P&O Britannia is returning to Southampton after Collision in Palma

P&O Britannia in the Caribbean photo credit for Spacejunkie2 (Flickr Photos)

P&O Cruises’ Britannia is expected to reach Southampton by Friday morning (1 September) after it departed Palma on Monday night (28 August) following a collision with a freight vessel.

P&O Cruises’ Britannia is expected to reach Southampton by Friday morning (1 September) after it departed Palma on Monday night (28 August) following a collision with a freight vessel.

The incident, which happened on Sunday (27 August), saw the cruise ship break free from its moorings during a storm in Mallorca and collide with a freight vessel. 

P&O said a small number of people are being cared for onboard after sustaining minor injuries, and according to the BBC, around 321 passengers were told they would have to fly home due to structural damage to a lifeboat.

"Following a weather-related incident in Palma de Mallorca on 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia departed Palma last night and is expected to reach Southampton on Friday morning," a spokesperson told TTG. 

Following the incident, Lisa Henning, managing director of the Inspire Group, urged travel companies to improve communication with agents and operators.

Carnival Journeys Program Embarked Over 330,000 Guests Since 2015

Carnival Journeys Program Embarked Over 330,000 Guests Since 2015

More than 330,000 guests have sailed on a Carnival Journeys cruise since the program was launched in 2015.

According to Carnival Cruise Line, the number is set to grow significantly in the future, as the program adds more varied itineraries.

In 2025, the initiative will include several newly announced cruises onboard the Carnival Spirit and the Carnival Luminosa.

As a response to guests’ interest in these longer vacations and more adventurous experiences, the ships will offer new itineraries for the year, including a transatlantic crossing onboard the Spirit and a 29-day cruise to Japan and Alaska onboard the Luminosa.

The Carnival Spirit is also set to offer a 15-day roundtrip cruise to Hawaii from Seattle. Departing in September 2025, the Carnival Journey will include visits to Honolulu, Oahu; Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Hilo in Hawaii, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

With the new offerings, over 85 upcoming Carnival Journeys are available for booking, Carnival Cruise Line said, which could see over 230,000 guests embarking from now through 2025.

The Carnival Journeys program of longer cruise itineraries offers guests more opportunities to see the world, Carnival said, from ocean crossings and Panama Canal transit.

The initiative also includes special sailings featuring destinations in the Caribbean, Greenland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Japan, Tahiti, Southeast Asia and Alaska.

Earlier this month, the Carnival Legend set sail on a 14-night cruise to Greenland. Sailing roundtrip from Baltimore, the itinerary featured visits to two destinations in the Arctic Island, as well as three ports of call in Canada.

In 2024, the Journey’s portfolio includes cruises a selection of longer itineraries onboard the Carnival Spirit, the Carnival Radiance, the Carnival Pride, the Carnival Liberty, the Carnival Dream, and other ships.

Explora I Makes Maiden Call to Southampton

Explora I Makes Maiden Call to Southampton

The port of Southampton welcomed Explora Journeys’ Explora I for the ship’s maiden call at the start of its nine-night voyage around the UK.

A crest exchange took place onboard the ship to celebrate its first visit to the destination. Attendees included the ship’s master Captain Serena Melani; Rebekah Keeler of Associated British Ports Southampton; and Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.

 “Southampton is one of the UK’s major ports and one of the most significant within Europe, and it was a great pleasure and honour to present our highly anticipated and brand-new ship, Explora I We continue to work meticulously and tirelessly to showcase our new product which fuses innovation and sophisticated design, and our commitment to excellence,” said Ungerer.

Keele added: “We were delighted to welcome Explora I to Southampton which reflects the continued growth of our partnership with the MSC Group. Working with partners who share in our drive for a sustainable future, such as Explora Journeys, will make the ambition a reality and we look forward to welcoming the ship when she has the opportunity to return.”

 For its current voyage, the Explora I sails from Southampton to South Queensferry for Edinburgh, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands, Portree in the Isle of Skye, Greencastle in Northern Ireland, Liverpool and Greenock for Glasgow. 

The ship will then spend the fall in North America and then head to the Caribbean Sea for winter. The Explora I will return to Europe in the summer of 2024 for a series of Mediterranean sailings.

