Viking Ocean Cruises expanded its fleet to six ships with the launch of Viking Jupiter in February 2019. The fast-growing line has gained a firm foothold in the industry and a loyal following among cruisers since Viking, the longtime leader in river cruising, decided to venture into the oceans, as well. It launched its first ocean vessel, Viking Star, in 2015.
Things To Love About Viking Ocean Cruises
The dinners at Manfredi’s Italian restaurant are among the highlights of a Viking Ocean Cruises experience.
The formula for success has been simple. Viking Ocean Cruises ships offer a uniformly excellent experience for cruisers, with a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and inclusive features. Each ship in the fleet has a nearly identical design and carries up to 930 passengers, and each offers several features passengers can rely on no matter what ship or itinerary they choose to sail.
LivNordic Spa
Passengers get use of Viking’s LivNordic Spa at no additional charge. This included facility offers the chance to experience the true Nordic spa regimen, with a cold plunge pool, snow room, steam room, sauna, “dump bucket,” thalassotherapy pool, hot tub and heated loungers.
Viking’s LivNordic Spa at no additional charge
The spa is a relaxing space and a fabulous amenity on Viking Ocean ships. Most cruise lines charge passengers a fee to use the thermal suites.
Manfredi’s
A perfectly cooked bistecca Fiorentina at Manfredi’s is the eatery’s signature item.
The Italian restaurant on Viking Ocean ships is one of the highlights of your cruise. Each passenger is guaranteed at least one dining experience during their sailing. Then, make sure to get on the list for a second time (based on availability).
The atmosphere and decor in the eatery offer a classic and comfy feel, with pictures of Italian screen stars adorning the walls. The food is also pure comfort, as you start with fresh-made focaccia bread and dinner rolls accompanied by olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Choose from an array of pastas and delicious sides like steamed black mussels or fried calamari. The signature item in the bistecca Fiorentina, is a perfectly spiced and prepared giant slab of deliciousness that makes meat lovers swoon.
Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table is a specialty restaurant with a rotating menu of regional cuisine.
This specialty restaurant also is included in your fare, and you need to make a reservation to dine there. You are guaranteed a spot once per sailing, as well. The restaurant features a lineup of menus that rotate. So, you can pick from regional cuisines like Mexican, Scandinavian, Asian and French.
This excellent culinary journey takes you through five courses paired with specially selected wines that complement the flavors.
Pool Deck
The pool deck can be covered for use in all seasons, and the area features the pool grill, a large screen for movies and plenty of comfortable seating options.
The leisure area on Deck 7 offers ample cushioned chairs and loungers, as well as tables so you can relax in comfort. The roof can be open or closed, meaning it’s an all-weather area. The salt-water pool is heated when cruising in cooler regions, and a large hot tub is a favorite spot to slide into after a day ashore on your excursion.
The Pool Grill is nearby offering a great selection of gourmet burgers and sandwiches, and the pool deck is also the place for special dining events like the seafood feast. You also may catch a movie poolside on the big screen.
Located at the top of the ship, this two-deck lounge area is an inviting retreat, especially at night or during sea days. The large floor-to-ceiling windows offer the best views right at the front of the ship, and this is the place to settle in to enjoy a little live piano or guitar music or a conversation with new friends while sitting on the soft couches and chairs, warmly decorated with animal furs and pillows.
Afternoon tea is hosted in the Wintergarden, complete with live music accompaniment, fresh scones, and a tower of finger sandwiches and pastries.
The Extra Goodies
Viking offers a complimentary shore excursion in each port. These are typically the “City Tour” variety. (You can purchase premium excursions, as well.) The line’s Silver Spirits drinks package is an amazing value when compared with the cruise industry at large. A charge of $19.95 per person per day covers your sodas, wines, mixed drinks, and beer. Additionally, beer and wine are included during meal times in the ship’s restaurants.
The ship features complimentary WiFi service, and free self-service laundry facilities are located throughout the ship.
