Majestic Princess Kicks Off Repositioning Cruise to Boston

Majestic Princess Kicks Off Repositioning Cruise to Boston

The Majestic Princess recently sailed from Southampton to kick off a repositioning cruise to Canada and New England.

After sailing from the British port on July 18, the Princess Cruises vessel is now offering a 15-night voyage that will end in Boston.

The trans-Atlantic cruise features visits to destinations in Iceland and Canada, including Reykjavik, Isafjord and Grundarfjordur, as well as Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax.

After arriving at its new homeport in North America, the Majestic Princess is set to kick off its first-ever fall foliage season in Canada and New England.

Sailing round-trip from Boston, the vessel offers seven-night cruises around the region that include visits to Portland, Halifax, Sydney, Eastport and Saint John.

In September, the Majestic Princess is also scheduled to offer open-jaw itineraries that sail between Quebec City and Boston.

Upon completing the deployment on the East Coast, the 141,000-ton ship is set to reposition to Fort Lauderdale for itineraries in the Caribbean.

Before arriving in Florida, the vessel offers a 14-night “Canada and Colonial America” itinerary that sails between Quebec City and Port Everglades.

The open-jaw itinerary includes visits to Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Boston, New York City, Newport and Norfolk.

As part of its 2025-26 winter season, the Royal-class ship offers six- to eight-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to destinations in the Western, Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Originally designed for service in China and Asia, the Majestic Princess was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in 2017.

Before kicking off its maiden season in the Mediterranean earlier this year, the 3,600-guest ship underwent a major refurbishment at a shipyard in Italy.

As part of the modernisation project, the vessel debuted new venues, reimagined spaces and refined touches, including the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Bellini’s Cocktail Bar.

The Majestic Princess also got new dining options, such as the Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, Alfredo’s Slice and The Salty Dog Grill.

Norwegian Prima is to sail from Southampton in 2025

Norwegian Prima is to sail from Southampton in 2025

The ship, launched this summer as the first of six Prima-class vessels will operate a series of 10 and 11 “open jaw” cruises between Southampton and Reykjavik from May to September 2025.

 

The news comes after Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive Harry Sommer confirmed in August that a Prima-class ship would be based in Southampton.

 

Norwegian Prima’s 2025 itineraries from Southampton will include trips to Geiranger in Norway’s fjords, as well as ports such as Alesund, Flam and Bergen, plus Iceland, Zeebrugge in Belgium and Amsterdam.

 

The ship, which will sail from the US in 2023 and 2024, offers attractions such as the largest racetrack at sea, increased deck space and a three-deck theatre that converts to a nightclub.

 

NCL made the announcement as part of the release of its winter 2024/25 and summer 2025 programmes in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska.

The line’s European deployment plans also include basing Norwegian Viva from Athens between May and November 2025. Viva will be the second Prima-class ship when it debuts next summer.

 

Meanwhile Norwegian Breakaway will sail a series of round-trip itineraries from Barcelona between April and October 2025.

 

Sommer said: “Our itineraries are designed to provide longer port hours and fewer sea days to truly allow our guests the opportunity to dive into the cultures and destinations they are visiting.”

 

Before heading to the UK in 2025, Norwegian Prima will operate a series of round-trip itineraries from New York to the Caribbean in winter 2024/25.

Norwegian Kicks Off Inaugural Prima Weekend

Norwegian Kicks Off Inaugural Prima Weekend

The Norwegian Prima celebrated the Art of Iceland at Reykjavik`s famed Harpa Concert Hall in a gala event as the new Norwegian Cruise Line ship prepares for its weekend christening.

Welcoming guests in attendance for the preliminary christening festivities was Richard Ambrose Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Cruise Programs at Norwegian Cruise Line who introduced the all-Icelandic performances.

Highlights included known pop singer Briet Isis, the Iceland Dance Company, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony`s Cello Ensemble. 

The salute to Iceland and its artists was an original production kicking off the Prima Christening that is to be celebrated on Saturday in Iceland.

The Godmother is Katy Perry who will be performing.

Arcadia Marks the Return of the Entire P&O Cruises Fleet

Arcadia Marks the Return of the Entire P&O Cruises Fleet

Another cruise line is completing its restart plan today as Arcadia resumes service for P&O Cruises in England.

Returning after a three-month operational pause, the 2005-built vessel is welcoming guests in Southampton for a cruise to Iceland, Norway and Ireland.

The 14-night itinerary visits six different ports, such as Reykjavik, Akureyri, Alesund and Belfast.

Continuing its restart program, the Arcadia is set to offer different itineraries departing from Southampton, with cruises visiting the British Islands, the Baltic, Western Europe and more.

In September, the 83,000-ton vessel is also sailing a special 30-night voyage to the United States and Canada. The roundtrip itinerary features visits to New York City, Boston, Halifax, Corner Brook, Bar Harbour and more.

After being taken out of service due to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Arcadia is returning to guest operations for the second time.

The ship previously resumed service in March 2022, offering a few scheduled cruises before entering another operational pause due to crew shortages. 

At the time, P&O cancelled seven additional departures on board the ship, which offers an adults-only product.