Cunard connects the entire fleet to shore power

Cunard's new vessel Queen Anne will be able to connect to shore power (source: Cunard)

British cruise operator Cunard has taken a ‘significant step’ in reducing its emissions by providing the capability for its trio of current vessels and new vessel Queen Anne to connect to shore power when docking, where available

Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth now have shore power capabilities while Queen Anne, set to launch in May 2024, will have the technology already installed.

Cunard president Katie McAlister said, “By adopting shore power technology, we are taking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions, minimising our carbon footprint, and fostering healthier port environments. The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard’s corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step.”

MSC Virtuosa connected to shore power Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Shore power technology enables docked ships to connect directly to a specially fitted land-based source, allowing cruise ships to switch off their engines and operate on electricity sourced entirely from the local electrical grid, reducing emissions and noise while at port. The ability for the ships to plug into local grids already exists at many key ports, including Queen Mary 2’s homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Anne’s homeport in Southampton, England.

Holland America Line to cruise from Dover for the first time in 10 years

Dover photoed from a leaving cruise line photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Holland America Line will sail a full season of round-trip itineraries from Dover for the first time in more than 10 years.

The line will base Pinnacle-class ship Nieuw Statendam out of the UK port for 10 departures in the summer of 2025.
 
From Dover, the vessel will sail itineraries ranging from 14 to 42 days to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean.
 
In addition to Dover, HAL will depart from nine homeports throughout Europe, with an increase in cruises over 10 days, more sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in leading cities.
 
"We’re really excited about Nieuw Statendam homeporting in Dover for a whole season in 2025 and the additional opportunities this provides to the trade, as well as our guests," said Karen Farndell, director of UK sales and marketing.
 
"The itineraries look incredible and varied, offering something for everyone – beyond Dover, our 10 homeports span Europe, and in 2025 we’re offering the most diverse range of itineraries that include everything from week-long holidays to the Med to month-long explorations to the Arctic."
She praised the line’s travel agent partners for their continued support and commitment throughout the company’s milestone 150th year.
 
Other highlights of HAL’s 2025 Europe cruising season include seven-day Norway and Denmark and Norwegian Fjords itineraries onboard Rotterdam, while Oosterdam will sail its entire season in the Mediterranean on cruises from Piraeus, Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Trieste.
 
Nieuw Statendam visits the Canary Islands on a 14-day Canary Island Enchantment with Morocco and Portugal cruise departing on 20 April 2025, and the Voyage of the Vikings itinerary returns in 2025 onboard Zuiderdam.

Portsmouth Port Makes the Switch to Solar Power

Portsmouth Port Makes the Switch to Solar Power

The installation of the cutting-edge solar and battery system at Portsmouth’s port has passed a final milestone and is now fully operational, according to a statement.

Managed by the in-house energy services and building services teams of Portsmouth City Council installed by Custom Solar and assisted by engineers at the port, the project began with installing roof-mounted solar panels across several buildings, large battery storage, and the first solar canopies at a UK port.

The last piece of the project was finalized in July 2023, where an upgraded connection to the national grid allowed the full potential of the 1.2-megawatt peak system to be realized.

This system, comprised of 2,660 solar panels, provides an impressive 35% of the site’s electricity. With this, the council-owned Portsmouth International Port is one step closer to becoming one of the UK’s first net carbon-neutral ports.

The solar system is complemented by an onsite battery with a capacity of 1.3 megawatt hours, which can power a typical home for four months. It captures renewable energy, which would otherwise be exported to the local electricity network, and redirects it to the port’s buildings when required.

The battery and new solar system work in conjunction with each other, providing balancing services to the national grid and storing power during periods of lower pricing.

Elly Howe, environmental and sustainability coordinator at Portsmouth International Port said: “This huge solar installation and battery storage facility will help the port reach our ambitious sustainability goals. Energy consumption at the port is already down 33% from last year so I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the future.

“Along with our project partners, I’d like also like to thank Brittany Ferries, the port’s biggest customer, for helping to accommodate the work throughout some of the busiest times of the year.”

Carnival Confirms Dates for Fleetwide Rollout of New Dining Menus

Carnival Confirms Dates for Fleetwide Rollout of New Dining Menus

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald confirmed the rollout schedule for the company’s new dining room menu.

