First port of call for Virgin Voyages announced

VIRGIN Voyages announced today that the company’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, will feature Cuba as one of her voyage destinations during her inaugural season in 2020. Virgin Voyages’ decision to sail to Cuba was influenced by customer and travel partner research it conducted in North America and the United Kingdom. Both groups consistently rank the Caribbean island as one of the most desired and interesting destinations to visit on a voyage. 

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Exclusive beach club on board

P&O Cruises Australia will be offering a limited number of guests exclusive access to a private ‘beach club’ onboard its newest ship, Pacific Adventure. Called the “Byron Beach Club”, the retreat will be available to guests booked in to Pacific Adventure’s suites and mini suites. 

The exclusive-access retreat offers a private outdoor pool, whirlpool spas and comfy seating situated on the top deck (16) of the ship. With expansive sea views, club-goers can enjoy pure relaxation and pampering in stylish surroundings. In addition to the pool and spa area, Byron Beach Club guests can enjoy their own private dining concierge service.


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First modern riverboat departs from New Orleans

AMERICAN Song, the 1st modern riverboat in U.S. history, departed from the Port of New Orleans on October 6, 2018. Underway at 100% capacity, this historic new riverboat is off to a great start and is cruising the Mississippi River on its 8-day inaugural sailing between New Orleans and Memphis. An unforgettable cruise with stops at Oak Alley, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Natchez, and Vicksburg, arrives in Memphis October 12th.

American Song is the first ship in American Cruise Lines’ new modern #riverboat series—the 2nd ship in the series, American Harmony, is already well under construction and will be launched in a few weeks. American Cruise Lines is pleased to offer American Song and its new series of modern riverboats in addition to its current fleet of authentic paddlewheelers.

American Song will continue to cruise the #Mississippi throughout 2018. In 2019, American Song will reposition out West to the Columbia & Snake Rivers and 2nd modern riverboat, American Harmony, will begin cruising the Mississippi.

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Plastic Expedition

ON Monday ‘eXXpedition North Pacific’, in collaboration with recycling innovators TOMRA, set sail from Honolulu, Hawaii on a scientific research mission led by award winning British skipper and ocean advocate Emily Penn to investigate solutions to the devastating impact of single-use plastic and toxic's in the world’s oceans.

The expedition is made up of a diverse and international group of 24 women from Britain, USA, Canada, Slovenia, Norway and Honduras.

Split over two voyage legs, they will journey for a month over 3,000 nautical miles through the densest ocean plastic accumulation zone on the planet, the North Pacific Gyre - better known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

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Exclusively for adults: Marella Explorer 2

JOINING the fleet in 2019, Marella Explorer 2 will be the first ship in the Marella Cruises fleet to be exclusively for adults, offering customers more choice and flexibility. The popularity of adult-only sailings from Dubrovnik and the Asia itineraries for winter 2018 prompted the decision to offer an adults-only ship.

Marella Explorer 2 will be tailored to meet the needs of couples, friends and groups by doubling the size of The Veranda featured on Marella Explorer. The Veranda is the premium sunbathing spot onboard and will feature brand new facilities. 

From May 2019 Marella Explorer 2 will sail from a new homeport Naples, Italy. The exclusive adults-only ship will sail to some of the finest European cities including Venice, Rome and Dubrovnik. 

Marella Explorer 2 will also feature a luxurious Champneys Spa which will launch first on Marella Explorer this year, offering a variety of indulging treatments.

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Bask in the Bahamas

THE Bahamas is already well known as a romantic getaway with beaches, restaurants and endless attractions. It is also a haven for all things water sports and unique experiences like the famous swimming with the pigs, wading with gentle yet playful nurse sharks, and seeing the Exumas coral and iguanas.

Worldwide Boat, a full-service yacht charter company, has announced that the number one destination #boat #charters will be setting for during spring 2018 is the #Bahamas. With other destinations, like the Caribbean, being severely impacted by hurricanes last year, the vessels that would typically travel there are instead routing to the Bahamas as a welcome alternate.

