During Zuiderdam’s journey around the world, the ship visited 57 ports in 30 countries on four continents and cruised 35,651 nautical miles (39,875 land miles). Highlights included funds raised for Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, Africa; blankets knitted by guests for Project Linus; and celebrating the company’s 150th Anniversary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.

“Like our guests, we have been eagerly anticipating the return of our Grand World Voyage, and the 2023 world cruise was an exceptional journey for not only the places we visited, but the memories made along the way,” said Antorcha. “A world cruise is more than just a travel experience; it’s building a community of friends and family. And our guests generously gave their time and funds for some worthy causes during the journey, for which I extend gratitude on behalf of everyone at Holland America Line.”

Guests Raise Funds and Knit for a Cause

Zuiderdam guests raised $10,000 for The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, which was presented to the organization during the ship’s call at Walvis Bay. The BNC services approximately 150 kids in grades one through seven who come in after their school day to receive support, food, additional education and positive social interaction.

Continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago on the Grand World Voyage, guests made 618 blankets for Project Linus throughout the sailing. Nearly 75 blanketeers and 20 non-knitting volunteers participated in the Project Linus endeavor this year. With yarn brought on by guests, donated prior to departure and funds given by Holland America Line, guests of all knitting and crocheting abilities made blankets for children in the United States who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

Organized this year by guests Gail and Marty Gottlieb, the couple drove a U-Haul truck to Port Everglades for the start of the Grand World Voyage with one-million yards of yarn in over 40 different colors, along with hooks, needles and ball winders. The blankets will be picked up by the local South Florida chapter of Project Linus at the port.

Themed Events and Culinary Delights

During the voyage, guests dressed to the nines for events that featured a Grand Masquerade, Derby Night, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras Night of Music and “Once Upon a Time.” More than a dozen casual, themed evenings around Lido pool included a glamp out, Burgers and Beer, Grand Fair, surprise party with the ship’s team members, Biergarten Festival, “Let Them Eat Cake” and “An Evening in France.”

2023 Grand World Voyage Highlights and Fun Facts:

• Zuiderdam visited imaginary Null Island (0°N/S & 0°E/W) where the equator crosses the Prime Meridian and visitors became an Emerald Shellback, the rarest shellback (a sailor who has crossed the equator) designation.
• On April 18, Antorcha visited the ship in Amsterdam during an overnight call to celebrate the company’s 150th Anniversary.
• Guests indulged in 31,248 bottles of wine and champagne.
• 200,606 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 173,903 lbs. of fresh fruit were consumed.
• 40,905 fresh eggs were scrambled, poached and used as ingredients.
• Guests drank 133,293 soft drinks.
• The ship served nearly 200,000 lbs. of meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, veal).
• Guests enjoyed 56,306 lbs. of seafood.
• 7,793 tea bags were used to brew a cuppa, as well as 3,277 bags of coffee.
• More than $200,000 in foreign currencies were exchanged.

Future Holland America Line Grand Voyages:

• 2023 Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 7, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zaandam.
• 2023 Grand Africa Voyage — 73 days. Departs Oct. 10, 2023, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand World Voyage — 128 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage — 94 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, roundtrip from San Diego aboard Volendam
• 2025 Grand World Voyage — 124 days. Departs Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Zuiderdam.
• 2025 Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole — 133 days. Departs Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale aboard Volendam.

Bookings for the 2025 Pole to Pole and Grand World Voyage officially open May 24, 2023. Travelers interested making a deposited Future Cruise Request to get priority booking confirmation prior to May 24 can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or a travel advisor.

The article Holland America Line’s first Grand World Voyage since 2020 successfully concludes after 57 port visits first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The latest addition to the Cruise Baltic network is the capital of Latvia, Riga. The city is located where the Daugava River meets the Baltic Sea. Cruise ships (up to 300 m long) get moored in the very centre of the city from where it is just a short walk to the medieval Old Town, the Art Nouveau streets and all the unforgettable experiences of the largest city in the Baltic States.

“We are very pleased to be a part of Cruise Baltic and we are confident that our new membership will be valuable for Riga as a cruise destination. Our truly unique and amazing city offers a great variety of architectural, historical and cultural gems in a place that truly makes you feel. We look forward to an active and productive collaboration with partners of the network”, says Jelena Burdastova, Cruise Manager, Freeport of Riga.

