News & Articles
Remain informed of the latest news, developments and innovations. Access to some articles is based on your regional membership.
Filters
Clear Filters
Requires Login
-
Silverseas World Cruise 2027 is set to average one UNESCO World Heritage Site every three daysSilverseas World Cruise 2027 is set to average one UNESCO World Heritage Site every three days
Silversea, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, has opened general sales on its World Cruise 2027, The Three Oceans. Set to call in 80 destinations – more destinations than any voyage in the company’s history – the 149-day sailing will connect 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 35 countries. Additional opportunities to meaningfully connect with the local culture will abound, with exclusive events crafted by Silversea’s destination experts, dozens of S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary experiences, various seasonal enrichments, and much more. Silver Dawn, one of the most intimate world-cruising ships, will depart Los Angeles on January 8 and arrive in Copenhagen on June 7, 2027, unlocking the unique cultures, histories, and ideas of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans for guests. Responding to strong demand for all-new destinations among Silversea’s guests, the itinerary incorporates 20 new calls for a Silversea World Cruise – many of which are accessible only to small ships, such as Langebaan, South Africa; Hambantota, Sri Lanka; and San Sebastian, Spain. “With our World Cruises and industry-leading range of extended voyages, we sail to the most captivating and enriching destinations at the optimal times of the year, creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences through our unique destination expertise,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “In 2027, guests can explore 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exclusive World Cruise events, and destination-enhancing culinary experiences through our S.A.L.T. program – all while traveling in Silversea’s trademark comfort. There is simply no better way to experience such a diverse array of iconic experiences in 2027 than by joining us on The Three Oceans World Cruise.” ICONIC EXPERIENCES: 50 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES Among the voyage’s many highlights, 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites will connect Silversea’s guests with the most iconic landmarks, cultures, and environments across five continents. MORE TIME TO ENGAGE WITH THE DESTINATION In addition to 11 overnights in such iconic destinations as Honolulu, Papeete, Colombo, Cape Town, Singapore, Bordeaux, and more, guests will spend longer in port than on any other World Cruise, averaging over 12 hours in port, with late departures in two-thirds of all visited destinations. As such, Silversea’s guests will benefit from deeper exploration on land, with immersive experiences curated by the company’s destination experts — from Colombo, for example, guests can access the sacred city of Kandy, the Old Town of Galle, Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock), and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. EXCLUSIVE WORLD CRUISE EVENTS As well as a bon voyage gala dinner, a series of special events will enhance the voyage for guests, offering exclusive access to tailor-made experiences in true Silversea style: On the beautiful archipelago of Hawaii, guests will honor ancient Polynesian seafarers at a sunset ho'olaule'a in Honolulu, with traditional fare, tropical libations, and a night of stargazing. An included two-night overland experience from Durban to Port Elizabeth will enable travelers to journey deeper ashore into the heart of southern Africa. Guests will arrive by air to witness the majesty of the iconic Victoria Falls from every angle – accommodated in unique comfort in a luxury outpost alongside the Zambezi River. Guests will enjoy a curated night of musical performance at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, with harmonies from across the Emerald Isle, fine local gastronomy, and various cultural celebrations. CULINARY IMMERSION THROUGH S.A.L.T. The latest Muse-class ship offers travelers immersive culinary experiences, both on board and ashore, through Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program, which changes with the destination. Guests will savor approximately 350 regionally inspired dishes, 50 localized menus, 50 local cocktails, 25 S.A.L.T. experiences ashore, over 20 S.A.L.T. Talks, and over 50 S.A.L.T. Lab classes. Find out more information on Silversea’s World Cruise 2027, The Three Oceans:https://www.silversea.com/destinations/world-cruise/world-cruise-2027.html 24 June, 2024 -
Oceania Cruises names Kal Sindhu as Regional Sales Executive
Oceania Cruises names Kal Sindhu as Regional Sales Executive
Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has appointed Kal Sindhu as Regional Sales Executive to best serve its valued trade partners. Sindhu joins the Oceania Cruises sales team with a wealth of experience in the travel industry, most recently as Sales Manager at Travelbag, where he spent 12 years. Prior to that, Sindhu was at Thomas Cook for 6 years, holding a number of roles including Sales Consultant. Sindhu joins the experienced Oceania Cruises team of sales professionals covering the UK and Ireland. There are six dedicated staff in the UK to support agents and the trade headed up by Louise Craddock (Director of Sales, UK and Ireland), including Alex Farquharson (Senior Manager Key Accounts), Sharon Wilson (Sales Manager North, Scotland and Ireland), Mark Godden (Sales Manager South), Kim Gough (Inside Sales Executive) and Leah Williams (Senior Sales Support Executive). Louise Craddock, Director of Sales UK and Ireland, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Kal to Oceania Cruises. His vast experience and ability to drive sales makes him the perfect addition to the UK and Ireland sales team. Kal will be instrumental in helping us to continue our goal to best support our trade partners.” 24 June, 2024 -
MSC Cruises sees record-breaking onboard bookings for Future Cruises
MSC Cruises sees record-breaking onboard bookings for Future Cruises
During May 2024, MSC Cruises saw its Future Cruise Programme produce record-breaking results with a staggering sales increase of 160%. UK and Irish guests took advantage of the programme to secure their next cruise holiday and enjoy added benefits. The MSC Future Cruise Programme allows guests to book their next cruise on board to secure exclusive benefits including a reduced deposit, onboard credit, double MSC Voyagers Club points and having a year to decide on the cruise destination and travel dates. Agents also benefit from MSC Cruises’ Future Cruise Programme bookings with commissions from any onboard bookings being awarded directly to the agent who booked the guest’s original cruise. Steve Williams, Director of Sales at MSC Cruises commented: “With ourFuture Cruise Programme, your next cruise holiday starts before your current one ends, and I’m delighted to see our guests enjoying their holiday with us so much that they choose to book with us again while they are still on board. Last month we saw that on board Yacht Club bookings were very popular, and that customers were choosing much longer cruises with us. For example, one booking came from a guest on a 2-night mini cruise on board MSC Virtuosa who went on to book the full MSC 2026 World Cruise valued at £37,874.10.” Guests travelling on board an MSC Cruise can find theFuture Cruise Officeonboard to book their upcoming cruise and take advantage of the incredible privileges offered by theFuture Cruise Programme. 24 June, 2024 -
Holland America Line partners with Lindt to savor special moments on board
Holland America Line partners with Lindt to savor special moments on board
In a confluence of tradition and taste, Holland America Line today announced a sweet collaboration with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), the makers of LINDOR truffles and the No. 1 premium chocolate brand in the US. This collaboration is set to enrich the cruising experience, inviting guests to savor special moments on board with a touch of chocolatey elegance. A Premium Partnership at Sea Two iconic brands steeped in rich European heritage, Holland America Line and Lindt are united by a passion to create exceptional, carefully crafted experiences aboard Holland America’s global fleet. “Holland America Line’s dedication to extraordinary service mirrors the meticulous craftsmanship behind Lindt chocolate, where the fusion of the finest ingredients creates an unparalleled indulgent experience,” stated Melissa Mendoza, vice president of marketing at Lindt & Sprüngli (USA). “The partnership between Holland America Line and Lindt presents a remarkable chance for the Lindt LINDOR brand to connect with travelers passionate about cuisine and attract a new generation of LINDOR fans with unforgettable brand moments.” Onboard Indulgent Moments With Holland America Line, every journey is an opportunity to create lasting memories. As night falls on Gala Night, guests can retreat to the comfort of their cabin and be greeted by the “Sweet Dreams” turndown service, featuring the irresistibly smooth Lindt LINDOR milk chocolate truffles or Sea Salt milk chocolate truffles once per cruise. Guests can savor the journey on board and indulge in special moments with Lindt chocolate desserts, including a signature tulip-shaped Lindt chocolate mousse cake. Tulips are an enduring Dutch symbol and reflective of Holland America Line’s founding in the Netherlands. The tulip-shaped Lindt chocolate mousse cake is already aboard Rotterdam on