Silversea Reveals Public Areas on Silver Nova

Silversea Reveals Public Areas on Silver Nova

Silversea Cruises has revealed full details on the public venues aboard its new ship Silver Nova, including what it said was the most extensive array of bars, lounges, and restaurants of any ultra-luxury cruise ship.

The 728-guest Silver Nova will host 10 bars and lounges, eight distinct restaurants, and an array of additional public venues when she launches in August 2023.

Silversea will enhance the Silver Nova with a new design approach in a first for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line: guests will benefit from an asymmetrical design, as well as a horizontal layout, which will heighten the ship’s sense of spaciousness and provide a natural flow between venues on entire decks, the company said.

“In addition to her pioneering sustainability credentials, Silver Nova will unlock a new luxury experience for our guests, offering an industry-leading variety of bars, lounges, and restaurants with an entirely new design approach for Silversea,” said Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “Silver Nova represents a milestone in our strategy to build the perfect ship for every itinerary, with her array of venues enhancing the guest experience to a new level. She will push boundaries in ultra-luxury travel and enrich the social aspect of cruising to unprecedented levels, fostering the strong sense of community that is core to life on board each Silversea ship. Her openness to the destinations she visits will offer guests a new way of connecting with the world.”

The company said the ship’s horizontal layout allows for a stronger connection between settings, with an enhanced guest experience that flows throughout the ship and evolves with each venue according to the time of day. Silver Nova’s public spaces include:

The Dolce Vita Lounge

Silversea’s signature pre-and post-dinner drinks venue, the Dolce Vita (pictured above) lounge will represent the heart of Silver Nova—located on deck five with a capacity for up to 120 guests. Open from early in the morning until late in the evening, Dolce Vita will provide an elegant setting throughout the day, welcoming guests for leisurely drinks and enrichment activities, before transforming into a sophisticated piano bar by night. A feature bar will sit centrally within the 370.5m2 (3,988ft2) space, complemented by a performance area, and ample seating.

The Venetian Lounge

Silver Nova’s two-storied Venetian Lounge will have a capacity for 370 guests on decks four and five, with a 550m2 (5,920ft2) lower level and an upper tier of 190m2 (2,045ft2). The home of Silver Nova’s enrichment and entertainment offering, the Venetian Lounge will host live theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, and events of an evening, as well as informative lectures and seminars during the daytime. The venue will incorporate state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, including a large HD screen; cabaret-style seating with small tables; and balconies for an intimate viewing experience.

The Shelter

A brand new venue for Silversea, the Shelter will be a sophisticated evening-only bar, accommodating just 32 guests in a chic setting of 131m2 (1,410ft2). Set adjacent to Atlantide and S.A.L.T.® Kitchen on deck three, the Shelter will welcome guests for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails. The venue’s elegant interiors will employ a neutral colour palette, illuminated by tasteful lighting. The Shelter’s striking bar will include a wrap-around bottle display with integrated strips of lighting for a modern aesthetic. Forming a harmonious connection with Silver Nova’s other nightlife venues, the Shelter will entertain guests with an open feel.

The Connoisseur’s Corner

Offering guests a selection of premium cigars and liquors on deck five, Silver Nova’s 61.5m2 (662ft2) Connoisseur’s Corner will benefit from a new layout with a capacity of 35, featuring a larger, modern interior space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor area. With comfortable Chesterfield armchairs, the Connoisseur’s Corner will have the exclusive look and feel of a private member’s club.

The Observation Lounge

Offering guests panoramic, 270-degree views over the destination from deck 10, the Observation Lounge will provide a vantage point from the top of Silver Nova, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothing colour palette that is inspired by the sea. Enlarged to 256.5m2 (2,761ft2), the venue will accommodate up to 115 guests from early in the morning until late at night. The lounge will house Silver Nova’s library, offering travellers an intimate space in which to relax with a book.