The Freeport of Riga has 9 quays available for cruise ships ranging in length from up to 320 m and depths up to 10 m. The port is expecting 63 cruise calls for 2023. In Riga, guests can feel the magic synergy between the historical heritage, preserved for more than 820 years, and the modern creative urban diversity. This beautiful city boasts fantastic cultural and artistic life, great cuisine, modern entertainment and sports venues, lots of greenery and accessible waterfront.

“Cruise Baltic is proud to welcome Freeport of Riga to our network as the first port in Latvia. We work for cruise tourism in the entire Baltic Sea region. Therefore, we are always excited to include new destinations, and by welcoming Riga to the network, we now have an even stronger representation throughout the Baltic Sea region,” says Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise Baltic.

With Riga joining the network, Cruise Baltic has a total of 32 members.

The article Cruise Baltic welcomes the first Latvian port as a member of the network first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Star athletes and entertainers who have partnered with AQV to give back to their loved ones, charities and local community organizations in the promotion include Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis; Cleveland Brown alumni and NFL analyst, Joe Thomas; New York Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino; star forward Kelly Olynyk of the Utah Jazz; hip hop pioneer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run DMC, media personality Peter Rosenberg for Hot 97 and ESPN’s Michael Kay show and influencer and New York Times best-selling author, Anna Kloots.

“We are thrilled to have the support of these esteemed sports and entertainment figures as we continue to share what makes American Queen Voyages such a special experience with their extended guests,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president, American Queen Voyages. “We have such a loyal following because our Crew truly does treat every guest like royalty. We are excited to partner together as a way for the talent to express their gratitude to those that have made a positive impact on their lives and careers and make their own lasting memories aboard our iconic vessels.”

The enthusiasm from the sports and entertainment communities has opened AQV to new guests, inviting couples, friends, and families across the country to join in creating memories with loved ones aboard AQV’s river, lake, and ocean cruises.

“There have been so many people that have shaped me into who I am today, especially my mom who has been the cornerstone of my success throughout my life and career,” said Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers alumni. “In celebration of Mother’s Day, I couldn’t think of a better way to treat my mom with the opportunity to cruise on American Queen Voyages and to receive a royal VIP treatment that she so well deserves.”

Just in time for Mother’s Day, guests can also give the royal treatment to the special women in their lives. The “Treat Them Like Royalty” offer gives guests the chance to save on select 2023 and 2024 river, lake, ocean or expedition cruises. Travelers receive up to $2,500 savings per stateroom with free economy-class roundtrip airfare from select gateways (or a $300 travel credit). They also get a $100 “Your Choice” onboard credit per guest. Click here to see available dates and cruise itineraries. Travelers looking to take advantage of this offer need to contact their travel advisor or book their cruise by June 30 using offer code: LIKEROYALTYAQV.

American Queen Voyages is the leader in encounter travel. Aboard its namesake American Queen – the largest steamboat ever built – guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience with locally sourced gourmet meals; unlimited beverages at open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; unlimited guided land tours; and daily onboard entertainment, from Broadway-caliber performances to stimulating lectures with in-house historians.

Beyond the Mississippi and adjacent rivers, AQV hosts voyages along the Columbia & Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest; the Great Lakes; Mexico & Costa Rica; Canada & New England; Alaska & British Columbia; and more. The American Queen Voyages brand enables guests to experience all its expansive opportunities for discovery of North American under one umbrella. Discovery runs deep for guests, connected by AQV whether river, lakes and oceans or expedition cruising.

The article American Queen Voyages announces “Treat Them Like Royalty” campaign first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

An international organising team with the support of local representatives SMS Group, Malta Tourism Authority and Valletta Cruise Port worked on a line-up of celebratory events to mark this day, involving tens of suppliers brought in specifically for the event: from AV suppliers and set builders to florists and makeup artists and hairdressers.

“We would like to congratulate Oceania Cruises on this momentous day. This is a proud moment for Valletta and Malta, and we are pleased to be have been entrusted with hosting the naming ceremony of such an anticipated ship in our historical Grand Harbour. The Capital City of Valletta served as the best possible backdrop for this event”, commented Stephen Xuereb COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port.

Excitement on the quays could be felt from days before, as over 150 workers from the organizing team descended onsite – kicking off days of preparatory work. The Historic Magazino Hall, within walking distance from the quays, served as an onsite production office and catering area for the hundreds of production crew members working onsite on event build-up, execution and dismantling.