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Tips for a yacht charter in Turkey

THE Turquoise Coast is one of the top sailing destinations in the world, known for the richly hued and crystal clear waters, smooth pebble and white sand beaches and interesting mix of lively resort towns and quiet fishing villages. If you’ve decided to take spend your holidays in #sailing along the Turkish coast this year then you’re sure to have a fantastic experience but there are a few thing to bear in mind to get the most out of your #holiday and here are the top 5 tips.

Consider Your Options - There are a lot of options from private yacht charter to cabin charter and many reputable agencies to choose from. Private charters are usually for one week or more are ideal for groups who desire the freedom to roam the Mediterranean and Aegean sea. 

All Inclusive or Self Catering - You should check with your specific yachting agency but usually food and drinks are not included in the standard charter fee. 

Research your Route - It’s a good idea to have a little background information on the area you’re planning to be sailing through and while your yachting agency will have recommendations and can point out the ‘top spots’, it’s also worth doing a your own research. 


Choose the Right Yacht - If you’ve ever strolled along the promenade in the harbours of Fethiye, Marmaris or Kas then you will know that #Turkey has no shortage of gulet sailing boats. Most have berths for 12 to 16 passengers although smaller and larger are also available, most also have sun beds, sound system, deck shower as well as cabins with ensuite bathrooms and some yachts are also fitted with air conditioning and equipped with fishing and snorkelling kits to use at your leisure.

Disconnect - By far the best way to enjoy your yacht charter in Turkey is by disconnecting from the stress and hassles of everyday life and engaging with the magnificent scenery of the Turquoise coast as well as enjoying the company of your fellow crew mates. 

www.alaturkaturkey.com

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Picture Credit: pintrest

Cresting the waves

SCENIC Eclipse – The World’s First Discovery Yacht – has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler’s exclusive 2018 Gold List. The ship’s inclusion in the Gold List World’s Best Cruises – Luxury Meets Adventure section, comes ahead of its debut in August this year. 

Scenic Eclipse was recognised for its 8 Day Panama & Colombia Discovery itinerary, which departs Cartagena on 9 November 2018 and transits the Panama Canal before skirting the coastline of Colombia en route to Guayaquil in Ecuador.

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Christmas market cruises in demand

A huge demand for Christmas market cruises in 2017 has prompted European river cruise line, Riviera Travel, to expand its yuletide cruise offering in 2018 by 167 per cent and add a new and longer festive season cruise in eastern Europe. 

As one of Europe’s major river cruise operators, Riviera Travel increased the number of its first-ever Christmas market cruises in December, 2017, from six to nine to meet burgeoning demand but will offer a total of 16 sailings across four of its five-star river ships in December, 2018.

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Crystal Cruises earns top honours again

THE readers of Condé Nast Traveler have once again voted Crystal Cruises as the “World’s Best” medium sized #cruise line (501-2,499 guests), marking the record-making 24th year the #luxury line has earned top honours. 

The publication’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards included input from more than 300,000 readers, who cast votes for more than 7,000+ hotels, 500 cruise ships, 600+ cities and 200+ islands, resulting in a preeminent list of more than 1,400 of the world’s best travel experiences.


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Countdown to Majestic arrival in Australia

TODAY marks one year until Majestic Princess, the newest and most luxurious ship in the Princess fleet, arrives in Australia. Carrying 3,560 guests, the 143,000-tonne mega-liner will be the largest Princess ship ever to sail in Australian waters. The 330 metre long flagship will arrive in Sydney on Saturday, 15 September 2018, commencing the 2018/2019 summer cruise season in spectacular fashion.

During her inaugural Australian season, Majestic Princess will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as two Asia voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong. The ultimate in premium cruising, Majestic Princess features 13 dining options including two restaurants with menus designed by Michelin star chefs – Harmony by Chef Richard Chen and La Mer by Chef Emmanuel Renaut – as well as more than 1000 square metres of designer shopping, the cruise line’s largest ever thermal suite and a dramatic over-the-ocean glass walkway, the SeaWalk.

