Watch this amazing Time-Lapse of Viking Cruises, Viking Sky entering Greenwich, United Kingdom on the River Thames.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences ashore and on board. And only The Viking Way of Exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.
We speak with Edie Rodriguez, PONANT Americas Brand Chairman and Corporate Special Advisor. She lets us know about the future new builds on order and why a PONANT cruise is a trip of a lifetime.
French Polynesia’s one-of-a-kind passenger-freighter cruise, the Aranui 5 (www.aranui.com) has a limited number of staterooms available on sailings for the Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 voyages for guests looking for a last-minute holiday getaway.
Travelers booking the Nov. 27 sailing will return on Monday, Dec. 10 while the Dec. 14 itinerary returns on Friday, Dec. 28. The 14-day all-inclusive journey departs from Papeete, Tahiti and visits Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, as well as Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Ua Huka in the Marquesas Islands.
The 254-passenger Aranui 5 offers eight different cabin categories including Presidential Suite, Royal Suite, Premium Suite, Junior Suite (with or without a balcony), Superior Deluxe, Deluxe, Stateroom and Class C – each providing diverse room configurations.
The voyage includes on-board and offshore experiences for guests to learn about the colorful history and rich culture of the islands. Passengers can enjoy awe-inspiring hikes, visits to sacred ritual sites, encounters with local artisans, a visit to French artist Paul Gauguin’s grave, snorkeling in the translucent waters of the atolls, on-island picnics and restaurant lunches featuring local food, a visit to a pearl farm and more.
Featuring a primarily Polynesian crew composed of sailors from the Marquesas and Tahitian Islands, and with expert lecturers and guides, the Aranui 5 provides a unique spin on hospitality which combines with mesmerizing scenery to create an unforgettable soft-adventure and cultural experience.
Learn More
Prices for a 2018 Aranui 5 vacation start at $2,920 per person and do not include port tax, cruise tax and tourism tax. Rates include three meals daily with complimentary wine for onboard lunches and dinners, guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary, picnics and meals on shore. Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and fishing are available for an additional charge.
For more information or to book an Aranui vacation, call 800-972-7268 or visit www.aranui.com.
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Aqua Expeditions has announced an exclusive new offer for solo travelers. For select Aria Amazon and Aqua Mekong departures, the single supplement for solo guests will be waived.
With a small-ship capacity of only 32 and 40 passengers, respectively, on the Aria Amazon and Aqua Mekong cruises, solo travelers can easily mingle with the other guests on board. Whether during meals or during one of the many excursions — such as biking, hiking, fishing, swimming and kayaking — guests will get to know their fellow travelers on the cruise. Guests may also take advantage of any of the amenities on board, such as the relaxing spa treatments, cooking classes, and bar scene.
Solo guests traveling with Aqua Expeditions are already offered lower single supplements (only 25%) than that of the cruise industry average. Now, with this exclusive promotion, select departures for the Aria Amazon and Aqua Mekong cruises will have a waived single supplement. For more details, please see Exclusive Offer for Solo Travelers:
Aria Amazon: September 14-17, 2018: 3-night itinerary Aria Amazon: October 12-15, 2018: 3-night itinerary Aria Amazon: November 2-5, 2018: 3-night itinerary Aria Amazon: November 9-12, 2018: 3-night itinerary Aria Amazon: November 16-19, 2018: 3-night itinerary Aqua Mekong: November 13-16, 2018: 3-night itinerary Aqua Mekong: November 30-December 4, 2018: 4-night itinerary
Aqua Expeditions is also simultaneously launching a brand-new Agent Portal and online check-in system. Through the Agent Portal, agents will be able to check cruise availability, make a courtesy hold for up to seven days, and even opt to reserve multiple cabins at the same time. Agents who have an account will have 24/7 access to a log of all bookings, reservations and enquiries made. The Agent Portal also contains marketing materials agents may use to sell Aqua Expedition Cruises such as webinars, deck plans and itinerary information.