A traditional plaque exchange was held early in the day aboard the Vista between local port authorities and Captain Luca Manzi. At 241 meters long and more than 67,000 tons, Vista offers a market-leading staffing ratio with two crew members for every three guests. She also boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, plus new Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travelers. Setting new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury, she features all-veranda accommodation. Vista’s elevated variety of onboard activities include eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues plus a
luxurious spa centre.

The evening celebrations kicked off with an onboard cocktail reception and gala dinner, after which the guests disembarked onto Valletta Cruise Port’s quays with a suggestive backdrop of limestone bastions and the colourful Valletta Waterfront doors. The christening program ensued with an energetic and glamorous opening performance of the Oceania Cruises original show, ‘Into The Night’. Italian American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis did the honours as godmother. The champagne bottle was released on her cue from the stage, with a variety of
lighting effects and stage decor elements accentuating the celebratory moment.

Harry Connick Jr who has received accolades and recognition with multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards, as well as Tony Award nominations with successes covering every aspect of the showbiz world, provided an hour of pure entertainment, cheered on by the 1,300-strong crowd.

The evening ashore was rounded off by a 5-minute pyro-musical display over Malta’s Grand Harbour. Vista left Valletta the following day honoured by a full-canon salute from the Upper Barrakka Gardens’ Saluting Battery as well as water-spraying tugboat, providing another photo opportunity to guests aboard.

Vista is currently on a sold-out inaugural Mediterranean season, visiting a number of key Mediterranean ports.

The article Valletta Cruise Port hosts Vista’s naming ceremony Oceania’s Vista christened in Malta first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

• (10 days) from Dubai, UAE to Muscat, Oman and the reverse (with ports in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman).
  – Note November 23 will feature optional tickets to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (a Windstar exclusive)
  – A New James Beard Foundation cruise has been added to the 2/1/24 sail date, guest chef TBD
• (9 days) from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Aqaba, (Petra) Jordan and the reverse (with ports in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan)
• (18 days) from Athens, Greece to Dubai, UAE (with ports in Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and UAE)

The article Windstar Cruises announces deployment through Summer 2025  first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Called “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks,” guests on all Alaska cruises will be invited to donate $25 to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk aboard every sailing. Participants receive an On Deck for a Cause T-shirt, wrist band and enjoy a reception following the walk. Funds raised through “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks” will go to support education, science and research in Alaska’s parks.

“Not only do we love Alaska, but our guests can’t help but fall in love with everything that makes Alaska so spectacular, from its glaciers and wildlife to its cultural and natural beauty, which all directly benefit from the good work of Alaska Geographic,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development. “We are proud to support Alaska Geographic in their mission to make Alaska’s public lands more accessible to everyone and boost their work to preserve them for future generations.”

On every Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, the region’s incredible glaciers and natural landscapes take center stage. Holland America Line sails to Glacier Bay National Park more than any other cruise line and hosts a Glacier Bay National Park Ranger on board to help spot wildlife and explain the historic significance behind every sight. On every Alaska overland Cruisetour, guests explore Denali National Park for up to three nights, going in search of the “Big Five” (grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep and wolves), river rafting, hiking or flightseeing with a chance to land on Denali.

“The funds raised through Holland America Line’s ‘On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks’ directly support Alaska Geographic’s mission to connect people with Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges, and conservation lands,” said Andy Hall, executive director, Alaska Geographic. “Their guests come to Alaska from around the world to see incredible places like Glacier Bay and Denali national parks. On Deck for a Cause gives them the opportunity to give back by supporting our mission while learning about the importance of stewardship of these public lands.”

Nearly half a million participants have joined in more than 8,400 walks aboard Holland America Line cruises since the inception of the “On Deck” program in 2006. Currently, On Deck for a Cause benefits the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief and has raised more than $550,000 for Ukrainian aid over the past 14 months. The remaining five ships in the Holland America Line fleet will continue to raise funds for Direct Relief with On Deck for a Cause.

The article HAL’s ‘On Deck for a Cause’ focuses on Alaska’s parks and public lands through partnership with Alaska Geographic first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The purpose-designed new vessel was named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.

The sumptuous celebration Gala Dinner which followed on board also marked the official launch of Maris, an exciting new partnership with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, which offers Swan Hellenic guests a unique experience of exceptional dining and discovery through the senses, lived with the gourmet organisation’s world-famous chefs.