After first debuting in June, the enhanced dish selection will be introduced to the remainder of the fleet on a gradual basis, with dates as follows:

• Carnival Radiance: August 18, 2023
• Mardi Gras: August 19, 2023
• Carnival Breeze: September 2, 2023
• Carnival Panorama: September 2, 2023
• Carnival Celebration: September 9, 2023
• Carnival Valor: September 18, 2023
• Carnival Miracle: September 28, 2023
• Carnival Glory: October 1, 2023
• Carnival Liberty: October 2, 2023
• Carnival Sunshine: October 19, 2023
• Carnival Elation: October 21, 2023
• Carnival Magic: October 22, 2023
• Carnival Paradise: November 9, 2023
• Carnival Freedom: November 11, 2023
• Carnival Spirit: November 25, 2023
• Carnival Legend: December 3, 2023

 

Two additional ships, the Carnival Luminosa and the Carnival Splendor, will receive the new dining menu at the start of 2024, Heald said.

The Carnival Pride and the Carnival Venezia are also scheduled to get the new menus, he added, but the rollout dates are still to be confirmed.

Debuting later this year, the new Carnival Jubilee will receive the new offerings soon after entering service in December.

Carnival’s new dining room menu debuted in June onboard the Carnival Dream. With new entrees, appetizers and desserts, the updated offering was later rolled out to other vessels in the fleet, including the Carnival Conquest, the Carnival Horizon, the Carnival Sunrise and the Carnival Vista.

According to the company, the enhanced menu brings more variety, with nearly 60 new entrée presentations on rotation fleetwide.

New main dining room menus will also include offerings from popular speciality dining restaurants, in addition to larger portion offerings for certain entrees, the company added.

Mediterranea Returns to Asia Ahead of Adora Cruises Debut

Mediterranea Returns to Asia Ahead of Adora Cruises Debut

After spending several months out of service in Europe, the former Costa Mediterranea returned to Asia earlier this month.

Set to debut for Adora Cruises in the fourth quarter, the 2003-built vessel is currently undergoing a refit in Singapore. Being prepared to serve the Chinese market starting this fall, the cruise ship entered the drydock of the Tuas Shipyard on August 15.

In addition to regular maintenance and class surveys, the Mediterranea is expected to be upgraded for Adora, receiving new features and also a new livery.

According to the company, the new ship’s new colour scheme was created to blend the Mediterranean’s iconic blue, green, and white tones, recreating the “elegant and artistic temperament” of the European inner sea.

In addition to the unique livery, the 2,100-guest vessel will also offer a new onboard experience tailored to the Chinese market, Adora Cruises added.

Renamed Mediterranea, the cruise ship is scheduled to offer a series of short international cruises from Tianjin later this year.

Originally built for Costa Cruises, the 86,000-ton vessel first entered service in 2003. After nearly 20 years of serving the Italian brand, the vessel was sold to CSSC Carnival – which later became Adora Cruises – in 2021.

Sharing the design of Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit Class, the vessel features themed interiors that pay homage to Italy’s palaces and castles.

Designed by the hospitality architect Joe Farcus, the public areas include three pool decks, a multi-story atrium, a selection of dining venues and several bars and lounges.

Following the Mediterranea, the Adora Magic City is also scheduled to start service for Adora Cruises later this year. In the final stages of construction, the China-built vessel will offer short cruises from Shanghai.

A joint venture between Carnival Corporation and the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Adora Cruises also operated the Costa Atlantica. Currently laid-up in Italy, the 2000-built vessel is a sister to the former Costa Mediterranea.

MSC Euribia to Debut in the Middle East in 2024-25

MSC Euribia to Debut in the Middle East in 2024-25

The MSC Euribia is set to debut in the Middle East next year. Currently the newest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, the LNG-powered vessel will offer a series of cruises in the region during the 2024-25 season.

Recently announced by MSC Cruises, the ship’s winter program features departures from three different ports in the Arabian Gulf: Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates; and Doha, in Qatar.

Extending between late November 2024 and early April 2025, the schedule includes two different itineraries that sail to destinations in UAE, Qatar and Bahrein.

Replacing the MSC Virtuosa, which is scheduled to sail in the Middle East in 2023-24, the Euribia will also offer repositioning cruises that link Europe to the region.

The program will also mark the ship’s first operation outside Northern Europe. After debuting in June 2023, the Meraviglia-Class ship is scheduled to continue to offer a year-round program in the region throughout late 2024.

The deployment includes week-long itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords during the summer, in addition to seven-night cruises to Belgium, England, France, the Netherlands and Germany during the winter.