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MSC Cruises has revealed new details of the incredible retail offering on board the Company’s new flagship MSC Bellissimawith the largest shopping area in the fleet to date at 8,072 ft2. With an ever-expanding array of luxury brands as well as popular high street names, MSC Bellissima is set to inspire guests from all around the globe with a unique experiential retail offering. MSC Bellissima will feature in shopping space, building on MSC Cruises’ already stellar shopping offer, which clinched the Cruise & Ferry Line Retailer of the Year 2018 award at the Frontier Awards.
MSC Cruises head of retail.” width=”215″ height=”300″ /> Adrian Pittaway, MSC Cruises head of retail.
No longer simply a place to purchase mementos, the promenade is rich with “retail entertainment.” MSC Bellissima will be the first ship where the retail team collaborates directly with the entertainment team to determine the best way to involve guests, crafting a party-like atmosphere. Perhaps most notable is the 60s-themed Flower Glory party, where thanks to external partner Ray Ban, guests will have a chance to shop and party together, win exclusive t-shirts or purchase limited edition sunglasses to complete their look, all while dancing the night away.
The dynamic atmosphere of the Galleria will be enhanced with nightly retail events, including competitions, offers, fashion shows and lucky draws, making for a fun, social and interactive shopping experience, complete with exclusive promotions like gifts with purchase and special offers.
With plans for the ship to head to Asia in spring 2020, the retail offering will be tailored to cater specifically to the shopping preferences of Asian guests. Available modifications include the ability to swap out language, service and style, including changing the purpose of certain areas. For instance, when the ship sails to Asia, the range of luxury and beauty products will feature brands that resonate with an Asian market, with a particular focus on beauty and luxury brands.
New Brands And Exclusive Products
MSC Bellissima’s expanded experiential retail space will feature three additional shops — for a total of 13 — as well as an increased array of 200 major brands including the widest selection of own label logo items on any cruise ship. The list of brands includes an increased luxury offering, featuring beauty products by Guerlain and the most comprehensive Dior beauty selection. In the three luxury watch and jewelry boutiques on board, guests will find the likes of Bulgari, Damiani and Chopard, as well as a wide selection of premium watches, including Omega, Longines and Tag Heuer. Other favorites will also return, such as Italian accessories brands Furla and Coccinelle, as well as international clothing brands like Armani Exchange, Lacoste and Calvin Klein.
Awarded the prestigious Sunglasses Retailer of the Year at the Sunglasses Awards in Cannes, MSC Cruises is also the only in-house operator of sunglasses retail on board cruise ships, offering the biggest ever selection of sunglasses brands aboard MSC Bellissima, purposefully created to cater to the tastes of multiple nationalities on board the ship.
For the ship’s younger guests, partner brands LEGO and Chicco each offer exclusive MSC Cruises ship toys, while Danish jewelry brand Trollbeads newly introduced the MSC Tattoo bead, featuring a sterling silver ship sailing through the MSC Cruises wind rose. British jewelry brand Infinity & Co also offer exclusive captain’s wheel charms created exclusively for MSC.
Learn More About MSC Bellissima:
For more information on the retail offer on board, please visit www.msccruises.com.
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For first-time cruisers, the sheer choice of cruise holidays can be overwhelming. It’s tricky trying to work out what type of ship to go for, the duration of the cruise, and most importantly, where in the world is ideal to cruise.
Going on your first cruise should be an exciting adventure. But, there is so much to consider before settling on the specific cruise ship and destination. Most cruise ships include shore excursions, so you get to spend your time split between the cruise ship and locations around the world.
To make your decision a little easier, we’ve created a guide to some of the best destinations for first-time cruisers. Whether you’re after a family fly-cruise round the Med, a short-break in the UK or a bucket-list trip to somewhere dreamy like the Caribbean, here are the best places to visit for first-timers.
The British Isles
You might have dreams of sailing off for some Mediterranean sun, but there are many great adventures much closer to home. For your first experience of the luxury of a cruise, without having to fly to a destination port and venture far out, staying around the British Isles is ideal.
