CDC Scraps Cruise Ship COVID Warning After 2 Years

Norwegian Jade photo credit Spacejunkie2

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday removed its COVID-19 notice against cruise travel, around two years after introducing a warning scale showing the level of coronavirus transmission risk on cruise ships.

The move offers a shot of hope to major U.S. cruise operators such as Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd that have struggled to bring in revenue since the pandemic started.

Cruise operators had also said the health agency was discriminating against the industry when hotels and airlines could operate with limited or no restrictions.

“While cruising will always pose some risk of COVID-19 transmission, travellers will make their own risk assessment when choosing to travel on a cruise ship, much like they do in all other travel settings,” the CDC said in a statement. 

The guidelines for travelling on cruise ships on the health agency’s page no longer shows a scale for its warning. Instead, it now only says guests should make sure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before boarding the ships.

(Reporting by Praveen Paramasivam in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)

Carnival: 3.8 Percent of Capacity Was Set to Call in Russia

Carnival: 3.8 Percent of Capacity Was Set to Call in Russia

Carnival Corporation had 3.8 per cent of its 2022 cruise capacity calling on Russian ports before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading the company to cancel and replace calls to Russian ports.

"We have decided to totally withdraw from Russia and have found attractive alternatives," said President and CEO Arnold Donald, speaking on the company's first-quarter earnings call.

"That said, Saint Petersburg was a marquee port for us. And while there have been times where we were unable to offer certain itineraries, in this instance, the close end nature of the deployment change does lead to some regional disruption in recent booking patterns."

Donald admitted the war had added some volatility to Carnival's business and had impacted consumer confidence.

"With 50 years under our belt, we have successfully managed through a plethora of headwinds like spikes in fuel prices, the Gulf War, Arab Spring, September 11, Ebola, Zika, SARS, MERS and more," Donald said. "And once again, the mobility of ships continues to be an asset. Time and time again, we have seen guests travel through challenges. In fact, Carnival Cruise Line turned 50 this month and recently enjoyed its three best weeks of bookings since resuming operations."

MSC Cruises will base MSC Grandiosa in Southampton next year

MSC Cruises will base MSC Grandiosa in Southampton next year with a spring/summer deployment comprising 23 departures.

The Meraviglia Plus-class vessel is a sister to MSC Virtuosa, which sailed from the UK in summer 2021 and is due to return in April.

 

Grandiosa’s 2023 season will comprise a variety of itineraries including mini cruises to Rotterdam and Brugse, as well as longer voyages in the Mediterranean and to the Canary Islands.

 

Antonio Paradiso, MSC’s the UK and Ireland managing director, said the line “have been delighted” with the response from the British and Irish market to Virtuosa and looked forward to “bringing another of our largest and most-loved ships” to Southampton.

 

“We have seen strong demand for the itineraries for this year with a particular interest in the two 14-night sailings to the Mediterranean taking place in the school summer holidays and as a result have replicated many of these itineraries ready for the 2023 season,” said Paradiso.

 

He urged guests and agents to book early and “take advantage of the great rates” during the programme’s early booking window.

 

"Cruise has always been unique when it comes to early booking, our guests will happily book a number of different cruises several years in advance to secure their holiday, and we are thrilled to be able, once again, to provide them with the opportunity to book early,” Paradiso added.

PITCH ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND LEVI ROOTS TO EARN £200K SHARE

Independence of the Seas in Southampton photo credit Spacejunkie

Agents can earn a share of £200,000 and pitch their business idea to Dragons’ Den success story Levi Roots as part of a new trade competition launched by Royal Caribbean International.

The Royal Pitch sees agents tasked with presenting “forward-thinking concepts” to help grow their Royal Caribbean sales in order to secure a slice of the price pot.

 

Agents are encouraged to pitch anything from creative social marketing campaigns to introducing new technologies, with shortlisted companies pitching in-person at a series of live events.

 

The year-long process, open to agents who are members of a consortium, kicks off on 1 April with entrants needing to submit a video via the Club Royal website detailing their business proposal and requested investment in under five minutes.

