Cruise
Penélope Cruz Officially Names New Costa Flagship
Costa Cruises officially welcomed its new flagship, Costa Smeralda, to its fleet yesterday (Feb. 24) in Savona, Italy with a naming ceremony featuring the ship’s godmother and star of the event, Penélope Cruz. Cruz performed the ribbon-cutting duties with the traditional breaking of the bottle against the bow of the ship in the presence of the Master of Costa Smeralda, Paolo Benini. Also on hand was the Italian multi-starred chef Bruno Barbieri, who personally conceived and presented a special gala cocktail, giving guests a taste of his creativity and experience. The event...
American Countess Completes Second Successful Sea Trial
American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) reports American Countess completed its second successful sea trial on Feb. 19, marking the sixth major milestone of the new ship’s development. The upcoming ship will be christened in New Orleans on April 4 ahead of its inaugural sailing from New Orleans to Memphis April 5-13. The 245-passenger riverboat will join the American Queen and American Duchess on the Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio and Cumberland rivers. On Feb. 19, the American Countess navigated through a section of the Intracoastal waterway in Houma, LA en route to Morgan City, LA...
Virgin Voyages Introduces ‘The Band’
Virgin Voyages has unveiled “The Band,” a sleek wearable technology made from recycled ocean plastic that will unlock voyage adventures for future guests (Sailors) upon the debut of Scarlet Lady on April 1. Brought to life through a partnership with BIONIC® Yarn, a material engineering leader committed to addressing plastic pollution in marine and coastal environments, Virgin Voyages has created the travel industry’s next-level smart wearable technology that is equal parts functional and stylish. The lightweight, relaxed eco-chic accessory is nautically inspired and can be taken...
Victory Sails The Great Lakes
Victory Cruise Lines, committed to small-ship cruising on the Great Lakes and the North American and Canadian coasts, has introduced new 2020 voyage itineraries and city stays for Victory II following a successful 2019 season. Operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, a Hornblower Families Company, the 202-guest Victory II will offer three new itineraries, including a new Great Lakes voyage from Chicago to Niagara Falls with a post-cruise stay in Niagara Falls. Cruisers who book before March 31 can take advantage of savings on select itineraries, including up to $2,000 off per...
Carnival Fascination to Move to Mobile in 2022
Carnival Cruise Line reports that Carnival Fascination will move from its current homeport of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and be based in Mobile, Ala., effective Jan. 16, 2022. Carnival Fantasy will continue its popular four- and five-day cruise schedule from Mobile through January 2022, at which time Carnival Fascination, will pick up the itineraries. Carnival Fascination itineraries from Mobile are open for sale. Guests currently booked on Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Fascination through January 2022 will not be affected and voyages will operate as planned. “Carnival Fascination...
Edouardo Jordan Joins HAL’s Culinary Council
To continue diversifying its culinary offerings and bring the best land-based culinary experiences to sea, Holland America Line is adding James Beard Award-winner and acclaimed Seattle restaurateur Edouardo Jordan to its Culinary Council — a collection of varied, internationally renowned chefs who bring global influence to the cruise line’s dining experiences. Jordan’s “food with roots” approach will be showcased through signature, classic comfort dishes featured on the menus in the Dining Room and at Lido Market. The uniquely American fare will have Jordan’s own twist and...
HAL Cancels Four Westerdam Asia Sailings
Due to the uncertainty of ports accepting cruise ships in Asia, Holland America Line (HAL) has cancelled Westerdam’s four March and April 2020 Asia cruises. The cancelled cruises include: March 14-28, 14-day South Korea and Japan, sailing roundtrip Yokohama, Japan; March 28 - April 11, 14-day Japan Explorer, sailing roundtrip Yokohama; April 11-25, 14-day Japan and Russia, sailing roundtrip Yokohama; April 25-May 10, 16-day North Pacific Crossing, sailing Yokohama to Vancouver. Details and itineraries regarding Westerdam deployment through early May will be provided in the coming...
Sunwing MSC’s Partner of the Year
Sunwing has been named MSC Cruises’ “Tour Operator Partner of the Year” for 2019. It is the third time that Sunwing has received the award. Ian Patterson, country manager, Canada for MSC Cruises, commented, “Since Sunwing started their cruise program in 2009, the tour operator has been a valued partner of MSC Cruises. Their convenient cruise package options from a host of gateways across Canada make it easier than ever for vacationers to set sail on board MSC Cruises. We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Sunwing in the years to...