Ambassador acquires Oceania ship to establish German cruise brand

Ambassador Cruise Line is entering the German market with the acquisition of Oceania Sirena from Oceania Cruises.

 

The 670-passenger ship, originally launched in 1999, will continue to operate under the Oceania Cruises brand until spring 2028 under a leaseback agreement.

 

The vessel will then join the Ambassador fleet and be renamed Ambella.

 

The ship previously operated for Princess Cruises as Ocean Princess before being sold to Oceania Cruises 10 years ago.

Ambella will become the first ship to operate for a new dedicated German cruise brand, Ambassador Kreuzfahrten, from summer 2028.

 

The aim is to deliver a differentiated, adult-only cruise experience designed specifically for the German market, according to the company.

 

Sailing from Bremerhaven and Kiel, Ambella will offer a fully German-speaking passenger experience.

 

Ambella is expected to operate two repositioning cruises and 11 itineraries between May and September 2028, visiting ports across northern Europe and the Baltics alongside selected sailings to southern Europe. Her smaller size will provide greater itinerary flexibility and access to ports that can be less suitable for larger cruise ships.

 

Ambience and Ambition continue to form the heart of Ambassador’s adult-only British no-fly cruise programme, while Renaissance serves the French market during the summer and operates Ambassador’s Caribbean fly-cruise programme for British, French and Dutch passengers during the winter.

 

Ambassador chief executive Christian Verhounig said: “The acquisition of Oceania Sirena, her future introduction as Ambella and the launch of Ambassador Kreuzfahrten mark a major milestone in our ambition to establish Ambassador as Europe’s leading cruise operator offering affordable quality experiences for the silver market.

 

“When we launched Ambassador in 2021, we identified a clear gap in the market for an affordable, quality cruise experience that was authentic, welcoming and accessible. We set out to combine the traditions of classic cruising with the standards and expectations of today’s guests, and that philosophy remains fundamental to our success.

 

“Our merger with [French cruise company] CFC gives us greater scale, financial resilience and a stronger European platform, while allowing us to retain the individual character of the markets we serve. 

 

“Entering Germany with Ambassador Kreuzfahrten is the next stage of that growth strategy."

 

He added: “Germany is Europe’s largest cruise market, but scale alone is not the reason we are entering it. We see a clear opportunity to offer German guests something distinctive: the intimacy and authenticity of a smaller ship, an exceptional adult-only experience and a product that combines tradition, service and destination discovery at an accessible price. 

 

"Our aim is to offer one of the strongest propositions in the market, combining a high-quality ship and on-board experience with compelling value.

 

“For us, growth is about building a resilient European cruise business that delivers sustainable, long-term growth while remaining true to what made Ambassador successful in the first place. Ambella is the right ship, Germany is the right market, and we believe this is the right time to take this exciting next step and introduce to a new generation of over-50s our famous warmest welcome at sea – because moments matter.”

A Look at the Future of Oceania Cruises’ R-Class Ships

A Look at the Future of Oceania Cruises’ R-Class Ships

Oceania Cruises is set to undergo significant changes over the next few years with the debut of newbuilds and the retirement of its older vessels.

Having been fully repositioned into the luxury market, the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ (NCLH) brand is moving on from its older R-class ships, which are being sold off, repurposed or chartered.

Cruise Industry News looks at the company’s plans for the four ships, which originally debuted between 1998 and 2001.

Sirena
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 2000
Fate: Sold to undisclosed buyer
Farewell Cruise: March 24, 2028

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced the sale of the Sirena in late July. While a buyer was not named, the ship is expected to be delivered to its new owners after its spring 2028 deployment.

Originally launched as the R4 in 2000, the 684-passenger ship was acquired by Oceania in 2016, after spending over a decade sailing for Princess Cruises.

Nautica
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 2000
Fate: To become Oceania Aurelia
Farewell Cruise: October 15, 2027

The Nautica will remain in service for Oceania Cruises after undergoing a significant refurbishment in late 2027.

According to the company, the 2000-built ship will be reimagined as the “ultimate world explorer,” embarking on longer cruises and the brand’s 180-day Around the World Voyages. Renamed Oceania Aurelia, the vessel will offer larger suites and capacity will be trimmed from 684 to under 400.