 

The first day of in-person pitching will take place on 8 June at Royal Caribbean’s Weybridge office, followed by further judging rounds and a live final event during which the panel of judges determines which ideas win a share of the total prize fund.

 

Roots, who rose to fame with his Reggae Reggae Sauce on Dragons’ Den in 2007, will be joined by Royal Caribbean’s vice-president EMEA, Ben Bouldin, and director of sales of UK, Ireland and Spain, Stuart Byron. 

 

"The Royal Pitch is designed to give consortia members another avenue to help grow their business with a big idea they’re passionate about – as well as test out their pitching skills! We’re excited to meet some of the entrants and hear their forward-thinking and ingenious ideas,” said Byron.

 

Roots added: “I know the difference that investment can make to a business; I went from running a successful market stall in Notting Hill Carnival to a multimillion-pound business. I’m excited to take part in Royal Caribbean’s The Royal Pitch to help support consortia members grow their businesses and boost sales.”

P&O Cruises fleet will return to full service

P&O Britannia in the Caribbean, photo credit Spacejunkie

Arcadia will depart on a Canary Islands sailing on Sunday (27 March), restoring the line to its six-ship fleet - with seventh vessel Arvia joining P&O’s ranks in December.

 

The LNG-powered ship will sail its maiden voyage to the Canaries followed by a winter season in the Caribbean out of Barbados.

 

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said the return of Arcadia marked “an important milestone” for the company “one certainly cause for celebration”. 

 

“Britannia and Azura have had a very successful season in the Caribbean from Barbados and Iona has spent her maiden winter months in the Canary Islands and northern Europe and will soon head up to the spectacular Norwegian fjords for the summer of scenic cruising and thrilling adventures,” said Ludlow.

 

“It is evident that our guests are reassured by the steps we have taken to protect their health and wellbeing and that they are delighted to be back on board reigniting their passion for travel.”

Carnival Corporation Provides Business Update, Q1 Earnings

Carnival Corporation Provides Business Update, Q1 Earnings

Carnival Corporation has provided its first-quarter 2022 business update.

Highlights: 

• U.S. GAAP net loss of $1.9 billion and an adjusted net loss of $1.9 billion for the first quarter of 2022.
• First-quarter 2022 ended with $7.2 billion of liquidity, including cash, short-term investments and borrowings available under the company's revolving credit facility.
• For the cruise segments, revenue per passenger cruise day ("PCD") for the first quarter of 2022 increased approximately 7.5% compared to a strong 2019. This increase was driven by exceptionally strong onboard and other revenue.
• As of March 22, 2022, 75% of the company's capacity had resumed guest cruise operations.
• The company expects to have each brand's full fleet back in guest cruise operations for its respective summer season where it historically generates the largest share of its operating income.
• The company believes monthly adjusted EBITDA will turn positive at the beginning of its summer season.
• Since the middle of January, the company has seen an improving trend in weekly booking volumes for future sailings. Recent weekly booking volumes have been higher than at any point since the restart of guest cruise operations.
• The company announced that three additional ships are expected to leave the fleet in 2022 in connection with its ongoing fleet optimization strategy. In total, this represents the planned removal of 22 smaller-less efficient ships since the beginning of the pause in guest cruise operations.
• Building on the company's strong governance framework and its continued commitment to sustainability, the Board of Directors appointed the company's President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald to the role of Chief Climate Officer.

