Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Resumes Sailings from Scotland

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Resumes Sailings from Scotland

For the first time since 2019, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will resume sailings from Scotland this year aboard Balmoral, according to a press release.

The Balmoral, which welcomed her first guests back on board in May 2022, will set sail from Rosyth in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 8 for an eight-night "Hidden Gems of the Norwegian Fjords" cruise, taking travellers to Nordfjord, Sognefjord, Fjaerlandsfjord, Eresfjord, Molde, Skjolden, and Olden, according to the company.

The Balmoral, named after Queen Elizabeth II's Scottish estate, joined the company's new ships, Bolette and Borealis, both of which resumed cruising in 2021.

The Borealis became the first UK cruise ship to sail internationally in the post-pandemic era and the Balmoral’s first cruise was the “Canary Islands with the Funchal Flower Parade. ”Since then, she has sailed from Newcastle to Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia.

The Balmoral will depart from Rosyth for the rest of summer 2022, before sailing on a series of cruises from Southampton, Dover, and Portsmouth in September.

“This first departure from Rosyth will be extra special as Scotland is Balmoral’s spiritual home, and we always receive a warm welcome when sailing from there. There is a long and proud history at Fred. Olsen of naming ships after Scottish icons, which reflects the connections between the Olsen family and Scotland. It is wonderful to have three ships sailing again, which allows us to offer departures from more regional ports around the UK,” said Peter Deer, managing director, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Sample Cruises:

Cities & Islands of Sweden, Estonia & Latvia, Departing from Rosyth
Date: July 16, 2022
Duration: 13 nights
Itinerary: Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland – Liepaja, Latvia – Saaremaa, Estonia – Tallinn, Estonia – Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden – Stockholm, Sweden – Visby, Sweden – Riga, Latvia – Klaipeda, Lithuania - Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
Price: From £999 per person

Discovering Castles, Palaces, and Cultural Landmarks of Northern Europe, Departing from Rosyth
Date: August 19, 2022
Duration: 10 nights
Itinerary: Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland – Fredericia, Denmark - Klaipeda, Lithuania - Gdansk, Poland - Sassnitz, Germany - Szczecin, Poland - Kiel Canal Transit, Germany - Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
Price: From  £1199 per person

French Rivers With Bordeaux, Departing from Rosyth
Date: August 29, 2022
Duration: 11 nights
Itinerary: Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland – Lorient, France - Bordeaux, France – River Seine, Rouen, France – Honfleur, France - Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland
Price: From £1199 per person

Resorts World Cruises Adds Malaysia Homeporting to Operation

Resorts World Cruises Adds Malaysia Homeporting to Operation

Resorts World Cruises announced that it will be the first cruise line to add a Kuala Lumpur homeport (via Port Klang) for the Genting Dream starting July, in addition to the Singapore homeport, which the company started operations from in June.

With the dual homeport options, travellers can now choose to embark from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Two-night cruises from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore will depart on Thursdays and Saturdays and three-night cruises from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Singapore will depart on Mondays.

Departure days from Singapore will remain the same on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; and from July 22 onwards, Friday cruises will re-introduce the two-night High Seas Weekend Getaway cruises.

The dual homeport was designed to further cater for the demand of round-trip cruises, targeting the 10 million+ population residing in central Peninsular Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca), who live within a short drive of Port Klang, the embarkation port. 

Besides that, Resorts World Cruises will also offer one-way cruises that will become an alternative to air and land travel for the millions of travellers between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, including to Penang.

“Resorts World Cruises is excited to take the lead for the cruise sector to boost the in-and-outbound tourists for Singapore; and to bring cruising to the ‘doorsteps’ of Malaysians residing in central Peninsular Malaysia as they can depart from Kuala Lumpur, which is convenient and affordable,” said Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises. “As Genting Dream is certified as the World’s

Cruising Returns to Xiamen, China

Cruising Returns to Xiamen, China

After a 900-day gap, Xiamen, China, is now officially opened for domestic cruising, according to a local news report.

On July 2, the former Viking Sun, now operating as the Zhao Shang Yi Dun, marked the return of cruise operations to the Chinese port as part of a new itinerary in the region.