Regatta
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 1998
Fate: Chartered to My Cruises
Farewell Cruise: August 17, 2026

The Regatta will leave Oceania Cruises’ fleet this year having been chartered to My Cruises’ Explorations by Norwegian brand.

The Australian tour operator will operate world cruises onboard the 30,200-ton vessel, currently holding a two-year charter agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“At the conclusion of the initial term, the charter may be extended for multiple years or, alternatively, the vessel may be sold to a third-party cruise operator,” NCLH stated in its 2026 second quarter earnings presentation.

Insignia
Capacity: 684
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 1999
Fate: To remain in fleet for the time being
Farewell Cruise: TBD

The Insignia is staying in the company’s fleet for the time being. The 30,200-ton ship was previously slated to be withdrawn in 2027 to become a residential cruise ship for Crescent Seas but the plan later fell through.

While no new long-term plans have been announced, Oceania’s published deployment includes departures onboard the 30,200-ton ship through November 2027.

NCLH Sells Oceania Sirena

NCLH Sells Oceania Sirena

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has entered into an agreement to sell the Oceania Sirena.

The R-class ship is expected to leave the fleet after its spring 2028 deployment. A buyer has not yet been named.

The 684-guest ship originally launched as the R Four in 1999, operating for Renaissance Cruises. It then joined Princess Cruises where it sailed from 2002 through 2016 before becoming the Sirena for Oceania.

It marks another vessel move for Oceania, which is moving on from its older R-class fleet as the brand has been repositioned into the luxury market.

The 1998-built Regatta has been chartered to myCruises for the next two years while the 2000-built Nautica will be reimagined with less capacity as the Oceania Aurelia and sail on longer itineraries.

That leaves the Insignia as the sole remaining R-class ship in the Oceania’s fleet. The 1998-built ship had previously been sold to Crescent Seas, a residential start up, but the sale fell through.

 

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Extend Collaboration with Lifecycle Agreement

Wartsila and Carnival Corporation have entered into an eight-year Lifecycle Agreement covering four cruise ships in the Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line fleets, including two newbuild vessels currently under construction.

The agreement marks the first service contract between the companies covering Carnival LNG-fueled cruise ships.

“The agreement reinforces Carnival Corporation’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and delivering a world-class guest experience,” said Vera Lannek, VP of strategic sourcing and asset management at Carnival.

“By working with Wartsila through a long-term lifecycle agreement, we can further strengthen the performance of the covered vessels while supporting the high standards our guests and operations depend on,” added Lannek.

“This agreement is the latest milestone in the long-standing relationship between Carnival Corporation and Wartsila,” said Andrea Morgante, VP of performance services at Wartsila Marine.

“It reflects our shared focus on ensuring high-performing cruise operations through proactive lifecycle support, data-driven insight and close technical collaboration throughout the vessel lifecycle.”

Wartsila said in a press release that under the agreement, it will provide a lifecycle maintenance solution for the vessels’ Wartsila dual-fuel engines and related equipment.

Wartsila booked the order in Q2 2026, and the Lifecycle Agreement provides long-term lifecycle support focused on optimizing asset performance throughout the vessel lifecycle.

The scope of the agreement includes:

• Planned and unplanned maintenance support
• Spare parts supply and logistics
• Major engine overhauls
• Remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance
• Technical audits and performance reviews
• Advisory services
• Crew training, and
• Performance management through agreed KPIs and a performance-based framework.

 

According to the press release, the agreement also provides Carnival with a lifecycle partnership focused on maintaining fleet reliability, increasing asset availability and optimizing total cost of ownership across the covered vessels.

Its performance-based structure also aligns the companies around measurable operational outcomes, including lower unscheduled maintenance costs and fewer unplanned stops.

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

Azamara: Investing in Existing Fleet and More Markets

With a new refurbishment program underway, Azamara is focusing on hardware upgrades and operational agility to drive profitability, according to Chief Executive Officer Dondra Ritzenthaler.

The company last expanded its fleet in 2022, with the introduction of the Azamara Onward, which was acquired from Princess Cruises a year earlier.