First Quarter 2022 Results and Statistical Information

• For the cruise segments, revenue per PCD for the first quarter of 2022 increased approximately 7.5% compared to a strong 2019. This increase was driven by exceptionally strong onboard and other revenue.
• During the first quarter of 2022, as a result of the Omicron variant, the company experienced an impact on bookings for its near-term sailings, including higher cancellations resulting from an increase in pre-travel positive test results, challenges in the availability of timely pre-travel tests and the disruption Omicron caused on society overall during this time. Therefore, occupancy in the first quarter of 2022 was 54%, a 20% increase in guests carried over the prior quarter.
• Available lower berth days ("ALBD") for the first quarter of 2022 were 13 million, which represents 60% of total fleet capacity, increasing from 47% in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Carnival Corporation & plc President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Climate Officer Arnold Donald noted: "Despite the impact of Omicron, guests carried grew by nearly 20 per cent in the first quarter compared to the prior quarter, while simultaneously increasing revenue per passenger cruise day and driving an improvement in adjusted EBITDA. We expect monthly adjusted EBITDA to turn positive by the beginning of our summer season as we build occupancy and return more ships to service."

Donald added: "We believe we have positioned the company well to withstand volatility on our path to profitability and have been working hard to resume operations as a stronger and more sustainable operating company, to maximize cash generation and to deliver double-digit returns on invested capital over time."

Despite the impact resulting from the Omicron variant during the first quarter, the company's adjusted EBITDA (see non-GAAP Financial Measures) improved due to its ongoing resumption of guest cruise operations. The company believes that adjusted EBITDA will continue to improve with the ongoing resumption of guest cruise operations and continues to expect improvement in occupancy throughout 2022 until it returns to historical levels in 2023. The company believes monthly adjusted EBITDA will turn positive at the beginning of its summer season.

The company ended the first quarter of 2022 with $7.2 billion of liquidity, including cash, short-term investments and borrowings available under the revolving credit facility. The company invested $400 million in capital expenditures (net of export credit facilities) during the first quarter of 2022, which included the delivery of three of the four larger-more efficient ships expected to be delivered in 2022. In addition, the Company repaid $500 million of debt principal and incurred $400 million of interest expense, net during the quarter.

Carnival Corporation & plc Chief Financial Officer David Bernstein noted, "We ended the first quarter of 2022 with $7.2 billion of liquidity. Looking forward, we believe we remain well-positioned given our liquidity and the continued improvement expected in adjusted EBITDA, along with the expected build in customer deposits, as we progress toward resuming full fleet operations."

Resumption of Guest Cruise Operations

Donald said: "Since resuming guest cruise operations, we delivered more than 2.2 million exceptional vacations while achieving historically high guest satisfaction scores. With 75 per cent of our capacity having resumed guest cruise operations, we are well on our way back to full cruise operations and we are planning to return the balance of the fleet by our summer seasons. Achieving these operational milestones while facing headwinds including Delta and Omicron variants and changing regulations and protocols —particularly at our scale— makes the efforts of our team, ship and shore, all the more impressive."

Donald continued, "In addition, we furthered our fleet optimization efforts by taking delivery of three larger-more efficient ships during the quarter, Costa Toscana and AIDAcosma, the company's fifth and sixth ships powered by LNG and Discovery Princess. We also announced the removal of another three smaller-less efficient ships, bringing the total to 22 ships, significantly reducing our rate of capacity growth. Upon returning to full operations, nearly 25 per cent of our capacity will consist of newly delivered ships, which we believe will expedite our return to profitability and improve our return on invested capital."

As of March 22, 2022, 75% of the company's capacity had resumed guest cruise operations as part of its ongoing return to service. The company's enhanced COVID-19 protocols have helped it become among the safest forms of socializing and travel, with far lower incidence rates than on land. The company expects to have each brand's full fleet back in guest cruise operations for its respective summer season where it historically generates the largest share of its operating income.

Upon returning to full cruise operations, the company's ongoing fleet optimization strategy combined with its LNG efforts and other innovative initiatives to drive energy efficiency is forecasted to deliver a 10% reduction in fuel consumption per ALBD and a 9% reduction in carbon emissions per ALBD on an annualized basis compared to 2019.

While the company will benefit from the removal of smaller-less efficient ships and the delivery of larger-more efficient ships, the company expects adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures) for the full year 2022, to be significantly higher than 2019. This is driven by a portion of its fleet being in pause status for part of the year, restart related expenses, an increase in the number of dry-dock days, the cost of maintaining enhanced health and safety protocols and inflation. The company anticipates that many of these costs and expenses will end in 2022 and will not reoccur in 2023. Additionally, the company expects to see a significant improvement in adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD from the first half of 2022 to the second half of 2022 with a low double-digit increase for the full year 2022 compared to 2019.