In early 2024, the 4,888-guest is also scheduled to offer a 21-night itinerary to Western Europe and the Canary Islands interpreting in various ports in Northern Europe.

Built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, MSC Euribia is currently one of the largest cruise ships in the MSC Cruises fleet.

At 177,100 gross tons, the vessel offers a series of public areas and features, including 21 bars, ten restaurants, five pool decks and more.

In related news, MSC Cruises also confirmed its return to the Red Sea for the 2024-2025 winter. Replacing the MSC Orchestra, the MSC Musica is set to debut in the region, offering a series of seven-night cruises that sail to Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Hurtigruten Receives Best ESG Ranking of a Cruise Company

Hurtigruten Receives Best ESG Ranking of a Cruise Company

Hurtigruten Group has received an industry-leading ESG Risk Rating of 19.7 (Low) following an assessment by Morningstar Sustainalytics, an ESG research, ratings and data firm, according to a statement.

With ratings categorized across five risk levels, Hurtigruten Group is the only cruise company to be awarded a Low ESG Risk Rating and ranks fourth (out of 127 companies) in the “Travel, Lodging and Amusement” subindustry category.

“This rating is a result of our company-wide focus on emissions, nature, community and people,” said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten Group. “We have made significant strides over the past year, investing 66 million euros in emissions reduction. Our pioneering Green Bond, issued in 2022, has enabled us to finance ongoing environmental upgrades, including converting our fifth battery hybrid-powered ship. Simultaneously, we strengthened governance with executive compensation linked to ESG targets, a new whistleblower policy and improved supply chain control, emphasizing local procurement.”

In its latest ESG rating report, Morningstar Sustainalytics stated: “The company [Hurtigruten Group] is at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors, due to its medium exposure and strong management of material ESG issues. The company is not publicly held, which reduces its corporate governance risk compared to its peers. Although the company has a moderate level of controversies, its favourable risk assessment is primarily due to its above-average policies and programmes.”

“This rating is a quantitative method to assess our ESG efforts and a valuable tool to scrutinize how we execute on our ESG strategy through programmes and policies across the entire business,” explained Skjeldam. Hurtigruten Group – consisting of Hurtigruten Norway, Hurtigruten Expeditions, and Hurtigruten Svalbard – seeks to change the industry’s approach to sustainability. Hurtigruten Group was the first cruise line to ban heavy fuel oil (2009) and single-use plastics (2018). In 2019, Hurtigruten Expeditions added the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship and has since added two.

In 2022, Hurtigruten Norway converted its first battery hybrid-powered ship, with one more joining the fleet in 2023 and a third planned for 2024. The conversions are part of a 100-million-euro green upgrade that will reduce CO2 and NOx emissions by 25% and 80%, concurrently. Moreover, this June, Hurtigruten Norway’s first-of-kind Sea Zero initiative revealed early concept plans for the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship.

“In addition, our Svalbard operations have made considerable progress in reducing their impact, deploying two electric tour boats and eight electric snowmobiles. We are working towards becoming cleaner, greener, and quieter,” added Skjeldam.

Review: Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit features an outdoor beer garden and lounge.
Credit: 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruisers onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) smallest ship will delight in both Norwegian Spirit’s mega refit and its Alaska itineraries.

Sailing between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, seven-night cruises offer several less-travelled stops with intriguing excursions. Docked at Icy Strait Point on day three, I jumped at the chance to spot humpback whales, otters and porpoises in one of Southeast Alaska’s liveliest marine playgrounds. Hours earlier, I found myself soaring above the treetops, strapped into a seat on one of the world’s largest ziplines. On the last full day in Valdez, Alaska, a small boat excursion navigated through the floes to Columbia Glacier, a massive icefield renowned for its rapid retreat.

In between, the ship called at the popular ports of Juneau and Skagway, and then cruised to Hubbard Glacier. Disembarkation in Seward offered one final adventure, a scenic five-hour train journey to Anchorage where cruisers headed for Denali and beyond, or flights home.

Renovated Spaces and Amenities

Time onboard Norwegian Spirit added to the excitement in unexpected ways. Carrying 2,032 passengers, the ship was built in 1998 for Star Cruises’ Asia market. Ship age, however, is relative, as the decor, furnishings and public spaces are new again following a 2020 bow-to-stern refurbishment priced at more than $100 million.

