20 CRUISE NEWS
Scenic Eclipse to Introduce Antarctica Fly-Cruises to King George Island
SCENIC Eclipse departed the Red Sea and made its way to Antarctica in preparation for its highly anticipated return to the Antarctic peninsula this January. Following an almost two-year hiatus, this marks a significant milestone for the luxury truly all-inclusive operator as Scenic Eclipse is set to resume the first of its scheduled sailing programme since the beginning of the pandemic and will be among the first ships in the world to return to Antarctica. Scenic Eclipse will operate six scheduled sailings in
the region – commencing on 8 January 2022 – as part of its 2021/22 season. Visiting Antarctica and South Georgia before venturing back across the Atlantic, sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, to commence her first ever Mediterranean season. In celebration of the return to Antarctic waters,
Scenic has brought forward the unveiling of its 2023/24 programme on board its 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Jason Flesher, Scenic Discovery Yachts’ expedition operations manager comments: “We’ve been planning this season for months and
we can’t wait to head back to the White Continent for a season of luxury and discovery. Thanks to the size and capabilities of Scenic Eclipse, we’ve been able to secure exclusive landings in Margarite Bay, a southern destination that very few other ships visit.” For those planning ahead, Scenic has unveiled its
2023/24 Antarctic programme ahead of schedule – featuring three brand-new itineraries in the region. The new 12-day Antarctica Insights: Fly & Cruise
voyage will be Scenic Eclipse’s first-ever fly-cruise, allowing guests to travel over the infamous Drake Passage by air – arriving at King George Island to embark the yacht. The flight option provides a shorter overall voyage and ensures guests will land in Antarctica fresh and ready to explore. In addition, the new 19-day Beyond the Antarctic
Circle voyage includes an additional night to cross and explore the Antarctic Circle in greater depth. Discovering 66° 33’ south brings with it a change in scenery, more sea ice and wildlife living off the krill-rich waters. The once-in-a-lifetime voyage offers a chance to explore more places, landings and to spend more time in Antarctica’s incredible wildlife-filled landscapes. Guests booking on the newly launched 2023/24 Antarctica programme can save up to 20% when paying for their cruise in full 12 months before departure. Visiting Antarctica on board Scenic Eclipse provides
guests with the opportunity to cruise on Zodiacs or kayak around towering ice formations, step onto islands uninhabited by humans and walk among vast penguin rookeries and seal colonies and, conditions permitting, to visit a working scientific base and meet the staff located there.
NORWEIGIAN Cruise Line (NCL), continues its legacy of “firsts” by announcing today (15 December) that it has become the first cruise line to seasonally homeport in Panama City, Panama, offering roundtrip Panama Canal voyages beginning 20th March 2022 with Norwegian Jewel. NCL’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. signed a multi-year agreement with the Panama Tourism Authority, which allows the Company to seasonally homeport at the Colon Cruise Terminal as well as at Fuerte Amador Cruise Terminal located on the Pacific Ocean side the country and adjacent to Panama City. The new contract is part of an agreement that will provide Panama Canal transit benefits to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. from 2022 through 2024, while operating homeport turnarounds. In 2022 and 2023, the Company will offer 12 homeport voyages starting with Norwegian Jewel on 20th March 2022 where she
PRINCESS Cruises is offering reduced fares on all 2022-2023 itineraries as part of the line’s wave campaign. The Real Holiday Sale runs until 28 February 2022 and applies to more than 1,100 voyages. Including itineraries for a seven-night Spain and
France cruise on one of the line’s newest ships, Sky Princess. Departs 17 September, 2022, sailing roundtrip Southampton. The all-inclusive Princess Plus package includes the premium drinks package, unlimited MedallionNet Wi- Fi and crew appreciation, worth more than £70 a day for guests who pay for these items individually in advance of their cruise, or onboard. Also included in the Real Holiday Sale are voyages
on the line’s newest addition to the fleet, the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess, which launched in November 2021. Enchanted Princess will be based in Europe from April to September next year, sailing roundtrip Copenhagen to Scandinavia and Russia. An 11-night cruise, calling at Oslo, Berlin (Warnemunde), Tallinn, St. Petersburg
January 2022 Travel News
Five Bucket List Cruises for 2022 from Ambassador Cruise Line
ITH the launch of Ambassador Cruise Line, the first brand-new British cruise line to be launched since 2010, cruises are set to make a comeback. Following the inaugural voyage to Hamburg in April 2022, Ambassador is offering cruise itineraries to some of the top travel destinations around the world, including island hopping in the Caribbean and Iceland to see the Northern Lights. With saver fares available during the festive season, now is the prime time to plan that big bucket-list trip for 2022 and 2023.
