June 2022 Travel News Newest Viking Ship Named


in Official Ceremony VIKING have named its newest identical ocean ship,


the Viking Mars, during a private ceremony in Valletta, Malta. As part of the event, the ship’s ceremonial godmother


Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship—a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years. This week the new ship will begin her maiden season sailings. “It is always a proud day when we welcome a new


Celebrity Cruises’ Latest Ship, Celebrity Beyond Celebrity Cruises Name Godmother for Celebrity Beyond


very special title to her decorated career – Godmother for Celebrity Beyond. A long-standing and highly regarded tradition for new


C


ships, the role of Godmother is to inspire all guests and crew who sail on the ship, and it is considered a lifetime title and honour. In her role as Godmother, Biles will name Celebrity Beyond – the gold standard ship and newest and most luxurious vessel in the Celebrity fleet – at the official ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on 4th November 2022. For its groundbreaking Edge Series ships, Celebrity is selecting equally transformational and courageous Godmothers who are breaking barriers and championing change in their respective fields. Biles joins Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and Reshma Saujani, Founder of Girls Who Code and the Marshall Plan for Moms, who serve as Godmothers of Beyond’s sister ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity ApexSM respectively. “Simone is truly the G.O.A.T inside and outside of


the gym, and I’m humbled and thrilled to welcome her as Godmother of our newest ship Celebrity Beyond,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “While I’ve marvelled at her abilities and historic accomplishments as a gymnast, it’s Simone’s courage to speak out and her ability to help others be better in sport and in life that has impressed me the most. She has risen to the occasion and overcome challenges time and time


Up With Harmony Voyages AMADEUS River Cruises has partnered with spe-


ELEBRITY Cruises announced today (11 May) that Simone Biles, 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic medallist, will add another


again. She is an inspiration.” “I have a lot of great memories of cruising with my


parents while growing up, so I am beyond excited to serve as Godmother of Celebrity Beyond,” said Biles. “I am honoured to join such a distinguished group of game-changing women and appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognising our accomplishments, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of women.” Celebrity Beyond showcases the design talents of multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE; celebrated American designer Nate Berkus; and lauded Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku; the innovation of British architect Tom Wright; and the culinary gifts of Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud. The ship also features experiences and products


from goop CEO and founder Gwyneth Paltrow, the brand’s new Well-Being Advisor. The exquisite ship offers a journey at the intersection of elegance and approachability filled with what’s important to today’s discerning traveller: forward-thinking design, culinary excellence, unparalleled well-being and incomparable service.


Celebrity Beyond began her inaugural season on 27th


April 2022 with a 10-night sailing from Southampton to Barcelona, Spain, and will now spend the summer sailing nine-to-10-night itineraries in the Mediterranean. In November, Celebrity Beyond will make her way to Fort Lauderdale for the official naming ceremony and a winter season of five-to-nine-night Caribbean sailings.


sister ship to our fleet. The Viking Mars will allow us to offer even more opportunities for curious travellers to explore the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Many of our guests were introduced to both Viking and Highclere Castle while watching Downton Abbey, and over the years we have continued a close friendship with the Carnarvon family as they have welcomed our guests into their home. We are very grateful that Lady Carnarvon has honoured us by serving as godmother of our newest ocean ship.” “I am honoured and privileged to be the godmother


of the Viking Mars. I have no doubt she will delight the many guests who travel with her around the world. For more than a decade, Viking and Highclere have been linked through both Downton Abbey and life, and we look forward to continuing welcoming the extended Viking family to explore our home for years to come,” said Lady Carnarvon. In lieu of a large-scale event, Viking and Lady Carnarvon jointly decided to celebrate the naming of the Viking Mars and Viking’s 25th anniversary in a private and more meaningful way— donating £10,000 each to 25 worthy charities covering a spectrum of causes


Scenic Eclipse Launch


SIX New Voyages SCENIC Eclipse have today (27 April) unveiled


six brand-new voyages with the largest ever release of their 2023/24 Arctic & Fjords collection. Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, which is set to launch in 2023, will introduce almost 40 new landings throughout the Arctic region, visiting Scotland and the Canadian Arctic – giving guests the chance to discover new horizons and venture further than ever before in ultra-luxury style. Guests booking an Arctic & Fjords voyage departing


in 2023 and 2024 will save up to 20% when paying in full 12 months prior to departure. All new bookings are covered by Scenic’s Flexible Booking Policy, enabling guests to defer their cruise to another travel date or itinerary up to 60 days prior to departure^ and come with Scenic’s Deposit Protection Plan included. For more information or to book, call