The five-night cruise departs from Shenzhen and includes a call in Xiamen, in addition to two full days at sea.

After leaving the Viking fleet last year, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun has been offering domestic cruising in China since October 2021.

At the time, the 930-passenger vessel - which is now operated by a joint-venture between Viking and China Merchants Shekou – kicked off a program of cruises to Sanya.

The ship’s new operation is hoped to revive the cruise economy and the cultural tourism industry in Xiamen, the news report added.

Previously one of the biggest homeports in the country, the Xiamen International Cruise Terminal had been out of service since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While a new 68,000-square meter cruise terminal is set to be completed later this year, the port’s current facilities underwent a renovation before the return of the cruise passengers.

The port is also undergoing a major development project known as the Sea World. The commercial building complex is expected to open in September and was planned to, among other goals, improve the core competitiveness and influence of the region. 

In 2019, before the outbreak of the pandemic, Xiamen is said to have received a total of 136 cruise ships, in addition to 413,700 passengers.

Sailing under the Chinese flag, the Zhao Shang Yi Dun is currently the only cruise ship in revenue service in China.

While international brands redeployed vessels that were previously sailing in the country, local cruise operators continue to have their entire fleets in operational pause.

Explora Journeys orders two new Hydrogen-Powered Ships.

Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, has agreed a deal with shipbuilding group Fincantieri for the construction of two new hydrogen-powered luxury cruise ships.

Explora V and VI will feature liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines designed to tackle the issue of methane slip and will also be equipped with a containment system for liquid hydrogen that will enable them to use the low-carbon fuel.

Hydrogen fuel will power a six-megawatt fuel cell to produce emissions-free power for the hotel operation and allow the vessels to run on zero emissions in port, with the engines turned off.

The two new builds, which will take the lines fleet from four to six vessels, are set to come into service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Explora Journeys has also confirmed that previously announced vessels Explora III and IV will be powered by LNG. The two ships will be enlarged by 19 metres to enable the installation of the system.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said the move marks a "significant step forward" in the line’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.

"Explora Journeys is building ships for tomorrow, utilising today’s latest technologies and being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available," he added.

"This transition to zero-emissions operations for the maritime industry is the biggest challenge that we will ever face, and this will only be achieved by everyone playing their part – by investing in research and development and through significant investment both by companies but also governments."

The two additional ships covered under the memorandum of understanding (MOA) with Fincantieri will bring Explora Journeys’ investment in its fleet to €3.5 billion.

This includes an additional €120 million each for fitting Explora III and IV with LNG engines, a change that required a temporary halt of work due to the significant redesign of the ships, which will now be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

MSC Cruises Adds Electric Buses for Shore Excursions in Barcelona

MSC Cruises Adds Electric Buses for Shore Excursions in Barcelona

MSC Magnifica under the Forth Bridge, Queensferry, Edinburgh.

MSC Cruises has chosen Barcelona as its main port this summer for shore excursions to be operated by electric buses as part of the line’s ongoing sustainability drive, the company said, adding that it is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emission operations by 2050.

Daily excursions for guests from the Spanish port number between 20 and 25 journeys and the use of electric buses will make an annual saving of nearly 10,500 kilograms of CO2 emissions compared to petrol-driven vehicles., according to a statement.

The electric buses are also significantly quieter and reduce potential noise impact on local communities. 

MSC Cruises estimates that the new electric buses will transport up to 2,000 passengers every week during the summer from Barcelona and it is working with local tour operators to increase the figure to 4,000 customers with the introduction of more eco-friendly buses to join its sustainable ground transport fleet.

The busses will be available this summer for cruise passengers calling at Barcelona onboard the MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Opera, MSC Orchestra, MSC Poesia, MSC Seaview and MSC Virtuosa.

MSC Cruises’ new 11,670 square meter cruise terminal at Barcelona is due to open in 2024 and sustainability credentials will be incorporated into the building.  The new cruise terminal is on track to be ‘Gold Rated’ under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - LEED - standard, a widely used global green building rating system.