its Dutch Day dinner menu in the Dining Room and will be fleetwide as of August 2024. Beginning summer 2024, guests will be able to enjoy a Lindt Sundae including vanilla ice cream topped with a custom-made Lindt chocolate sauce, as well as Lindt chocolate tulips one night per cruise in the Dining Room on the Dutch Day dinner menu. In July 2024 – just in time for World Chocolate Day – Holland America Line will unveil a unique and irresistible Lindt Flourless Chocolate Cake collaborated in partnership with Lindt’s Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja. The cake will be available on the Dining Room menu for cruises over seven days and will be featured during its indulgent ‘Cake Me Away’ program, which is a new onboard dessert extravaganza with more than 22 tantalizing five-layer cakes in 16 decadent flavors on display. “We’re thrilled to align ourselves with Lindt, a globally beloved brand and one of the world’s leading chocolatiers, to launch an initiative that represents our deep connection to Europe and elevates the culinary experience on board,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “We hope our guests take the opportunity to indulge in all the special moments this partnership offers.” 24 June, 2024 -
Cruise brands partner with Fred Olsen Travel
Cruise brands partner with Fred Olsen Travel
Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn have joined forces to sponsor a new Fred. Olsen Travel concept store in Ringwood, Hampshire. The proposition, which celebrated its grand opening yesterday (19 June), is Fred Olsen Travel’s first multi-brand concept store to showcase brands from the same stable, with each agreeing a three-year deal in return for in-store branding, marketing and dedicated promotions. Each brand will have their logos and dedicated point of sale materials, including brochures, displayed behind different desks in the store. The Hampshire outlet is based in a Grade II listed building on Ringwood High Street, marking the travel agency’s third concept store following the opening of its Eastbourne store in June last year and its second in Worthing in January. Tom Mahoney, Director of UK Sales at Cunard, said: “The opening of this new concept store will strengthen our partnership with Fred Olsen Travel. This dedicated high street space brilliantly showcases the exceptional cruise experiences our brand is known for and it is fantastic to have so many adventures at sea on display here in Hampshire, just a short drive from our UK headquarters in Southampton. This collaboration highlights the innovation that exists in the cruise sector and shows that the future is bright for high street retail agencies.” Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel’s Director of Retail, added: “We are delighted to be opening our newest concept store in Ringwood, Hampshire, supported by the Carnival brands. Cunard were instrumental in bringing this opportunity together, which further strengthens our great partnership with all of the Carnival brands. We feel strong collaborations such as this will further help us grow our business on the high street and is integral to our own retail estate expansion plans.” Agents can visitwww.ShineRewardsClub.comfor the latest Cunard news and information, as well as to earn Shine points for bookings and training. 24 June, 2024 -
Azamara Cruises Welcomes Agents Onboard
Azamara Cruises Welcomes Agents Onboard
Azamara Cruises – the small-ship cruise line renowned for Destination Immersion® - kickstarted the summer season by welcoming agents onboard Azamara Onward in Southampton last week, marking the start of its largest ever ship visit programme in the UK, demonstrating the company’s continued support for the trade community. The summer programme will see the UK Sales Team welcome more agents onboard than ever before, giving over 500 travel advisors the chance to experience the product first-hand and enhance their knowledge of the brand. A total of eleven visits will take place at eight different ports, spanning England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, with both loyal and prospective trade partners in attendance. Stuart Pearce, Head of Trade Sales UK & Ireland at Azamara Cruises comments: “We’re really excited to be reaching a record number of agents this summer and to be welcoming many advisors onboard an Azamara Cruises’ ship for the very first time”. He continues: "We look forward to these visits every year - they are a great opportunity for agents to immerse themselves in the Azamara Cruises offering and for us to spend valuable time with our partners, to maintain and build relationships and ensure they have the right information and training to sell successfully”. These intimate group visits will include a full tour of the ship, from staterooms to the entertainment and dining venues, and a three-course lunch at the specialty