Cruise
MSC Seaside Marks Major Milestone
MSC Cruises and Fincantieri recently marked an important milestone in the building of MSC Seaside with the celebration of the traditional maritime coin ceremony held at the Monfalcone, Italy shipyard. MSC Seaside, the first of up to three MSC Cruises’ next-generation “Seaside” class of new cruise ships, is set to come into service in December 2017 and will be the cruise line’s newest ship to sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean. Seaside forms a key pillar of the company’s 10-plus years US$10.2 billion investment plan, which includes the building of up to 11...
Uniworld, Butterfield & Robinson Team Up on the Danube
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has partnered with Butterfield & Robinson on its popular eight-day “Enchanting Danube” departures, taking travellers through four countries and three capitals on a journey from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany. Debuting this year on select Enchanting Danube departures, travellers wishing to enjoy the best of river cruising paired with a more active exploration of the region can join an exclusive biking excursion led by the experts from Butterfield & Robinson. Guests will cycle along the Danube River bike path, Europe’s longest...
Avalon Passion Christened
On a warm, sunny evening in Linz, Austria, Avalon Waterways recently christened its 12th Suite Ship, the Avalon Passion, in Linz, Austria. Acting as the ship’s godmother, Jill Ellis – head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team – led the christening ceremony. “At first you were a vision, and with nurturing and enthusiasm you grew into a plan. Then, with dedication and teamwork, you were crafted, and today with pride and delight we celebrate you in your full glory,” said Ellis. “May the lives of everyone touched by you be forever enriched, and may you feel the...
Top Executives Take Stage at Cruise360
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced additional details on the general sessions taking place at the 2016 Cruise360 Conference, June 1-6 in Vancouver. These panels each provide a unique perspective on the cruise industry and represent important segments of the industry. “More than ever before, the cruise industry continues to evolve, offering a myriad of options to travellers,” said CLIA president Cindy D'Aoust. “Cruise360, a must-attend educational event, offers tools and training to help our travel professional community grow their business and deliver...
Ovation Godmother Chosen
Royal Caribbean International has announced that internationally-acclaimed Chinese actress, Fan Bingbing, will be the Godmother for Ovation of the Seas. The announcement was made by Dr. Zinan Liu, president, Royal Caribbean International - China and North Asia Pacific, at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. Bingbing is the first Chinese celebrity selected to be the Godmother of an international cruise line and will officially name Ovation of the Seas at the ship’s inaugural ceremony in Tianjin, China on June 24, 2016. The Ovation of the Seas is the second Quantum-class ship to...
Carnival Extends Port Time in Cozumel
Carnival Cruise Line has extended the length of time its ships spend in Cozumel, Mexico, on more than 750 voyages, providing guests with even more opportunities to experience and explore one of the Caribbean’s most diverse vacation destinations. On “Cozumel Plus” itineraries, guests now have access to a variety of new excursions, many taking place on Mexico’s mainland – tours like swimming with whale sharks, visiting centuries-old ruins and swimming in hidden caverns, to name a few, complementing nearly 50 existing tours already available. Carnival is kicking off its new...
Avalon Gets Fresh
Avalon Waterways is also adding a little more creativity to the dining experience aboard its vessels by teaming up with two of Europe’s rising culinary stars – the Wrenkh brothers – to design “Avalon Fresh.” “We think our travellers deserve healthy, vegetarian food options that taste great,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “While we have always provided travellers with a selection of nutritious, delicious recipes, Avalon Fresh is taking this idea to a new level. Avalon Fresh is all about creating wholesome menu items where garden-fresh, local...
One Year And Counting
The countdown is on as Silversea Cruises celebrates one year to go until the christening of its new flagship, Silver Muse (pictured in an artist's rendering). Due for completion in April 2017, Silver Muse will showcase world-class locations to those who sail during its inaugural season, which will feature 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites during its 2017 itinerary, from ancient Greek temples through to historic Caribbean fortresses. Launching from Monte Carlo, Silver Muse will spend the European spring and summer months in and around the Mediterranean. Thirteen of its European ports of...