Meyer Werft Targets Cruise Ship Refurb Business

Meyer Werft Targets Cruise Ship Refurb Business

Meyer Werft is entering the refurbishment business with the establishment of Meyer Re, backed up by the group’s array of cruise ship component suppliers and 1,300 engineers that have designed and produced newbuild after newbuild.

"We have all the knowledge, engineers and project managers,” said Alexander W. Höfling, head of Meyer Re, who said the company is adapting to the futures market, where there may be fewer new buildings, but continued refurbishment projects.

“We don’t have our own drydock, so we are looking to partner with existing repair shipyards, who are not our competitors but our partners,” Höfling said. “With our competencies, we are partnering and offering these services to the repair yards which will enable them to do the job even better.”      

The Meyer Group owns some 27 suppliers, Höfling said, which account for about one-third of components supplied to a new cruise ship. Those companies are all now entering the refurb business through Meyer Re, including Meyer’s cabin manufacturing production lines.

That means an existing cruise line could place an order for hundreds or thousands of new cabins that would roll off an assembly line.

To start with, Meyer Re is targeting ships the company has built, although the services are open to any passenger's vessel.

"We have all the knowledge (on our ships), digital twin data, 3D information and more … it’s 12 terabytes per ship,” Höfling said.

Among the trends, he continued, is the push toward sustainability.

“On the new building (side) we are focused on future fuels, including LNG, methanol, fuel cells and others on the list,” he continued, pointing out these technologies could be on the table for refits in the future.

“There are some areas where (cruise ships) won’t be able to sail (due to emission rules). There is huge pressure on the industry to adapt and we have the engineers and knowledge to contribute to that,” Höfling said.

Energy optimization is another key focus area.

"We are offering cruise lines our energy optimization solutions, analyzing ships’ operational profiles with weather data, and we can make suggestions, including a new bulbous bulb or a ducktail,” he continued.

Artificial intelligence is a core part of that through the company’s Alfred arm. Perhaps named after Batman’s caretaker, Alfred is available to analyze and interpret the mountains of data flowing off a cruise ship.

"We have our own algorithms to further optimize energy consumption. It’s one thing to replace fuel with future fuel, but it is another thing to save energy now. You may not need a big fuel cell if you can reduce your hotel load.”

July Update: Here’s What Happened to the Former Genting Cruise Lines’ Ships

July Update: Here’s What Happened to the Former Genting Cruise Lines’ Ships

Six months after Genting Cruise Line’s collapse, Cruise Industry News looks into the status of every oceangoing ship that was operated by the former cruise conglomerate.

Global Dream
Previous Brand: Dream Cruises
Year Built: 2022
Capacity: 5,000 guests
Location: Wismar, Germany
Status: Awaiting decision/buyer

After seeing its sister ship scrapped, the Global Dream is still waiting for a potential buyer.

With 75 per cent of its construction finished, the 208,000-ton vessel remains at the building dock of the former MV Werften in Wismar, Germany. Previously owned by Genting, the shipyard has changed hands recently and is now controlled by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

Crystal Endeavor
Previous Brand: Crystal Cruises
Year Built: 2021
Capacity: 200 guests
Location: Gibraltar Anchorage
Status: Awaiting decision/buyer

After six months in limbo, the Crystal Endeavor continues to wait for a decision regarding its future.

The 2021-built expedition vessel is currently anchored off Gibraltar and has been recently associated with Silversea Cruises. So far, however, no official announcement has been made by any of the involved parties.

World Dream
Previous Brand: Dream Cruises
Year Built: 2017
Capacity: 3,400 guests
Location: Singapore Anchorage
Status: Awaiting decision/buyer

Another ship waiting for a decision regarding its future, the World Dream remains anchored off Singapore.

Previously operated by the Dream Cruises brand, the 2017-built vessel was arrested and brought under the management of V.Ships Leisure back in March.

Genting Dream
Previous Brand: Dream Cruises
Year Built: 2016
Capacity: 3,400 guests
Location: Southeast Asia
Status: Chartered to Resorts World Cruises

Now sailing for Resorts World Cruises, the Genting Dream is currently offering a series of short cruises in Southeast Asia.

Departing from Singapore, the operation includes visits to Malaysia and Indonesia, marking the launch of the new cruise operator – which chartered the 2016-built vessel in May.