W
BEST OF THE BRITISH ISLES 26 May, 2022 / 12 nights
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, be part of a special cruise to the farthest-flung corners of the UK. With lush landscapes and unrivalled tranquility, see Britain’s offshore islands in all their glory, from the chilly beauty of Orkney to sun-drenched Scilly and St. Peter Port on Guernsey where Britain meets France in one of the wealthiest enclaves on earth. On board, join the celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s 70th year as monarch with royal historians, fascinating lectures, a special Jubilee dinner, and more to be announced.
NORWAY’S FJORDLAND 16 October, 2022 / Seven nights
Norway is undeniably breathtaking and the sheer scale of the destination’s fjords has to be seen to be believed. Gliding along mirror-smooth waters, be wowed by pristine landscapes with an endless, unspoilt vista of craggy cliffs, magnificent waterfalls and snow- capped mountains. Highlights include Haugesund, formerly the royal seat of the Viking kings, this typically Scandinavian town is set amid the stunning fjords and waterfalls, with colourful houses and a charming waterfront.
BALTIC TREASURES & ST. PETERSBURG 23 July 2022 / 14 nights
Journey through the Baltic Sea to one of Russia’s
jewels and a treasure-house of history, St. Petersburg, with its array of ornate churches and cathedrals, opulent palaces that once housed Tsars and, of course, the magnificent Hermitage Museum. The Baltics are also home to incredible medieval cities and cosmopolitan capitals, with unique architecture blending the very best of east and west. Ambassador Cruise Line takes travellers from the wealth of Copenhagen and Stockholm to the up-and-coming capital of Tallinn, Estonia. As an interactive Circus Cruise for all the family, guests on board can also experience some of the UK’s greatest acts and learn the art of juggling, diablo, balancing, and illusion.
A CARIBBEAN COCKTAIL 5 January, 2023 / 42 nights
Swap the cold winter blues for warm crystal-clear seas and cloudless skies on a tropical voyage to the Caribbean. Soak in Cuba’s charming capital, palm- fringed beaches, dramatic volcanoes and tropical rainforests as well as exploring a mosaic of Caribbean islands including Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Tortola (BVI) and Antigua. A one-stop shop for paradise hunters and active adventurers.
ICELAND’S LAND OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS 23 March, 2023 / 11 nights
The Aurora Borealis is one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in all nature as the night sky comes alive in vivid swathes of pink and green. Ambassador will take travellers to the beautiful and unblemished island of Iceland, with its colourful, cosmopolitan capital of Reykjavik, in search of this elusive and fabled phenomenon. Along the way, Ambience will visit Invergordon and the remote and tranquil archipelagos of Orkney and the Faroe Islands to complete an unforgettable itinerary.
For more information visit ambassadorcruiselines. com or contact your local travel agent.
Norwegian Cruise Line First to Homeport Seasonally in Panama City
will sail a nine-day itinerary traversing the Panama Canal and visiting incredible destinations including Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Oranjestad Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Kralendijk, Bonaire and Cartagena Colombia before arriving to the Caribbean side of Panama in the city of Colon. “Part of our Company’s mission is to create unforgettable experiences in some of the most special places around the world,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This new agreement enables nearly 24,000 guests to experience the beauty of Panama each year.” Starting 14th January 2023, Norwegian Gem will
feature select Panama Canal voyages including an 11- day journey visiting seven ports of call, including Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Grand Turk,Turks and Caicos Islands before ending in New
Princess Cruises Launches ‘The Real Holiday Sale’ For 2022/23 Itineraries!
(overnight stay), Helsinki, and Stockholm. Tony Roberts, vice president Princess Cruises UK
and Europe, stated “The Real Holiday Sale wave campaign provides a fantastic range of cruises at reduced fares and supports business for our valued travel agents. After a challenging couple of years for international travel, guests can once again look forward to a ‘Real Holiday’ with Princess, with a choice of cruises that offer incredible travel experiences across the globe.” Some of reduced fares on offer include: £549pp for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise
on Regal Princess, sailing roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale and calling at Princess Cays, St. Thomas, St. Kitts. Departs 15 January, 2023. £599pp for an eight-night British Isles cruise on
Emerald Princess, sailing roundtrip Southampton and calling at Portland, St. Peter Port, Cobh, Dublin, Holyhead, and Greenock. Departs 1 May, 2022. Find additional information about Princess Cruises by visiting the company’s website at
princess.com.