The Panorama Lounge

A peaceful lounge by day and a lively bar by night, Silver Nova’s Panorama Lounge will accommodate up to 190 guests, sprawling over 547m2 (5,888ft2) on deck five. Large windows that surround the space’s interiors give way to 221m2 (2,379ft2) of outdoor space, from which guests will enjoy 270-degree views over the destination from the ship’s aft. Aboard Silver Nova, the Panorama Lounge will feature a new layout when compared to Silversea’s Muse-class ships, as well as a new design and colour palette.

S.A.L.T. Bar

The S.A.L.T. Bar will enjoy a premium position aboard Silver Nova when compared to Silversea’s previous class of ships, relocated to deck 10. More spacious than ever, with a capacity for 42 guests and an area of 170.8m2 (1,838.5ft2), the evening venue will be enriched with a larger bar area, as well as far-reaching views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a new outdoor area. The S.A.L.T. Bar will serve regionally inspired drinks in warm, elegant interiors, with a dark colour palette and comfortable armchairs for an intimate atmosphere.

S.A.L.T. Lab

Also relocated to deck 10 for a prime view of the destination and with a new outdoor area, the S.A.L.T. Lab will be greatly enhanced aboard Silver Nova with a fresh layout—enlarged to approximately 112.4m2 (1,209.9ft2) and accommodating 28 guests. The test kitchen will enable guests to travel deeper into each sailed region through the lens of food and drink, providing the opportunity to get hands-on with regional ingredients under the guidance of local food experts and Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Host. Enjoying the same bright, elegant interior design as on previous ships, the S.A.L.T. Lab will comprise cooking stations and a larger, redesigned central workstation aboard Silver Nova—at which participating guests will be able to sit to view demonstrations.

Otium Spa

The Otium Spa will be relocated when compared to Silver Dawn℠, positioned towards Silver Nova’s bow on deck five with a more spacious interior. Open throughout the day as the home of Silversea’s Roman-inspired Otium wellness program, the 338m2 (3,638.2ft2) space will incorporate an indoor swimming pool; spa, with eight treatment rooms and a tranquil relaxation area; fitness centre; and beauty salon. Inspired by the design of Ancient Roman baths, the Otium Spa will have an open, welcoming feel, in which guests’ wellness journeys will flow seamlessly between interconnecting areas. The thermal area will be larger than ever, with a steam room; sauna; and pool, complete with a travertine water fountain and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft lighting and natural stones, including hints of red marble, will create an elegant, relaxing setting.

Lindblad Breaks Booking Record, Call Volume Surges

Lindblad Breaks Booking Record, Call Volume Surges

Adventure travel has become the most popular travel trend of the decade, according to Noah Brodsky, Chief Commercial Officer for Lindblad Expeditions.

The company said it saw its biggest-ever booking day on Jan. 3. 2023, 14 per cent up over the previous record.

In addition to solid bookings, Lindblad Expeditions has also experienced an increase in inbound calls, with the busiest day of the year exceeding the busiest day of 2022 by almost 30%. The company said that this trend has continued, with last Thursday’s inbound call volume being around 40% higher than the average busy Monday.

“With over 50 years of pioneering heritage exploring more than 150 world-opening itineraries, people are turning to Lindblad Expeditions for authentic expedition cruise experiences,” said Brodsky. “This is a strong start to what we strongly believe will be a record-breaking year for our fleet of unique expedition ships.”

 

Port of Southampton to Host Seven Maiden Calls in 2023.

Port of Southampton to Host Seven Maiden Calls in 2023.

The Port of Southampton is set to host seven maiden calls in 2023 after it hailed 2022 a "successful and significant" year.

This year, the port is due to welcome 492 cruise calls and will host maiden calls from a further seven cruise ships, including new builds MSC Explora 1 and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova.

 

In 2022, the port saw 600 cruise days and eight plaque and key ceremonies for Azamara Onward, Celebrity Beyond, Silver Moon, Norwegian Prima, Aida Perla, Aida Cosma, Enchanted Princess and P&O Cruises’ Arvia.