Crystal Serenity
Previous Brand: Crystal Cruises
Year Built: 2003
Capacity: 980 guests
Location: Enroute to Trieste, Italy
Status: Sold to A&K Travel Group

After spending several months arrested in the Bahamas, the Crystal Serenity was auctioned in June and is now sailing to Italy.

Along with its sister ship Crystal Symphony, the 2003-built vessel was acquired by A&K Travel Group. The new owners, who also bought the Crystal Cruises brand and other assets, plan to relaunch the luxury company in 2023.

Crystal Symphony
Previous Brand: Crystal Cruises
Year Built: 1995
Capacity: 848 guests
Location: Enroute to Trieste, Italy
Status: Sold to A&K Travel Group

Previously arrested in the Bahamas, the Crystal Symphony is ailing in Italy following a judicial auction. 

Like its fleet mate Crystal Serenity, the 1995-built luxury ship was bought by the A&K Travel Group and is expected to resume service in 2023.

Explorer Dream
Previous Brand: Dream Cruises
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Location: Port Klang, Malaysia
Status: Awaiting decision/buyer

The Explorer Dream is currently anchored off Port Klang, in Malaysia. Formerly operated by Dream Cruises, the 1999-built vessel continues to wait for a decision regarding its future.

After spending most of the pandemic offering domestic cruising in Taiwan, the former SuperStar Virgo arrived in Malaysia in March.

SuperStar Aquarius
Previous Brand: Star Cruises
Year Built: 1993
Capacity: 1,529 guests
Location: Southeast Asia
Status: Expected to be scrapped 

After being re-flagged and renamed in May, the ex-SuperStar Aquarius is currently named Arius, under St. Kitts and Nevis flag.

Expected to be scrapped along with other former Star Cruises ships, the vessel left Southeast Asia in May for what was believed to be its final trip. Instead of sailing to a ship-breaking yard, however, the 1993-built vessel sailed to Sri Lanka, where, according to the local media, it will stay laid up for the next month.

SuperStar Gemini
Previous Brand: Star Cruises
Year Built: 1992
Capacity: 1,472 guests
Location: Port Klang, Malaysia
Status: Expected to be scrapped

Like its sister ship, the former SuperStar Gemini arrived in Sri Lanka recently for a month-long layup.

Also expected to be scrapped, the 30-year-old cruise ship saw a change of name and registry as well, now called Gem under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Star Pisces
Previous Brand: Star Cruises
Year Built: 1991
Capacity: 1,384 guests
Location: Southeast Asia
Status: To be scrapped

The Star Pisces is set to be dismantled in India. After leaving Southeast Asia in late May, the vessel arrived in Alang earlier this month and is expected to be beached soon.

Previously operated by the Star Cruises brand, the former cruise ferry used to offer one-night cruises departing from the port of Hong Kong.

The Taipan
Previous Brand: Star Cruises
Year Built: 1989
Capacity: 64 guests
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Status: Sold to OM Ships

Previously Genting’s smallest ship, The Taipan was sold to OM Ships in May. The German religious organization's famous plans to transform the 1989-built vessel into a missionary ship and floating bookshop.

Before entering service for its new owners, the 32-cabin mega yacht is set to undergo a major transformation in a yet-to-be-named shipyard in Asia. 

SuperStar Libra
Previous Brand: Star Cruises/MV Werften
Year Built: 1988
Capacity: 1,494 guests
Location: Aliaga, Turkey
Status: Beached for scrapping 

The SuperStar Libra is now being dismantled in Turkey after being beached for scrapping at the Aliaga Ship Breaking Yard in May.

Previously operated by Star Cruises, the 1988-built cruise ship was serving as a gloating hotel at the MV Werften – a Genting-owned shipyard in Germany - since 2018.

MSC Growth Plans: 12 More Cruise Ships for 2 Brands

MSC Growth Plans: 12 More Cruise Ships for 2 Brands

MSC Group has ambitious plans to continue growing cruise capacity, with six more ships for its MSC Cruises brand set to be delivered over the next five years, plus another six ships for new luxury brand Explora Journeys, according to the new Global Cruise Ship Index.

