MSC latest flagship makes maiden visit to Southampton
Having arrived under the cover of darkness and in the rain that usually greats a maiden cruise ship arrival in Southampton a warm welcome was nevertheless made for MSC Cruises latest state of the art ship MSC Euribia when she arrived 13th October 2023.
The LNG powered MSC Euribia is the latest state of the art cruise ship to join the Swiss/Italian cruise line’s fast growing fleet and takes sustainability to the next level.
In June of this year while on a 4 day sailing from the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France to Copenhagen in Denmark the ship achieved the world’s first net zero greenhouse gas voyage.
Along with the other two Meraviglia-Plus class sister ships, MSC Euribia features ship to shore technology allowing the use of shoreside power while in port, which was being utilised while berthed at Southampton ultra modern Horizon Cruise Terminal.
MSC Euribia is the first ship in the fleet to feature hull art and it is the ships most notable feature. The line held an international contest to design ocean inspired art for the new ship. Over 450 entries from over 50 countries were submitted with the striking sea theme by German artist Alex Flaeming being chosen as the final winner.
With Southampton as the UK homeport MSC Euribia will offer 7 night Northern Pearl cruises with the following itinerary Southampton – Hamburg – Zeebrugge – Rotterdam – Le Havre – Southampton
She replaces fleet mate MSC Virtuosa which will head to the Mediterranean and then onward to her new home-port in Dubai before returning in spring 2024.
Prepare for an unprecedented Caribbean adventure as Celebrity Cruises, the award-winning cruise line, announces its revamped Caribbean programme for Summer 2024. From April 2024, beach lovers, relaxation seekers and adventure chasers, will all be able to enjoy the Caribbean like never before on board two award-winning ships, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Reflection, as they begin to call the tropics home. Not only does the new programme double the brand’s number of year-round Caribbean sailings, but both ships will now offer guests the exciting opportunity to experience Perfect Day at CocoCay for the first time in history.
In addition to its new Caribbean programme, Celebrity Cruises is thrilled to share that the rest of the line’s award-winning Edge Series ships will be based in the top destinations across the globe in Summer 2024, offering traveller’s an opportunity to explore Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Alaska, all from an Edge Series ship.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, comments, “Our customers have been consistently asking for more opportunities to visit this stunning region year-round and have expressed a desire for a private island destination. By introducing this new programme, we can offer an Edge Series ship in all our top destinations for the summer season, and offer something new and historic to all our guests. Perfect Day is a destination like no other, and we are honoured to add it to our portfolio too.”
Celebrity’s new programme will host a broad offering of must-see destinations for summer 2024, complete with a wealth of opportunities for multi-generational families both in-destination and onboard, including the only fully customisable kids programme in the industry.
Year-round Caribbean programme:
Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the newest member of the brand’s revolutionary and modern Edge Series. From her new home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Celebrity Beyond will offer a mix of six to eight-night journeys which visit incredible destinations like Grand Cayman, The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, along with Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Just after sunrise on 4th June Norwegian Cruise Line’s stunning Norwegian Prima arrived at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton.
Her arrival marked the end of a transatlantic crossing which included port calls in Iceland, Norway and Northern Europe and with the arrival in Southampton the start of Prima’s first North European cruise season.
Launched in August 2022 Norwegian Prima is the first in a new series of six Prima-Class ships, originally designated as Leonardo-Class.
She was christened in September 2022 by Katy Perry in Reykjavik (Iceland).
Here is me getting up close and personal while she alongside the Ocean Cruise Terminal.
Norwegian Prima will is homeport in Southampton and sail on a series of 10-11 night cruises to the Icelandic capital with stops in Zeebrugge, Amsterdam, Bergen, Geiranger, Alesund, Akureyri, Reykjavik.
Following her stay Norwegian Prima set sail for Zeebrugge late in the afternoon.
Check out the sail away video below and see just how stunning she looked sailing from Southampton in the late afternoon sunshine.
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest post, I would love to hear if you have already sailed or are booked on Norwegian Cruises exciting new ship.
Princess Cruises celebrated a momentous construction milestone with the float out of the cruise line’s bespoke, next-generation ship – Sun Princess – at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Sun Princess (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Following the Italian shipyard’s tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a “Madrina” is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the vessel, celebrating the flow of water into the ship’s building dock. Princess Cruises Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger was selected to serve in this special role as an ambassador for Princess, because she epitomises professionalism and always delivers service with a smile.
A native of Slovenia, where Stumberger studied hospitality management, she began her career at sea in the bar department and further diversified her hotel experience by working in guest services, and hand in hand with the hotel and food and beverage divisions. Stumberger has been with Princess Cruises for nearly five years.
Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger honoured as Madrina of Sun Princess(Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
“Simona is the ideal candidate to serve as Madrina of our newest ship, Sun Princess, because she embodies all the best qualities that our company has to offer – an unwavering commitment to service, hospitality and friendliness,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Sun Princess will usher in an exciting new era for our company and the industry, and we can’t think of a better person to serve in this important role.”
The float out completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Sun Princess which now transitions to focus on building the ship’s interiors.
Sun Princess (Photo courtesy of Fincantieri)
Princess also announced that it has appointed Gennaro Arma as captain, leading Sun Princess shipbuilding operations, readiness and delivery, and overseeing the ship’s final stages of construction, working closely with brand’s naval architects, engineers and shipbuilding experts, as well as the shipyard management team.
The 175,500-tonne, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new dining, entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. The ship will be highlighted by amazing, never-before-seen spaces such as The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, the next-level, brand-iconic Piazza, and three-story Horizons dining room that are sure to have everyone talking.
In addition, Sun Princess has been designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Sun Princess’ sustainability features include:
Fuel and Energy Management
Although a duel-fuel ship Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) will be the primary fuel and Sun Princess will be the first ship in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG. This cleaner burning fuel will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gas-oil to minimise the cruise line’s environmental footprint. The LNG tanks measure tanks are 25 meters long and nine meters high and have a capacity of 4,000m3 sufficient for almost 9 days of sailing at service speed. The secondary fuel is marine gas-oil, so no heavy or intermediate fuel oil will be carried on board.
LNG Fuel tank (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
· Two shore power connections, also known as “cold ironing,” on both the port and starboard side of the vessel to enable the ship to turn off the engines and connect to local electric power to run all onboard services during day-long calls in various ports. Sun Princess is outfitted with custom-built electrical connection cabinets that automatically connect the ship’s electrical network to the local electrical network ashore, reducing air emissions in the ports that support shore power.