The ongoing resumption of the company's guest cruise operations and the increased uncertainty given the current invasion of Ukraine, including its effect on the price of fuel, are collectively having a material impact on its business, including the company's liquidity, financial position and results of operations. The company continues to expect a net loss for the second quarter of 2022 on both a U.S. GAAP and adjusted basis. However, the company expects a profit for the third quarter of 2022. For the full year of 2022, the company expects a net loss.

Update on Bookings

Donald added: "Given the recent strengthening in booking volumes coupled with the closer-in booking patterns, we expect an extended wave season. In fact, we gained occupancy even in the month of March with fleetwide occupancy nearing 70 per cent and several sailings already exceeding 100 per cent."

Since the middle of January, the company has seen an improving trend in weekly booking volumes for future sailings. Recent weekly booking volumes have been higher than at any point since the restart of guest cruise operations. 

During the first quarter, the company increased its booked occupancy position for the second half of 2022, albeit not at the same pace as a typical wave season due to the Omicron variant. As a result, cumulative advance bookings for the second half of 2022 are at the lower end of the historical range. However, the company believes it is well situated with its current second half 2022 booked position given the recent improvements in booking volumes and its continued expectation that occupancy will build throughout 2022 and return to historical levels in 2023. Normalized for bundled packages, prices on bookings for the second half of 2022 continue to be higher, with or without future cruise credits ("FCCs"), as compared to 2019 sailings. 

Cumulative advanced bookings for the first half of 2023 continues to be both at the higher end of the historical range and at higher prices, with or without FCCs, normalized for bundled packages, as compared to 2019 sailings. (Due to the ongoing resumption of guest cruise operations, the company's current booking trends will be compared to booking trends for 2019 sailings.)

Total customer deposits increased to $3.7 billion as of February 28, 2022, from $3.5 billion as of November 30, 2021.

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. 

NCL Cruise Ship Pulled Free After Grounding

A Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. luxury liner carrying thousands of passengers that ran aground while trying to leave a port in the Dominican Republic on Monday has managed to free itself after hours of being stranded.

The Norwegian Escape hit the channel bed as it was departing Puerto Plata on Monday afternoon, according to a company spokesperson. Tugs had been employed to free it most of the afternoon and evening, according to social media posts. Passengers posted the cruise ship, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest liners at 1,069 feet, was refloated after midnight, local time. 

Guests and crew were safe, and the ship wasn’t damaged, according to the spokesperson. Operations and services onboard also continued as scheduled.

Passengers on the ship, which originally departed out of Orlando, Florida, said the crew had been trying to extricate the vessel unsuccessfully for several hours into the night. 

Norwegian operates a seven-day Caribbean cruise that departs Florida on Saturdays and stops in Puerto Plata, or Silver Port, for passengers to take a cable-car ride to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres before setting off for St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Built-in 2015, the Norwegian Escape carries a maximum of 4,266 passengers and 1,733 crew. According to local media reports, it’s currently carrying 3,223 guests and 1,618 crew.(Updates with ship freeing itself in the first paragraph.)

Oanh Ha and Tim Smith , With assistance from Michael Sin. © 2022 Bloomberg L.P.

MSC Breaks Ground on New Miami Cruise Terminal

MSC Breaks Ground on New Miami Cruise Terminal

The Cruise Division of MSC Group today broke ground for its new $350 million cruise terminal in Miami which when it opens will be North America’s largest, according to a statement from the company. 

The four-story building with four embarkation decks will be able to accommodate up to 36,000 passenger movements a day, and feature enough berthing space to serve three latest-generation ships simultaneously, the company said.

The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri announced a partnership in July 2021 whereby Fincantieri Infrastructure would construct the state-of-the-art facility which will feature a striking design by award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica.