In contrast to NCL’s colourful, family-oriented mega-ships, the refit intentionally caters to upscale adult cruisers. The ship’s Mandara Spa is double its original size and now offers an extra-fee Thermal Suite sporting heated tile loungers, a coed sauna and a steam room. Plus, the adults-only Spice H2O pool and hot tub retreat on Deck 10 is a quiet spot at the base of the terraced aft decks. And traditionalists will love the wraparound promenade deck and the Spinnaker Observation Lounge for whale and glacier viewing.

The Spinnaker Lounge offers great views.

Credit: 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line

Staterooms have been redone with minimalist decor and muted colours. Most welcome is the bathroom shower with its glass (not plastic curtain) door.

For those who appreciate a variety of dining options, the revamped Norwegian Spirit offers 14 venues. Le Bistro features tempting French classics. Onda by Scarpetta serves Italian. Cagney’s is primarily a steakhouse, though I loved the cedar-plank steelhead trout. Teppanyaki’s enlarged footprint is set in the three-part Asian venue that includes the Sushi Bar and complimentary dinner at Silk. A variety of dining packages are offered for the a la carte or set-charge hot spots.

The ship’s Atrium provides a comfortable place to relax.

Credit: 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line

For included dining beyond Silk, clients can check out the Garden Cafe buffet or The Local’s fast-food menus. Of the two main dining rooms, the remodelled, aft-facing Windows is classier, featuring views on three sides. Smaller, dinner-only Taste stretches from port to starboard, midship.

Norwegian Adjusts Pride of America’s Itineraries in Hawaii

Norwegian Adjusts Pride of America’s Itineraries in Hawaii

Norwegian Cruise Line informed booked guests of itinerary changes for the upcoming cruises onboard the Pride of America.

Sailing inter-island cruises in Hawaii, the U.S.-flagged vessel will see its visits to Kahului replaced by overnight stays at Hilo.

The change is related to the wildfires that are currently affecting Maui and impacts all cruises set to depart through August 26, 2023.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a prepared statement.

“We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences,” Norwegian continued noting that the “safety and security of guests and crew” remains a top priority.

As a result, the company decided to replace the visit to Maui with an overnight call to Hilo. The decision aims to avoid stressing out local resources in the region, Norwegian added.

With the change, Pride of America’s revised itinerary will also include scenic cruising past the Napali Coast, as well as an additional overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai.

The adjusted itinerary was created in hopes of “continuing to provide the best opportunity to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, Norwegian Cruise Line said.

The shore excursions booked through NCL for Kahului will be automatically cancelled, the company added, with a full monetary refund of the fare paid set to be returned to the original form of payment used at the time of the reservation.

Sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, Pride of America’s regular seven-night cruise in Hawaii also includes visits to Kona.

Paul Gauguin Cruises Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Paul Gauguin Cruises Celebrates 25th Anniversary

On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Ponant’s CEO Hervé Gastinel and Captain Michel Quioc hosted over 50 dignitaries aboard the Paul Gauguin to celebrate 25 years of The Gauguin Experience in French Polynesia.

Among attendees were French Polynesia Minister of Health Cédric Mercadal, attending on behalf of the President of French Polynesia and Minister of Tourism Moetai Brotherson; High-Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia Eric Spitz; international tourism partners; as well as local officials and partners. 

Guests onboard the sailing also enjoyed a traditional show by O Tahiti E under the direction of Marguerite Lai, followed by a fireworks display in celebration of the milestone.

 “We are immensely grateful to all our partners, both within and outside of French Polynesia, whose unwavering support has led to the continued success of the beloved Paul Gauguin,” Gastinel said. “Together, we have brought 250,000 travellers to this beautifully unique destination that we have called home year-round for the past 25 years contributing more than $26 million annually in the development and the economy of these islands.”

Minister of Health Mercadal said: “Thanks to your combined efforts, each island visited was able to benefit from many economic benefits and in this, we would like to thank the shipowner, Ponant, who continues to believe in our destination.

“In short, the 25th anniversary of the shipThe Gauguin is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate a long history of exotic voyages and discoveries in one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet: our country.”

 

A Look at Norwegian Viva’s Maiden Season

A Look at Norwegian Viva’s Maiden Season

The Norwegian Viva is readying to enter revenue service for Norwegian Cruise Line.

During its first year in service, the newbuild is set to offer a series of cruises in the Mediterranean, in addition to a trans-Atlantic crossing to North America and different itineraries in the Caribbean.