· Another first for Princess to supply sustainable power and better maneuverability to save fuel, Sun Princess will be outfitted with two Azipod propulsions for forward and backward movements and the four largest Controllable Pitch Propellers, known as bow thrusters, on the market for sideways navigation.
Waste Management
· All Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) installed for waste. MAGS is the world’s most compact, efficient and environmentally safe technology to convert a variety of combustible materials into thermal energy – energy that can be used in other systems onboard.
· Food waste management designed with distributed and centralized bio-digesters and dehydrators as a clean alternative to recycle food waste and reduce the use of landfills.
Sun Princess (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
As well as the above environmental features Sun Princess will also feature a waste-heat recovery optimization, an air lubrication system to reduce hull friction and high-efficiency LED lighting.
When Sun Princess debuts next February, she’ll spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before repositioning to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) in the fall.
Sun Princess is the lead ship in Princess Cruises new Sphere-Class and will be followed by a yet unnamed sister ship in 2025.
Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and Europe are currently on sale. More ship information and images can be found at princess.com/sunprincess.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 0344 338 8663 or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.
SUN RINCESS FACTFILE
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy)
Year of launch: 2024
Vessel Class: Princess Cruises Sphere Class
Building Costs: EUR 950 Billion / USD 1 Billion
Length: 345 m
Beam: 47 m
Gross Tonnage: 17550 gt
Crew: 1550
Decks: 20
Decks with cabins: 10
Passenger Capacity: 4320 passengers/lower berths (max capacity is 5189)
Thankyou for taking the time to read my latest post, I would love to hear if you are booked or planning to book Princess Cruises exciting new ship.
Arrival Marks the First New Carnival Ship in the UK in 20 Years
MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2022 – Today marked a special occasion as Carnival Cruise Line’s most anticipated new Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration, arrived to the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton, UK, for a first-look event and marked Carnival’s first time bringing a new ship to the UK in 20 years.
To warmly welcome the ship, Carnival hosted local officials, travel partners, and members of the media for a day of fun with guided tours and lunch. Southampton port officials and Celebration’s senior officers participated in a traditional plaque and key ceremony, as well.
To commemorate the special day, Carnival President Christine Duffy hosted a “Let’s Celebrate” event in the cruise terminal that included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting welcoming the first guests on board.
Earlier this week, the line took delivery of Carnival Celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, before Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri, Chief Engineer Fabian Gervaise and the ship’s 1,800 team members helped bring her to the UK destination.
“I can’t tell you how exciting this day has been, finally giving our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship,” said Christine. “Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th Birthday gift and is a key part of a very unique and exciting period of growth for us. It’s been a wonderful 50 years, and we kicked off the next 50 with a bang today! Next up – Miami!”
Later today, Carnival Celebration will depart on her 14-day transatlantic sailing to Miami where the line will soon host her official naming ceremony with Godmother Cassidy Gifford, daughter of longtime Carnival friend Kathie Lee Gifford, who was the Godmother of the original M/S Celebration.
Carnival Celebration features six unique zones, including the new Miami-themed 820 Biscayne, travel-inspired The Gateway, and stunning Celebration Central, as well as the BOLT roller coaster. Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system.
Including Carnival Celebration, Carnival is adding five beautiful new ships to its fleet over the next two years in an exciting period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history. Today, a second ship in Australia will be added as Carnival Luminosa begins guest operations in Brisbane, and next year, the third Excel-class ship Carnival Jubilee will debut from Galveston. Carnival will also introduce a new concept, “Carnival Fun Italian Style,” with Carnival Venezia joining next spring from New York City and Carnival Firenze in 2024 from Long Beach.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is proud to be known as America’s Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise sector, making a cruise vacation an affordable and popular option for millions of guests. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports and employs more than 40,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival currently operates 24 ships and is in an exciting period of growth, with Carnival Celebration and Carnival Luminosa, which began guest operations in November, and three additional ships joining the fleet by 2024.
Epic Sphere atrium, first-ever geodesic dome, innovative entertainment venues and premium suites headline the largest Princess ship ever built
Princess Cruises today unveiled details of its new and bespoke ship, Sun Princess. As the brand’s largest-ever ship, Sun Princess will accommodate 4,300 guests and boasts stunning views, innovative entertainment venues, multi-storey dining rooms and next level stateroom accommodations. Returning the venerable “Sun Princess” name back into operation, the ship remains true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics inspired by the Seawitch icon.
Rendering of Sun Princess (Courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and scheduled to debut in February 2024, the 175,500-tonne vessel is the largest Princess ship ever constructed and embraces Italian heritage by featuring the brand-iconic Piazza and new feature ‘The Dome’, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion that will extend Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional personalised experiences. Princess is unique in the ability to deliver incredible cruise ship amenities typical of the largest ships in the world while delivering personalised service found on the industry’s smallest ships.
Sun Princess will sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises from February 2024 followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in autumn 2024.
“Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the centre of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea.”
Innovative Guest Experience
Infused with light, the ship connects guests with dynamic views of the world and innovative experiences, with more than 29 dining and bar options. The line’s Piazza spans three storeys, forming an architectural feature offering guests an outward looking suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean views in every direction. An impressive LED screen is also showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza atrium will be a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, along with Princess favourites like Crooners Bar, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.
The other stand-out structure onboard Sun Princess is The Dome. Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, it is a multi-level covered deck and first-of-its-kind glass-enclosed dome to ever be constructed on a cruise ship. During the day, The Dome features an indoor/outdoor pool, and a unique water feature in a comfortable and relaxed space. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and The Dome completely transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, state-of-the-art lighting effects and the ability to deliver stunning aerial performances.
The ships overall interior design embraces the outside and celebrates the romance of the sea, offering outward views from morning to night. With brighter and lighter décor and finishes, Sun Princess delivers more memorable vantage points to take in the stunning destinations and ocean vistas that guests want to experience on a Princess cruise.
Newly Appointed Suites and Staterooms
With 2,157 total staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms, the 21-deck Sun Princess features more outdoor balcony space and all balcony accommodations feature an in-room sofa.
Also launching exclusively on Sun Princess will be a new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection. In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge, and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of The Sanctuary.
