Symphony of the Seas debuts at PortMiami

ROYAL Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas has made her highly anticipated debut to the cruise capital of the world, #Miami. Fresh from her inaugural Europe season, the world’s largest and most adventure-packed ship sailed into her permanent, year-round home at Royal Caribbean’s brand new, state-of-the-art Terminal A at PortMiami, the largest #cruise terminal in the U.S.

The ultimate family ship, Symphony of the Seas will sail year-round seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning Nov. 17, and will add visits to the cruise line’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, when it launches in May 2019.

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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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Sail away

SEABOURN, the world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line, introduced its newest vessel to the world with a festive naming ceremony for Seabourn Ovation in the beautiful baroque harbor of Valletta, Malta on May 11.

Seabourn orchestrated a line-up of celebratory events, including a live performance by the ship's godmother, actress and singer Elaine Paige OBE, one of the world's best-loved and most highly awarded artists. Following her performance, she made a traditional blessing and released a bottle of champagne that was broken against the ship, a time-honored ship naming tradition.

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The World's Largest Viking Ship announces U.S. East Coast tour

IN 2016, the #Draken successfully crossed the North Atlantic Ocean, recreating one of the most epic, mythical explorations of all time in the wake of the Viking Explorer, Leif Ericsson. Visiting numerous ports and encountering thousands of people along her Trans-Atlantic journey, the Draken Harald Hårfagre emerged as a pillar of culture, education, and enrichment, bringing the illustrious Viking age of exploration to life in today's modern age.

Following the overwhelming response and great show of interest and support from the public, the next leg of the Draken Harald Hårfagre North American tour will consist of 16 stopovers across the U.S. East Coast states of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. The final tour schedule and all stopover ports are yet to be announced and will be made public in late-spring 2018.

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

Most booked U.S cruise destination?

 ACCORDING to an annual trends survey of travel agents by leading travel agency company Travel Leaders Group, #Alaska #cruises are, for the first time, their most-booked U.S. destination, beating out Orlando and Las Vegas.

Statistics further tell that story. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the number of cruise visitors to Alaska is expected to break records this year with 34 ships bringing more than 1.165 million passengers to the destination. Alaska will be hot next year as well, with 37 ships expected to bring more than 1.3 million passengers.

The high demand for Alaska cruises has a lot to do with the state's amazing scenery – from snow-capped mountains and immense glaciers to emerald rainforests. Travelers return with stories of extraordinary experiences with wildlife and with guides who enthrall visitors with tales of native culture, frontier spirit and a rich, colorful history that includes the Gold Rush. Next year, Alaska will celebrate its 60th anniversary of statehood.

Cruise ships typically begin Alaska cruises in Seattle, Vancouver and ports near Anchorage, though there are also longer sailings from ports such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. On any itinerary, passengers have the extraordinary experience of cruising past blue icebergs to see glaciers thunderously calve into the sea in Glacier Bay National Park and other equally impressive settings.

At ports of call such as Juneau and Skagway, bald eagles fly overhead as you view totem poles and learn Gold Rush history. Shore excursions take travelers into the wild by land, sea or air, including such experiences as flightseeing over a glacier, boarding a small boat to follow whales and joining active excursions, including hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, glacier trekking, and even snorkeling.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names New Ship to Launch in 2020

REGENT Seven Seas Cruises, the most inclusive luxury experience, has announced the name of its new ship, scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2020. The second Explorer-class ship will embody and enhance the elegance, style and luxury that brought forth the high-end features and amenities that have made sister-ship Seven Seas Explorer renowned as the most luxurious ship ever built with her launch in 2016.

“The naming of a ship is an important milestone in maritime tradition and it is my pleasure to announce that the name of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new ship to launch in 2020 is Seven Seas Splendor,” said Jason Montague, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

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400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage

THE official countdown to the 400th anniversary of the #Mayflower voyage will begin this Thanksgiving with a series of Illuminate events being held across eight destinations in the UK with links to the Mayflower Pilgrims. Each Illuminate event will include a range of events and activities including innovative light-based artworks, local choir performers and parades which reflect themes of freedom and liberty. 

This four nation commemoration aims to unite the nations of the UK, US, Netherlands and Native American people. The origin of the event and the light symbolism at the heart of Illuminate comes from a quote by William Bradford, one of the Mayflower Pilgrims who later became Governor of Plymouth Plantation: “‘…just as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many”.

In 2019, Illuminate will open the year-long #anniversary programme, and the commemorations will culminate in 2020 with a final Illuminate event. The aim is that the events of Illuminate do not stop after 2020 and that Illuminate will become a traditional and annual event. Each destination will have improved and developed their ability, knowledge and expertise to deliver high quality, high spectacle, light based, artist led participatory events for years to come.

www.mayflower400uk.org

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