The new terminal will be able to accommodate MSC Cruises’ largest and most environmentally advanced cruise ships, including its current flagship, the MSC Seashore, and the line’s future liquified natural gas-powered World Class ships. 

Most ships at berth at the new Miami terminal will be able to plug into the local power grid, in line with PortMiami’s plans to enable shore power connectivity.

Rubén Rodriguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said, “Our new terminal at PortMiami represents MSC Cruises' commitment to growth in North America and will help drive our expansion in South Florida by offering our guests an unbeatable experience that starts before they ever step onboard. It’s also part of our larger sustainability goals, which include deploying our most modern and environmentally advanced ships to North America, the continued development of our one-of-a-kind Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and our pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We’re proud of our partnership with Fincantieri, PortMiami and Miami-Dade County, and it’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the region’s continued growth and vitality.”

Claudio Gemme, CEO of Fincantieri Infrastructure, added, “We are very pleased to be able to work with MSC, Miami-Dade County and PortMiami on such an ambitious project as the new terminal. It represents for us a significant result from a strategic point of view because it rewards the choice to extend to new areas the skills acquired in the field of large infrastructures. When the works are completed, here in the world cruise capital, passengers from all over the globe will be able to admire the superior quality of our work even before boarding the ship.”

Mayor Daniella LevineCava, Miami-Dade County, said, “In Miami-Dade County, we are forging ahead with future-ready investments that will stimulate growth and expanded opportunities for our local economy. As this port continues to develop, the opportunities for our community, whether in jobs, contracts, and services, can only increase. MSC’s new mega cruise terminal will significantly impact the entire region. Once complete, the facility will service three new-generation passenger vessels simultaneously, handling up to 36,000 passenger movements per day. Additionally, this architectural marvel will allow the line to deploy some of its most environmentally high-performing ships including its World-class fleet.  A big thank you to MSC Cruises and Fincantieri for their partnership.”

Aside from the terminal building itself, the new complex – which is currently projected to be completed by the end of 2023 - will include a multi-level parking garage for 2,400 vehicles, new road construction to ensure traffic flows smoothly, and a total of three berths capable of accommodating the largest of cruise ships. The company will build two of those new docks; Miami-Dade County will construct the third. The project also involves the construction of related shore infrastructure, including water supply stations and four-passenger embarkation decks.

Costa Ship Shuffle for Brazil Due to LNG Supply Chain Challenges

Costa Ship Shuffle for Brazil Due to LNG Supply Chain Challenges

Citing uncertainty and recent world developments, Costa Cruises has announced changes to its 2022-2023 program in South America.

According to a statement issued in the local market, the company will no longer operate the 2021-built Costa Toscana in Brazil during the season.

Instead, the Costa Firenze will debut in the country, taking over the program previously announced for the LNG-powered ship.

Citing world developments in the energy market, Costa said it decided to “assure the arrival of three vessels in South America, bringing the new Costa Firenze in place of the Costa Toscana.”

The company said that the LNG needed for the Toscana “could only be sourced through international operations.”

With the change, the 2020-built Costa Firenze is now set to offer a series of seven-night domestic cruises in Brazil.

Departing from Santos and Salvador, the program takes place between December 2022 and April 2023.

Taking the title currently held by the Costa Diadema, the Firenze will become the largest ship ever operated by Costa in South America, the company said.

In addition to the Costa Firenze, Costa’s 2022-2023 program in South America also includes the Costa Favolosa and the Costa Fortuna.

Starting in December, the Favolosa is set to offer seven-night cruises to Argentina and Uruguay. The program runs through April and features departures from two Brazilian ports: Santos and Itajaí.

Returning to the region after a ten-year hiatus, the Costa Fortuna will also be based in Brazil. Sailing from Rio de Janeiro, the vessel is set to offer eight-night itineraries to several destinations in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Both ships will also offer departures from Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

Cunard Reveals Queen Anne’s Design and First Public Areas

Cunard Reveals Queen Anne’s Design and First Public Areas

Cunard has revealed new details of its next ship, Queen Anne. Set to debut in 2024, the vessel will be the first to enter service for the brand in more than 10 years and will feature a new interior design, in addition to a new livery and newly created concepts.