Next up for the MSC  Cruises will be the Seascape, joining the brand from Fincantieri later this year ahead of its New York christening. That will be followed by the World Europa, which will be the company's first LNG-powered cruise ship, and will debut this winter in the Middle East following her delivery from Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

MSC Upcoming Newbuilds:

Cruise Line	Ship	Tonnage	Year Built	Passengers	Yard
MSC	MSC Seascape	169,380	2022	4,560	Fincantieri
MSC	MSC World Europa	205,700	2022	5,400	Chantiers de l'Atlantique
MSC	MSC Euribia	177,100	2023	4,888	Chantiers de l'Atlantique
MSC	Unnamed	205,700	2024	5,400	Chantiers de l'Atlantique
MSC	Unnamed	205,700	2025	5,400	Chantiers de l'Atlantique
MSC	Unnamed	205,700	2027	5,400	Chantiers de l'Atlantique

The Explora Journeys brand will see dramatic growth in the luxury sector, going from one ship to six ships between 2023 and 2028. The company recently announced that ships three and four will run on LNG, while ships five and six will get a new-generation powerplant that will enable the vessels to burn liquid hydrogen.

Explora Journeys Upcoming Newbuilds:

Cruise Line	Ship	Tonnage	Year Built	Passengers	Yard
Explora Journeys	Explora I	64,000	2023	922	Fincantieri
Explora Journeys	Explora II	64,000	2024	922	Fincantieri
Explora Journeys	Explora III	70,000	2026	922	Fincantieri
Explora Journeys	Explora V	70,000	2027	922	Fincantieri
Explora Journeys	Explora IV	70,000	2027	922	Fincantieri
Explora Journeys	Explora VI	70,000	2028	922	Fincantieri

P&O Australia International Crew Takes The Stage

P&O Australia International Crew Takes The Stage

P&O Australia Cruises' Pacific Explorer hosted the company's International Crew Talent Show on Tuesday, according to a press release.

The International Crew Talent show marked another milestone in the company's resumption of operations, and crew members took the stage of the Marquee Theatre for a ten-act show that included singing, dancing, and a musical show, according to P&O.

Crew members from bars and restaurants, reception, and accommodation showcased their talents and participated in the show, which was a mix of Australia’s Got Talent and a Royal Variety Performance.

AIDA To Sponsor the Port of Hamburg’s 833rd Anniversary

AIDA To Sponsor the Port of Hamburg’s 833rd Anniversary

AIDA Cruises will sponsor the 833rd-anniversary celebrations for the Port of Hamburg, taking place from Sept. 16 to 18, 2022.

The main attraction on the water will be AIDAprima on Saturday evening, Sept. 17, 2022: As the finale of the birthday party, the AIDAprima will provide a light show in the heart of the city.

“We are delighted to be the sponsor of Hafengeburtstag Hamburg for the ninth time, the largest maritime event in northern Germany with over a million visitors,” commented Alexander Ewig, senior vice president of marketing and sales for AIDA, in a prepared statement.

During the three-day event, those interested in cruising can find inspiration for their next dream vacation aboard an AIDA ship at a cruise line store set up in the port. Among the features, visitors will be able to see a replica AIDAcosma cabin. There will also be a large roof terrace with lounge chairs, along with AIDA travel consultants to provide information.

By 2022, nine AIDA ships will make 120 calls in Hamburg, The AIDAsol kicked off the nearly 12-month season on Jan. 7, 2022, and the AIDAprima will conclude the year on Dec. 29, 2022.

MSC Bellissima Returns to the Mediterranean

MSC Bellissima Returns to the Mediterranean

Returning to Europe after a three-year gap, the MSC Bellissima is kicking off a series of Western Mediterranean cruises today.

Departing from Valencia, the 2019-built vessel welcomes guests for a cruise that sails to four popular destinations in Spain and Italy.

The seven-night route features visits to Barcelona, Genoa, Naples and Livorno, and two full days at sea.

Designed with more extended stays in ports, the itinerary allows guests to explore additional cities such as Madrid and Florence.