Built in Italy, the Arcadia originally entered service in April 2005 and has a capacity for 1,968 passengers in double occupancy.

In 2018, the vessel was subjected to a major refit, which, according to P&O, improved the onboard experience with a fresher and more contemporary feel.

Following guests’ feedback, the company updated several parts of the ship, including cabins, suites, public areas, bars, main dining restaurants and speciality dining venues.

With the Arcadia now sailing again, P&O Cruises’ entire fleet is once again in service.

After a 14-month gap, the UK-based company first welcomed guests back in mid-2021, with a series of domestic cruises onboard the Britannia and the new Iona.

The Carnival-owned brand later returned to more destinations, gradually adding the rest of the fleet back into service.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels the Norwegian Prima’s Inaugural Voyage

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels the Norwegian Prima’s Inaugural Voyage

Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled the Norwegian Prima’s first voyage due to supply chain challenges.

According to an email sent to guests, as a result of supply chain challenges, the company was forced to cancel Norwegian Prima’s inaugural cruise.

The Norwegian Prima was scheduled to depart on August 17 on an eight-night cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Reykjavik, Iceland, ahead of the ship’s christening.

Guests will automatically receive a full refund with no further actions required on their part.  

Furthermore, the company offered all guests a 25 per cent off discount on their next cruise, to be used on bookings from May 2, 2022, through May 2, 2023.

UK Cruise Agents invited to the NCL Prima Showcase in the U.S.

UK and Irish travel agents will be given the chance to visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) newest ship, Norwegian Prima, during a series of trade showcase events in the US later this year.

Speaking to TTG on Monday (25 April), NCL president and chief executive Harry Sommer said the line will aim to get "as many people as possible" onboard in Reykjavik in August for the ship’s naming ceremony.

 

"We are going to try and bring as many people on board during the christening as we can," Sommer said. "We are going to do our best to get both the trade and the media to see the vessel.

 

"We have important trade partners in the UK, and we would love for them to join us in the US for our trade showcases from Miami, New York and Galveston."

 

The promise comes after NCL cancelled Prima’s trade preview sailing from Southampton on 12 August due to "circumstances beyond our control". 

 

Prima is the first of six ships in NCL’s Prima Class, the line’s first new series of vessels in nearly 10 years.

Sommer also confirmed Prima’s godmother, pop star Katy Perry, will perform at the vessel’s christening.

 

"[Perry’s] international appeal was the reason we chose her," Sommer added. "She has such high energy, she is a really nice person and I think she will represent the brand well. She will be sailing on Prima at some point during the christening from Reykjavik.

 

"I love Prima’s infinity pools on deck 18. They are simply spectacular. The pools, the waiting area, all of it, people will absolutely love it. It is unique to Prima and it is a great experience," he added.

 

"The spa is also going to be unbelievable. It has a two-storey entrance with a waterfall, and we’ve also spent $6 million on art – $2 million of which is on sculptures around the ship. It’s going to be like walking through a fine art museum."

Prima’s godmother, pop star Katy Perry, will perform at the vessel’s christening in Iceland

Earlier this month, NCL became the first cruise line to release a collection of NFTs, which, according to Sommer, sold out within 20 minutes – with one piece going for $3,000. 

 

"I couldn’t believe it," he said. "We love to innovate and we know it is a really popular thing at the moment. We will be extending the collection in the future, maybe some to do with Katy and some to do with Prima, with all proceeds going to a mixture of charities."

 

NCL plans to have its full fleet back in service within the next two weeks, with Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Escape due to return to operations by 7 May.

 

"We are ready to go," added Sommer. "In fact – we are beyond ready".

Norwegian Star Welcomes Passengers Back in Spain

Norwegian Star Welcomes Passengers Back in Spain

Norwegian Star smiling again Photo credit Spacejunkie

After a two-year hiatus, the Norwegian Star is welcoming passengers back to Spain today. As the 14th ship to resume service for Norwegian Cruise Line, the vessel is kicking off a European program that includes itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

For its first post-pandemic cruise, the 2001-built ship is sailing a ten-night voyage to Italy. Departing from Spain, the itinerary sails from Barcelona and includes visits to St. Tropez, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split, before arriving in Trieste.

Through November, the vessel’s program also includes a series of cruises in Northern Europe, with visits to Iceland, the British Islands, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic and more.

The program is highlighted by two special ten- and 11-night sailings in July that feature visits to four different ports in Greenland. Departing from Reykjavik, the itineraries also include calls to three additional destinations in Iceland.

In early December, the vessel repositions to South America, ahead of a winter season in the region.

Originally ordered for Star Cruises, the Norwegian Star entered service in 2001. With 91,000 tons, it can carry up to 2,200 guests on double occupancy, in addition to 1,031 crew members.

Offering Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept, the ship features more than ten dining venues. Options include favourite speciality restaurants, such as the French Le Bistro and the Cagney’s Steakhouse.

The vessel also boasts nine bars and lounges, a swimming pool, five hot tubs, a casino, a full-service spa and salon, and a fitness centre.