According to Ritzenthaler, the company currently sees investment in its own fleet as the biggest opportunity for growth.

In 2026, Azamara announced the “Forward” refurbishment program, an $80-million project that will see the brand’s four ships undergoing major refits.

Ritzenthaler said that in addition to updates to existing areas of the vessels, the program includes major structural additions.

“We’re literally putting a deck on top of the ship that’s going to have 12 more suites,” she explained.

The first ship to undergo the project is the Azamara Quest, which will debut the new features ahead of its upcoming world cruise in early 2027. The Azamara Onward follows suit later next year.

Beyond hardware upgrades, the company is also planning to expand its global sourcing footprint, paying more attention to new markets around the world, Ritzenthaler said.

Azamara currently sources most of its guests in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, she explained.

Executing these growth strategies is made easier by the lack of corporate bureaucracy inherent in a smaller organization, Ritzenthaler noted.

“You can make changes; you can turn on the dime. And I think when you’re able to do that, then the economics of what you do become much easier to achieve,” she explained.

Ritzenthaler said that Azamara is currently performing extremely well financially from an EBITDA standpoint.

This so-called operational nimbleness is said to be transferred to the brand’s deployment strategy, allowing Azamara to secure premium berthing in highly regulated destinations.

“We simply can go in right into the city center. We literally go up the Seville River where the larger ships have to stay out and tender people in,” Ritzenthaler said.

As some ports push back against large tourist influxes, smaller vessels provide a vital economic lifeline for local communities without overwhelming local infrastructure, Ritzenthaler continued.

The ability to rapidly adjust deployments is also an important defense against external disruptions, including fluctuating fuel prices and regional conflicts.

“We look at this every single day,” Ritzenthaler said, noting that Azamara is in a better position to weather geopolitical issues due to being small and profitable.

She said that when itinerary changes occur, the company relies heavily on its travel advisor network to communicate with passengers, ensuring safety remains a non-competitive priority across the industry.

Speaking of demographics, Ritzenthaler said that the company caters to shifting audiences but tends to naturally attract a specific passenger demographic.

While maturing cruisers looking to step up from premium lines form a significant part of the company’s public, the core Azamara guest is defined by having ample time and resources.

“The average cruise length for us is 12 nights, but many of our customers do back-to-backs or take intensive cruises or even a world voyage,” she said.

“These customers are different customers who really want to get immersed,” noting that the company’s passengers ultimately “love cruising.”

This mindset fosters a strong onboard community, Ritzenthaler added, leading to repeat bookings among affinity groups.

However, despite having an affluent passenger base, the company sees a consistent demand for a clear upfront value.

“No matter how wealthy somebody is, people still love value for money,” she noted, pointing to the line’s inclusive pricing model.

Ritzenthaler said that while external challenges may arise, the company is in a good position to handle situations positively.

“In life, it’s only 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you handle it, and we’re going to handle it in a positive, nimble, flexible and resilient way.”

Carnival to Sail Roundtrip Cruise from Singapore in 2027

Carnival to Sail Roundtrip Cruise from Singapore in 2027

Carnival Cruise Line is set to offer a roundtrip cruise from Singapore in 2027 as part of a series of newly announced itineraries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sailing onboard the new Carnival Adventure (currently the Pacific Adventure, pictured), the nine-night cruise will sail to Southeast Asia in late February 2027.

The itinerary features four first-time visits for Carnival, including Koh Samui and Laem Chabang (Bangkok) in Thailand, as well as Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

Before returning to Singapore, the cruise is also scheduled to make a visit to Phy My, which serves as a getaway to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

During its short season in Southeast Asia, the Carnival Adventure offers a repositioning cruise from Sydney.

Sailing to Singapore, the 14-night cruise departs in late January 2027 and sails to destinations in Australia and Indonesia. Ports of call include Airlie Beach and Darwin, as well as Bali and Lombok.

As part of Carnival’s 2026-27 season in Asia-Pacific, the Carnival Luminosa is scheduled to offer cruises from Singapore and Japan as well.

Sailing in late 2026, the itineraries will sail to destinations in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia.