Club Class accommodations onboard Sun Princess, and all other Princess ships, will now be called Reserve Collection, which are the best-located mini suite staterooms. Within the Reserve Collection will be Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, an extra-large outdoor lounge space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.
In addition to the ship’s stunning design are the sustainable elements being engineered in the vessel. Sun Princess is part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising focus and is one of 11 new ships in the corporate fleet powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) technology.
The inaugural season for Sun Princess begins in February 2024 with Mediterranean itineraries. The ship’s first three voyages will go on sale at 00:01 on Friday, September 16. Fares start from £1,789pp for a 10-night Grand Mediterranean voyage, departing 28 February 2024.
This is the third ship to be honoured with the Sun Princess name, adding to the legacy of the first ship sailing from 1974 to 1988 and the second ship sailing from 1995 to 2020. At that time, she had the largest number of balcony cabins, and the cruise line’s first 24-hour cafe.
About Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognised as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.” In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Holidays enabled by the Medallion device, the travel industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalised holiday, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
In line with the latest advice from health officials about COVID-19, Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from medical experts and government bodies and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated oncurrent Cruise Updates and Health & Safety protocols.
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest post, I plan to bring you more news on Sun Princess as is announced.
Norwegian Cruise Lines newest ship Norwegian Prima made her UK debut when she arrived in the port of Southampton on 20th August.
Norwegian Prima is the first of 6 new “Prima-Class” cruise ships ordered from the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri under the project name “Leonardo-Class”. Theses are the first ships for NCL that are being constructed by the Italian shipbuilder.
Norwegian Prima was handed over on the 8th August and left the shipyard a couple of days later, she made brief stops in Civitavecchia and Barcelona before making her arrival in Southampton early 20th August.
Below are a series of images from arrival to sailing during her visit to Southampton.
Cruise Line Welcomes First of Six Ships in Ground-Breaking Prima Class, the Brand’s Newest Class of Ships in Nearly a Decade
This highly anticipated milestone marks the arrival of the first ship in NCL’s Prima Class that will see six new ships delivered through 2027. Present at the landmark event was Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd; Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line; Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri; as well as other notable NCLH and Fincantieri executives. The delivery celebration was followed by the traditional flag exchange ceremony.
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line said: “Today we usher in a thrilling new era in cruising as we celebrate the delivery of Norwegian Prima, the long-anticipated first ship in our extraordinary new Prima Class. She is a true testament to our Guest First philosophy as well as our commitment to deliver unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations. We thank our wonderful partners at Fincantieri, whose coveted craftsmanship, expertise, and dedication, helped bring Norwegian Prima to life. We cannot wait to welcome our guests on board.”
At 965 feet/294 m long, 142,500 gross tons and with capacity for 3,100 guests, Norwegian Prima is designed to put guests first. She features wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of brand and industry-first experiences. She lays claim as the most spacious new cruise ship in the contemporary categories and offers the most outdoor deck space and expansive accommodations of any new build. Her variety of elevated experiences and epicurean delights include the Brand’s first upscale open-air food hall, Indulge Food Hall; the largest and first three-level racetrack at sea on the Prima Speedway as well as The Drop, the world’s first freefall dry slide offering a 10-story plunge experience that reaches more G-forces than an accelerating F1 race car.
Other onboard standouts include Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entire deck; that’s over 44,000 square feet, allowing guests to connect to the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and elevated experiences. Guests will enjoy the ultimate in relaxation via Infinity Beach, boasting two stunning infinity pools which are positioned close to water-level to take in the vastness of the ocean with uninterrupted views as well as Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water. An oasis for art lovers, Norwegian Prima will boast The Concourse, the first outdoor sculpture garden at sea with six installations created by international metal artist Alexander Krivosheiw and an art wall designed by David Harber.
Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri said: “We’re glad to work with Norwegian Cruise Line to create a world-class series of ships, and it’s a proud day seeing the first of the six Prima Class vessels delivered today. Norwegian Prima is packed with world-firsts, never-before-seen features, and extraordinary attractions you would never expect at sea”.
Launching this August, Norwegian Prima will be the first major cruise ship christened in Iceland, commencing her eight-day inaugural voyage in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on 27th August,2022, sailing to Amsterdam. Global popstar Katy Perry, who serves as Norwegian Prima’s Godmother, will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the ship, as well as performing during the christening ceremony.
The second ship in the series Norwegian Viva is due to be floated out from the dry dock in the next few weeks.
Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Prima will sail a series of eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen offering guests the opportunity to explore Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords. She’ll then sail Bermuda from 10th October,2022; Caribbean itineraries from 15th October, 2022; and Western Caribbean voyages from 11th December , 2022 to 19th March 2023, before returning to Bermuda from 28th March to 7th May, 2023. She’ll then offer cruises to Northern Europe from 14th May through 17th September, 2023.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 0333 2412319 or visit www.ncl.com.
Captivating Hull Art Designed by Allison Hueman, NCL’s First Major Female Hull Artist –
Norwegian Aqua to Debut in April 2025 with Seven-Day Caribbean Voyages from Port Canaveral
World’s First Hybrid Coaster to Premiere Aboard Norwegian Aqua
Prima-Plus class is 10% larger than Prima Class
LONDON 2nd November, 2023 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, today unveils the evolution of the Prima Class with the all-new Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class setting sail in April 2025.
Starting today, travellers can book Norwegian Aqua’s first voyages to the Caribbean with seven-day itineraries departing from one of the world’s most sought-after cruise ports, Port Canaveral, Fla. Voyages include calls to the idyllic island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
The legacy continues with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri constructing this next-generation Prima Plus Class. Building upon the award-winning experiences of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua will set new standards and deliver brand-new guest experiences to be discovered with an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from its sister ships. Spanning 1,056 feet long, 156,300 gross tons and accommodating 3,571 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Aqua will offer more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship.
“Norwegian Aqua is a true testament of fusing together what represents the future of our Brand as the first ship in the Prima Plus Class, and our commitment to pushing the boundaries in guest-first experiences that will make new waves at sea,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Named for both the beautiful shades of blue from the ocean and our connection to the sea, Norwegian Aqua will feature new, elevated and exhilarating offerings that once again showcase NCL as the innovator in the industry and as a key contributor to a new era of cruising.”