0808 271 5355, visit www.scenic.co.uk


Amadeus River Cruises Partner Silversea Release Details of New Ship Silver Nova SILVERSEA Cruises has unveiled the latest insight


cialist music and cruise operator, Harmony Voyages, to offer a series of exclusive music cruises on the Rhine and Danube featuring renowned acts such as Fairport Con- vention, Paul Carrack and Richard Thompson. Not only will guests enjoy the spectacular scenery that these rivers have to offer, but they will also have the opportu- nity to enjoy ‘up close and personal’ the songs and music of these talented musicians. 14th June 2022 – an eight-day Rhine cruise featuring co-founder of Fairport Convention, Richard Thomp- son, acoustic four-piece Track Dogs and folk duo Broom Bezzums. The cruise from Basel to Amsterdam takes place on the 150-guest Amadeus Queen and calls in Strasbourg, Speyer, Mannheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem and Cologne. 21st June 2022 – an eight-day Rhine cruise starring


Fairport Convention which will include live perfor- mances of songs both old and new, karaoke with Fair- port Convention as the backing band, fascinating sto- ries and even a bit of magic and stand-up comedy from a couple of band members. The cruise from Amsterdam to Basel takes place on the 150-guest Amadeus Queen and calls in Utrecht, Cologne, Cochem, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Mannheim, Speyer and Strasbourg. 9th July 2022 – an eight-day Danube cruise featuring


folk rock legends, Oysterband, and internationally-ac- claimed singer and songwriter, Thea Gilmore. The cruise from Passau to Budapest takes place on the 160-guest Amadeus Cara and calls in Regensburg, Linz, Melk, Emmersdorf, Vienna and Bratislava. 16th July 2022 – an eight-day Danube cruise featuring co-founder of Fairport Convention, Richard Thomp- son, Welsh singer-song writer Judith Owen and Show of Hands, one of the leading forces in British folk music. The cruise from Budapest to Passau takes place on the 160-guest Amadeus Cara and calls in Esztergom, Brati- slava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Emmersdorf, Linz and Regensburg. 23rd July 2022 – an eight-day Danube cruise starring


the legendary Paul Carrack, who has worked with bands such as Roxy Music, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics and will perform three after dinner concerts. The cruise from Passau to Budapest takes place on the 160-guest Amadeus Cara and calls in Regensburg, Linz, Melk, Emmersdorf, Vienna and Bratislava.


on its fleet’s 11th ship, Silver Nova—scheduled for delivery in 2023. Built with a revolutionary asymmetrical design—a first for the cruise line—the new ship will offer guests all-new outdoor spaces for an unprecedented openness to the destination, with a reimagined, outward-facing pool deck; an al fresco dining area; and a sky bar that offers panoramic views from the ship’s aft. “Silver Nova represents the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury, with an entirely new design approach that will enhance our guests’ cruise experience,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “With her outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and her all-new outdoor venues, Silver Nova will offer our guests a brand new way to connect and engage with each destination. Moreover, with her groundbreaking environmental credentials, Silver Nova will strengthen our position at the forefront of sustainable cruise travel.” Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has enabled the


creation of a reimagined pool area and unseen outdoor venues on decks 10 and 11. Each space places emphasis on the destination, with panoramic views that connect guests with the world beyond. The following venues and deck spaces highlight Silver Nova’s all-new outdoor offering: • The Pool Deck – Decks 10/11 Silver Nova’s pool


decks will be the primary outdoor areas in which guests can relax, refresh and socialise—with ample space for 280 sunbeds on decks 10 and 11. The horseshoe-shaped pool area will occupy a generous space on the starboard side of the ship, affording unobstructed views on the destination from the swimming pool, the adjacent pool bar, and the sunbathing areas. At 130m2 (1,400ft2), the main pool is larger than on the cruise line’s previous ships, reimagined with a new layout, wide entrance steps, and more shallow waters in which guests can sit. Deck 10’s pool bar offers a centralised hub for socialising, day and night. Silver Nova’s uppermost level, deck 11 forms an amphitheatre-shaped structure with deck 10. It will offer guests a quieter, more intimate space for relaxing, with expansive views over the destination and out to sea. At its centre, overlooking the ship’s port side, extends an all-new infinity edge whirlpool, named The Cliff Whirlpool. • The Marquee – Deck 10 Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has also enabled the introduction of two new food


and drinks venues on deck 10. The Marquee is the first of the pair, positioned towards the ship’s aft on the port side and enjoying views out to sea. The al fresco dining venue will welcome up to 220 guests, incorporating The Grill and Spaccanapoli—two of Silversea’s existing signature venues, which offer guests the cruise line’s trademark ‘hot rocks’ culinary concept and arguably the best pizza at sea, respectively. Due to its proximity to the swimming pool, The Marquee will welcome guests in a relaxed atmosphere, serving casual fare by day and offering dinner under the stars by night. • The Dusk Bar – Deck 10- The second of the two


new food and drinks venues, The Dusk Bar is a brand new open-air sky bar that provides an elegant space for up to 70 guests to enjoy a drink, with 270-degree, panoramic views from Silver Nova’s stern. Among her eight dining venues, Silver Nova will offer