York City. On 6th December 2023, Norwegian Joy will offer a 10-day voyage sailing from Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama and visiting notable destinations including Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Roatán, Bay Islands; Harvest Caye, the Brand’s private resort destination in Belize; Cozumel, Mexico and Great Stirrup Cay, before ending her journey in Miami.
Viking Takes Delivery of First Expedition Ship
VIKING has officially taken delivery of Viking Octantis, the company’s first of two new purpose-built expedition ships. The delivery ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway. Viking Octantis hosts 378 guests and will now set sail toward South America to welcome guests in January 2022 for Viking’s first voyages to Antarctica. Viking Octantis will be officially named in April 2022 in New York City by her ceremonial godmother, Liv Arnesen, the famed explorer and educator. The ship then makes her way to the Great Lakes, for a series of voyages during spring and summer. A second, identical sister ship, Viking Polaris, joins the fleet in August 2022 for journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica. “Today is a proud day for the entire Viking family as we welcome our first expedition ship to the fleet and usher in a new era of exploration. Our guests have asked us to build on our award-winning river and ocean voyages to take them further, and that is just what we have done,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Leveraging our long history of destination-focused
travel, enrichment and innovative ship design, we are now perfecting expedition voyages and offering curious travellers the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most pristine destinations in the most responsible way possible. With the arrival of Viking Octantis, Viking is now exploring all seven continents, and we look forward to welcoming her first guests on board in the coming weeks.”
Viking’s new expedition ships were designed by
Richard Riviere, Founding Principal of internationally acclaimed interior design firm Rottet Studio of Los Angeles, who also designed Viking’s award-winning Longships and ocean ships. SMC Design of London contributed with their expertise in the maritime sector. Together the two firms were recently awarded “Design Studio Team of the Year” in the 2021 Cruise Ship Interior Awards for their work on Viking’s expedition ships. More detail on the design and features of the ships can also be found in a new virtual video tour, Discover Our Expedition Ships, now available on Viking’s website and narrated by Viking Executive Vice President Karine Hagen. To make a booking or for more information go to
www.viking.com or contact your local travel agent for the latest offers.
Explore What The UK Has To Offer with Riviera Travel’s 2022 Itineraries
RIVIERA Travel has announced a 2022 UK Tour programme, set to operate from March to December. The 2022 UK Tour Programme follows after Riviera Travel concluded its first ever UK tour season in December 2021 , which consisted of 2,500 guests on over 100 group tours. This 2022 programme will comprise of over 100 group journeys, covering similar itineraries to Riviera’s 2021 programme which consisted of 12 itineraries, over the course of five or six days. With destinations including Devon, Oxford, Scottish Highlands, and Somerset. Riviera Travel are also offering a range of solo travel
options to Norfolk, Cornwall, The Lake District and North Yorkshire. Travellers will travel on a socially distanced, full-sized coach which will hold up to 25
P&O CRUISES brand new ship Arvia is creating it’s very own multi-sensory escape room where you’re on board an imaginary submarine underwater The escape room expedition is suitable for all ages as
long as you are up for an irresistible challenge and enjoy discovering clues to solve mysteries, then you are good to go! It will consist of multiple stimulating challenges as
well as a series of live-action puzzles. You will follow a storyline of twists and turns that is led by fictional character, Dr Ryan.
guests. Accommodation is included, consisting of a select number of three or four star hotels, centrally located in the area. Some itineraries include the Highlands and Skye,
a tour which visits Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. Allowing travellers to enjoy the Loch Ness scenic cruise, along with the Fort William to Mallong train journey, and the Cairngorms National Park. Head of European Product at Riviera Travel, Joanne
Lynn stated that “we’re pleased to confirm that 2022 will see the return of the UK itineraries, and we’re already seeing plenty of returning guests as well as people sampling our tours for the first time.” For more information on these itineraries, visit
rivieratravel.co.uk or contact your local travel agent.
Experience ‘Mission Control’ Escape Room on New Ship Arvia
President Paul Ludlow of P&O Cruises said: “Holidays are all about new experiences and the immersive escape room will create unforgettable action- packed moments with family and friends.” “Mission control will expand our on board entertainment offering even further, giving guests an opportunity to create unique bonding experiences.” The brand new ship will open for service in December
2022 and will offer many other experiences along-side the multi-sensory escape room. These include, a high ropes experience, a water splash zone as well as mini golf.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