With the new online check-in system, consumers and agents alike will be able to check in online at their own convenience, receiving their electronic ticket upon completion. Agents who book through the Agent Portal will receive a $50 amazon.com gift card for each successful booking. For travelers, it is recommended that guests check in 30 days prior to departure to ensure that all special requests can be met. Guests who book their cruise through the online system will also receive a $50 spa credit voucher for each passenger.
Agents and guests are encouraged to try these new digital platforms to ensure a seamless booking process.
Federal and state grants strengthen Port’s commitment to enhance safety and security services in Port facilities
The Canaveral Port Authority has been awarded a total of $1.149 million in federal and state grants for Port security operations and cybersecurity systems. The Port received a $1 million Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) award for Fiscal Year 2018 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and a $149,000 grant for Fiscal Year 2019 from the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) program.
“Security is a top priority at Port Canaveral, and these grants help support our mission to ensure the safety and security of our Port,” stated Captain John Murray, Port CEO. “The funds will allow us to employ new resources coupled with the latest technologies to enhance our security measures.”
Port Canaveral was one of 35 U.S. ports that received grants through FEMA’s $100 million PSGP program, which awards grants on a competitive basis each year to support the building, sustainment and delivery of core capabilities of Ports, facility operators, and state and local government agencies.
The Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) is authorized by Congress to support maritime transportation infrastructure security. The $1 million grant is made available by DHS and administered by FEMA to strengthen infrastructure and support efforts to achieve the National Preparedness Goal established by FEMA. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Port Security Grants have helped the nation’s seaports enhance measures to increase security and protect vital transportation hubs and maritime borders.
The Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) grant will be used to upgrade and enhance security detection equipment at the Port.
PONANT, the global leader in luxury expeditions and the only French-owned cruise line, has revealed the name of its newest polar exploration vessel: Le Commandant Charcot. The hybrid electric icebreaker, the first of its kind, has been named in honor of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who was known as “the gentleman of the Poles.” Le Commandant Charcot is scheduled to launch in 2021.
Captain Charcot had a true passion for sailing and was an emblematic figure of French polar expeditions. The name is even more significant since this new ship will be fitted with the latest technology for minimizing environmental impact, as well as a scientific laboratory for conducting operational oceanography missions and research.
Sustainable development is at the core of the design of PONANT’s polar exploration vessels. Powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Le Commandant Charcot will be fitted with the latest environmental protection technology. Advanced “Cleanship” equipment exceeding the requirements imposed by current environmental regulations will result in the reduction of SO2, NOₓ, CO2 and particle emissions. Much of this reduction is due to the use of LNG, and there will be zero emissions when operated in hybrid electric mode.
The ship employs an energy optimization employing the latest-generation of electric batteries that make it possible to stop the engines for two to three hours. In addition, there is an advanced waste-water treatment system.
Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot
Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, “the gentleman of the Poles”
1867 Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine
1873 At school, he drew boats on all his exercise books.
1892 For his 25th birthday, he received a small boat as a gift from his father.
1902 He crossed the Arctic Circle and traveled to the Arctic for the first time.
1903 From 1903 to 1905 aboard LeFrançais and from 1908 to 1910 aboard LePourquoi-Pas, he reached the Antarctic regions.
1909 He located Graham Land on navigation charts, dropped anchor near Alexandra Land, and discovered the island that would bear his name.
1920 From 1920 to 1936, his scientific cruises led him from the Hebrides to the east coast of Greenland.
Pre-bookings on Le Commandant Charcot at early bird prices can be made starting September 6, 2018. Full-fare bookings will begin on April 11, 2019.
PONANT was created in 1988 by Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and a dozen officers of the French Merchant Navy. Today, PONANT is leading the way with a new style of luxury cruising through a unique conception of sea travel which combines exceptional itineraries and luxury hotel services, aboard luxurious smaller-scale ships. For more information and learn how to book your cruise visit http://www.ponant.com.
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If you are planning a trip to South Africa then it makes sense that you will try and arrange a schedule for your trip. There is so much to see and do in the country, especially if you are visiting several different areas. Planning a schedule can help you decide what you are going to do and make sure that you have time to fit everything in.
When you have created your schedule, there are a number of ways that you can make sure you stick to it.
