Cruise
Crystal Unveils New River Cruise Designs
As Crystal River Cruises launched the first of its seven river vessels, Crystal Mozart in Vienna yesterday (July 11), the luxury line has simultaneously announced design plans for the next phase of its four newly built river yachts. The river yachts, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy (pictured, artist's rendering) and Crystal Mahler, are set to embark in spring and summer of next year. “Emulation has never been part of our formula for success, rather, we have enjoyed a long reputation for innovating and leading the way in luxury travel experiences,” says Crystal...
Delaney Takes Over At Windstar
John Delaney is the new president of Windstar Cruises. Delaney, a seasoned cruise veteran, takes over his new role on July 19. Delaney was formerly senior vice-president of global marketing and sales for Seabourn Cruise Line, as well as holding posts with both The Walt Disney Company and Holland America Line. Andrew N. Todd, chief executive officer of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, parent company of Windstar Cruises, said: “We are very pleased to welcome John on-board. Cruise vacationers and our guests have every reason to expect a new era of exciting, wonderful and memorable...
Remastered QM2 Makes US Debut
Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 sailed into its US homeport, Brooklyn, on July 6 after a significant refit costing in the region of US$132 million. The refit was conducted in the Blohm + Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, one of the only shipyards in the world large enough to hold Queen Mary 2. It was a 24-hour-a-day operation, with more than a million man hours put into the refurbishment, during a 25-day period. Highlights include: Redesign and refurbishment of the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites and restaurants, as well as Britannia staterooms, the latter to be...
Princess Showcases Local Experts
As part of its “Local Connections” program, Princess Cruises' guests aboard Regal Princess sailing to Scandinavia and Russia this summer will have an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the destinations with an impressive line-up of speakers who will come aboard overnight to share their personal stories, local expertise and passion for the places they call home. The unique speaker series has been developed in partnership with Cruise Baltic, aimed to inspire guests by sharing the pride the company’s port partners have for their destination, while taking full advantage of...
Royal Caribbean To Build New Miami Terminal
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has signed an agreement with Miami-Dade County to construct and operate a new cruise terminal at PortMiami, on land leased from the County. The new terminal will be a striking addition to PortMiami and will serve as homeport to Royal Caribbean International ships, including a 5,400-passenger Oasis-class ship, the world’s largest. The agreement will come before the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on July 6. “We are truly excited to be working with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami to create not just another cruise terminal, but a truly...
Silversea Expands ‘Silver Select’ Promotion
Silversea Cruises has expanded its “Silver Select” program to include 12 additional voyages in 2017. Originally launched on dozens of worldwide voyages sailing in 2016, the program enables guests to personalize their voyage with a choice of three savings options: a US$1,500 per suite Onboard Spending Credit, a two-category suite upgrade, or 50% off a second suite. For select expedition voyages, the line is offering the choice of a two-category suite upgrade or 50% off a second suite. Silver Select is available on new bookings made through July 31 for select voyages sailing to...
NCL Bans Guests From Bringing Liquids On Board
With the safety and security of guests and crew in mind, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has introduced a new policy prohibiting guests from bringing any beverages – including liquor, beer and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda and juices – on board the company’s ships either as carry-on or checked luggage, effective July 15. The exception is purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the reconstitution of infant formula; and fully sealed and/or corked wine bottles for personal consumption onboard subject to...
European Waterways Adds New ‘Champagne Cruises’
In response to increased demand, European Waterways will be offering five new “Champagne Cruises” in Champagne, France, aboard the Panache luxury hotel barge in 2017. Departure dates are June 11, 18, 25 and July 2 and 9. Panache can accommodate up to 12 passengers and features a crew of six that includes an English-speaking guide, gourmet chef and an experienced captain. The six-night itineraries are all-inclusive and priced at US$6,190 per person, based on double occupancy. Charter bookings are also available. “Few places on Earth can boast the name recognition of Champagne...