Continuing its work to promote air quality initiatives, in spring the port switched shore power on at two of its five terminals – Horizon and Mayflower – and since then has supported 15 ships to plug in a total of 42 times for zero emissions at berth.

Rebekah Keeler, head of the cruise at Associated British Ports, said: "We’re proud to provide award-winning cruise operational support year-round to the world’s biggest and smallest cruise ships.

"Supported by our port-based cruise services providers, we look forward to another successful year in 2023."

American Cruise Lines has installed StarLink.

American Cruise Lines has installed StarLink.

American Cruise Lines has installed SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet to its 2023 fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships.

The new service – which will be complimentary on all 2023 cruises – will ensure "seamless connectivity and faster upload speeds" nearly everywhere the company’s small ships operate.

Starlink is powered by a constellation of lower earth (LEO) satellites, that provide a connection to American ships and riverboats. 

 

In 2023, the line will introduce three more new ships, bringing its total fleet to 17 small vessels and riverboats to sail across 35 states.

NCL REINTRODUCES COVID-19 TESTS FOR GUESTS EMBARKING IN CHINA

Norwegian Star arriving in Liverpool photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Norwegian Cruise Line has reintroduced Covid-19 testing for all guests who have visited mainland China 10 days before embarkation as cases in the country continue to rise.

The move comes as a result of growing concerns regarding the virus in China, as well as recently implemented travel restrictions by countries including the UK and the US.

 

Between 5-31 January, guests who have visited mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau within 10 days prior to embarkation will be required to submit proof of a negative medically supervised PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the beginning of travel to the port.

 

This also applies to guests transiting through an airport in one of the countries within 10 days prior to embarkation.

Additionally, guests will be required to take a medically supervised PCR test at the port within eight hours of embarkation and will be required to test onboard the ship every 48 hours until 10 days have passed from their last time in China, Hong Kong, or Macau.

Passengers must also be fully vaccinated and boosted with a World Health Organization-approved vaccine prior to embarkation.

It comes after the EU recommended all passengers travelling from China to the EU should be required to provide evidence of a recent negative test for Covid-19.

 

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson this week said the restrictions being imposed on travellers from China "lacked scientific basis", adding the Chinese government would now consider reciprocal countermeasures.

China Cruise Line Staffs Up, Anticipating Restart

China Cruise Line Staffs Up, Anticipating Restart

The Chinese cruise industry may be ready to start sooner than later, as CSSC Carnival China Cruise Shipping, which will operate as Adora Cruises, is staffing up in the sales department.

The company is a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation.

The company announced the appointment of Chen Yinglan as the sales director of the East China region, Lin Binbin as the sales director of the South China region, and Sun Wen as the sales director of the North China region.

Chen Ranfeng, CEO of CSSC Carnival, said in a translated statement: “The three are ‘senior cruise people’ who have been deeply involved in the industry for many years. They are also leaders in the cruise sales field. They have rich experience in marketing and a solid industry foundation in their respective regions. Maintain long-term and good cooperative relations with partners in the same industry. I believe they will play an important role in the market expansion of CSSC Carnival.”

The company said it will use a multi-vessel multi-homeport operation strategy and operate international routes in East Asia and Southeast Asia throughout the year. The company will focus on homeporting ships in China but is also committed to selling international departures as well, according to a statement.

As far as ships, the Costa Atlantica and Mediterranea previously transferred to Carnival’s joint venture in China prior. A new building is scheduled to be delivered from a shipyard in Shanghai this year.

Record Inaugural Cruise Calls for Gibraltar in 2022

Record Inaugural Cruise Calls for Gibraltar in 2022

The Minister for Business and Tourism, Hon Vijay Daryanani, announced that Gibraltar has seen a record number of 20 inaugural cruise calls in 2022, beating the previous best of 19 in 2016.

“The cruising industry has suffered immensely but the Government has worked at full throttle to make sure that Gibraltar has not been forgotten and the statistics are proof of this,” said Daryanani.

