Magazine, has kicked off a new online video series that will count down to the highly anticipated December 2016 launch of Seabourn Encore, the line’s first new ship in five years. Produced by PPI Group, the parent company of Porthole Cruise Magazine, the world’s leading consumer cruise magazine, PortholeTV’s eight-episode series will inform cruise enthusiasts about Seabourn Encore’s unique features and luxury amenities.

“Consumers love the behind-the-scenes footage that provides insight and exclusivity into their favorite lifestyle activities, and this type of countdown is an effective way to build anticipation and awareness for Seabourn as it’s such an important launch for the cruise line,” said Bill Panoff president and CEO of PPI Group. “How exciting for a cruise line to showcase a ship’s creation from start to finish.”

PortholeTV’s Countdown to Seabourn Encore series will highlight various topics including design, cuisine, entertainment, spa, and suites — with the final episode dedicated to the ship’s momentous christening and inaugural cruise. The episodes will also include interviews and insights from Seabourn president, Richard Meadows; the ship’s preeminent hospitality designer, Adam D. Tihany; celebrity chef partner, Thomas Keller; and other cruise line partners and executives.

“We’re excited about partnering with PPI Group on this video series surrounding the construction, design, and launch of Seabourn Encore,” said Stacie Woods, Seabourn’s Director of Marketing Communication. “She will be a magnificent ship and PPI is doing a fantastic job bringing her to life through video storytelling. We are excited for guests to get a glimpse of the enhanced Seabourn experience as they await the ship’s upcoming debut.”

PPI Group’s broadcast operations department also produces programming for various cruise lines’ in-cabin TV channels, including shopping, highlights, and excursions in ports of call. With its team of experts and state-of-the-art video equipment, the company has been able to push the envelope with new creative video marketing tactics that connect brands to their consumers by telling visual stories, just like the Seabourn Encore series. The first episode, which highlights construction through initial float out, as well as other PortholeTV features, can be viewed at Porthole.com/videos.

Carnival Cruise Line Names Newest Ship Carnival Horizon

By

John Shallo

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July 30, 2016

New 3,934-Passenger Vessel Scheduled to Enter Service in Spring 2018

Carnival Cruise Line recently announced that Carnival Horizon will be the name of its new 133,500-ton ship scheduled to be delivered in March 2018.

Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard inMarghera, Italy, Carnival Horizon will be the line’s second Vista-class ship, with the namesake vessel in the series, Carnival Vista, having entered service in May 2016.

Carnival Horizon will offer many of the hugely popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options available on Carnival Vista including SkyRide, the IMAX Theatre, WaterWorks aqua park, Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Alchemy Bar. There will also be a number of new innovations unique to this vessel.

In addition, Carnival Horizon will offer a wide range of accommodation categories, including the popular Havana staterooms and extra-roomy Family Harbor cabins. Homeport and itinerary details for Carnival Horizon will be announced at a later date.

With Carnival Horizon’s name and layout designed to inspire guests to discover extraordinary views, new perspectives and amazing experiences, Carnival is hosting a fun social media contest on Instagram that will award a stateroom for up to four people when the ship debuts in 2018. To enter, post your favorite photo of a horizon and tag @Carnival and use the hashtag #CarnivalHorizonSweepstakes to enter to win the cruise giveaway. The contest will begin July 29, and run through July 31, at 11:59 p.m.

“The name Carnival Horizon not only reflects the ship’s unique connection with the sea with so many spectacular indoor and outdoor spaces but also the boundless array of options that guests of all ages are sure to enjoy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “And in keeping with our reputation for bringing fun and enjoyment to our guests and fans, we’ve come up with an engaging social media contest encouraging the sharing of your favorite Horizon photos,” she added.

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

Watch Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbC6R2UqbYM

Update on Aqua Amazon accident

By

John Shallo

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July 19, 2016

A Statement from Aqua Expeditions Founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro

Following the tragic incident involving the Aqua Amazon on Saturday, July 16, all of our efforts at Aqua Expeditions have been focused on finding the members of our crew who were on board at the time of the accident and were reported missing after the explosion that caused the vessel to capsize.

It was first thought that four crew were unaccounted for; however, this figure rose to five on Sunday night when another crew member could not be located. In addition, there are two external suppliers who are also victims, bringing the total missing to seven people. As of 17:00 EST Monday, July 18, two of the victims have been identified and recovered. Five more remain to be found and recovered.

There are an additional eight crew members in recovery in the hospital following the explosion. Three are in intensive care and the remaining five are receiving the necessary medical attention. We are assuring them the best medical treatment possible.

We have been in close contact with their families and have been keeping them fully informed of news of their loved ones during this difficult time. Many of the crew have been with me from 2007 when we started. I considered them dear friends, not just employees.