Norwegian Aqua will showcase a lively and colourful hull art design by NCL’s first-ever major female hull artist, Allison Hueman. World-renowned for her street art and global brand collaborations, including Nike, L’Oreal and Google, Hueman’s distinctive art style is a blend of ethereal realism. Norwegian Aqua’s design, entitled “Where the Sky Meets the Sea,” is curated by Goldman Global Arts and evokes modern mythology through colourful mashups of abstract and figurative representations of sea and sky, ruled by ancient goddesses.
“I’m honoured, not only to be the first major female hull artist for Norwegian Cruise Line, but to also know that my artwork will be roaming the seas touching different parts of the world,” said Allison Hueman, Filipino-American multidisciplinary artist. “It’s incredibly special for me to partner with a brand that believes in the magical connection between art and exploration.”
Norwegian Aqua will premiere the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. Complete with exhilarating dual slides and a magnetic lift that propels adventurous guests through two different courses, this NCL exclusive experience will feature three stories of exciting twists and turns around the ship’s funnel.
The new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, will offer a variety of interactive guest activities by day and then transform into a nightclub in the evening. Guests will also be able to continue to enjoy some of their favourite Prima Class experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua, including The Drop, NCL’s 10-story free-fall slide, and the Stadium, a now expanded game space offering complimentary activities.
LARGEST NCL HAVEN COMPLEX AND THE MOST SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS AT SEA
Boasting NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites, Norwegian Aqua will offer all-new luxurious accommodations in the Brand’s premium keycard-access-only-complex, The Haven by Norwegian®. These four two-story spacious suites feature separate living and dining areas; three bathrooms; a sprawling balcony; and three bedrooms, of which two include a king size bed, with the master offering floor-to-ceiling windows for breathtaking ocean views. The Haven aboard Norwegian Aqua will offer the largest Haven complex in the fleet with 123 well-appointed suites, including access to an expansive, dedicated sundeck; a serene infinity pool overlooking the ship’s stern; an outdoor spa complete with a glass-walled sauna and cold room; two hot tubs; a private lounge; exclusive bar pouring rare spirits and vintages; and sweeping sea views available from every public space. Haven guests will continue to enjoy 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge team.
Norwegian Aqua will offer a variety of the most spacious accommodations in the fleet including inside, ocean view and balcony category staterooms, while solo travellers will continue to enjoy NCL’s signature Studio staterooms, which are priced and designed with the solo traveller in mind and include private keycard access to a dedicated Studio Lounge. The ship will also feature the Company’s latest solo stateroom expanded categories, solo inside, solo oceanview and solo balcony, offering more space and variety of accommodations to single cruisers at reduced fares that are less than the cost of paying double occupancy.
MORE WIDE-OPEN SPACE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
NCL’s family-favourite Splash Academy, for children ages three to 12, will return to Norwegian Aqua. Adolescents aged 13 to 17, can engage in fun, age-appropriate activities at Entourage, NCL’s signature teen club, which will enjoy its very own dedicated space.
Guests looking to spend their days lounging at sea, will enjoy Norwegian Aqua’s infinity edge pool with expanded seating, and for the first time in NCL’s fleet, day beds will be available on the main pool deck for guests to lounge and relax. For an elevated and adults-only experience, the expanded Vibe Beach Club will also offer more lounge seating. With additional outdoor spaces, guests can spend their days exploring and enjoying NCL’s most expansive Ocean Boulevard to-date, the outdoor walkway that wraps around the entire ship complete with Oceanwalk, a glass bridge that offers great photo opportunities; Infinity Beach featuring expanded vistas and intimate pools overlooking each side of the ship; and La Terrazza, the open-air lounge with sweeping sea views.
FUN IN THE SUN ITINERARIES ALL-YEAR ROUND
Following a series of seven-day Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Fla., Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. The ship will then sail five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026.
Additional new features and highly anticipated guest experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua will be unveiled in the upcoming new year.
What do you think of Norwegian Aqua? the hull art is certainly different! will you be booking?
As always thank you for taking the time to ready my latest post.
Celebrity Silhouette Sets Sail from Southampton for the Last Time
It’s not just a farewell; it’s a grand send-off, as Celebrity Silhouette, the current Celebrity Cruises ship home-porting in Southampton, prepares to embark on her final voyage from the UK on October 22nd, 2023.
This departure not only signifies the end of an era, but serves as an opportunity to celebrate her remarkable milestones since 2018, as she makes way for Celebrity Apex, an Edge-Class ship, in 2024.
Launched in 2011 Celebrity Silhouette is the fourth ship in the five ship Solstice-Class built by Meyer Werft in Germany, she sailed on her maiden voyage on 23rd July of the same year.
On 28th April 2018 Celebrity Silhouette arrived in Southampton to start her maiden season from the UK port replacing an earlier Soltice-Class ship Celebrity Eclipse which sailed from Southampton for eight summer seasons its launch in 2010.
At the time she had an all white hull which was Celebrity Cruises colour scheme at the time.
28th June 2021 saw the newly-revitalised Celebrity Silhouette arrive in Southampton with the new blue hull colour.
The new hull colour was a major part of $500 the million initiative to modernize the entire Celebrity Cruises fleet following the introduction of the ultra modern Edge-Class ships.
Her Legacy is Recognized in Numbers
CHARTING THE SEAS
Silhouette has charted a staggering 230,000 nautical miles, equivalent to circumnavigating the globe almost nine times over.
She has also carried 199,164 guests from Southampton– if they were to lie head to toe, they would form a line approximately 318 miles long, which would almost stretch the width of England at its widest point (346 miles).
AN ENTERTAINING HISTORY
Entertainment has always been at the heart of the Celebrity experience. Over the past five years, Silhouette has hosted an astounding 4,226 theatre performances. That’s equivalent to just over 176 days of non-stop laughter and applause.
But that’s not all; Silhouette also ‘rocked the ship’ with a total of 24,390 hours of live music during her time sailing from the UK. Picture grooving to continuous tunes for an astonishing 1,016 days and 18 hours in total.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew of 11,997 members has ensured that every voyage was an unforgettable experience. These individuals could populate the coastal town of Minehead in Somerset.
Speaking of populations, Celebrity crew members have represented an average of 60 different nationalities within the team over the years. That’s more than the number of countries in Europe (which sits at 50!)
Silhouette created her own little slice of Europe at sea visiting varied port after varied port – 64 ports in total to be exact with the top three most visited ports being Copenhagen, Tallin and Stockholm.