Embarking on British Isle Cruises will let you enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes our country has to offer, including the 6,000 islands that make up the British Isles. From iconic cities like Edinburgh and London, to the coastal towns of Devon and Northumberland, remarkable heritage can be explored from start to finish.
Explore the traditions and beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the music and literature of Northern Ireland, and the charm and history of Éire, the Republic of Ireland.
For stunning views, fascinating sights and impressive affordability, a Norwegian fjords cruise is spot of for first-time cruisers. They make the perfect family-friendly holidays, combining spectacular scenery with exciting activities, making Norway’s coastline top of the list of destinations.
British travellers can generally set sail from a UK port, avoiding the extra expense and hassle of flights. Yes, Norway may be pricey when you get there, but a cruise holiday is an affordable way to see a stunning slice of Scandinavia.
During a Norwegian fjords cruise, catch views of quaint watersides, dramatic mountains and cascading waterfalls. Trips can include 14-night mystical fjords adventures, or seven nights exploring the famous towns of Stavanger, Bergen, Ålesund and Kristiansand, leaving from Southampton.
The Caribbean
To ensure your first cruise is a real picture of paradise, a tour of the Eastern Caribbean is a must. The Caribbean is by far one of the most popular cruise destinations on the planet, with the East famous for its untamed beauty and laid-back charm. They say those who choose it as their first trip tend to return for a second.
Cruising the Eastern Caribbean delivers an unbeatable mix of great weather, luxury on-shore excursions and picturesque beach stops. It’s the perfect way to experience the sun-kissed islands of Barbados, Puerto Rico, St Kitts, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands, just to name a few. It also combines glorious sunshine with the largest itinerary of water sports and beach activities, making it a fantastic holiday if you’re after a combination of island hoping, beach breaks and glamorous cruising.
Canary Islands
These exotic islands certainly have the capacity to surprise, making them a popular choice for first time cruisers. Cruising the Fortunate Isles means you’ll get all-year sun, glorious beaches, spectacular scenery and some of the most vibrant resorts anywhere in Europe.
Cruise holidays to the Canary Islands generally explore all seven islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. There are many cruises that stop off at all islands, but Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera pop up most frequently on itineraries because of their impressive on-shore activities and fascinating views.
Why limit yourself to just one island, when you can visit several sunshine spots in one trip?
While everyone has different budgets and interests, make sure you look into the cruise liners which sail to these destinations. Each ship and tour operator has its own reputation – some luxurious, some family friendly, some for the over-50s and some for those who love a good party.
So many people in the United States or around the world don’t have easy access to a Casino. This could be to local laws or customs. Today you can easily visit online casino games. However, Most mainstream cruise lines have a large casino onboard. Even the smaller ships dedicate a good portion of the ship to a casino. This is often the first exposure to actual casino games for many people. I know it was for me.
What Games Are Available
The different games do vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, you will often see
Blackjack
Roulette
Three-card and electronic poker
Craps
Bingo
Slot Machines.
Some lines include Texas Hold ’em and let it ride. On most cruise lines you must be 18 years old and a few mandates 21. On an Alaska cruise you must also be 21 to gamble. Minimum bets do vary per cruise line but, $5 for blackjack and craps; $1 for roulette; penny slots is a good estimate.
No long ago it was almost of unheard of for any major cruise line to not have a casino. However, Disney Cruise Line made waves when it began sailing on July 30, 1998 without a casino onboard. They are now joined by Viking Ocean Cruises who offer small ship cruises for Adults-Only don’t have a casino or even bingo onboard. Heck, Viking doesn’t even have any photographers interrupting you from eating that amazing souffle dessert. We are noticing many cruise lines changing how they operate. We are starting to hear more cruise lines claiming they don’t nickel and dime their guests.
If you love cruising and gambling at the Casino, many cruise lines have specific Players Clubs. They hope to entice you to cruise with them and of course gamble when onboard. This could very well mean reduced cruise fares on a future cruise and other incentives to get you onboard. Here is a list of the lines Player’s Clubs:
When onboard and gambling be sure to join the cruise line’s Players Club so you can earn points and rewards. This may mean great perks during your current or future cruise just due to your game play.