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And a barrel of Rum . . .

AS the European summer regatta circuit begins to draw to a close, the #Caribbean vibe in #Barbados is beginning to rumble with plans already in place for the annual Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series – 16-24 January 2018.

The 82nd edition of this Caribbean season opening Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series regatta, organised by Barbados Cruising Club in association with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, and Mount Gay, is now one of the most popular events on the circuit. With direct, regular flights from London to Barbados, now could be the time to consider a midwinter charter option or, for those planning a transatlantic crossing in the next few months, consider a rewarding trip to beautiful island of Barbados during regatta time.

Other than three days of coastal racing, one of the main draws is the headline event – the 60nm Round Barbados Race – which offers speed sailing enthusiasts not only a chance to enjoy spectacular sailing on a race circuit with uninterrupted winds, but also a chance to win their skipper’s weight in rum if any of the 20 records are broken.

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Malaysia sees rise in cruise ships calling

LAST month, brand new super luxury passenger vessel, Majestic Princess, made her maiden call at the Boustead Cruise Centre, Port Klang, bringing some 3,560 passengers from 41 countries and 1,350 crew members to Malaysian shores.

The cruise ship was on its “Silk Road Sea Route,” a 49-day journey from Rome to Shanghai. During the voyage, she visited a total of 22 ports including Athens, Dubai, Cochin, Singapore, and Xiamen before arriving in Shanghai, her new homeport in China, in July. In #Malaysia, she berthed at Port Klang and Penang.

Over the last few years, Malaysia has seen an encouraging number of #cruise ships calling at the various country’s ports. In fact, Malaysia has welcomed guests on Cunard Line’s ultra-luxury Queen Mary II and Queen Victoria ocean liners, the UK’s Arcadia cruise liners, as well as passenger vessels such as Costa Allegra, Diamond Princess, Pacific Sun and Europa, among others.

Between January and May 2017, a total of 253 international cruise ships called at the country’s 11 ports indicating an increase of 9.48% compared to the same period in 2016. For the same period, the country received 405,554 cruise passengers compared to 330,473 passengers, signifying an increase of 18.51%.

Affordable exchange rates, modern infrastructure and facilities, warm weather, friendly people, a politically stable government, and numerous tourist attractions that are easily accessible from the ports make Malaysia the ideal stopover for cruise line operators.

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107 Night Cruise celebrating New Year in style

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate the New Year in style on a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ‘Around the World’ sailing in 2018/19. Fred. Olsen ‘Around the World 2018/19 with Sydney at New Year’ brochure, launched this week, showcases Black Watch’s most impressive cruise – a 107-night global exploration departing from Southampton in November 2018.

The cruise has been designed to coincide with Sydney Harbour’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks – one of the world’s most impressive and colourful displays – so guests can mark the start of 2019 in a spectacular way.

Other highlights of this epic voyage include observing the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, sailing the newly-expanded Panama Canal, relaxing on a paradise beach in Bora Bora and visiting the inspirational Taj Mahal.

Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Our late 2018 World Cruise is an incredible adventure where guests can enjoy a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“Guests have the chance to experience the blissful paradise islands of the French Polynesia over the festive period, before Black Watch berths in Sydney Harbour, with a view of the bridge, just in time for New Year’s Eve, the fireworks and, of course, the arrival of 2019.

“The journey back around the globe includes Singapore, India, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, Petra in Jordan, James Bond Island in Thailand, and the Burg Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – in Dubai.

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Cruise Industry surpasses 2016 ocean cruise passenger projections

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the cruise industry has surpassed 2016 ocean #cruise passenger projections, reaching 24.7 million cruise passengers globally up from a projection of 24.2 million. 

For 2017, based on current new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, CLIA is projecting another positive year of growth for the industry with a passenger forecast of 25.8 million. 