TOASTS AND CELEBRATIONS
Love has truly been in the air – and at sea! Celebrity is proud to have celebrated 105 weddings on board since 2018, averaging 21 weddings per year – making Silhouette a love-filled destination in her own right.
When it comes to toasting life’s moments guests have staggeringly popped nearly 100,000 (97,771 to be precise) bottles of fizz on board since 2018. Cheers!
Then there is Silhouette’s Martini bar, which is so cool that it maintains an average temperature of -20 degrees. Temperatures like this are only found in the Arctic – making Silhouette’s bar a paradise for penguins (but you won’t get cold having a cocktail).
AN ICONIC ELEMENT
Finally – we must not forget the ship’s beautifully manicured lawn – engineered for her unique journey, fortified to endure the embrace of sea-borne elements. This lush expanse became legendary within the industry due to its unique location on a cruise ship – and has been mowed approximately 500 times since 2018.
Take a look at Celebrity Silhouette sailing from Southampton.
With endless horizons explored, breathtaking sunsets witnessed and countless memories created on her remarkable journey, the icon will be setting off to new waters. She makes way for Celebrity Apex, Celebrity’s the second ship in the Edge Series which is set to home port in Southampton from May 2024 for the European season.
Celebrity Apex will continue to revolutionise the way guests experience the world, all with the convenience of sailing directly from the UK.
Celebrity Apex made her maiden visit to Southampton in September 2020.
Join holidaymakers worldwide in celebrating the end of an era and a thrilling new beginning: discover exciting itineraries that explore northern Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring visits to the Norwegian Fjords, Arctic Circle, Ibiza, Lisbon, and much more.
All images copyright Andrew McAlpine
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest post
Oslo, Norway (September 19, 2023) – Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s foremost expedition cruise company, is set to undergo a significant transformation as it rebrands itself as HX. This rebranding, scheduled to launch this December, will introduce a fresh global brand identity featuring a new name and logo.
HX, an homage to Hurtigruten Expeditions’ roots, represents an exciting evolution for the renowned travel brand. The change reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining its iconic position in the field of expedition cruising and sustainable travel.
Hurtigruten Norway, which recently celebrated its 130th anniversary of operating the original Norwegian Coastal Express, will retain its name but simplify it to “Hurtigruten.” This name harkens back to its origins in 1893, signifying “the fast route” in Norwegian. Both Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway are wholly owned by Hurtigruten Group AS and are part of a diverse portfolio of sustainable travel brands. This portfolio includes a range of land-based activities such as hotels, restaurants, and more, offered through Hurtigruten Svalbard, and a 25 percent stake in Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, renowned pioneers of sustainable travel in the Galápagos Islands.
Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten Group, commented on the rebranding, saying, “The name Hurtigruten is synonymous with travel in Norway, just as it has been a renowned travel brand for over 130 years. Today’s evolution of our brand identities is the culmination of the work that started in 2021 when we split the two brands. HX will remain at the forefront of expedition cruising and sustainable travel as we continue to significantly grow its global presence while strengthening Hurtigruten’s iconic position on the Norwegian coast.”
HX’s commitment to expedition cruising extends to offering high-end itineraries to remote destinations worldwide. While traditionally known as the Polar experts, the company ventured into the Galápagos Islands last year, which has already become its third most popular destination. Moreover, HX will exclusively sail the West African archipelagos of both Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands, presenting a thrilling new itinerary set to launch this fall.
The full implementation of the HX brand and logo is slated to begin in December, with updates across brochures, websites, and social channels. Over the next 18 months, the fleet’s six ships will undergo livery repainting to reflect the new identity.
This transformation follows the strategic separation of the two brands in 2020, enhancing their operational and commercial autonomy. This allowed for distinctly different guest experiences, and implementation began in 2021. Hurtigruten Group further adjusted its fleet, transferring Hurtigruten Expeditions’ MS Otto Sverdrup to Hurtigruten Norway as of January 2024, responding to growing demand. In the 2024-2025 Antarctica season, HX will offer a remarkable 36 departures across eight diverse itineraries spanning 12 to 24 days.
HX will continue to lead in expedition cruising, offering immersive small-ship experiences rooted in exploration, scientific research, expert-led lectures, and community advocacy. The Hurtigruten Group provides an extensive range of itinerary options, including Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Svalbard, and the West African coast, along with Alaska, Iceland, Canada’s Northwest Passage, the British Isles, and many other exciting destinations. Notably, HX boasts one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry, featuring MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first-ever battery-hybrid-powered ship, and its sister ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Hurtigruten Group’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering, with a goal to become the world’s most sustainable adventure travel company by achieving emission-free travel by 2050. The company’s dedication to sustainability was exemplified by the recent announcement of Hurtigruten Norway’s zero-emission ship set to launch in 2030.
As HX, Hurtigruten Expeditions continues its legacy of pioneering adventure travel while further emphasizing sustainability, creating a promising future for exploration enthusiasts worldwide.
Ambassador Cruise Line has issued an apology to passengers onboard its ship Ambition (formally AIDAmira) after many witnessed a so called traditional whale hunt or “Grindadráp” while the ship was docked in the Faroese capital of Torshavn last Sunday (9th July.)
Image courtesy of Andy Johnson/CPWF)
According to reports late in the afternoon, passenger’s onboard bore witness to the mass hunt and its messy aftermath, during which 78 long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) were driven by a flotilla of over 40 small boats and jet-skis into shallow waters.
Passengers watched on in horror as a group of 150 people then hauled the animals ashore with hooks and others armed with killing lances slaughtered the animals in the space of 20 minutes. The aftermath of this event turned the sea around the shoreline blood red.
Also onboard at the time were conservationists from the UK based whale and dolphin charity ORCA that is dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) in European waters.
Image courtesy of (ORCA UK)
According to a blog post on their website the arrival of the Ambition coincided with the culmination of the sixth hunt of 2023, resulting in the slaughter of 78 pilot whales in the port area, including 9 tiny calves estimated as being no more than a month old. The charity also said the Faroes were “flaunting the hunt” in front of tourists, many of whom had specifically come to enjoy seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment. They observed that some of the pilot whales, including a calf, took well over 30 seconds to die.
Image courtesy of (ORCA UK)
The following day the cruise line issued an apology to guests in which it reiterated its own stance on whale hunting and ocean conservation in general.