If you’re going to gamble please budget how much you plan to spend during your cruise. Gaming can take place at a casino hotel, online sports betting and more. Just make sure you have fun and treat any money spent as entertainment and don’t spend more than you originally budgeted.
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Many years ago I took my best friend on a cruise with me. It was strange how it came together. This was back in the mid 90s and I was madly in love with this girl. We had been together for two years. We both worked shift work and being young without any kids we took fancy trips together. One day I was told “we needed to talk” and the relationship soon ended. But, we had one outstanding issue. We had booked a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Caribbean together. This was going to be my first Royal Caribbean cruise ever. It would be aboard their newest ship Grandeur of the Seas.
The girl, gave her blessings to do a name change on the cruise documents and our relationship officially ended with it. It was a very painful time for me, she was my first true love and I didn’t expect this to happen. She even told me that her friends said, she should have gone with me. This all happened only a few weeks before our cruise sailed. I asked my friend if he could come in her place and he did. I was very thankful.
We ended up booking bus transportation from Bradenton, Florida to Miami. We waited at the McDonald’s and before long the Cruise Connection bus pulled up. The bus made several more stops as it made its way south on I-75 on its way to Miami. It was nice to see new places like Venice and Naples, FL. I was still pretty young and at this time in my life, I hadn’t really explored Florida much yet. The bus ride made it easy to get too busy Port Miami for novice cruisers like ourselves. Before long we arrived and gazed up at the marvelous Grandeur of the Seas. At the time she was one of the newest and largest cruise ships in the entire world.
As the cruise progressed we kinda got bored. So we began looking around the Casino onboard. This was long before the days of online betting. However, We dived in headfirst and played the quarter slot machines. You still had to put real change or dollars into the machines. Before long we began doing well. I remember these Asian women rubbing on our heads because they felt we were good luck. This was my first real exposure to gambling. I had never played casino games before. As it’s been said by many others, we had some nice payouts and then we went back and lost our winnings playing more throughout the cruise. I had stopped myself before I spent more than my winnings.
I recommend you always treat casino games as entertainment and set a budget on money you don’t need. So we often will set a $50 limit and then see what happens. If we win, we may walk away or play until we lose the winnings and our initial $50. We heard that cruise ships were not the best payout casinos but, we have never noticed any difference.
The cruise and casino games were a nice escape from the heartbreak of that moment in my life. As they say when one door closes another opens. I was so impressed with the Grandeur of the Seas and Royal Caribbean. I’m currently have Diamond status in their repeat cruisers club. I was also married my wife and true love April, aboard the Mariner of the Seas in 2005. Sometimes you have to go through tough times to know when you have it good. I’m happy to say, I’m a very blessed today with a wonderful wife and three children.
Happy Cruising!
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Princess Cruises has launched its first advertising campaign written and produced specifically for its international markets, titled “Princessa.” It showcases the most popular worldwide cruise destinations offered by Princess Cruises through a beautiful storytelling moment of a multi-generational family onboard.
The campaign will feature a 2 1/2 minute short film, 30-second TV and OTV spots, and a dynamically-translated microsite where site visitors can participate in a short quiz to learn their travel personality and view itineraries for recommended travel destinations.
This year is a perfect time for international guests and first-time cruisers to cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises. The leading cruise line in Alaska is celebrating 50 years of sailing to the Great Land by introducing new entertainment, shore excursions and culinary offerings to mark this significant milestone.
Watch The “Princessa” Short Film
“We’re proud to have homeported in Asia since 2013, growing to be the number one cruise line in markets like Japan, Taiwan, and China,” said Ryan Barton, Princess Cruises International Marketing Director. “‘Princessa’ marks the first campaign created uniquely for our international and emerging markets, highlighting our global fly-and-cruise destinations. Princess Cruises is a global destination leader, and through this touching multi-generational story, we see destinations come to life through the eyes of a little girl.”