According to the Cunard, Queen Anne “has been created with an extraordinary new vision, taking some of the finest talents of our time to write a striking new chapter in Cunard's a story inspired by the brand's remarkable past.”

Designers David Collins Studio, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie, working with the Creative Director Adam D. Tihany, are collaborating to create an “extraordinary and thoughtful, modern approach to the venues, suites and décor design,” Cunard said in a prepared statement.

The ship’s design, the company added, is being conceived with five pillars in mind: heritage, craftsmanship, storytelling, style and innovation.

"Just the way a world-renowned orchestra delivers a feeling or takes you to a moment or an era, Queen Anne's aesthetic would do the same in harkening Cunard's gilded age, but through the bold, onward lens of modernity,” said Adam D. Tihany, Creative Director for Cunard.

The design teams tapped into the Cunard Archives, held at the University of Liverpool, sourcing a rich trove of historical documents and details on layout, materials, fabrics, patterns and textures.

The team reviewed iconic poster advertisements, brochure covers and plans of grand spaces of Cunard's early deco-inspired ships, to deliver a ship concept “that rivals the finest in hospitality experienced onshore,” Cunard added.

Tihany explained he crystallized the vision as an "enchanting bridge from Cunard's storied history to the future."

"I was daunted by the scale, and a multitude of venues to begin with, but as we started to unravel the journey, craft the experiences, and hone the vision, it all became clear. We wanted to create something nostalgic yet contemporary, relaxed yet glamorous, new and exciting – all within the constraints of a ship,” added Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio.

"We based the design on a sense of wonder, like a matchmaker at sea that introduces the past to its most alluring future," Sybille de Margerie said.

"We worked very closely with the Cunard shipbuilding team during the design process to gather as much knowledge as possible and also referred back to our extensive hospitality experience, where longevity and practicality are as important as the look and feel," explains Lewis Taylor, Design Director at David Collins Studio on the process.

"We have added layers of architectural details and design codes that refer back to Cunard's history and that add a touch of whimsy and British eccentricity to the experiences. These architectural design elements along with the exquisite level of service onboard will make the new vessel truly unique."

The design DNA was first brought to life through the iconic Cunard Queens Grand Suites.

The Queens Grill Grand Suites offer guests their own private residences onboard and deliver a new level of exclusivity, Cunard said, with each finish carefully curated in every room.

Designed by David Collins Studio, they represent, according to the company, “the epitome of luxury accommodation at sea”, with a dedicated dining room and adjacent butler's pantry, walk-in wardrobes, marble-finished bathrooms with views out to sea, a spacious bedroom and the largest balconies onboard.

The Princess Grill Suites were designed by Sybille de Margerie. According to Cunard, they are “warm, inviting and surrounded in the softest materials and delicate textures for an intimate experience”.

The accommodations feature a bespoke dressing table and bar area with pattern wall panels inspired by the flowing lines of Cunard's past liners, sculpted ceiling panels and grand saloon carpets by textile designer, Corinne Hughes.

While the Britannia balcony staterooms provide sofa seating areas looking out to sea, and light, bright bathrooms with glass walk-in showers.

A focal point for guests and the heart of the ship, the Grand Lobby, was designed to provide a show-stopping entrance, full of energy and light.

Marking the transition from past to present, the area houses a contemporary metal mural sculpture that changes throughout the day by the lighting effect integrated within with an art deco leaning in homage to the 'Golden Age of travel.

The narrative is also brought into play through the entertainment spaces such as the reimaging of the flagship Royal Court Theatre. The two-deck, 825-seat space is inspired by the great sound halls of the world.

Designed by Richmond International, the theatre features seating “of the utmost comfort and adorned in rich velvet providing each guest with a perfect view of the stage”, Cunard said.