“I have represented Gibraltar at the most important cruise conferences in the world. I have spoken about what we have to offer and people have approached me to talk about us. We have recovered quickly in 2022 after the pandemic and now we have a record amount of inaugural calls. This new year will be better as we already have more calls booked than last year. 

“Whatever my detractors may say, I will continue marketing Gibraltar because that’s what our retail and hospitality industries want and expect from me. It is not easy in this very competitive industry but we will work hard to deliver on all fronts.”

Following a difficult time for the cruise industry during the pandemic, Gibraltar is now making a steady recovery. 

MSC World Cruises Set to Depart from Barcelona on Separate Itineraries

MSC World Cruises Set to Depart from Barcelona on Separate Itineraries

After leaving Genoa earlier this week, the two MSC Cruises ships on world cruise itineraries are now in Barcelona and set to sail in different directions.

The MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica departed Genoa on Thursday for their respective four-month cruises and both vessels called Marseille in France before arriving simultaneously this morning in the Spanish port.

 Nearly 600 Spanish guests today boarded both ships before they started their different routes, the company said.

The MSC Poesia will next sail to Funchal on the island of Madiera and the MSC Magnifica to Cadiz in Spain.

 Nearly 4,200 guests from 54 countries will sail the world on both vessels, an industry first for two global voyages operated by a major cruise line.

The MSC Poesia will call 53 ports in 33 different countries and her 117-day voyage will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal and travel up the West Coast of Central America and North America and then sail the Pacific Ocean before an extended period in Asia.  The vessel will cross the Indian Ocean and return to Europe via the Suez Canal.

MSC Magnifica’s 119-day sailing will circumnavigate South America following a transatlantic voyage, crossing the South Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and then through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea.  The ship will visit 43 destinations in 24 different countries.

AIDAaura to Leave Carnival Corporation Fleet This September

AIDAaura to Leave Carnival Corporation Fleet This September

AIDA Cruises has announced that the AIDAaura will leave its fleet this September, in line with Carnival Corporation’s announcement to slim down its fleet by divesting another three older and smaller ships.

The German brand has therefore announced a farewell season for the ship, kicking off on Jan. 9, 2023, in Cape Town with the first of a total of four 14-day voyages to South Africa & Namibia.

On March 6, 2023, the 27-day cruise from South Africa to Hamburg (Germany), via Namibia, the Cape Verde Islands and the Canary Islands, as well as Portugal and Spain, will depart from the metropolis on the Cape of Good Hope.

Starting in April, cruises include the “Great Norway Round Trip” to the North Cape over Easter or the two new seven-day voyages on the AIDAaura from/to Hamburg to Norway’s fjords and to Scotland. These can also be booked as a 14-day cruise.

In July and August 2023, it’s time to sail from Hamburg and Bremerhaven on 21-day cruises to Iceland and Greenland with passages along the glaciers and icebergs in Prins-Christian-Sund or Disko Bay.

AIDAaura’s last voyage for AIDA Cruises leads on well-known European rivers such as the Thames to Tilbury on the outskirts of the British capital London, the Seine in France to Rouen or the Scheldt in Belgium to Antwerp.

The AIDAaura was named on April 12, 2003, in Rostock. Among highlights, in its debut season, AIDAaura was the official German Olympic ship during the Summer Games in Athens (Greece) and sailed to destinations in the Mediterranean as well as the Caribbean and Central America. Further highlights were the exclusive AIDAselection voyages to Mauritius and Seychelles, to the Orient, to India and Greenland, to Iceland or as far as the Arctic Circle to Spitsbergen.

As part of the world cruise in winter 2018/2019, AIDAaura guests visited 41 destinations on four continents in 117 days.

Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea First Ship to Dock In Venezuela in 15 Years

Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea First Ship to Dock In Venezuela in 15 Years

On January 3, 2023, Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea became the first ship in 15 years to dock on Isla Margarita, Venezuela, the company said.

Venezuelan Minister of Tourism Ali Padrón arrived at the island, especially for this event and visited Captain Robert Fronenbroek and Cruise Director Manuela Bzdega onboard the Amadea.