“Ambassador can confirm that the arrival of Ambition in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands on Sunday 9 July coincided with the culmination of a hunt of 78 pilot whales in the port area. We were incredibly disappointed that this hunt occurred, particularly at a time when our ship was in port and have offered our sincere apologies to all those on board who may have witnessed this distressing occurrence.“ the cruise line stated.
In the statement the cruise line went on to say;
“We are utterly opposed to the commercial hunting of whales and dolphins in the Faroes, or anywhere else come to that. While traditional hunts of this type have taken place for many years in the Faroe Islands to sustain local communities, we strongly object to this outdated practice, which we believe is now becoming commercial, with meats sold in local supermarkets, for example.“
Onboard Ambition for this cruise were where both Ambassador’s CEO, Christian Verhounig, and ORCA’s CEO, Sally Hamilton, who are both onboard hosting ‘in conversation with’ and FAQ sessions that offer guests the opportunity to learn more about our journeys in sustainable travel & tourism and conservation.
The cruise line has been working with the charity since 2021, and the partnership includes the first-ever cruise line “Anti-Whaling” campaign with Ambassador calling on the Faroese government to ban the practice altogether.
Image courtesy of (ORCA UK)
What is a Grindadráp or Grind
Whaling has taken place in the Faroe Islands for the past 1,000 years. Every year, annual hunts – known as the grindadráp – takes place, commonly known as “the grind.” It typically takes place between July and September and can happen at any time, when a pod of whales or dolphins are spotted at any one of the 26 designated killing bays around the islands.
Image courtesy of (ORCA UK)
Once spotted locals use boats and jet skis to herd the whales into a designated bay. They then use hooks, ropes, and mønustingari (a Faroese knife designed to cut through whales’ spines) to capture and kill the animals. According to the Faroese the hunts are non-commercial e.g the meat is not exported and is kept for themselves and distributed amongst the community as free food, however there have been accounts of carcasses being left to rot or being dumped.
According to the non-profit marine conservation Sea Shepherd Faroese hunts lead to the death of up to 1,000 pilot whales and other dolphins a year, the hunts are very stressful and brutal for the animals with some taking many minutes to die.
In 2021, the Faroese government was forced to launch a review after 1,423 dolphins were killed in just one hunt. Following this, they announced an annual catch limit of 500 dolphins. Pilot whales are also a protected species in the EU.
For many years there have been calls from many environmental organisations including Greenpeace, ORCA, Sea Shepherd, Whale and Dolphin Conservation together with a growing number of Faroese for these out dated and cruel hunts to stop.
The Ambition was sailing an 11-night “Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire” itinerary that departed Belfast on Thursday, July 6, and called at Liverpool prior to the stop in Torshavn.
Together with Ambassador the following cruise lines all have ships visiting Torshavn this year AIDA, Azamara Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen, Explora Journey’s, National Geographic, Holland America, Hurtigruten, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Phoenix Reisen, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Viking Cruises and Windstar Cruises.
I personally think its time for the industry along with CLIA to look at whether it thinks its still acceptable to visit the Faroes as a destination while this practice continues.
What do you think? should cruise lines boycott the Faroes? let me know in the comments.
Princess Cruises guests can enjoy Wimbledon-themed fun across the fleet during the UK’s upcoming premier tennis competition, the line announced today.
On all 15 Princess ships between July 3 – 16, guests will have access to Wimbledon coverage, with the three ships sailing from Southampton – Sky Princess, Regal Princess, and Island Princess, showing matches on the top-deck movie screen.
(C) Andrew McAlpine
Guests can also take part in tennis-themed trivia competitions and gameshows across all ships, while onboard paddle tennis tournaments will be arranged for longer voyages. In true Wimbledon style, strawberries and whipped cream will be served onboard as well as the British staple, Pimms.
From July 4 to September 5, Princess Cruises is offering holidaymakers up to $600 onboard spend when they book a cruise sailing in 2024 or 2025. In addition, if they book their future cruise during the tournament, they will receive an extra $100, totalling up to $700 onboard spend. This deal runs July 4 – 17 and applies to voyages on all ships in the Princess fleet, including the line’s soon-to-launch Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess.
Sun Princess launches in February 2024 and will spend a maiden season in the Mediterranean through to September, before relocating to Ft Lauderdale for the 2024-25 Caribbean season, with a return to the Mediterranean in spring 2025. Star Princess launches in August 2025 and will similarly spend an inaugural season in the Mediterranean.
Sailings include a seven-night on Sun Princess, sailing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus), calling at Naples, Santorini, Istanbul, and Mykonos. Departs 27 August, 2024. Fares start from £999 per person. Guests can also take advantage of Princess Pay Monthly, which allows them to spread the cost of their cruise over equal monthly payments, without any extra fees.
In addition, Princess Cruises will be sponsoring tennis players across five matches in this year’s Wimbledon championships. Keep an eye out on Princess’ social media channels to see which players sport the logo during the tournament.
“With Wimbledon on the horizon, we’re serving up everything the championship has to offer from the comfort of our ships. Whether guests simply want to relax and enjoy a match, or channel their inner Andy Murray and take part in our tennis-themed challenges, we’re confident our activities will prove a smash,” said Hayley Moore, marketing director Princess Cruises UK & Europe. “They can even kick back and enjoy a refreshing top-deck glass of Pimms or two, in honour of Wimbledon’s most popular courtside drink.
“And our limited time onboard spend offer will allow guests’ budgets to go even further on their next holiday, covering a host of onboard extras, from speciality dining to spa treatments to shore excursions.”
For additional information or to book, talk to a professional travel agent, call 0344 338 8663 or visit princess.com.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced that GRAMMY® nominated, and five-time Latin GRAMMY® winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Luis Fonsi, will serve as the godfather of its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, the second ship of the Brand’s groundbreaking Prima Class. The ship will be christened in Miami before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico this season.
Best known for his extensive list of radio hits including the award-winning, global chart-topping hit, “Despacito,” which was featured on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Song” list for a record-breaking 56 consecutive weeks, Puerto Rican-born Fonsi will fulfill the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Viva at the 28th November 2023 christening ceremony in Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World.” The “Live it Up!” theme of Norwegian Viva will continue throughout the evening, with a lineup of leading Latin entertainers joining Fonsi, including The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native, Marcello Hernandez; and singer, Pedro Capó, all of which will deliver exclusive performances throughout the night.