Queen Anne will also feature 15 restaurants, where guests will enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. According to Cunard, the distinction is vividly reflected in each of the venue’s décors, ranging from the strikingly grand Britannia Restaurant to the newly refined Golden Lion pub.

A first in Cunard's fleet, the vessel will reveal a new wellness and beauty concept as well, featuring the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa suite facilities with a contemporary, open and airy aesthetic, the company said.

Another vital aspect to the overall blueprint is the colour palette which has been individually curated for every space to create a unique ambience in every setting.

Bold new colours elevate the signature spaces and Queens Grill Suites, deep blues with flashes of golden yellow in the Britannia Staterooms have been chosen to reflect the sea and shimmer of sunlight and deep rich tones of red, amber and gold heighten the luxurious lounge feel of the Princess Grill Suites.

For the Princess and Queens Grill restaurants, bright colours were chosen with elements of gold, to reinforce the luxurious but refined overall design aesthetic on board. 

"Anything tricky can date, anything too predictable can be tiresome and replicated, so keeping things fresh, unique and bold ensures the designs are timeless and meet or exceed guest expectations," Simon Rawlings added.

Another first for Cunard, the updated exterior of the ship will sport the famous red funnel but also will debut an updated livery. The new exterior design features a finessed design of the company’s iconic crest and the introduction of a new font inspired by the grand ocean liners of the past.

"We've worked with world-leading interior designers and fresh creative talent; we've discussed and tested our ideas with guests from around the world, and we've delved deep into the Cunard Archives to make sure we can truly celebrate what makes Cunard so unique," said Lee Powell, Cunard Brand Vice President.

Queen Anne will set sail in early 2024, with her maiden season program available to book from May 2022.

Inger Klein Thorhauge Named Captain of New Cunard Ship

Inger Klein Thorhauge Named Captain of New Cunard Ship

Cunard Line has named Inger Klein Thorhauge as Captain of the new Queen Anne.

Thorhauge will lead the team responsible for onboard operations and take charge of the new Queen's maiden season.

Thorhauge, Cunard's first female Captain, celebrates 25 years of service this year with the company and will sail Queen Anne from Italy, where she is currently being built, to Southampton ahead of her inaugural sailing in early 2024.

Thorhauge, who became Captain of Queen Victoria in 2010, started her career in 1997 as Second Officer on board Cunard's Vistafjord.

Originally from the Faroe Islands, her career with the company has seen her travel the world many times over as captain of Queen Victoria and more recently Queen Elizabeth.

"I am very proud to be Cunard's first female captain, but to be named as the first captain of Queen Anne is the greatest honour. It means the absolute world to me to be a part of the next chapter of Cunard," Thorhauge commented. "I can't wait to see the reaction Queen Anne will receive from our guests when they first step on board, then to set sail and showcase our beautiful new ship to the world, visiting wonderful, and exciting ports! I can only begin to imagine the reception she will receive.

"When I discuss Queen Anne with Cunard crew it is so clear how excited and proud they are too, to welcome a new ship to the fleet. The crew are fundamental in delivering that quintessential Cunard experience, and I know they will continue to deliver the exceptionally high standards of our White Star Service on Queen Anne that our guests expect from us."

Sharing captain duties will be David Hudson who started his career with Cunard in 2006.

Itineraries for Queen Anne will be revealed in May 2022

Celebrity to Cruise Year-Round In the Mediterranean Starting in 2023

Celebrity to Cruise Year-Round In the Mediterranean Starting in 2023

Celebrity Cruises announced today that it will sail year-round in the Mediterranean, adding on to its summer season with sailings from September 2023 through March 2024 with the Celebrity Infinity. 

The Celebrity Infinity will kick off her winter season embarking on nine and 10-night itineraries where guests will be treated to the best of the Iberian Peninsula. Rotating between setting sail from the ports of Barcelona, Spain, and Lisbon, 

Then, from October 2023 to January 2024, Infinity will call Barcelona home as she embarks on 11- and 12-night itineraries and returns to Morocco for the first time since 2008.