Through a heartwarming narrative, the “Princessa” film centers on a storytelling moment between a family’s granddaughter and grandfather as they journey from Australia, to Europe, to Alaska and ultimately fall in love with the world onboard a Princess Cruises cruise ship. Widely considered one of the best vacation options for multigenerational families, Princess Cruises is celebrating its fourth year of an exclusive partnership with Discovery™, offering immersive Discovery at SEA experiences.
Filmmaker James Seale shot and directed the commercial, which was written and produced at Princess Cruises. Jordan Critz — an American award-winning composer and songwriter — wrote the film’s original score. The campaign’s print images were shot by French photographer Nico Therin.
General information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.princess.com/.
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Going on a cruise is the perfect getaway for a holiday treat. It’s basically the perfect time to treat yourself to all the spoils which your otherwise tight schedules prevent you from enjoying – from nice hot Jacuzzis to sauna treatments and the envied spa services. You obviously know this; nonetheless, there is one major part that most experts forget to mention when narrating all you are likely to encounter – the sea sleep!
Most people make the wrong assumption that they will be sleep deprived once they go out on sea. They include factors like seasickness, the boat rocking from the unsettled waves, the unnecessary commotion from all the people on board just to name but a few. Such prejudiced assumptions could only come from someone who’s not had the opportunity to cruise. Research is now out indicating people suffering from insomnia enjoy a different experience when on sea. Here is why your sleeping time is likely to be one of the best you’ve had in ages.
Unadulterated Darkness
Most cabins are designed in such a manner not to allow any light to stream in. Inside these rooms, you will experience a feeling of utter darkness that’s been found to prompt sleep much faster than in your usual bedrooms.
Do Rock My Boat
Why is it much easier to lull a baby to sleep when seated on a rocking chair? Why do mothers sway their babies to sleep? There’s a comfort that comes from these movements and science shows it hypnotizes the brain to switch off.
The same concept can be transferred to the cruise ship. The movements from the waves might be a nuisance to some during the day, but when tucked inside the sheets, they happen to catalyze sleep. Most people never get to feel the rocking in today’s ship designs, especially those situated on the lower decks. So to get the best from such movements, cruise addicts are advised to go for the upper decks – thank me later.
Palatial Beds
When you’ve gotten so you used to your beds, experiencing a different sort of sleeping area could be the perfect therapy. Dr. Breus, a professional sleep doctor based in Los Angeles, a firm supporter of nolahmattresscoupons.com, has been engaged in building beds for ships and cruise liners. When asked about the issue, the doctor lit up with positive comments showing how easy it is to come up with beds for ships than it is to construct luxury beds for hotels. He went on to suggest that the ship movements seem to have made the process even much easier and the result – every cruise ship seems to be borrowing this idea!
Outside Naps
Who said you only need your beds and decks to enjoy a wonderful rest when cruising? Most cruise ships are armed with a bunch of places to enjoy a light nap as you watch the sun go down. With such a panoramic view of the sea and the fresh sea air, you can be sure this is exactly the kind of sleep your body needs.
Zero Time Restrictions
It’s holiday time – no one’s going to tell you when to go to bed or when to wake up. Moreover, no one’s expecting you to set your alarm clock. With null time restriction, you basically have the chance to sleep whenever and wherever you want – talk about absolute freedom!
Absolute Serenity
Going out on sea only implies one thing – you want to run away from all the noise your everyday world has to offer. There is no better place to run into to find the peace, comfort, freshness and a change – a positive one of course bound to give you the kind of nights you’ve been missing out on.
Do Not Disturb!
Just like in hotel rooms, your cabins will have a “do not disturb” sign on the door. Whether you are alone or decided to go cruising as love birds, no one will come knocking at your door!
Virgin Voyages is officially open for business, with the company’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, now open for bookings for her inaugural season, with voyages departing from April 1 through October 21, 2020 now on sale.
“I’ve dreamed of starting my own cruise line since I was in my 20’s, and now the launch is finally getting close,” said Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Voyages. “We have taken the time to think about every detail and craft an experience that brings the Virgin brand to life and disrupts the travel industry.”