In October, the Carnival Luminosa is also scheduled to make the company’s first-ever visit to the port of Hong Kong.

Transferring from the P&O Cruises Australia fleet, the Carnival Adventure is scheduled to enter service for the Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025.

Originally built for Princess Cruises, the 2001-built vessel will be based in Australia and the Pacific Ocean on a full-time basis.

Before sailing to Southeast Asia, the Adventure offers year-round cruises departing from the Australian port of Sydney.

In addition to the Adventure, Carnival is welcoming its sister ship, the Carnival Encounter, to its fleet in March 2025.

The two ships join the company’s lineup in Australia, which currently includes two ships sailing from local homeports.

Sun Princess Floats Out at Fincantieri

Sun Princess Floats Out at Fincantieri

The floating out of the Sun Princess, the first of two LNG cruise ships for Princess Cruises, has taken place at Fincantieri’s yard in Monfalcone.

At 175,500 gross tons, the Sun Princess is the largest ship built so far in Italy, as well as the first LNG cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri, and the first dual-fuel vessel powered primarily by LNG to enter Princess’ fleet. LNG is the marine industry’s most environmentally friendly advanced fuel technology and the world’s cleanest fossil fuel, which will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gas oil usage, Fincantieri said.

The Sun Princess will be delivered in Q1 2024 and starts the Sphere class, which includes a sister-ship to be delivered in 2025. They will each accommodate approximately 4,300 guests and are based on a next-generation platform design.

Preview: The 2023 Cruise Industry

Preview: The 2023 Cruise Industry

With the COVID-19 pandemic now in the past, Cruise Industry News looked into the trends and the highlights that are set to headline the cruise industry in 2023.

New Ships

According to Cruise Industry News’ Orderbook data, lots of new builds are set to hit the market in 2023.

The vessels will expand the fleet of 20 operators, including major brands such as Carnival and MSC Cruises, as well as niche cruise lines including American Cruise Line and Swan Hellenic.

Virgin will be the brand adding the most ships, with the Resilient Lady and the Brilliant Lady scheduled to enter service during the year.

Start-Ups

More start-ups are entering the market in 2023 while other new brands are also expanding their fleet.

New brands launching services include Compagnie Française de Croisières and Exploris, as well as Explora Journeys and Adora Cruises.

After debuting in 2022, other start-up operators – including Ambassador and Emerald – are set to add ships to their fleets over the next 12 months.

Additional brands that could debut in 2023 include Foresee Cruises, who acquired the former Sea Princess for a local operation in China.

New Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is making a return in 2023, under new management and ownership.

The brand, along with two former ships, the Serenity and the Symphony, was bought by the A&K Group after the collapse of the luxury cruise line in early 2022.

With details still to be confirmed, the new luxury cruise line plans to launch operations early in the year.

First China-Built Large Ship

The first large cruise ship built in China is going to enter service in late 2023. Currently, in the final stages of construction in Shanghai, the still-unnamed vessel is set to offer year-round cruising in Asia for Adora Cruises.

With a design similar to the one used by Carnival’s Vista-Class ships, the 135,000-ton ship will have a capacity for 5,000 guests, as well as custom-designed features and public areas.

A joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation and Carnival Corporation, the brand also has a sister ship currently under construction at the same shipyard.

Explora Journeys

The MSC Group is debuting a new cruise line in 2023 with Explora Journeys. As part of its expansion, the new brand will offer a luxury experience, with a fleet of purpose-built ships.

Scheduled to enter service in July, the Explora I is the first of the new mid-sized vessels.

The 922-guest ship will debut in Northern Europe, before offering itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, South America and the West Coast.

Japan Reopening

One of the most important markets in Asia, Japan is set to welcome international cruising back in early 2023.

Cruise Lines returning to the country include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Silversea, which are set to offer full seasons in the region starting in March.

Secondhand Market

With several ships looking for new operators, the secondhand market is set to continue warm in 2023.

Vessels like Fred. Olsen’s Braemar, the Astoria, the Pacific Venus and the Birka Stockholm are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation said it would sell three more ships, including two Costa ships, on this year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call in December.