With Tarragona replacing Barcelona on selected departures, the cruise is set to be repeated through early November.

Previously scheduled to sail in the Far East, the Bellissima spent the last three months cruising in the Middle East.

Extending MSC Cruises’ season in the region, the vessel arrived in the region in March for a series of seven-night itineraries that included visits to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Sir Bani Yas.

Upon resuming revenue service in July, the vessel also sailed in the Red Sea, offering three- and four-night cruises to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.

Built-in France, the MSC Bellissima debuted in early 2019 as the second in a series of five ships known as the Meraviglia Class.

According to MSC Cruises, the vessel offers a “stunning array of features,” including 12 international dining venues and 20 different bars.

The 167,600-ton ship is also highlighted by the Galleria Bellissima, a 96-meter-long central promenade that features an 80-meter LED dome, in addition to the largest shopping area in the fleet, and a dedicated waterpark.

Boasting 19 decks and a capacity for over 4,500 guests in double occupancy, the Bellissima is also one of the largest ships of the MSC’s fleet – which now has all of its vessels in service again.

In June, the MSC Musica welcomed guests back, marking the return of all of the company’s 19 cruise ships for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Drops Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Testing

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Drops Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Testing

Norwegian Bliss in Ponta Delgada Azores, photo credit Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today announced it will no longer require guests to complete pre-cruise COVID-19 testing unless required by local regulations, according to a press release.

This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises beginning August 1, 2022, the company said.

The pre-embarkation testing requirement will remain in place for guests currently travelling on voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations, including but not limited to the U.S., Canada, Greece and Bermuda.

Norwegian said that the relaxation of the testing policy is in line with the rest of the travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide as society continues to adapt and return to a state of normalcy. The company added that it continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel.

Carnival Launches Special Website and Updates for Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Launches Special Website and Updates for Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Cruise Line fans can now register to be the “first to know” about Carnival Luminosa’s itineraries and special sale promotions at www.carnival.com/carnivalluminosa.

The Costa Luminosa will join the Carnival fleet in September and will start guest operations as Carnival Luminosa in November 2022 from Brisbane, Australia.

The Carnival Luminosa will operate seasonally from October through April from Brisbane, then reposition to Seattle, where it will sail Alaska itineraries from May through September, before returning to Brisbane, according to a press release.

Cruises out of Brisbane will be announced shortly, and Carnival will sail a variety of itineraries that will initially include visits to Australian favourites such as the Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach, and, as destinations open over time, ports of call such as Noumea and Lifou Isle in New Caledonia, Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

The Luminosa is a sister ship to the four other Spirit-class ships that already sail for Carnival. Given the short timeline to get the Carnival Luminosa ready for service, the ship will go through some modest updates to change over from Costa to Carnival over the next few months ahead of the November service start-up.

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.

Marella Cruises has revealed details of the new ship Marella Voyager

Marella Cruises has revealed details of the new ship Marella Voyager’s bar and dining options ahead of its launch this summer.

The all-inclusive vessel will include new venues such as Silver Fork, a British-themed speciality restaurant; The Arts House, a bar with an arts and crafts space; and The Kitchens, a food hall with eight eateries rolled into one. The ship also offers a spa, pool and show lounge.

 

Marella will also debut its first Mexican restaurant, Abuela’s, which will offer a range of dishes such as tacos, burritos, nachos and fajitas.

From its homeport in Majorca, Voyager will sail to destinations such as Barcelona, Naples, Sicily and the south of France. In the winter, it will offer eight-night itineraries from Barbados.

Chris Hackney, managing director of cruise for Tui UK and Ireland, said: "We’re delighted to present an exciting evolution of our fleet in Marella Voyager.

 

"She really takes things to a new level, building on our current ships’ best features, whilst adding new venues that we know our customers will be excited to try.

"We understand what guests want from their cruise and what they love about our existing ships, so by ensuring we keep some Marella Cruises favourites as well as adding a different flavour to Marella Voyager, we will be providing more choice for our loyal customers and providing an exciting introduction to the brand for new customers."

The line has also announced plans to offer sailings in Canada for the first time as part of its winter 2023/2024 programme, which goes on sale on 21 July.