“We at Phoenix Reisen thank you for the warm and colourful welcome provided to our guests and the crew,” the company wrote on social media.

The Bahamas-flagged ship docked at the Caribbean island of Margarita carrying almost 500 passengers, mainly from Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

“For many years Venezuela was off the radar of cruise ships,” said Tourism Minister Ali Padron, as he welcomed the historic docking.

The arrival of the Amadea may open the food for other cruise lines to return to the country. 

The Amadea is currently on its 23-day voyage which departed from Villefranche (Nice) France, on December 20 with calls in Cadiz, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Bridgetown, Barbados and Scarborough, Tobago among other destinations. The journey will end in Puntarenas, Costa Rica on January 11. 

A Look at the 13 Charter Cruises on Norwegian Pearl

A Look at the 13 Charter Cruises on Norwegian Pearl

With Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings rolling out its “Experiences at Sea” division, the company also announced the Norwegian Pearl will sail 13 back-to-back theme/charter cruises starting later this month.

The 13 back-to-back cruises from Jan. 20, 2023 – Mar. 27, 2023, include:

• Cruise Perfect (Jan. 20 –23) Miami to Nassau, Bahamas – The five dudes from Dude Perfect host an action-packed three-day cruise full of trick shots, challenges and fun for the whole family.
• The Rock Boat XXII (Jan 23. – 28) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Nassau, Bahamas – Guests will enjoy a five-day cruise hosted by Sister Hazel and featuring over 30 acts from Need to Breathe, Neon Trees, American Authors, Lit and so much more.
• On the Blue (Jan. 28 – Feb. 2) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Costa Maya, Mexico – Hosted by Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, guests will enjoy a five-day classic rock cruise featuring an array of musical performances.
• Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea (Feb. 2 – 6) Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas – Chris Jericho hosts a four-day cruise featuring the perfect blend of rock and world-class wrestling.
• Nursecon at Sea (Feb. 6 – 10) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – The Ultimate Nursing Conference created by Nurse Blake will provide attendees with the perfect balance of vacation, entertainment, fun with professional learning (including accredited CNE courses) and networking.
• Cayamo 15 (Feb. 10 – 17) Miami to Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Guests will celebrate the 15th anniversary of this Americana journey through song with over 40 artists, featuring Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird, Trampled by Turtles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Patty Griffin, Neko Case, Shovels & Rope and many more.
• Sail Across the Sun (Feb. 17 – 21) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Guests will embark on a four-day cruise hosted by Train with performances from over 20 artists including Fitz and the Tantrums, G. Love & Special, plus comedy from Nick Swardson, wine tastings and more.
• Outlaw Country Cruise 7 (Feb. 21 – 27) Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Cozumel, Mexico – Celebrating the seventh edition, guests will enjoy performances from over 40 artists including once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, featuring The Mavericks, John Anderson, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle & The Dukes and more.
• The Friendship (Feb. 27- March 3) Miami to Nassau, Bahamas to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas – Hosted by All My Friends and Gary Richards, DESTRUCTO, the music festival returns for its third year hosting a soon-to-be-announced line-up of artists and schedule of events for electric dance music (EDM) aficionados.
• The Beach Boys Cruise (March 3 – 8) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Costa Maya, Mexico – The Beach Boys are not only bringing their good vibrations, but also performances by The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Mark McGrath and so many more on this five-day cruise.
• 311 Caribbean Cruise 7 (March 8 – 13) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Roatan, Honduras – 311 host 3/11 Day at Sea with featured performances by Arrested Development, G. Love & Special Sauce, Less Than Jake, and more, plus shows from comedians still to be announced.
• Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VIII (March 13 – 17) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Joe Bonamassa hosts a celebration of blues with over 20 artists, featuring Little Feat, Dion, Bobby Rush, Robert Randolph Band and more.
• Atlantis (March 17 – 27) Miami to Key West to Cozumel, Mexico to Harvest Caye, Belize to Colon, Panama to Cartagena, Colombia to Georgetown, Grand Cayman – Each Atlantis cruise offers a carefree experience for the gay community based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure and pure uninhibited fun.
• Plus: The Broadway Cruise (March 31 – April 5) New York City to Bermuda on Norwegian Gem – Guests can immerse themselves in the world of Broadway with special performances from Tony-Award winners Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming and more, plus panels and activities from the best creators in the business.