guests a selection of Silversea’s signature restaurants on decks 3 and 4—enlarged and reimagined with enhanced designs. The largest of Silver Nova’s restaurants, La Terrazza will seat 340 guests and will feature a vibrant new colour palette on deck 4. Floor-to-ceiling windows will surround the restaurant’s interior space, offering panoramic views to connect diners with the destination, while its outdoor terrace will be larger than ever. A guest favourite, Atlantide will seat 270 guests on deck 3 as the ship’s second-largest restaurant, complete with a new interior design. Silversea’s signature French restaurant, La Dame, will be more spacious than ever on deck 4, with an enlarged capacity for 70 diners and higher ceilings. Taking inspiration from the world’s best sushi restaurants, Kaiseki will maintain its minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic, welcoming up to 40 guests on deck 4. More information on Silver Nova’s extensive culinary offering will be released soon. As well as incorporating a new design approach for


the industry’s leading cruise line, Silver Nova will push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering sustainability credentials. She is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilises fuel cells, emitting zero harmful emissions while in port—an industry first. Silver Nova will host up to 728 guests in 13 different


suite categories—the largest variety of suites in Silversea’s history. Every suite on board will offer guests the use of a private veranda.k level of service and an array of pioneering, new features.


Windstar’s Star Breeze


CRUISE NEWS 13 Havila Castor Embarks


On Her Maiden Voyage HAVILA Voyages’ second ship, Havila Castor, set


off on Tuesday evening on her first round voyage along the classic Norwegian coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes. At 20.30 on Tuesday 10 May, Havila Castor left the


Jektevik terminal in Bergen and headed north towards Kirkenes. Havila Castor is Havila Voyages’ second ship operating on the coastal route. “This is a big day for Havila Voyages. A fantastic team


of employees and suppliers have been working day and night since Havila Castor arrived in Bergen last week to get the ship ready for today, and they have passed the test with flying colours”, says CEO Bent Martini. “We would never have managed this demanding


exercise without everyone doing their utmost and even a little more. Participating in a turnaround operation of this scale and being able to deliver in such a short time is completely unique and everyone involved should be very proud of themselves.”


Havila Castor, together with her sister ship Havila


Capella, is a state-of-the-art ship, with technical features that make her the most environmentally friendly ship that has ever sailed the classic coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes. The ship’s propulsion is a combination of natural gas (LNG) and a battery pack of 6.1 megawatt hours (MWh), the world’s largest battery pack on a passenger ship. Havila Voyages has invested around NOK 500 million to make the ships as environmentally friendly as possible with the technology available. “Delivering on our climate and environmental promises is important to us. Figures from Havila Capella’s previous sailings show that we have cut CO2 emissions by more than 30% in operations so far, and we will continue to work on further reductions” says Martini. Among other things, future blending of biogas will reduce emissions even more.


Next month, Havila Castor will be writing history. “On Thursday 2 June, Havila Castor will be the


first ever passenger ship to sail into the Geirangerfjord purely on battery, silently and emission-free. That is four years before the Norwegian government’s requirement for this type of sailing in our world heritage fjord and we are proud that we have already achieved this.” says Martini.


New and modern Havila Voyages’ new coastal cruise ships are decorated


with Norwegian furniture in a classic Nordic design. The food on board reflects the areas you sail through, and our guests can enjoy the beautiful Norwegian coast through large windows that let in nature and show off the changing weather and light. In addition, passengers will sleep well in large and modern cabins. “All of our accommodation is spacious and the


external cabins that we have most of, have large windows so you can enjoy the view. The beds on board are comfortable so when sailing with us you should also sleep well”, says Martini. “The food you get on our ships should be an important


part of the total experience of travelling with us, with locally produced ingredients from suppliers along the coast. It contributes to local value creation and gives our passengers a completely different culinary experience.” Martini concludes.


Windstar Cruises Launches Biggest UK Sale Offering


WINDSTAR Cruises, has launched its biggest ever exclusive UK sale featuring over 140 worldwide sailings departing between May and December 2022. The sale, which runs until 30th June 2022, offers


savings of up to 60% and includes both short- and long-haul itineraries, as well as Cruise Tours featuring the best of land and sea and the longer Star Collector voyages. Featured within the sale are:


Nine Alaska voyages ranging from seven to 14 days Three Australia & New Zealand voyages ranging from 11 to 14 days


32 Star Collector voyages ranging from 14 to 21 days 35 Cruise Tours ranging from nine to 18 days 19 Greece itineraries ranging from seven to 10 days Eight Italy itineraries ranging from eight to 10 days 14 Mediterranean itineraries ranging from seven to 10 days 18 Northern Europe itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days


Three 14-night ocean crossings For more info visit www.windstarcruises.com


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