Virgin Voyages will offer a cheeky and cheerful approach to service, as well as an inclusive approach to cruise travel that removes pesky add-ons. Its Sailors will enjoy free food at the 20+ eateries onboard, free group fitness classes, no gratuities or service charges, free Wifi and free basic beverages like soda, teas, and drip coffee, as well as still and sparkling water.
“At Virgin Voyages we are going beyond just great design, to defy and redefine luxury to be rebellious luxe,” said Tom McAlpin, President and CEO of Virgin Voyages. “This new luxury is about knowing you are taken care of, that you’re never being nickel and dimed, and what you want, even some of the things you didn’t know you wanted, are already taken care of for you.”
In conjunction with opening bookings for sale, Virgin Voyages revealed that all voyages will feature The Beach Club at Bimini, a Virgin Voyages experience in Bimini, Bahamas. There, Sailors can enjoy an epic beach day and/or explore the island flavor and culture of Bimini and its turquoise blue waters.
While on ship, Virgin Voyages Sailors will have the opportunity to choose from a festival-like lineup of all-new completely original entertainment developed by some of the world’s most-talked about producers, directors and artists in the expansion of the company’s Creative Collective. Virgin Voyages’ entertainment Creative Collective includes Jenny Gersten, Randy Weiner, Sam Pinkleton, Ani Taj, PigPen Theatre Co, The 7 Fingers, Roslyn Hart and Alfredo Guenzani and the Spark Cooperative
A cornerstone of every voyage will be The Beach Club at Bimini, where sailors can feel the sand in their toes in a stylish setting with white-sand and crystal clear waters.
The Beach Club at Bimini
A cornerstone of every voyage will be The Beach Club at Bimini, where sailors can feel the sand in their toes in a stylish setting with white-sand and crystal clear waters and programming that will rival the best beach clubs in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. Just a short transfer from the pier, and built by Resorts World Bimini, The Beach Club at Bimini is designed with Miami-based architects EOA, Inc., featuring natural materials and soft earth tones that organically blend into the seascape. The Beach Club at Bimini will overlook the ocean and cascade down to the sea with an expansive lagoon-style pool as the central anchor of the club.
In the spirit of Vitamin Sea, the brand’s ethos of well-being, there will be moments of retox and detox throughout the day. Sailors will find areas of high energy and quiet spots for complete relaxation and introspection. Mornings at The Beach Club at Bimini will begin with yoga and meditation as Sailors enjoy the sounds of the ocean. The energy at The Beach Club at Bimini will be gradually amplified as the day progresses and turned back down as dusk settles in. Sailors will reach the high point of the day by the afternoon where DJ-led pool and flotilla parties will be center of the action. The night’s energy will wind down with a beach bonfire to close out the evening with an acoustic musical performance.
Grammy-Award-winning artist and producer Mark Ronson named founding DJ, where he will be among the first talent to grace the turntables. Ronson will have four performances in 2020.
With music at the heart of the Virgin brand, Virgin Voyages will carefully curate the soundtrack for The Beach Club at Bimini, with seven-time Grammy-Award-winning artist and producer Mark Ronson named founding DJ, where he will be among the first talent to grace the turntables. Ronson, the British-born DJ, producer and songwriter, has topped the charts and collaborated with artists like Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Adele, Miley Cyrus and Bruno Mars. Ronson will have four performances in 2020, with specific performance dates to be announced soon.
The Beach Club will also have complimentary food that is thoughtfully sourced. Its locally inspired menus will serve up island favorites such as conch and mango salad, banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, Bahamian rum cake and more. As Sailors start to explore the club they will be pleased to discover creative social spaces with hammock groves and six bars where Sailors can congregate in groups of friends. Those looking for a home base for the day can enjoy the many beach loungers, or opt for a more private place to cuddle up, with beach-side and poolside cabanas available for rent. The Beach Club at Bimini will also feature active areas for watersports and beach play.
Sailors staying in RockStar Suites will have their exclusive slice of paradise at The Beach Club at Bimini, with a dedicated bar, complimentary food service, an outdoor terrace lounge, sun loungers and beach cabanas.