“We are thrilled to welcome Latin music icon Luis Fonsi to the NCL family as Godfather of Norwegian Viva and to join us as we christen our newest ship,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Miami, our hometown, is immersed in Latin culture, and we want to celebrate Norwegian Viva’s debut with an infusion of Latin talent headlined by Luis. As a native Puerto Rican, who is also based in Miami, he brings people together from around the world with his energy, positivity and music, making him the perfect complement to the vibrant energy of Norwegian Viva. We cannot wait for him to join us as we celebrate this milestone moment later this year.”
On 28th November 2023, Luis Fonsi will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to bid the vessel and its travellers good fortune on their voyage, a fundamental nautical tradition customary for any ship launch. After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico upon arrival on 15th December 2023. It will offer a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages through April 2024 with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, before returning for a summer season of cruises to Europe from Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; and Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Trieste), Italy.
“I am so honored to be named Godfather of NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Viva, and look forward to sharing her with the amazing people of Puerto Rico, a community that truly represents the spirit of ‘live it up’” said Luis Fonsi, award-winning global artist. “Growing up on an island, the ocean plays such an important part in my life, and there is nowhere else I’d rather be. Cruising provides such an incredible vacation experience, and I cannot wait to christen this incredible ship and to introduce her to the world.”
Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the company’s groundbreaking Prima Class and sister ship to the award-winning Norwegian Prima. The elevated offerings of the Prima Class prioritise the guest experience and raise the bar on cruising through world-class cuisine, the brand’s most spacious design yet, and stellar onboard activities including the Viva Speedway—the three-level racetrack. Norwegian Viva features many of the outstanding onboard experiences that makes the Prima Class in a league of its own including Indulge Food Hall, the upscale food market exhibiting 11 unique eateries; the fastest slides at sea, The Drop and Rush; and NCL’s industry-exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, the Metropolitan Bar. Debuting in August 2023, Norwegian Viva will sail a selection of bucket-list-worthy Greek Isles and Mediterranean voyages through November, before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 2023 for a season of Caribbean itineraries.
To commemorate this exciting partnership and celebrate the all-star entertainment lineup to be featured at Norwegian Viva’s christening event, NCL has put together a Live it Up! Spotify playlist.
As always thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post.
New top-deck family activity zone to debut onboard Sun Princess featuring Sea Breeze – the first Rollglider on a ship
Princess Cruises newest ship to feature engaging family experiences, plus inclusive youth & teen centres
The most engaging family activity zone ever featured on a Princess cruise ship has been revealed today by Princess Cruises. Park19 will debut aboard the new Sun Princess, when the first Sphere Class vessel launches in February 2024. Located on the top decks of Sun Princess, Park19 features nine engaging activities for the entire family to enjoy in a newly envisioned space created for all generations.
“Park19, as the name suggests, is a new space created for all our guests, including activities to bring together multi-generational travel families in a location with spectacular views and fun outdoor activities for all,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “The new area was tailored based on guest feedback for more family and group activities spaces.”
Located on decks 19, 20, and 21, Park19 was envisioned for active guests and multi-generational families to explore and connect through inclusive and engaging activities, including:
Sea Breeze – Inspired by the dream of hang gliding but in a safe environment, the Sea Breeze is the first Rollglider on a cruise ship and takes guests high above to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call. Using an overhead track, guests are seated and harnessed to this electric ride which reaches speeds of up to 11 mph during the 60- to 90-second experience that is also ADA accessible.
Coastal Climb –On this climbing structure guests ascend from decks 19 to 20 through a series of obstacles. Once at the top, guests can take in the gorgeous views before sliding back down to the bottom.
The Lookout – At the top of the climbing structure, adventurers make their way to The Lookout open-air observation deck to take in stunning 360º views from the highest point available to guests onboard Sun Princess.
The Net – Harnessed above deck 19, guests are challenged to trek across unstable bridges, a z-shaped balance beam and climb cargo nets.
Infinite Horizon – For those who love heights, leaning tilt walls cantilevered over the side of the ship allow guests to peer out from deck 19 and look down to deck nine and beyond.
Hammock Area – Another first for Princess, relaxing hammocks allow Park19 visitors to take a break from exploring to hang out with family and friends.
Splash Zone – A whimsical splash area with pop jets and a beautiful water sculpture offer a refreshing and relaxing area to chill.
Recreational Court – From ping pong, shuffleboard, Xponential Fitness classes and morning meditation, a rotation of sports and wellness options will be offered to guests in this multi-function sports court.
Additional family-centric offerings onboard Sun Princess are found in the Youth & Teen Centres located on decks six and seven where activities and age-appropriate areas abound for all younger guests ages six months to 17 years. These complimentary areas include:
Firefly Park – For the youngest Princess guests, this imaginative space, located on deck six, invites youngsters ages six months to seven years old and their families to explore, play and socialise. This family centre is a place to play together or drop kids off for a programme of art projects, theme parties and group games. Firefly Park also invites families with babies and toddlers, ages six months to three years, to crawl and engage their senses with a dedicated play area. After hours group babysitting is available from 10 pm – 1 am for $5 per hour, for ages three – 12 years.
Neon Grove (tweens) and The Underground (teens) – Located on deck seven, two separate areas offer an inviting space for tweens and teens to hang out, socialise, and have fun. Both spaces feature colourful, comfy sofas and chairs for lounging, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles, plus air hockey, foosball, and skeeball. Programme activities for these age groups include ship scavenger hunts, movie nights, friendly competitions, and dance parties.
“These expanded offerings give younger cruisers plenty to explore and enjoy aboard Sun Princess, creating an even more family-friendly experience with something for everyone regardless of age,” Padgett added.
Like all Princess ships, Sun Princess is a MedallionClass ship helping families stay connected onboard via the OceanCompass shipmate locator and chat feature, along with MedallionNet, making it easy to share their experiences by posting photos and videos on social media.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 175,500-tonne, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new dining, entertainment, and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories.
Take a look at these latest pictures of Sun Princess under construction the shipyard, taken by my friend Vladimir Tonic and shared on my blog with permission.
With the most balconies on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean or Caribbean from the comfort of their cabin. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the three-storey Horizons Dining Room is sure to have everyone talking.
Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Transatlantic and Europe are currently on sale. More ship information can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess.
