On the new ship front, Albatross Expeditions welcomed its newest expedition vessel, Ocean Albatross, which will operate Arctic cruises this summer. However, another new ship, Explora Journeys' Explora I, has reportedly been delayed in its delivery, reportedly due to supply chain issues. The ship was originally expected to be delivered by Fincantieri to Explora Journeys tomorrow, but will remain at the shipyard for additional work, according to Seatrade Cruise News.
"Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and the Cruise Division of MSC Group have agreed to make further enhancements to the final work of Explora I, the first ship for the new luxury brand Explora Journeys," the cruise line said in a statement provided to Travel Agent. "Unfortunately, the time required for the work will extend the vessel’s stay at the shipyard by a few weeks.
"As a subsequent result, both ship builder and ship owner have decided to postpone the delivery ceremony that was scheduled for Thursday 6 July at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy to a later date.
"We are extremely sorry for this circumstance, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to the guests who were due to attend the event.
"A new date for the delivery ceremony will be communicated as soon as possible."
Elsewhere, Celestyal Cruises unveiled significant accommodations details about its newly refurbished and updated ship, Celestyal Journey, slated to begin sailing on September 2, 2023. The ship will debut the line's first-ever penthouse with a private terrace, the Stargazer Suite. In addition, 120 Junior Dream Suites and 28 Grand Dream Suites, each equipped with balconies, will have access to The Beach Club, a secluded outdoor space.
As for news impacting some 2024 sailings, MSC Cruises plans to temporarily close its Bahamian private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, between April 7, 2024, and May 22, 2024. In a statement issued to Travel Agent, the line said it’s closing the isle temporarily “to make necessary guest experience enhancements and support the island’s future growth plans." The line said that it's contacting impacted guests and travel advisors to share updated itineraries and travel options. Separately, the line also issued an update on its environmental progress toward net-zero goals.
Oceania Cruises launched a new “simply MORE” promotion with additional “inclusions." Those include free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; a shore excursions credit of up to $1,600 per stateroom; and a comprehensive beverage package. The promotion applies to new reservations starting July 1, 2023, for sailings that depart October 1, 2023, or later.
Gastronomy News
During American Queen Voyages’ river cruise by American Countess on August 21, 2023, guests will sail with Dickie Brennan, famed Southern culinary expert, and Chef Regina Charboneau, well-known restaurateur and cookbook author.The guest chefs will offer demonstrations and a Q&A session, plus guests will also learn about bourbon from Michael Veach.
Looking shoreside, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled 128 new culinary-focused shore excursions in the Mediterranean—some complimentary and others offered for a fee. It’s the latest development in the line’s new Epicurean Perfection programming, as reported by sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor.
Also on the gastronomy side, Seabourn has introduced its refreshed, upgraded in-suite dining menu.
More Updates
Vantage Travel Services, Inc., issued an update on June 29, in which it stated that United Travel Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions, has agreed to acquire Vantage’s assets and provide customers with future opportunities for travel experiences. The proposed acquisition is being facilitated by a Chapter 11 filing Vantage has now made in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. Here’s the complete statement.
Industry icon Gerry Herrod, who launched and led multiple travel industry companies including the former Orient Lines and Voyages to Antiquity, died Friday in Switzerland at the age of 96.
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