Cruise Industry News highlights some of the itineraries of the ship’s inaugural season.

Maiden Cruise
Date: August 10, 2023
Length: Nine nights
Homeports: Trieste (Italy) to Lisbon (Portugal)
Complete Itinerary: Split (Croatia); Salerno, Civitavecchia and Livorno (Italy); Cannes (France); and Ibiza (Spain)

After leaving the building-dock in Italy, the Norwegian Viva is set to offer a maiden cruise that sails between the Eastern and the Western Mediterranean.

The one-way itinerary departs from Trieste and visits several destinations in Italy, France and Spain before arriving in Lisbon. In addition to the Portuguese capital city, the nine-night cruise is highlighted by visits to Salerno, on Italy’s Southern Coast, and to Cannes, in the French Riviera.

Greek Islands and Italy
Date: September 13, 2023
Length: Ten nights
Homeports: Piraeus (Greece) to Civitavecchia (Italy)
Complete Itinerary: Istanbul (Turkey); Santorini, Mykonos and Katakolon (Greece); Catania, Naples and Livorno (Italy); and Villefranche (France)

Viva’s program in the Mediterranean also includes several cruises to the Greek Islands and Italy. This ten-night itinerary sets sail in mid-September and features visits to some of the most popular destinations in the region, including Mykonos, Santorini, Naples and Istanbul.

Sailing one way between Piraeus and Civitavecchia, the cruise also pays visits to less usual ports of call, including Catania and Villefranche.

Adriatic and Sicily
Date: October 10, 2023
Length: Nine nights
Homeports: Civitavecchia to Trieste (Italy)
Complete Itinerary: Naples, Palermo and Messina (Italy); Valletta (Malta); Corfu (Greece); Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar (Croatia)

In October, the Norwegian Viva sails to the Aegean, the Adriatic and Ionian seas with this nine-night cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean.

After departing from Civitavecchia, the port for the Italian capital city Rome, the vessel is scheduled to visit Naples, Palermo and Messina, in Italy; as well as Valletta, in Malta; Corfu, in Greece; and Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, in Croatia.

First Transatlantic Crossing
Date: November 16, 2023
Length: 11 nights
Homeports: Lisbon (Portugal) to Miami (United States)
Complete Itinerary: Ponta Delgada (Azores); St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)

After completing its maiden season in Europe, the Norwegian Viva offers an 11-night repositioning cruise to North America.

Sailing between Lisbon and Miami, the transatlantic crossing features visits to three ports in Portugal, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic: Ponta Delgada, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata. The cruise also includes a total of eight full days at sea.

Southern Caribbean
Date: December 15, 2023
Length: Seven nights
Homeport: San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Complete Itinerary: Tortola (British Virgin Islands); St. John’s (Antigua); Castries (St. Lucia); Bridgetown (Barbados); Philipsburg (St. Maarten); and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands)

After a few itineraries departing from Miami, the Norwegian Viva is set to arrive at its winter homeport in December. Sailing from Puerto Rico during the entire 2023-24 season, the vessel is scheduled to offer a series of seven- to nine-night cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

The first cruise from San Juan, for instance, sails for seven-night and features visits to Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados. St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

P&O Cruises Launches Three New Wellbeing and Lifestyle Cruises

P&O Cruises Launches Three New Wellbeing and Lifestyle Cruises

P&O Britannia tired up in the Caribbean, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr account)

P&O Cruises announced three new Wellbeing and Lifestyle cruises with TV presenter and women’s health advocate, Cherry Healey and stylist Kat Farmer.

The three voyages in 2024 to Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean will focus on overall well-being including mind, body, sleep and face.

Guests on these itineraries will get tips and tricks for health and happiness with workshop topics ranging from mind and body to skincare and more. Healey and Farmer will be joined by special guests including make-up artist to the stars, Hannah Martin, and fitness educator and presenter, Sarah Gorman.

P&O Cruises’ research reveals that everyone takes priority over looking after themselves with just one in five Brits (20 per cent) spending a brief 30 minutes a week on ‘self-care’.

Cherry Healey said: “I’m so thrilled to be bringing everything I’ve learned over the past 15 years working in the wellness space to a series of workshops curated specifically for P&O Cruises guests. From how to get great quality sleep, to the best skin of your life, to knowing which of the latest supplements to take and why, we will be sending people home refreshed, rejuvenated and feeling their absolute best!”