Other ships potently looking for new owners include the Seajets fleet, which currently includes five ships and remains laid up in Greece, and the former AIDAvita, which remains laid up in Estonia.

Vessels formerly operated by Genting, such as the Explorer Dream, are also present in limbo.

Expedition Market

The expedition market will welcome five new vessels in 2023 as vessels are set to enter service for various brands, including Swan Hellenic, Scenic and Oceanwide according to the orderbook.

Seabourn is also continuing its expansion into the niche with the addition of the Seabourn Pursuit, its second purpose-built exploration ship.

Concluding SunStone’s Infinity class of ships, the Ocean Albatros is also scheduled to debut during the year.

Disney Expansion

Disney Cruise Line is growing its operations in 2023. With the new Disney Wish sailing its first full year, the brand is set to add a new homeport in North America and also debut in Australia and New Zealand.

Starting in November, the brand is set to expand to Port Everglades, offering four- and five-night cruises onboard the Disney Dream.

A few days before that, however, Disney is also arriving in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with the Disney Wonder offering a local program that includes itineraries sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

In 2023, Disney is also expected to reveal its plans for the former Global Dream, which was acquired by the brand last November.

 

Carnival Corporation Cruise Brands Ramp Up Ad Spending

Carnival Corporation Cruise Brands Ramp Up Ad Spending

Carnival Corporation is ramping up advertising spending across its portfolio of brands, according to President and CEO Josh Weinstein, speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call.

He said it was a move to support future demand.

“I’ve actively been working with each brand on their strategies and road maps,” Weinstein said. “As a result, I’ve authorized our brands to take a significant step up in advertising activities, including a nearly 20 per cent increase in our investment this past quarter over 2019, to elevate awareness and consideration and to drive demand for both the near and the longer term. This should be particularly impactful with those new-to-cruise, where we draw about one-third of our guests, as we position to take share from land-based alternatives.”

For example, Weinstein said that Princess Cruises would source more heavily in North America than in prior years due to source market disruptions elsewhere.

And the results have been good, Weinstein noted, with record Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales results at a number of brands.

“We think that advertising has a good amount to do with that, to really reach first-timers, generate awareness, generate consideration, and do so in a meaningful way. We’ve got great brands, and we’ve got tremendous brands, but we need to do a better job getting the voice out. And this is a good way to do it. And it helps not just us, it helps our trade partners, it helps the bookings across the board.”

World’s Largest Cruise Company Turns to Air Bubbles to Help Reduce Emissions

The world’s largest cruise shipping company has announced plans to install air lubrication technology on at least 20% of its fleet.

Carnival Corporation says the Air Lubrication Systems (ALS), which are already in use aboard four ships, will be added to five more ships this year with plans to install the technology on at least 10 more ships across a majority of its brands through 2027.

The hull drag-reducing technology is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by about 5% per ship, according to the company.

ALS technology, which first saw service within the Carnival Corporation fleet in 2016 with the introduction of AIDAprima, generates a cushion of air bubbles to lubricate the flat bottom of a ship’s hull, reducing friction between the ship and surrounding water, resulting in savings in energy and fuel consumption across a wide speed range.

Carnival Corporation is currently installing the Silverstream® System ALS on five more ships, including two ships in 2022 for its Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises (UK) brands. In addition, the company is planning at least 10 more installations for existing and newbuild ships across more than half of its cruise line brands, and it expects continued expansion of the ALS program. The expansion plans build on the success of four systems currently operating on ships from its AIDA Cruises and Princess Cruises brands.

“The installation of air lubrication technology is another example of our ongoing efforts to drive energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions throughout our fleet,” said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation. “We look forward to expanding the ALS program and furthering our long-term sustainability strategy to continually invest in a broad range of energy reduction initiatives, which has included over $350 million invested in energy efficiency improvements since 2016.”

Carnival Corporation has committed to reducing carbon emission intensity by 20% from its 2019 baseline by 2030 and has set an aspiration to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050.

Pacific Adventure Enters Service for P&O Australia

Pacific Adventure Enters Service for P&O Australia

The new Pacific Adventure is officially debuting for P&O Cruises Australia today. Third and final vessel to join the brand’s fleet, the newly transformed cruise ship is kicking off a year-round program of cruises from Sydney.

