The global cruise fleet continues to grow post-pandemic. MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard announced that construction has begun on the line's second new, LNG-powered World-class ship, which will be named MSC World America and dedicated to the North American market.
This past week Travel Agent disembarked Seabourn’s new expedition ship, Seabourn Venture. Our first article offered initial impressions of this 264-passenger vessel, and later today, we'll post another article that provides a close-up look at our V4 category balcony suite on that vessel.
Virgin Voyages' new Valiant Lady, the brand's second ship, arrived at PortMiami to begin winter 2022-2023 Caribbean sailings. Sister vessel, Scarlet Lady, also sails from South Florida. Both ships are home ported at Virgin Voyages' new $160 million Terminal V at PortMiami.
Cruise ships are also returning to destinations finally reopening after pandemic-era closures. For example, Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum-class Ovation of the Seas sailed back into Sydney, Australia this past week to begin cruising "Down Under" for the first time since 2019.The ship will operate two- to 12-day itineraries that visit Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
New Itineraries and Ports
Also on the itinerary side, French Polynesia is gaining more cruise options as Variety Cruises has added seven- and 10-night cruise itineraries roundtrip from Papeete,Tahiti. The 49-passenger Panorama II will operate those voyages within the Society Islands, including a call at Makatea, which few lines visit.
Starting in spring 2023, Azamara's four-ship fleet will head back to Italy's Venetian Lagoon via the ports of Chioggia and Fusina. First to return? Departing April 3, 2023, Azamara Journey will operate the 12-night "Best of The Med Voyage" from Barcelona, Spain, to Venice.
Travel advisors can learn about new river cruise itineraries at Cruise Lines International Association’s "RiverView Conference 2023," scheduled March 12-14, 2023, in Vienna, Austria. Presented by CLIA U.K. and Ireland, it’s open to all CLIA member advisors. Beyond showcasing new itineraries, the event will also focus on the newest river vessels, innovation, sustainability and how to attract first-time customers. Travel advisors attending the conference also will spend two nights aboard one river vessel,
More Cruise News
As reported by sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, Silversea Expeditions has unveiled culinary experiences for its new expedition ship, Silver Endeavour, which will sail in Antarctica during winter 2022-2023.
On the personnel front, SeaDream Yacht Club has appointed Ashley Zaldivar as director of sales, Midwest.
Also, as cruise lines approach the start of the annual Wave Season, a strong selling period for summer 2023 Alaska cruises, the Alaska Travel Industry Association has debuted a new “Alaska Native Culture Guide” for visitors.
150 Years and Counting
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Holland America's ships transported one in 10 immigrants from Europe to the United States. Last week, Holland America Line's flagship, Rotterdam, arrived in New York City last week after a 15-night transatlantic voyage from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.That journey commemorated the maiden voyage of the line's first ship, Rotterdam I, which departed Rotterdam 150 years ago on October 15, 1872. During the sailing, the line announced a new partnership with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation; it will include enrichment programming and a 2023 Ellis Island exhibit showcasing the line's role in immigration history.