“One of the many reasons that the cruise industry continues to thrive is because of the personalization it is able to offer to its guests from around the world,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “Never before have I been a part of or seen an industry that is so good at listening and reacting to what its customers want, and this is why we are going to see our industry continue to grow.” 

Top Cruise Destinations in 2016:

1. Caribbean (35 percent) 

2. Mediterranean (18.3 percent) 

3. Europe w/o Med (11.1 percent) 

4. Asia (9.2 percent) 

5. Australia/New Zealand/Pacific (6.1 percent) 

6. Alaska (4.2 percent) 

7. South America (2.5 percent)

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Gulet Blue Cruise breaks charter sales records in Greece

S.Nur Taylan Gulet off the Turkish coast.

THE Dodecanese islands in #Greece have taken the biggest piece of the total volume of blue #cruise charter sales this season. In the last two years there has been a decline in charter sales from ports in Turkey. Despite this decline, there are still healthy bookings numbers for 2017, according to Mirya Yachting Turkey. 

"There is a positive outlook for 2017 and we are not only receiving bookings for itineraries in Turkey from local tourists but also from old and new clients from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe - who know that it is still safe to enjoy a #gulet holiday in Turkey", explains Mr. Baris, Mirya Yachting Turkey.

Charters will begin from the ports of Kos and Rhodes and guests will have the choice to either travel in the North Dodecanese all the way up to Patmos, or sail in the southern islands as far down to Halki.  Good news and more business for the vendors in the Greek islands.

"Gulet holidays continue to retain strong interest and the preferred holiday style because it caters to all budgets, all types of groups, great for children and families, and one of the best ways to enjoy the treasures of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas", says Mr. Baris.

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Picture Credit: miryabluecruise.com

Arctic exploration

FRED Olsen #Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to discover and explore the #fjords of the #Arctic as seen on the current popular BBC Two programme ‘Arctic Live’ – on an epic 27-night journey to Norway, Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland, and even the secluded Faroe Islands. Setting sail on board 804-guest ship Black Watch, from Dover on 14th July 2017, this voyage will call into 12 destinations and sail over 30 areas of scenic cruising.

Highlights of the holiday include; crossing the Arctic Circle; shore tours to the iconic North Cape; the chance to see a Polar Bear in Svalbard; witnessing the magical Midnight Sun; uncovering a deserted soviet settlement in Pyramiden; and experiencing majestic scenery.

www.fredolsencruises.com

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Picture Credit: Espen Faugstad flickr.com/photos/54788991@N00/8854677183 Fjord - Jølstervannet, Norway via photopin.com

Food & Wine Flotillas

SUNSAIL launched successfully several Food and Wine Flotillas in Croatia and Italy combining wine tasting and sampling local delicacies whilst on a Sunsail flotilla. Due to their success they will be offered again 13 May, 8 July and 14 October 2017 from Procida in Italy.

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Disney Cruise Lines unveils ports for 2018

DISNEY Cruise Line has unveiled it's ports and itineraries for early 2018 and every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for #Disney #Cruise Line guests.

New for 2018 Bonaire which is part of a seven-night sailing that departs San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 28. Located just north of the South American coast, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is favored for arid climate and sunny weather. Beautiful waters and a reef-lined coast lure water-sport enthusiasts for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

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Picture Credit: CL Photographs flickr.com/photos/49109678@N04/6128091783 A Day as a Castaway via photopin.com

On the water . . .

IN conjunction with the launch of the new 2017 brochure, #Sunsail announced the arrival of 17 brand new 34 and 38 monohull #yachts as well as 21 new 454 catamarans in almost all featured countries listed in the new brochure. 

The first deliveries will be to the Caribbean followed by the Mediterranean in spring and eventually to all other Sunsail destinations. In addition to the brand new models, another 50 yachts will be added throughout the year.

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Picture Credit: Jaydee! flickr.com/photos/58879582@N00/9033121338 P1030094 via photopin.com