Capping off the winter season, the Infinity will then return to Greece in February and March 2024, sailing 10 or 11-night itineraries calling on three continents, with calls into the Holy Land. 

“Being able to sail through the Mediterranean all winter will open up infinite possibilities for our guests to satiate their wanderlust while experiencing new destinations as they Journey Wonder with us,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “With these new 2023-2024 offerings, we will continue to reintroduce our guests to the world with itineraries that reconnect them with cultures and experiences that will last a lifetime.”

AIDA Announces Substitute Ports in the Baltic with Russia Out

AIDA Announces Substitute Ports in the Baltic with Russia Out

AIDA Cruises, Carnival Corporation's German brand, has announced replacement ports in the Baltic and not call in Saint Petersburg this summer. 

The AIDAdiva, AIDAmar, AIDAnova and AIDAvita will see calls in Russia cancelled and replaced by destinations such as Riga (Latvia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway) or Visby (Gotland/Sweden).

The AIDAdiva will call at the Latvian capital Riga or Copenhagen instead of Saint Petersburg on its seven-day Baltic Sea roundtrip from Warnemünde starting between May 14 and October 8, 2022. The voyage with a departure date of May 7, 2022, will include a visit to Hamina in southern Finland.

For the seven-day round trips in the Baltic Sea with the AIDAnova from Kiel with departure dates between May 14 and October 15, 2022, AIDA Cruises has developed alternative routes in the Baltic Sea as well as to Norway and Denmark. Baltic cruises now include an extended stay in the Estonian capital Tallinn. Copenhagen/Kalundborg is also new on the itinerary.

The AIDAnova is now setting course for Scandinavia on new voyages. In addition to a visit to Copenhagen and Kristiansand, AIDAnova’s guests can enjoy a two-day stay in Oslo.

On its 10 day Baltic cruises, the AIDAmar will call at the port of Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland and the Latvian capital Riga instead of Saint Petersburg.

In addition, the first sailing of the AIDAvita will depart on July 24, 2022. 

Holland America Line Makes Baltic Itinerary Changes

Holland America Line Makes Baltic Itinerary Changes

In light of the recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine, Holland America Line is modifying six cruise itineraries that were originally scheduled to visit Russian ports this year, the company said.

"We stand for peace and our thoughts are with those who are in harm’s way," the company said, in a press release. 

Replacement ports vary by itinerary, and the five sailings that would have visited Saint Petersburg, Russia, will instead call on Baltic ports such as Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; and Visby, Sweden, while also adding an overnight stay in Stockholm, Sweden.

The cruise that was scheduled to visit Vladivostok, Russia, will instead visit Busan (Pusan), South Korea.

Booked guests and their travel advisors will receive notice of the changes as soon as that process is complete.

MSC Cruises has suspended upcoming calls to St Petersburg amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

MSC Virtuosa photo credit Spacejunkie2

From the end of May until October, the line’s four ships were due to operate Baltic Sea sailings which include St Petersburg – MSC Preziosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia and MSC Virtuosa – will all suspend their calls to the city.

 

No MSC ships are currently calling at St Petersburg.

 

MSC said the health and safety of its passengers and crew was “a top priority” and that “since the onset” of the conflict in Ukraine, it had been in touch with alternative ports – such as Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn – to confirm new calls.

 

The decision comes after Riviera Travel cancelled all tours and cruises to Russia "for the foreseeable future".

 

Carnival Corp brands P&O Cruises and Cunard amended their Baltic cruise itineraries in response to the escalating conflict, while other cruise lines and operators said they were "monitoring the situation closely".

 

Viking Cruises cancelled all of its 2022 Kyiv and Black Sea departures and said it was evaluating all 2022 itineraries featuring calls in Russia.

 

MSC said it would communicate the details of changes on each individual sailing to travel agents and customers “as soon as possible”.

 

MSC’s website will also be updated to reflect the confirmed details of new itineraries to “provide maximum clarity” for existing guests and future guests looking to book Baltic Sea sailings.