Carnival Cruise Line Raises Gratuities and Wi-Fi Prices

Carnival Cruise Line Raises Gratuities and Wi-Fi Prices

Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting gratuity levels for all of its U.S. and European cruises, raising the values of the recommended daily crew tips starting on April 1, 2023.

According to a letter sent to booked guests, the gratuities for both standard staterooms and suites will be increased by $1.50.

“Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, so we hope you will agree that this slight increase is well deserved,” Carnival stated.

With the change, passengers of standard cabins will now be suggested to pay $16 per guest per day, while for suite guests, the recommended amount will be $18 per guest per day.

Prepaid gratuities will be honoured, the company said, with passengers being able to secure the current rates if they pay the fees online before April 1.

If not paid in advance, the recommended gratuity value will be added to passengers’ onboard account during their cruise “as a convenience,” Carnival added in the letter.

However, while onboard, guests are also free to adjust the values at their own discretion, the company explained.

In addition to raising gratuity levels, Carnival Cruise Line is also raising the prices of the onboard Wi-Fi internet access plans.

According to the same statement, the increase will be effective for all embarkations starting on January 16, 2023.

The Social plan had its fare adjusted to $12.75 per day, up from $10.20, while the Value plan will be priced at $17 per day, up from $14.45. The Premium plan will cost $18.70 per day, up from $17.

Passengers are also welcome to prepurchase their internet plans at the current rates, the company added.

Carnival last adjusted the value of the recommended daily gratuities in April 2022. At the time, the amounts were increased by $0.50.

Oceania Vista Ready for 2023 Debut

Oceania Vista Ready for 2023 Debut

Oceania Cruises' new ship, the Oceania Vista, is joining the fleet in 2023.

The cruise line’s newest ship is being constructed by Fincantieri, as is Oceania Vista’s sister ship scheduled to arrive in 2025. Both are part of the brand’s new Allura class of ships.

The Oceania Vista will deliver the “Finest Cuisine at Sea” according to the company, with personalized service and a range of dining options for guests to choose from.

Aside from casual dining experiences such as a poolside burger, the ship will also feature private dining venues as well as Privée, a special venue for bespoke culinary celebrations for a maximum of ten guests.

The 67,000-ton ship accommodating 1,200 guests will embark on its maiden voyage from Rome, Italy to Barcelona, Spain on April 14, 2023.

Itineraries include visits to 24 countries across four continents for in debut season.

The Oceania Vista’s inaugural 2023 season will include:
● Exploring the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras
● Greek Isles
● Holy Lands of Turkey and Israel
● Canary Islands
● Wine Country of Spain,
● Portugal and France
● The British Isles and Ireland
● Colonial America and Panama Canal

The itineraries will feature overnight stays in Lisbon, Venice, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Bordeaux, Montreal and New York City. The ship will also explore off-the-beaten-paths such as Port-Vendres, Bodrum, Kavala/Philippi, Bozcaada, Chania, Izmir, Salerno, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Killybegs, Saint-Pierre, Shelburne, Martha’s Vineyard and Corinto.

On April 26, the ship will embark on a ten-day journey from Barcelona, Spain with calls to the ports of Grenada, Tangier, and Lisbon. On May 16, the Oceania Vista will set sail on a 14-day Mediterranean Visions voyage.

MSC Virtuosa the First Ship to Dock in Hamburg in 2023

MSC Virtuosa the First Ship to Dock in Hamburg in 2023

MSC Virtuosa arriving into Southampton Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

The MSC Virtuosa was the first cruise ship to dock in Hamburg in 2023.