Maris brings a different JRE leading light aboard in a series of exclusive cultural expedition cruises on Swan Hellenic’s elegant designer ships SH Vega and SH Diana. Here, they take guests on a parallel voyage of discovery, exploring the celebrated culinary creativity that has made their name, driven by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients.

Maris was introduced by Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito, with speeches by JRE CEO Hans Van Manen and JRE Italy Vice President Daniel Canzian.

Five JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs chefs then showcased the extraordinary creative variety of Maris gastronomy to mark the occasion: Edwin Soumang (Restaurant One, The Netherlands), Daniel Canzian (Ristorante Daniel Canzian, Italy), Sabrina Schanz and Patrick von Vacano (Original Beans, The Netherlands), and Michael Ammon (Gasthof Jakob, Germany). Michael remained on board after the celebrations as the Maris chef on SH Diana’s post-naming cruise.

SH Diana is the third in a series of three elegant, high ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. Featuring a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull, she is fitted with extra- large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 125 m long, the 12,100-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

Complying with the latest environmental regulations, SH Diana is completely self- sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles, and equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas. Moreover, preparations have been made to implement zero-emission battery technology, which would also make it possible to operate silently in port, marine reserves and other sensitive natural areas.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana is operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Distinguished by the same elegant design as her acclaimed sister ships, with open-plan interiors, unobstructed sea views and extensive deck areas, SH Diana nevertheless boasts certain key differences, salient among them a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre overlooking the lounge, and on-board tender boats to take guests ashore in addition to the customary expedition zodiacs. Like her siblings, SH Diana features a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room and swimming pool with poolside grill.

SH Diana has now departed Amsterdam on the cultural expedition cruise “Norway Explored,” an 11-day odyssey through the fjords that will reach Tromsø, Norway, on the 14th of May 2022.

Dr Terje Leiren will be accompanying the maiden cultural expedition cruise throughout, sharing his expert knowledge, insights and company with the guests on board. Terje is Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, and was the University’s first holder of the Sverre Arestad Endowed Chair in Norwegian Studies (2007-2017). Terje gained his Ph.D. in history at the University of North Texas and taught at the University of Oslo before joining the University of Washington in 1977. He served as Co-General Editor of the University of Washington Press book series, “New Directions in Scandinavian Studies”, and is the author of four books and over 40 academic articles on Scandinavian history. He has also contributed to several television documentary programmes broadcast on PBS and the History Channel on topics ranging from the Vikings to World War II.

At the conclusion of the naming ceremony Valerie Ann Wilson commented: “I really am so proud to be godmother to this wonderful new ship. It takes Swan Hellenic’s hallmark contemporary lifestyle elegance to new levels and is a fabulous expression of the way Swan Hellenic really want us to be explorers and discover the world. I’m not just excited to depart on the Norwegian cruise this evening, but also look forward to joining SH Diana’s explorations worldwide to places that even an industry veteran like me has never heard of!”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito added: “I would again like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki Shipyard for their superb achievements in creating this exceptional new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, creating another unique presence on the waves, and very much look forward to the new era SH Diana heralds, taking cultural expedition cruising worldwide.”

The article Swan Hellenic’s third and largest ship, SH Diana, sets sail for Arctic following Amsterdam Naming Ceremony celebrations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“We knew that demand for our business was strong and strengthening, but we have been pleasantly surprised with how swiftly demand further accelerated well above historical trends and at higher rates,” said Jason T. Liberty, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spend further shifts towards experiences. Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition,” added Liberty. “We are increasing full year guidance, given the significant momentum in our business, and we are well on our way to achieve our Trifecta goals.”

Key Highlights

Stronger than anticipated demand has led to a record-breaking and extended WAVE season, which has and continues to translate into a robust booking environment – driving higher load factors and higher prices. These factors, combined with the continued strength in onboard spending, have led to the significant improvement (versus guidance) in the first quarter and the significant increase in the company’s full-year expectations for ticket and onboard revenue, as well as earnings.

First Quarter 2023:

• Load factors in the first quarter were 102%.
• Gross Margin Yields were down 12.4% as-reported and 10.5% in Constant-Currency. Net Yields were up 5.1% as-reported and 5.8% in Constant-Currency, compared to the first quarter of 2019.
• Gross Cruise Costs per Available Passenger Cruise Days (“APCD”) increased 8.2% as-reported and 8.8% in Constant-Currency, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Net Cruise Costs (“NCC”), excluding Fuel, per APCD increased 5.2% as-reported and 5.8% in Constant Currency, compared to the first quarter of 2019. Part of the improvement, compared to expectations, was due to favorable timing of operating costs.
• Total revenues were $2.9 billion, Net Loss was $(47.9) million or $(0.19) per share, Adjusted Net Loss was $(58.9) million or $(0.23) per share, Adjusted EBITDA was $641.7 million, and Operating Cash Flow was $1.3 billion.