For its first revenue sailing, the 2,600-guest vessel is departing the Australian port for a three-night themed voyage to nowhere.

In addition to two full days at sea, the “Comedy Cruise” includes special activities onboard, such as adults-only shows, comedy workshops and more.

Continuing its inaugural season, the Adventure is set to offer three- to 12-night cruises that visit several domestic destinations in Australia, including the Sapphire Coast, Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef and more.

The longer itineraries also feature visits to popular cruise ports in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Fiji and more.

Built for Princess Cruises, the Pacific Adventure originally entered service in 2001.

Before debuting for its new operator, the former Golden Princess underwent a major refit that added new attractions and public areas, in addition to P&O’s signature features.

According to the company, the 109,000-ton vessel now carries the cruise line’s contemporary look and feel, offering an array of “memorable experiences, unforgettable dining options, ultimate relaxation, thrill-seeking waterslides and ziplining.”

Among the new additions is The Byron Beach Club, a private retreat available for certain suite categories, complete with a pool, spas and outdoors seating.

The Adventure also showcases many brand favourites, including Luke’s Bar & Grill by Luke Mangan and 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny di Francesco.

After a long operational hiatus, P&O Cruises Australia resumed revenue service in May 2022. At the time, the Pacific Explorer became the first cruise ship to welcome guests back into the country.

The Pacific Encounter followed suit in August, kicking off a series of itineraries departing from the Port of Brisbane. 

Panama Canal to Receive Over 200 Transits by Cruise Ships This Season

Panama Canal to Receive Over 200 Transits by Cruise Ships This Season

The Panama Canal announced the transit of Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Spirit, which will kick off the 2022-2023 cruise season, with over 200 transits by new and returning cruise ships expected in the waterway this season, according to a press release.

Over the next few months, the Panama Canal will facilitate over 200 cruise ship transits, 17 more than was expected in the 2019-2020 season, including two transits by the Norwegian Encore, according to the Panama Canal.

“We anticipate a record number of Neopanamax vessel transits this year, which will help boost Panama’s tourism sector. Given our role in international trade, we are thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world to experience the Panama Canal first-hand and to discover what our country has to offer,” commented Albano Aguilar, international trade specialist, at Panama Canal.

The cruise season for the Panama Canal stretches from October to May. This season will see the return of several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises, all of which will offer passengers itineraries that include a full or partial transit of the Panama Canal.

In addition, at least 12 cruise ships are scheduled to make their first transit through the Panama Canal this season, including the Fridtjof of Nansen, Seabourn Venture, World Navigator, Celebrity Edge, Sea Cloud Spirit, World Voyager, Evrima, Le Bellot, Spirit of Adventure, Viking Neptune, Viking Octantis, and Viking Polaris.

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

Transport Canada has announced that starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea, according to a statement.

Prior to this cruise guests were required to download and use the ArriveCAN app and provide proof of vaccination plus a negative COVID-19 test result. 

“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”

According to Transport Canada, a set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

Pacific Encounter Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise for P&O Australia

Pacific Encounter Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise for P&O Australia

Another cruise ship is resuming service in Australia today as the Pacific Encounter welcomes guests onboard for its maiden voyage for P&O Cruises Australia, a Carnival Corporation brand.

Formerly operated by Princess Cruises, the 2,600-guest vessel is kicking off its first sailing for P&O Cruises Australia in Brisbane.

A seven-day voyage, the “Barrier Reef Discovery” cruise features a visit to two different destinations in Northern Australia, including Cairns – where the Encounter is set for a long, 48-hour stop.

Before returning to Brisbane, the 109,000-ton ship will also sail by the remote Willis Island.

According to P&O, the scenic cruising around the uninhabited small islands and islets of the region allows guests to contemplate and marvel the nature and its sights.

Continuing its inaugural season, the Pacific Encounter will offer additional departures from Brisbane through December.

While several domestic ports are included in the itineraries over the next few months, the vessel will also offer international cruising starting in October, with cruises visiting Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and more.