To accommodate its variety of entertainment opportunities Virgin Voyages created The Red Room — designed by renowned architects WorkAC and theater consultants Auerbach Pollock Friedlander — as the first transformational multi-form theater at sea.
Events & Gigs
Scarlet Lady will feature a festival of choice in entertainment made up of bespoke intimate and authentic Events & Gigs created exclusively for Virgin Voyages, with the goal of providing Sailors with an alternative perspective on the world and play that ignites the spirit within. Sailors won’t just sit and watch shows, they may be asked to participate with the cast or become immersed in the world of the performance. In keeping with Virgin Voyages’ rebellious nature, the company will have no traditional cruise director on board the ship, and instead will have a dynamic group of individuals dedicated to making “Happenings” around the ship completely epic. From modern takes on classic stories, to interactive dance parties and off-the wall participatory acts, the experiences will break down the fourth wall and push the boundaries of traditional stage performances. Virgin Voyages’ entertainment goes beyond Broadway with first run experiences that have never been seen before on land or at sea.
The company has expanded its Creative Collective from design and food to now include entertainment, working with some of the brightest creative minds, who are pushing boundaries of traditional theater and entertainment on land.
The Red Room’s Alley Stage configuration.
To accommodate its variety of entertainment opportunities Virgin Voyages created The Red Room — designed by renowned architects WorkAC and theater consultants Auerbach Pollock Friedlander — as the first transformational multi-form theater at sea. It will transform into four different configurations – a traditional Proscenium stage, an alley stage used in fashion shows, a dance flat-floor configuration, and finally a unique reverse stage setup. This first at-sea theater will enable Virgin Voyages to create completely different experiences for each day of the voyage. Scarlet Lady will feature six original shows that include a soon to be announced production by award-winning producer Randy Weiner (Queen of the Night, The Donkey Show, Sleep No More).
Sam Pinkleton & Ani Taj have created a hype music video disguised as an absurdist style dance party, called UNTITLED DANCESHOWPARTYTHING.
Phantom Folktales is a collection of song driven micro plays throughout the ship that seemingly appear out of thin air, and disappear just as quickly, created by PigPen Theatre Co. Ships in the Night is an emotion-filled contemporary experience telling its story through the use of cutting edge digital projection interwoven with the authenticity of the human condition, and Duel Reality examines the age-old tale of Romeo & Juliet with a modern twist featuring acrobatic storytelling. Both performances were made possible through our collaboration with the innovative circus company, The 7 Fingers.
Never Sleep Alone is a participatory show featuring the hysterically funny, straight-talking relationship therapist, Dr. Alex Shiller, by producers Roslyn Hart and Alfredo Guenzani.
Additionally the creative development, production and installation of “happenings” that will take place throughout the ship were created by Spark Cooperative.
To add to the overall vision, Tony Award winning creative producer, Jenny Gersten, will serve as an artistic and production liaison between the core in-house Virgin Voyages Entertainment team and other members of the Collective.
Sir Richard Branson Celebrates Virgin Voyages’ “SCARLET NIGHT” with Shailene Woodley & Mark Ronson. -Photo by: Kristina Bumphrey/StarPix at the PlayStation Theater
Scarlet Lady is a boutique-style, mid-sized ship designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury and will set sail from PortMiami for her 2020 inaugural season on unforgettable four and five-night voyages to Havana, Cuba; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Costa Maya, Mexico. Future sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com
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An adventurous shore excursion offered by Norwegian Cruise Line lets you rappel a series of waterfalls in Maui, Hawaii.
Certain destinations just beg for you to take the plunge and try a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or shore excursion experience.
That plunge could be into deeper waters or deeper into your wallet. That’s because some of these extreme activities might push your limits on bravery, and they definitely cost a bit more than the average cruise excursions.
A 90-minute guided dive explores vibrant coral beds teeming with tropical fish and other marine life.