Full Year 2023 Outlook:

• Net Yields are expected to increase 6.25% to 7.25% as-reported and 6.75% to 7.75% in Constant-Currency, compared to 2019.
• NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD is expected to increase 5.2% to 6.2% as-reported and 5.5% to 6.5% in Constant Currency, compared to 2019.
• The company expects to significantly exceed prior record Adjusted EBITDA, achieved in 2019.
• Adjusted Earnings per Share for the full year are expected to be in the range of $4.40 to $4.80 per share.

Second Quarter 2023 Outlook:

• Net Yields are expected to increase 9.6% to 10.1% as-reported and 10.1% to 10.6% in Constant-Currency, compared to the second quarter of 2019.
• NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD is expected to increase approximately 8.6% as-reported and approximately 8.9% in Constant Currency, compared to second quarter 2019.
• Adjusted Earnings per Share for the second quarter are expected to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.60 per share.

First Quarter 2023

The company reported Net Loss for the first quarter of $(47.9) million or $(0.19) per share compared to Net Loss of $(1.2) billion or $(4.58) per share for the same period in the prior year. The company also reported Adjusted Net Loss of $(58.9) million or $(0.23) per share for the first quarter compared to Adjusted Net Loss of $(1.2) billion or $(4.57) per share for the same period in the prior year.

First quarter revenue significantly exceeded the company’s guidance primarily due to very strong close-in demand, higher load factors at higher prices, and continued strength in onboard revenue. The company experienced particularly strong close-in demand for Caribbean itineraries, which accounted for close to 80% of first quarter capacity.

Gross Cruise Costs per APCD increased 8.2% as-reported and 8.8% in Constant-Currency, compared to 2019. NCC excluding Fuel per APCD increased 5.2% as-reported and 5.8% in Constant-Currency, compared to 2019. Part of the improvement, compared to expectations, was due to favorable timing of operating costs. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD and NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD for the first quarter included $2.87 per APCD of lingering transitional costs and structural costs (e.g. full-year operations of Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Galveston terminal). In the first quarter, the company continued to benefit from multiple actions taken over the past several years to reshape its cost structure which is helping to offset persistent inflation.

“First quarter results reflect continued strong demand for cruising and our teams’ focus on delivering the best vacation experiences that exceed guest expectations,” said Naftali Holtz, chief financial officer, Royal Caribbean Group. “We also benefited from favorable timing of operating expenses, as well as our continued focus on improving margins consistent with our Trifecta goals.”

Update on Bookings

Booking volumes in the first quarter were significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2019 and were considerably better than expected. This year, WAVE started earlier and extended further, generating a record level of bookings. These strong booking trends resulted in an acceleration of our booked position in relation to prior years. In addition, the company is generating significantly more bookings at meaningfully higher prices than in prior years, particularly from the North American consumer.

The remarkable WAVE booking period resulted in strong close-in demand at higher prices for the first quarter, and enabled a significant improvement in revenue expectations for all three remaining quarters. The increase in yield expectations for the year is predominantly related to higher load factors in the first quarter and higher prices for all four quarters, especially for Caribbean sailings. Consumer spending onboard, as well as pre-cruise purchases, continue to exceed 2019 levels driven by greater participation at higher prices. The company expects load factors to reach historical levels by late spring.

As of March 31, 2023, the Group’s customer deposit balance was at a record $5.3 billion.

The article Royal Caribbean Group increases full year guidance on strong revenue outlook first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“A shipyard period with Lürssen is always something special and for us, as a Hamburg-based business, a home game, so to speak,” says Ulrich Voss, Director Shipmanagement & Hotel Refurbishment. “In a great team effort, shipyard workers, technicians and engineers, as well as approximately 1,100 crew members in the dry dock, have prepared Mein Schiff 1 for the guests of the coming months.”