The source of the fire and explosion is yet to be determined as preliminary investigations are still underway. We are supporting all efforts by the authorities and will continue to do so throughout the process.

Our industry partners, guests, families and friends have given me and everyone at Aqua Expeditions the strength and commitment to stay united and face this tragedy together. We are overwhelmed with the show of support that is continuing to pour in from all over the world and we will be eternally thankful.

I, along with our media and marketing teams, will be keeping the industry informed of further developments.

Sincerely,
Francesco Galli Zugaro

9 Wonderful MS Koningsdam Features

By

Chris Owen

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July 18, 2016

Everyone likes a new ship with new features and that new ship smell. This year there has been no lack of new ships too, with most major cruise lines launching their best ships ever. It’s been a few years since Holland America Line rolled out a new ship but the wait seems to be worth it. New ms Koningsdam has her own set of features, some new, some expanded versions of time-tested Holland America favorites.

Koningsdam Features

It’s a nice blend of thoughtful spaces, culinary venues and well-appointed staterooms we’re quite impressed with. Let’s take a look at why Koningsdam features will make for good sailing, anywhere in the world.

The World Stage

World Satge - Deck 2 & 3 Forward Koningsdam - Holland America Line — Photo- Holland America Line

The world stage, in reality, turned out to be a much better space than I thought possible based on renderings released by Holland America in advance of the launch of Koningsdam. The notion of a 270 degree LED screen was interesting in paper but quite exciting in person. There is a lot that can be done with this space. Wired and lit for anything from a solo artist to a rock concert it’s not too big and has plenty of good stadium style seating.

Art Worth A Look

Artwork Deck 9 Forward Koningsdam - Holland America Line — Photo – Holland America Line

In probably one of the biggest departures from the past, hallway art on new ms Koningsdam is far more contemporary and features works from a variety of artists.

The Billboard Show

Billboard Show in World Stage Deck 2 & 3 Forward Koningsdam - Holland America Line — Photo- Holland America Line

Held on the same World Stage noted above. the Billboard Show is far more than the dueling piano bar version of Holland America Line’s association with Billboard Magazine. Still part of the Billboard Onboard partnership, “Our guests love music that spans all genres, and Billboard Onboard is the perfect way to showcase a wide range of popular hits under one roof,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We’re thrilled to partner with Billboard to debut a venue that will cater to all ages and nationalities.”

BLEND

Wine lovers can experience the art of winemaking at BLEND aboard ms Koningsdam. In collaboration with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery, the intimate venue will enable guests to blend their own wine and enjoy it at dinner or in the privacy of their stateroom. This venue is a first for Holland America Line and one we bet they roll out to other ships in the future. Have you done a wine blending? It’s quite a lot of fun and highly recommended.

The Culinary Arts Center

Culinary Art Center - Deck 3 Aft Starboard Koningsdam - Holland America Line — Photo – Holland America Line

The Culinary Arts Center has been a Holland America Line fan favorite for quite some time. Guests gather at various times of the day for cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and more. Taking that venue a step further, ms Koningsdam guests can have dinner there as well with a reconfigured layout complete with dining areas within view of the action.

New York Deli & Pizza

One of numerous included dining options, the New York Deli & Pizza is a popular place for lunch on Koningsdam.

Stateroom Layout And Design

Ocean-view Stateroom Cat. C - Room #1095 Deck 1 Midship Starboard Koningsdam - Holland America Line — Ocean-view Stateroom Cat. C – Room #1095 Deck 1 Midship Starboard
Koningsdam – Holland America Line

Typical of all standard staterooms, each comes wired with multiple USB ports, plenty of electric outlets, inventive storage space, roomy shower and more. In staterooms with balconies, even the smallest are double the depth of some other major cruise lines.

The Retreat

A serene area high up on the ship, this is about as relaxed as it gets. On other ships with similar facilities, they are located comparatively close to noisy, high traffic areas. This is an oasis in and of itself.

The Dining Room

The multi-level dining room has an interesting design with a surprising result. Tables are spaced far enough apart to encourage candid conversation without being overheard by others. Taking a wide look at the space, it is easy to see where design elements have broken up what might have been a typically cavernous dining space, bringing a more intimate setting.

In a nod to their pleasure with ms Koningsdam, Holland America Line just announced the start of construction for sister ship ms Nieuw Statendam, due in 2018.

Stick around, we’re going to compare the expectation set by Holland America Line for new ms Koningsdam to reality as we sail the ship.

This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.

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Koningsdam Features

The World Stage

Art Worth A Look

The Billboard Show

BLEND

The Culinary Arts Center

New York Deli & Pizza

Stateroom Layout And Design

The Retreat

The Dining Room