Are you booked on Sun Princess?, would love to hear if you are or plan to book a cruise on Princess’s stunning new ship.
The fourth vessel in the brand’s award-winning Edge® Series, AscentSM will be the newest ship out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida upon its December 2023 debut
LONDON (13th June 2023) – Today, Celebrity Cruises unveils for the very first time details about what travellers can experience on board the brand’s newest resort at sea, Celebrity Ascent, once it launches this December. As one of the most awarded premium cruise lines, with the first ships to ever receive the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating, Celebrity Cruises is once again making waves with the arrival of its fourth Edge Series ship. Cruising out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale from December 2023 to April 2024, the stunning new ship will transport guests to some of the Caribbean’s most desired destinations like the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, before departing to Europe for a summer of bucket-list Mediterranean cruises in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain and France.
On board Celebrity Ascent, guests will enjoy the signature experiences of the brand’s Edge Series ships, including its industry-first outward facing design that maximizes views and outdoor areas allowing guests to connect with the world around them, a robust food and beverage program with 30 plus choices from casual to fine dining to satisfy all palates, plus spacious and sleek staterooms in a breadth of accommodation options catering to all travellers from solo adventurers and couples, to multi-generational family groups.
“I am so excited to introduce the world to Celebrity Ascent and continue the legacy of Celebrity’s Edge Series,” says Celebrity Cruises’ President, Laura Hodges Bethge. “First launched in 2018, the Edge Series transformed what cruising could be and its ships like Edge, Apex and Beyond quickly became consumer favourites. Continuously striving to offer travellers a better way to enjoy travel and reach the world around them, we are so proud of what we have built and look forward to welcoming both seasoned and new cruisers alike.”
Edge Series Favourites Return:
Incorporating all the features that made her sister ships in the Edge Series a TIME magazine “World’s Greatest Places,” Celebrity Ascent will bring back favoured signature experiences, like:
The Theatre – that takes entertainment at sea to a new level with state-of-the-art technology and experiential, imaginative performances.
The Rooftop Garden – the ultimate outdoor haven where guests can enjoy live music, movies, infinity float pools, and even al fresco dining at the Rooftop Garden Grill.
The Spa – where holistic wellness takes center stage through 120 destination-inspired treatments, the SEA Thermal Suite featuring eight distinctive therapeutic experiences inspired by nature, plus specialty treatment beds, a full-service salon and barber.
The sprawling Resort Deck – featuring a main pool lined with cabanas, two-story martini-glass-shaped hot tubs, and The Solarium, an adults-only, tranquil spa-inspired retreat built for relaxation and complete with pool, hot tub and loungers.
The Sunset Bar designed by Nate Berkus – where an international beach club ambiance meets fresh sea breezes and boundless views.
The Magic Carpet® – the world’s first cantilevered lounge and gathering space at sea sits on the edge of the ship, offering a new way to drink, dine and socialise while enjoying unobstructed panoramic views.
Inventive culinary experiences – like the three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling views, or the fully immersive and animated Le Petit Chef dinner.
The Grand Plaza and Martini Bar – that stuns guests with an interactive chandelier and jaw-dropping Flair, Flash, Fusion bartender shows.
Modernised accommodation options – such as the Infinite Veranda® that transforms from window to terrace with the push of a button, and the AquaClass® staterooms built for wellbeing-seekers that are packed with thoughtful design and exclusive amenities.
Celebrity Ascent will treat guests to a culinary journey that includes new experiences like:
New Food and Beverage Experiences:
Redesigned Le VoyageSM by Daniel Boulud restaurant – first featured on Celebrity BeyondSM, the brand will continue its partnership with Boulud and introduce his second restaurant at sea. The reimagined space, created by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, will offer an intimate fine dining experience inspired by the Chef’s travels.
Never-before-seen Le Petit Chef dinner – the crowd favourite dinner will feature an all-new animation and menu to match.
Plant-based tasting menu at Eden Restaurant – bringing guests closer to the earth through a culinary journey rooted in untouched, fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Bourbon offerings and tastings – expanding on existing whiskey tastings, Craft Social will now offer high-end bourbons and new tasting seminars.
More Martinis at the Martini Bar – aligning with the trend of low-sugar cocktails and fresh, crisp ingredients, the Martini Bar will feature brand-new creations and an expanded menu including lychee and passion fruit martinis.
Revitalised Main Dining Experience – once again featuring four complimentary main dining options, each with a signature menu and rotating nightly dishes, Ascent will feature a redesigned Cosmopolitan restaurant inspired by the culture of champagne.
Outdoor terrace at Blu – the clean-cuisine restaurant exclusive to AquaClass guests will feature an outdoor terrace with 24-person seating that will be available for daytime dining, from al fresco brunches to lunches.
New Entertainment, Art and Retail Experiences:
On board Ascent, travellers will enjoy enhanced entertainment, art and retail offerings like:
Nightly entertainment – as the sun sets the Resort Deck will become the center stage for the ultimate nightlife experience treating guests to an open-air celebration with live performances, live music, and a DJ creating a pulsating dance floor.
New production shows – building on Celebrity’s award-winning entertainment, the brand is partnering with industry-leading creatives to introduce three spectacular new productions shows in The Theatre, new interactive digital experiences and shows in The Club, and new engaging immersive shows in the Eden Bar and Restaurant, all featuring world-class dances, vocalists, musicians and specialty artists.
Redesigned Casino floor and brand-new games – a first for Celebrity Cruises, Ascent will feature an all-new gaming floor complete with a new layout, new design featuring deep reds and golds, and all new slot machines with the latest technology.
Redesigned Art Gallery – the new space is thoughtfully reimagined, allowing guests to better experience priceless art pieces, and enjoy exclusive auctions and art events.
The Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus – a collection of chic travel and home accessories available exclusively on board Celebrity Ascent.
How to Set Sail on Celebrity Ascent:
With a vast array of dates and itinerary options catering to all kinds of travellers, Ascent is slated for an exciting winter Caribbean and summer Europe season. Options to sail include:
Celebrate the holidays at sea during the 7-Night Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman Holiday Cruise departing on 24th December 2023, or ring in the New Year on the 7-Night San Juan, Tortola, and St. Kitts cruise departing on 31st December 2023.
For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, call 0800 441 4054, visit http://www.celebritycruises.co.uk or talk to your travel agent.
Cruise Ship Profiles 