Shore power connection for almost emission-free ship operation in port

Following Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 6, Mein Schiff 1 is the third ship in the Mein Schiff fleet to have received shore power connection on board. This means that half of the Mein Schiff fleet can utilise shore-side power in ports where it is available. To install the system, an additional door was cut into the ship through which the six-centimetre-thick shore power cables are fed into the ship in port. “As early as November, Mein Schiff 5 and, in January 2024, Mein Schiff 2 will also be equipped with a shore power connection. In this way, we want to support the further development of using external power supply in port and increase the demand for more environmentally efficient ship operations,” says Voss.

A “HELCOM upgrade” also took place – the wastewater aftertreatment system has been improved even further. The plant complies with the strict limits for phosphate and nitrate in wastewater, which were specifically set for the sensitive waters of the Baltic Sea.

In addition, the outer skin of Mein Schiff 1 has been given a new silicone coating. This reduces resistance during the voyage and therefore achieves significant fuel savings and emission reductions. This is all part of TUI Cruises commitment to climate protection.

Northern German flair meets industrial design

In addition to regular maintenance and technical innovations, the time in dry dock was also used for interior design enhancements. The Ebbe & Flut beer bar shines in new splendour: an industrial design, with numerous wood and copper elements, it invites you to linger. In cooperation with the Hamburg Ratsherrn brewery, the focus in the future will be on regionally brewed beers. In addition to the golden barley juice, Mein Schiff 1 offers its guests a range of dishes in the Ebbe & Flut – Beer Bar, in true North German style from a Hamburg restaurant called “Altes Mädchen”.

New Gellery Area on Deck 4: Inspiration for creatives and art lovers

In the new gallery area of Mein Schiff 1, art lovers will in the future be able to choose from fine art prints, unique serigraphs, and even one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Queens Art Galleries specialize in modern and contemporary art, and works closely with established and emerging international artists, including James Francis Gill, Bob Dylan and SAXA. Also, the adjacent area from the travel advisor as well as the Shore Excursions department have both received a make-over.

In its summer season, Mein Schiff 1 sails on various routes from Norway and Warnemünde along the Baltic Sea, before setting off for the Canary Islands in autumn, where it will spend the winter season.

The article Freshen-up and sustainability upgrades for Mein Schiff 1 in Hamburg’s traditional “Elbe 17” dock first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication our travel partners have shown our two brands during both the toughest of years and our more recent strong recovery,” offered Ken Muskat, Managing Director, Scenic Group USA. “As we grow our brand awareness in the US market, we wanted to create a campaign built for our travel advisors that encompasses our relationship with them and to help them grow their business together. Our Partners in Travel campaign seeks to reaffirm our commitment to the travel advisor community and what better time to launch then during Travel Advisor Appreciation Month.”

As part of the month-long celebration, new deposited bookings made between May 1 and May 31, 2023, will earn travel advisors an additional $100 commission per cabin for river cruises and $250 for ocean cruises. For every booking, they will also receive one entry in the “Win a Free Cruise” contest with one winner and their guest enjoying an Emerald Cruises luxury Danube Delights sailing on July 8, 2023 between Regensburg and Budapest; and another winner and guest stepping onto the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II in Portland, Maine on October 13, 2023 for an 11-night cruise to the Atlantic Isles and Caribbean. Airfare included. The winners will be chosen at random from all the entries–so the more bookings, the more chances.

For travel advisors focused on group bookings on the rivers, Scenic and Emerald Cruises have both doubled their per person savings offers to $400 and $250 per person, respectively and is applicable for new group agreements on all 2023 and 2024 European and 2023-May 2025 Southeast Asia river cruises. New ocean group agreements offer participating guests savings of $250 on Scenic and $200 on Emerald Cruises.

The company also offers extensive support for travel advisors including ExpressBook, an Agent Academy (which can lead to greater commissions), an image library, social media posts kit, and more.

Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours, has grown over its 37-year history to include award-winning, river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations covering all seven continents. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia as well as luxury cruises on Egypt’s Nile on board a private luxury charter. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and in 2023, unveiled its sister, Scenic Eclipse II, continuing Scenic’s commitment to raising the cruise industry standards to new heights, offering several new features. Emerald Cruises has nine branded Star-Ships offering river sailings in Europe and on the Mekong. In 2022, Emerald Azzurra was the first yacht to launch under the Emerald Cruises brand – a 100-guest superyacht that will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and Central America, and will be followed in August 2023 by its sister, Emerald Sakara.

The article Scenic Group USA celebrates Travel Advisor Appreciation Month first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.