Sarah Gorman said, “You have one body and it is your responsibility to treat it well. Look after the vessel that takes you through this life and it will look after you. My sessions will give you some of my favourite tips and advice to aid your holistic well-being.”

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian: Differing Strategies on Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian: Differing Strategies on Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line are taking different business approaches when it comes to Caribbean deployment.

Caribbean itineraries will make up roughly 65 per cent of Royal Caribbean’s deployment this year, compared to approximately 33 per cent for Norwegian Cruise Line, according to the 2023 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Next year those numbers should climb for Royal Caribbean, which will put the Icon of the Seas in the year-round Caribbean market, sailing week-long cruises from Miami in January. That will be followed by the Utopia of the Seas, which will sail short voyages year-round from Port Canaveral, with the Miami-based cruise line betting big on the Caribbean cruise market, including the short cruise business.

“Utopia will be the first Oasis-class ship that will be entirely focused on short cruises in the Caribbean, supporting our strategy of competing with land-based vacation alternatives and driving new-to-cruise customers into our vacation ecosystem as we seek to close the value gap,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, on the company’s second-quarter earnings call in July.

Norwegian Cruise Line has taken the opposite approach.

Norwegian’s short cruise portfolio, which account for 25 per cent of its deployment in 2019, will make up just seven per cent of cruises in 2023, according to the company’s second-quarter earnings presentation.

It also means Caribbean deployment is down some nine per cent this year when compared to 2023.

“We strategically shifted our deployment to longer, more immersive itineraries at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand and increased our concentration of premium destinations while reducing our Caribbean deployment,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

“This was designed to attract a higher quality guest and maximize our competitive position.”

CFO Mark Kempa noted: “This is really about yield and EBITDA where we believe being in more premium itineraries that are booked further in advance, giving us a much longer booking curve and a more stable and predictable demand profile, which allows us to manage demand, manage our marketing a little bit more effectively and not rely so much on close-in, unstable and unpredictable demand is really key to our success.”

MSC Opens 2024-25 Cruise Deployment for Sale

MSC Opens 2024-25 Cruise Deployment for Sale

MSC Virtuosa in Flam Norway to view the inside images of MSC Virtuosa click the link (Flickr) or Image

MSC Cruises today opened sales for a range of its winter 2024-25 season sailings. The line will soon provide details for its winter 2024-25 sailing programs in South America, Southern Africa and the Far East but today unveiled the voyages now available to book, according to a press release.

Highlights include six ships serving the Caribbean Sea and MSC Cruises’ flagship MSC Euribia operating for the first time in the Middle East.

Details are:

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

The MSC Meraviglia will operate from New York with seven- to 11-night itineraries to Port Canaveral for Orlando, Nassau in the Bahamas and MSC Cruises’ private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The MSC Seascape will sail every Saturday from Miami with either 7-night cruises to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Ocean Cay or to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and Ocean Cay.

The MSC Seaside every Sunday will offer 7-night voyages from Miami, alternating between the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic or Mexico, Honduras or Belize, and the Bahamas.

The MSC Divina will also be based in Miami and offer an array of three- to 10-night itineraries, all including calls to Ocean Cay.  Longer sailings will take guests to Jamaica, Aruba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

The MSC Seashore will homeport in Port Canaveral for three- to four-night mini cruises to the Bahamas, including calls at Ocean Cay, and also sail seven-night voyages with additional stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.

The MSC Virtuosa will homeport in Fort-de-France, Martinique and embark on back-to-back 7-night itineraries including Guadeloupe, the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia.

ARABIAN GULF

The line’s newest flagship the MSC Euribia will make her debut in the region from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It will offer seven-night sailings to two other UAE destinations, Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, plus Doha, Qatar and Manama in Bahrain.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

The MSC World Europa will sail every Sunday from Genoa for a seven-night voyage with calls at Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina in Sicily, Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France

NORTHERN EUROPE

The MSC Preziosa will operate seven-night voyages every Sunday from Hamburg, Germany with calls at Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels in Belgium; Rotterdam in the Netherlands; Le Havre for Paris and Southampton for London. Additionally, one 21-night long cruise from Southampton will visit the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco.

RED SEA

The MSC Musica will offer seven-night sailings from Safaga, Egypt to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Aqaba for Petra in Jordan, Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt and Sokhna Port for the country’s capital Cairo before returning to Safaga for an opportunity to visit Luxor.