Originally named Star Princess, the Pacific Encounter was built in 2002. Transferred to P&O Australia during the pandemic, the vessel was subjected to a major refurbishment before arriving in Australia.

According to its new operator, the work included important technical upgrades as well as other enhancements such as upgraded hotel facilities and interior furnishings.

During the refit, most of the public areas have also been redesigned, receiving what P&O calls a “stylish modern Australian décor with quirky features.”

Popular dining outlets have been added as well, including the Waterfront Restaurant, the Dragon Lady and Angelo’s – an Italian venue that sports iconic Sophia Loren artworks and beautiful drapery.

On the external side, the vessel received P&O’s iconic red, white and blue bow livery depicting the Southern Cross.

Following the Pacific Explorer, which welcomed guests in May, the Pacific Encounter became the second ship to resume service for P&O Australia since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launching service on October 22, the Pacific Adventure will mark the restart of the company’s entire three-ship fleet.

Princess Cruises to Sponsor Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR

Princess Cruises to Sponsor Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR

Princess Cruises today announced a deal with Trackhouse Racing to sponsor driver Daniel Suárez in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

Princess will serve as the primary sponsor on Suárez's No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro at the Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International race on Aug. 21 and at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway on Oct. 23.

The partnership will also include Suárez's teammate Ross Chastain and expand beyond what race fans will see on Sunday. In the coming weeks, Princess Cruises and Trackhouse Racing will unveil a program that will enable NASCAR fans to travel its ships around the world.

"We are proud to partner with Trackhouse Racing and enter the NASCAR world," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "Trackhouse has been one of the most exciting and interesting teams, we appreciate and applaud Daniel and Ross's impressive success and we look forward to showing NASCAR fans the exceptional, vacations Princess Cruises offers. We have a lot of plans that we think NASCAR fans are going to really like."

Trackhouse Racing is in its second season in the Cup Series. Suárez and Chastain have visited victory lane three times in 2022 and are two of the favourites in the 16-driver playoffs that being Sept. 4 in Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

"I can't certainly tell you the type of trip I am going to go on this off-season if we win the championship," said Suárez who became the first driver from Mexico (Monterrey) to win in the Cup Series on June 12, 2022, at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. "I think everyone has heard of Princess Cruises and dreams of going on a trip somewhere special. I hope we can help a lot of people do that soon."

Trackhouse founder and team owner Justin Marks said the new partnership with Princess Cruises is another testament to the team as well as the sport of NASCAR.

"The biggest and most recognizable companies are seeing the value in Trackhouse Racing, our drivers and the sport of NASCAR," said Marks who brought in entertainer Pitbull as a team partner last year as part of its off-track effort to expand the sport's fan base beyond its normal demographic. "Princess Cruises is a powerful brand and the goal of this partnership is to expose our fans to the wonders of a Princess cruise vacation and provide NASCAR fans a very cool way to travel the globe."

Carnival Corporation is upgrading its ships’ engines and technical systems to improve energy efficiency

Carnival Corporation is upgrading its ships’ engines and technical systems to improve energy efficiency

The "service power packages" upgrades will include ongoing installations throughout 2023 on ships belonging to the company’s nine brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Australia, Costa Cruises, Aida Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard.

 

Developed over the last six years and tailored to each vessel, upgrades to save energy include investments in variable speed drives and on-demand automation and controls, cooling enhancements, energy-saving LED lighting and more efficient heating and ventilation systems.

 

Carnival estimates the programme will deliver an average of 5-10% fuel savings per ship and is expected to reduce fleet-wide greenhouse gas emissions by more than 500,000 metric tons each year.

 

The upgrades will also result in around $150 million in fuel cost savings per year.

Carnival’s chief maritime officer Bill Burke said: “Based on our improved fleet composition, including adding six industry-leading LNG-powered ships, and our previous investments to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, our absolute carbon emissions peaked in 2011 despite significant capacity growth over the past decade.”

 

“These tailored service power packages further build on those efforts as part of our comprehensive approach to sustainability.”

 

The fleet-wide enhancements are part of Carnival’s energy efficiency investment programme. The company has committed to reducing carbon emission intensity by 20% from its 2019 baseline by 2030, supporting its efforts to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050.