Plan Days With Sights That Are Close Together
If you have several sights that you want to see when you are in South Africa then these should be organized into the distance that they are from each other. You will be able to fit more into each day if you go to the sights that are all close to each other. This will also mean less walking around which will help you to save energy for the next day.
Organize Travelling In Advance
If you are going to visit several different cities on your trip, then you will need to think about how you are going to travel between these cities. South Africa is a big country and so if you are going from one end to the other then you are going to have to fly and these flights will need to be booked in advance. There are a number of airlines that operate in South Africa, but a lot of people choose Flysafair as it is the most on time airline in the said country, and the best thing is, they offer some of the best deals on domestic Flights.
Think About Where You Are Going To Eat
Sometimes the best laid plans can go off course if it comes up to a mealtime and you have to spend a long time searching for somewhere to get something to eat. You do not have to plan where you are going to eat for every meal, but you should check out the food options in the locations that you will visit so you have some idea where you should be headed.
Travel As Light As Possible
You do not want to spend time worrying that you have all your possessions with you and that you have not left anything behind. The lighter you can travel the better, especially if you are moving between cities. If you can get all your possessions in one suitcase this will really help when you are moving about.
Think About Security
If your money or passport is stolen, then you will find that all your plans come to a sudden halt. Therefore, you should always have the security of these items in the back of your mind. If your hotel offers safety deposit boxes, then you should take advantage of these to keep all of your important possessions in.
There may be times when you have to change your schedule slightly so you should not stress too much if small changes have to be made. However, if you try to stick to your schedule as much as possible, then you will not have to worry about having enough time to fit everything in. Planning your schedule can really help to build the excitement for your upcoming trip to South Africa and so it is often an enjoyable experience.
Launch of Azamara Club Cruises' new ship Azamara Pursuit.
Naming ceremony and sailing, Southampton, UK.
Azamara Club Cruises celebrated the addition of Azamara PursuitSM to the brand’s existing fleet with a festive naming ceremony on board the ship in Southampton, U.K. Azamara Pursuit’s two Godmothers – Ellen Asmodeo-Giglio and Lucy Huxley – christened the vessel alongside Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Richard Fain; President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, Larry Pimentel; and the Board of Directors.
“Since the announcement of Azamara Pursuit in September 2017, we have eagerly awaited this special moment to celebrate the ship’s debut,” said Larry Pimentel, President & CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Azamara Pursuit’s two godmothers both have a fearless dedication to adventure, and we could not be more pleased for them to lead us in this ceremony.”
Following the naming ceremony, the vessel set sail for a two-night voyage to Cherbourg, France to kick off the festivities with an AzAmazing Afternoon event. Inspired by Azamara’s signature AzAmazing Evenings – a complimentary excursion offered to guests to connect them with the local culture and discover the destination’s heritage – the afternoon was designed to enable guests to uncover and embrace the true nature of the destination through rare moments that reflect the French town’s personality and authentic charm. The celebration began with exploring a quintessential French market that was constructed steps from the gangway and consisted of stalls selling flowers, cheeses & fresh fruits, pastries, French wines, baguettes, and much more. Later in the afternoon, Main Hall at La Cité de la Mar was transformed into a cabaret house where guests enjoyed performances by a 15-piece orchestra, dancers, a solo singer, among others.
Launch of Azamara Club Cruises’ new ship Azamara Pursuit. Naming ceremony and sailing, Southampton, UK.
Honoring Azamara’s commitment to Destination Immersion® guests on board also had the opportunity to connect with the local culture from a selection of curated shore programming. Experiences ranged from viewing Bayeux Tapestry – which depicts the events leading up to Norman conquest of England – and Panoramic Cherbourg, offering views of the city’s most historic landmarks, including Abbey of Our Lady of the Vow, a 12th century Catholic monastery and former marine hospital.
Azamara fans joining the celebration from afar can view additional photos from the festivities by following @AzamaraVoyages and #AzamaraPursuit on Twitter and Instagram.