The MSC Virtuosa arrived in Hamburg on January 1, 2023, marking the beginning of this year’s cruise season. 

From January 8 to January 29, the ship will set course for the Canary Islands for three weeks. The ship will make calls in Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, Lisbon, Cadiz and Casablanca followed by visits to the Atlantic islands of Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. On the way back to Hamburg, the MSC Virtuosa will call in La Coruna and Southampton.

The MSC Virtuosa will make several calls in Hamburg before April 16 turning around in the German port.

 In the summer of 2023, the cruise ship will then depart from Southampton, England for Norway or southern Europe. 

The MSC Euribia will then take over the trips to Hamburg from the MSC Virtuosa. In the summer of 2023, it will depart from Kiel and head to the Norwegian fjords. Throughout the 2023/2024 season, the MSC Euribia will return to Hamburg on a weekly basis.

The Port of Hamburg is expecting around 280 calls from cruise ships in 2023. The highlights in the port are the port birthday from May 5 to 7, 2023, and the Cruise Days from September 8 to 10, 2023. 

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.

 

Costa Smeralda, the Spectacular Floating Stage of Sanremo’s Music

Costa Smeralda, the Spectacular Floating Stage of Sanremo’s Music

Costa Cruises announced that it will be back in Sanremo with the Costa Smeralda for the famous Italian musical event that takes place from February 7-11. 

“Our presence in Sanremo will be even more spectacular than last year. From our floating stage, you will see just how much fun you can have on a ship like the Costa Smeralda because we will be hosting more than just performances: they will be moments where guests can dance, sing, feel good together with others and experience emotions to remember,” -said Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises

The Costa Smeralda will host shows every night as a floating stage for the duration of the festival, featuring extraordinary artists, according to a press release. 

To celebrate the event, Costa Cruises has prepared a very eventful cruise featuring Italian travel agents, Italian clients and members of C|Club, the company’s loyalty club. 

The Costa Smeralda will be anchored in front of Sanremo from February 4 through February 12, 2023, allowing guests to experience Italian music, Italian gastronomy, selected Italian pastry as well as Italian comedy.

 Costa wanted to highlight the presence of partners with whom the cruise company usually collaborates. In addition to live broadcasts, experiencing the most popular Italian music event of the year from its “floating stage,” guests onboard will be able to enjoy exclusive experiences created for the occasion, which will change daily.

 The Costa Smeralda’s floating stage program includes special guests, tastings, previews, workshops, and sports courses. Additionally, guests will also be able to go ashore and explore the city of Sanremo during the music festival. 

Carnival’s Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse Light New Year’s Eve Ball

Carnival’s Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse Light New Year’s Eve Ball

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse joined the Times Square Alliance President of Countdown Entertainment Jeffrey Straus tonight, along with their families, to flip the switch that lit New York City’s famous New Year’s Eve Ball for the countdown to 2023.

Duffy and Lagasse invited everyone celebrating in New York and watching from home to “Choose Fun Together,” which is also the theme of Carnival’s 2023 advertising campaign that can be seen throughout Times Square.

At the same time, the iconic ball was lit in Times Square, and nearly 100,000 guests onboard Carnival ships fleetwide also kicked off celebrations to ring in the new year.

Cruise Ships Celebrate New Year in Funchal

Cruise Ships Celebrate New Year in Funchal

Various cruise ships were welcomed in 2023 in Funchal as guests were onboard dockside and in the harbour for the city’s spectacular fireworks display.

Ship Line Up

• Marella Cruises: Marella Explorer
• Nicko Cruises: Vasco Da Gama
• AIDA: AIDAsella
• Fred. Olsen: Borealis
• TUI: Mein Schiff Herz
• Cunard: Queen Victoria

The city’s New Years' eve celebration has quickly become a cruise tradition for European brands, which often time their itineraries with an overnight call to Funchal on New Year's Eve. It’s among a handful of ports around the world already in a key cruise region at the right time of the year where guests can stay on the ship and have a front-row seat to a fireworks show.