As part of the Norwegian Edge program, the Norwegian Star was completely refurbished in 2018. During an 18-day drydock, the vessel received several enhancements, including a revamped atrium, renovated cabins and redesigned restaurants.

Following the Norwegian Star, the Pride of America is also scheduled to resume service for the Norwegian Cruise Line in April.

The Hawaii-based vessel is welcoming back for its seven-night inter-island cruises on April 9.

After first resuming guest service in July 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line has now brought 14 ships back into revenue operations.

Katy Perry as godmother of new-ship Norwegian Prima

As godmother, Perry will not only fulfil the maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the vessel, but she will perform during the christening ceremony in August before the vessel embarks on its inaugural voyage from Reykjavik.
 

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive of NCL, said the brand was "excited" to welcome the "one-of-a-kind artist" as godmother of Prima.

 

"We are so incredibly proud that she will be part of the Norwegian Cruise Line family and look forward to launching our beautiful, innovative ship with her in August," he added.

Perry said her favourite form of a holiday with her family was on the water. "Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view," she added.

 

"I love that I get to christen her with my good vibrations, and I’m so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take the seas, and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families."

 

Prima will offer inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from Southampton, Amsterdam and Reykjavik from 12 August, sailings to Bermuda from New York from 6 October and Caribbean itineraries from Texas and Miami beginning 27 October. 

CMV's Amy Johnson Heading to the Arctic for 2021 Summer Cruises

CMV's Amy Johnson Heading to the Arctic for 2021 Summer Cruises

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering three cruises to the Arctic, Greenland and Iceland on the Amy Johnson in 2021.

The Amy Johnson will explore the arctic on three voyages in Summer 2021 sailing from London Tilbury on June 20, July 22 and August 7.

The Amy Johnson sails on her first 22-night Arctic Voyage Greenland & Iceland Experience on June 20 with an overnight stay at Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. There are also six port calls in Greenland, highlighted by an overnight stay in Ilulissat. The Amy Johnson will sail on a very similar itinerary in August, without the overnight stay in Reykjavik, but with the bonus of a call in Rotterdam for the CMV Fleet Parade and Regatta on August 28.

The Amy Johnson sails to the top of the world on a 38-night Grand Arctic Voyage to Greenland, Spitsbergen and Iceland from London Tilbury July 22, highlighted by a visit to Spitsbergen.

Carnival Legend to Offer Europe and More in 2020

Carnival Legend in the port of Dover.

Carnival Legend will sail a European season in 2020 with nine- to 16-day voyages calling at 34 ports in 16 countries, Carnival Cruise Line announced.

“We’ve put together an unmatched program of European cruises, featuring off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as some of the most popular seaside port cities.  There’s no better way to Choose Fun in Europe,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Itinerary Highlights:

A 16-day Northern trans-Atlantic crossing from New York to London (Dover) June 3-19, featuring day-long visits to these spectacular destinations: Qaqortoq, Greenland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Cork (Cobh), Ireland. 

A nine-day Norwegian Fjords cruise round-trip from London June 19-28, visiting six scenic Norwegian ports:  Bergen, Olden, Molde, Trondheim, Alesund, and Stavanger, with ample opportunities to view the Norwegian fjords.

A nine-day Western Europe cruise June 28 – July 7 from London to Barcelona, visiting Le Havre (Paris), France; La Coruña, Spain; Leixoes and Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar; and Malaga, Spain.

Nine- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises between Venice and Barcelona with stops including Marseilles, France; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Valletta, Malta; and Dubrovnik and Rijeka, Croatia. 

A 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Tampa Oct. 30 – Nov. 15, highlighted by visits to Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; Antigua; San Juan; and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic).

Carnival Legend Voyages from Tampa, New York

Before her summer in Europe, the Carnival Legend will operate a 13-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal voyage from Tampa to New York May 3-16, 2020, with calls in Cozumel, Mexico and Limon, Costa Rica prior to a partial Panama Canal transit followed by visits to Cartagena, Colombia; Aruba; and Grand Turk.

Once in New York, Carnival Legend will operate two nine-day Caribbean sailings departing May 16 and 25, 2020 and featuring San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.

Carnival Legend will also offer a schedule of six- and seven-day Caribbean sailings featuring calls at a variety of tropical islands, including Grand Cayman, Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), as well as eight-day partial Panama Canal voyages, round-trip from Tampa in winter 2020-21.

Disney to cruise Norwegian fjords

By Jerry Limone

Disney Cruise Line will for the first time sail the Norwegian fjords on three cruises departing Copenhagen, Denmark, in June 2015.

A seven-day cruise on the Disney Magic visits Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway. A nine-day cruise calls at the same Norwegian ports, plus Molde and Olden.

An 11-day cruise includes calls in Kristiansand and Stavanger, Norway; Akureyri and Reykjavik, Iceland; and Torshavn, Faroe Islands. The cruise ends in Dover, England. The Reykjavik call is an overnight visit.

In addition to the Norwegian fjords itineraries, Disney is returning to the Baltic for all-new itineraries, including sailings from Copenhagen to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean and Bahamas also are also in Disney’s summer lineup.

Bookings open to the public on March 27.