Carnival Cruise Line took to the sky today with the Carnival AirShip – a massive 128-foot-long red, white, and blue blimp that takes center stage as part of the line’s innovative Homeport Advantage campaign, designed to raise awareness of new cruise ship deployments in several key markets along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
The AirShip made its aerial debut today at Carnival’s Sixth Annual Day of Play at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. – the first stop in a 30-day airborne journey across seven U.S. states. After departing Memphis, the AirShip will proceed to Dallas before heading down to Houston then continue the journey with visits to home ports in Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Charleston before ending in Atlanta.
As part of the campaign, consumers will have a chance to win free cruises, Carnival swag, VIP event passes and Carnival cruise gift cards when they take a picture or video of the AirShip and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag #ChooseFun. The hashtag will also trigger a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®, Carnival’s longtime charitable partner.
“Carnival is America’s Cruise Line and what better way to showcase our new offerings in popular homeports like Galveston, Port Canaveral and Miami than with our very own AirShip that highlights our #ChooseFun tagline while supporting the special kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
The AirShip made its aerial debut today at Carnival’s Sixth Annual Day of Play at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. – the first stop in a 30-day airborne journey across seven U.S. states.
The Homeport Advantage campaign is also designed to raise awareness for the incredible variety of Carnival’s U.S. embarkation options, with 18 year-round and seasonal ports – the most in cruising – along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Roughly half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of a Carnival homeport, providing convenience and affordability to vacationers.
Carnival Horizon (Miami): Carnival’s newest ship that made her U.S. debut in New York in May will launch year-round home six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning Sept. 22 following a special two-day cruise to Nassau Sept. 20. Carnival Horizon introduced several new innovations, including the first-ever Dr. Seuss water park, Guy Fieri’s Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse with BBQ favorites from Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri, and the line’s first teppanyaki venue.
Carnival Vista (Galveston): Launched in 2016, Carnival Vista brings Texas-sized fun to Galveston with such popular features as the groundbreaking aerial attraction SkyRide, an IMAX theatre, Family Harbor staterooms and suites, and a Cuban-themed Havana section with its own pool and bar. Carnival Vista kicks off her new year-round sailing seven-day Caribbean schedule from Galveston Sept. 23.
Carnival Breeze (Port Canaveral): Bringing a whole new level of excitement to the Space Coast,Carnival Breeze will offer a diverse Caribbean schedule from Port Canaveral with seven-day and 14-day itineraries starting Sept. 30. Popular features on Carnival Breeze include a massive WaterWorks aqua park, the interactive Thrill Theater, and delicious dining options ranging from casual options like Guy’s Burger Joint to the exquisite Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse.
Carnival Magic (Miami): Also new to Miami is Carnival Magic, which kicks off a new schedule of week-long Caribbean cruises Sept. 30. Guests sailing on this “Fun Ship” favorite can enjoy such features as a Serenity adults-only retreat, a luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, the Caribbean-inspired Red Frog Pub and the Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant.
Additional information on the Homeport Advantage campaign is available at carnival.com/ChooseFun.
Largest Carnival Cruise Line Ship Ever Constructed, First in North America to be Powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Carnival Cruise Line has reached an agreement in principle with the Canaveral Port Authority on a new state-of-the-art terminal able to accommodate its new 180,000-ton ship, the largest ever constructed for the line, set to debut in 2020.
The vessel will offer an array of groundbreaking, never-before-seen features and attractions while also being the first North American-based cruise ship to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), part of Carnival Corporation’s “green cruising” design platform.
“We are very excited about the prospects of homeporting our largest ship at Port Canaveral, a valued business partner for more than 25 years,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Easily accessible from all over the southeast with excellent facilities and friendly staff, Port Canaveral is one of our most popular and fastest-growing homeports. This fantastic new ship, coupled with our future plans for Port Canaveral, will provide guests with an unparalleled seagoing vacation experience from the minute they arrive. ”
Construction of the 180,000-ton cruise ship is scheduled to begin in November 2018 with the official steel-cutting ceremony at the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland. Further ship details, along with itineraries from Port Canaveral, are expected to be announced in 2019.
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences ashore and on board. And only The Viking Way of Exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.
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