Crystal Cruises’ “Antarctic Expedition”
As part of the Crystal Boutique Adventures shore excursion program, you’ll never forget this experience. On voyages that visit Punta Arenas in Chile’s Patagonia region, you can choose an extreme day trip to an Antarctic base on King George Island for a hike and exploration.
The 12-plus-hour expedition starts with a flightseeing plane trip over the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego Island and the Darwin Mountains. Expect to see plenty of glaciers and several penguin species during your day in this harsh and pristine environment.
Dog sled racing in a native sport in Alaska, and cruises to the Last Frontier on Disney Cruise Line offers the chance to mush a team of four-legged athletes.
This excursion is available in Juneau, and you start with a helicopter ride that offers views of the Juneau Icefield on the way to Norris Glacier, where you will drive a team of Iditarod sled dogs. The outing includes a tour of the sled dog camp, and your flight gives you a rare bird’s-eye massive green forest, icefalls and alpine lakes.
Learn the ropes on this adventure that sends you over the falls on the island of Maui. The tour starts in Kahului and with a one-hour ride on the scenic Hana Highway to a botanical garden, where you gear up to take the plunge. After a hike into a gorgeous canyon filled with waterfalls (30- to 60-feet high), adventurers get to experience rappelling over a series of falls and rock faces, as well as swimming in exhilarating pools at the bottom of the rushing falls.
Finish with a hike along a jungle trail and a well-earned lunch overlooking the valley and ocean.
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The B.B. King's Blues Club on Holland America's Nieuw Statendam is one of four vibrant night spots on the Music Walk.
Holland America’s newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, debuted in late 2018 as the second in the fleet’s Pinnacle Class, joining sister Koningsdam.
Nieuw Statendam carries up to 2,666 passengers sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. And these cruisers get to enjoy a spacious ship that offers elegant spaces filled with whimsical art work, as well as world-class dining experiences in eateries like Rudi’s Sel de Mer, Canaletto and Tamarind.
While cruise ships typically offer live music acts in various lounges scattered throughout the ship, Music Walk offers a highly coordinated experience along a long stretch of Deck 2 on Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam.
Cruisers get their fill onboard nightly to a range of music stylings that suit all tastes. Most cruisers we have sailed with love all the genres and make sure to get an ample taste of all of them each night
B.B. King’s Blues Club is the place to enjoy awesome shows. The band belts out rhythm and blues classics, as well as other popular songs that you can easily bop to in the comfort of your chair or lounger. However, you will inevitably be drawn to the dance floor as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
This venue is also enjoyed from seats that wrap around the atrium style opening that rises to the third deck. The acoustics and environment are fabulous for these performances. The space is used for B.B. King’s and Lincoln Center Stage, with a quick change of the stage’s decor to accommodate either program.
Lincoln Center Stage is your place to catch performances of classical music.
Lincoln Center Stage on Nieuw Statendam features a string-and-piano quintet playing classics – or classic takes on modern hits.
Rolling Stone Rock Room is located a few strides away from here, and the music does not clash because the Music Walk design incorporates a set of doors in between that keep the sounds separated.
The Rock Room house band jams out to covers of rock-and-roll favorites in a dark and moody setting that evokes the feel of a hip night club. It also offers a small dance floor.
The dueling pianists draw a big crowd for fun sing-a-longs.
All of the music attractions are located right off a main corridor on Deck 2.
Billboard Onboard is packed nightly as cruisers fill in around the dueling pianos honoring requests and playing a lineup of energetic sing-a-long hits. The husband-and-wife piano-playing duo on our sailing was delightful.
All of the venues are wide open to the main corridor, so passengers can hear the music and easily slide into the action, whether taking a seat or hitting the dance floor.
The Rolling Stone Rock Room Band plays fantastic renditions of classic hits.
B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room are usually packed till late with cruisers enjoying the night life. Drinks service is easily available throughout, with staffers roaming the clubs. You can also pull up a stool at the lively bars located at Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Rock Room. Whiskey aficionados are wowed by the selection of more than 100 whiskey varieties at Notes, a small bar and impressive wall of whiskey bottles that sit tucked into the Music Walk next to Billboard Onboard.
