40 | CRUISE NEWS
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Oceania Cruises Becomes First Ultra- Premium Line to Sail Out of Tampa
OCEANIA Cruises is adding a range of new Caribbean and Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026 departing from Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The line’s 670-guest Insignia will make history
NI Travel News Hops Onboard to Explore Oceania Marina
THE team from NI Travel News, agents and special guests were invited onboard to explore Oceania’s Marina when she docked in Belfast 3rd September 2024. Marina was the last in the fleet of to undergo an
extensive, all-encompassing refurbishment in Spring this year. The 1,240-passenger ship received several new amenities, including updates to its dining program including the addition of three new dining options – Aquamar Kitchen, poolside ice cream parlour, and a casual al fresco Italian. NI Travel News’ Emma and Danielle were lucky enough to get a tour of the ships highlights such as the Aquamar Spa & Terrace, casino, the library, theatre, and bars and of course the heart of these ships – the Restaurants. Oceania’s ultra-premium ships were founded and designed by foodies and this is reflected in the passion of the staff on board and the variety of dining options. NI Travel News’ Emma and Danielle were treated
to a 5-course lunch showcasing the different culinary delights onboard. Oceania has fantastic value for money on there small luxurious ships with simply MORE™, enjoy Free Gratuities; Free Shore Excursions; Free Champagne, Wine and More; Free Gourmet Speciality Dining and Free Unlimited WiFi included in the price. The line’s eighth ship, Allura, is set to launch its inaugural sailing in August 2025.
in March 2026 as it becomes the first ultra- premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay. Oceania Cruises will journey from the ebullient shimmering Gulf Coast gem of a city on a collection of 7- to 20-night itineraries exploring picturesque Caribbean islands including St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Tortola; calls in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize City; plus, a daylight transit of the iconic Panama Canal and overnight stay in Panama City. These mesmerising voyages can be easily
accessed by the 41 non-stop flights offered from Tampa International Airport. Tampa is the perfect match for the world’s
only true foodie cruise line thanks to its vibrant culinary scene including street food experiences, high-end gourmet dining at venues from a variety of Michelin Guide restaurants, and immersive culinary tours led by local experts. “Port Tampa Bay represents an exciting new
chapter as Oceania Cruises becomes the first ultra- premium cruise line to have dedicated voyages from Tampa, opening the door as a convenient gateway to Florida’s west coast and the Gulf of Mexico,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “This is a natural expansion for our brand, as
Tampa echoes the cosmopolitan essence of our beloved hometown of Miami with its diverse mix of international influences and cultures.” “We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Cruises
to Port Tampa Bay,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “The arrival of Insignia marks a significant milestone, enhancing Tampa’s status as a premier cruise destination. We look forward to welcoming new guests to our beautiful city and gateway, as the increased tourism will create substantial economic opportunities for our region, workers, and businesses.”
Azamara Cruises’ Offering Travellers Extended Exploration
AZAMARA has unveiled
Royal Caribbean Confirms Order for Fourth Icon Class Ship
ROYAL Caribbean Group has signed a deal with Meyer Turku for a fourth Icon Class vessel, set to be finalised and handed over in 2027. The agreement also grants options for the construction of a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship. Jason Liberty, the President and CEO,
expressed excitement about expanding the Icon Class fleet with Meyer Turku, noting the impactful vacation experience the Icon has provided since its launch. Petteri Orpo, the Prime Minister of Finland, praised the partnership for its positive effects on Finnish employment and the economy. The first Icon Class ship debuted in January
2024, with the Star of the Seas scheduled for launch in 2025 and a third unnamed Icon Class ship in 2026. Meyer Turku has built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group in their 28-year collaboration, with seven new ships currently on order. This year, the company welcomed four new ships, including Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.
Cruises a
new offer, giving all travellers $500 onboard credit, as well as a choice between complimentary Wi-Fi and a Premium Beverage Package
f o r
those who reserve a veranda or suite. This offer is available on select sailings booked between 22 August – 30 October, 2024. Travellers can take advantage of this onboard
credit to embark on some of Azamara’s curated shore excursions, each thoughtfully designed to forge meaningful connections with the destinations and turn every journey into an unforgettable adventure. Azamara’s Extended Destination Days provide 10 or more hours in port, offering ample time to explore historical sites, discover vibrant local cultures, or relax on pristine beaches.With more time in unique destinations across the globe and the onboard credit offered in this special promotion, Azamara guests can experience such shore excursions as: Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Durban, South Africa – Azamara Quest’s 12-Night South Africa Intensive Voyage Drive into the countryside and along a seemingly
ordinary stretch of highway that gained significant historical importance on 5 August, 1962. It was here that police arrested anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, who was disguising himself as a chauffeur to avoid detection. Whale Watch Safari by Helicopter in Kaikoura,
New Zealand – Azamara Pursuit’s 14-Night New Zealand Intensive Voyage For more information, contact your local travel
agent.
Viking Announces Expansion of China Offering with New Voyages Starting in 2025
VIKING has announced six new itineraries in Asia that will expand exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025. The new voyages range from 15 to 22 days and explore iconic destinations in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang), as well as Osaka, Japan. The itineraries will continue to highlight rarely-
seen destinations and ports in China to which only Viking has access. Each voyage will offer guests immersive destination-focused experiences, insightful lectures and regionally inspired cuisine. Now open for booking, the new itineraries will operate from September 2025 to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun—a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet. “We are proud to open our second season of these unique itineraries featuring exploration of the China coast—something that is entirely exclusive to Viking,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “For centuries, these phenomenal destinations in Asia have inspired travellers with ancient history and rich culture. Our guests are curious travellers who travel as a way to broaden their minds, and we look forward to introducing more of Asia to them in 2025.”
September/October 2024
AMADEUS RIVER CRUISES ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF ITS NEWEST & MOST SUSTAINABLE SHIP EVER
AMADEUS River Cruises has released details of its newest ship, Amadeus Amara, which will join the fleet in July 2025. Thanks to an innovative lightweight construction and an exceptionally shallow draft in this category of ships, the vessel will remain reliably operational even in seasonally fluctuating water levels. Additionally, its reduced water resistance will help minimise fuel consumption. The sustainable design is further enhanced by an efficient hull shape, a fuel-saving autopilot and solar panels on the sun deck, all of which contribute to environmentally friendly river cruising. Amadeus Amara will boast impressive technical innovations and high environmental standards, while offering its 164 guests even more space on the river. The Austrian cruise line, with decades of experience in developing modern river cruise ships, has collaborated with an expert team to create numerous groundbreaking features for this three- deck ship. Notably, the combination of lightweight construction and an innovative stabilisation system allows for an impressively shallow draft of only 1.3m / 4.3 ft in this category of ships. This reduced water resistance not only lowers fuel consumption but also ensures reliable operation, even in fluctuating water levels.
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