restaurant, Aqualina. Hosted by the UK Sales Team from Azamara Cruises, including Nicola Singleton, Moira Gregson and Peter Ryan, agents will also receive a brand update with tips and tricks on how to use Azamara Cruises’ new booking system. After Southampton, visits will then take place in Dublin (1st July), Cobh (3rd July) and Belfast (8th July). Azamara Quest® will arrive in Greenock (21st July) then make her way to Leith (14th-15th August), before travelling to Aberdeen (16th August), Liverpool (22nd August) and finally Southampton (3rd September), meeting with Azamara Onward®. This programme is the latest in series of announcements from Azamara Cruises to increase its support for UK trade partners, as the company continues to invest in leading international markets, such as the UK. It follows news of a new UK Call Centre that launched this month to offer more tailored support to agents and consumers based locally, and a bolstered series of Seminars at Sea. The team are also set to host an additional ship visit onboard Azamara Quest® at CLIA’s oversees trade event in Gibraltar on the 15th September. For more information on Azamara Cruises, please visitwww.Azamara.com 24 June, 2024 -
AmaWaterways Opens Reservations on all 2026 River Cruises
AmaWaterways Opens Reservations on all 2026 River Cruises
Faced with strong demand for its 2024 and 2025 seasons, award-winning river cruise lineAmaWaterwayshas decided to open reservations early this year for the 2026 season on all its cruise products: Europe, Egypt, Asia, Colombia, Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises as well as pre- and post-cruise land packages. With the launch of nine new river ships over the next three years, and more than 40 different itineraries on four continents, early travel planners can choose from a variety of possibilities and lock in great savings opportunities and dates. New ships After announcing plans to launch seven new ships (in Portugal, Egypt, Colombia and Europe) in 2024 and 2025, AmaWaterways will add two more in 2026.AmaSofiawill sail the historical Danube River beginning May 24, 2026, on the 14-nightMagnificent Europeitinerary, following the route of emperors, kings and queens as it journeys between Amsterdam and Budapest. Meanwhile,AmaMayawill joinAmaDaraon the Mekong, cruising the seven-nightCharms of the MekongandRiches of the Mekongitineraries, which are easilycombined with pre- and post-cruise land packages to discover the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia, or the bustling centers of Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, or Bangkok, Thailand. New Land Packages in Europe Two new land packages are being added as part of the AmaWaterways’ seven-nightTaste of Bordeauxsailings in 2026. Guests can book the new four-night pre-cruise option and spend two nights in Madrid, enjoying panoramic city tours and walking tours of the Royal Palace and the city’s Old Town before heading to the romantic city of San Sebastián, where a stroll through the Old Town offers insights into the city’s history. For guests looking to extend their food- and wine-focused cruise, where better than three nights in Paris? Wandering along Champs-Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury speciality shops; visiting the artist’s refuge of Montmartre and finishing with an evening illumination tour of the “City of Light.” New Excursions Guests cruising on the Rhine and Moselle will enjoy some new excursions planned for 2026. The charming city of Utrecht has been added to theCaptivating Rhine,Enchanting Rhine, andChristmas Markets on the Rhineitineraries. Thismedieval city, the fourth largest in the Netherlands, offers guests tree-lined canals, Christian monuments and a venerable university. Guests will be able to choose between a local beer tasting and a walking tour of the city. The stop in Strasbourg during Christmas season sailings has added two more excursion choices – a walking tour of the famous spa resort town of Baden-Baden or a visit to France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, started in 1570. On AmaWaterways’ seven-nightVineyard of the Rhine & Moselleguests will be able to explore Wiesbaden, famous for its Sekt (German champagne), and its “Kochbrunnen” - a historic thermal hot spring dating back to Roman times. Colombia In January 2025, AmaWaterways will be the first major river cruise line to sail the picturesque Magdalena River in Colombia, utilizing two new custom-designed luxury ships on this historic route—the intimateAmaMagdalenawith 60 guests and the stunningAmaMelodiawith 64 guests. Already booking up, 2026 will see the continued enhancement of its two immersive itineraries,Magic of ColombiaandWonders of Colombia. The seven-night itineraries cruise between Cartagena and Barranquilla and guests enjoy locally inspired Latin American cuisine, immersive excursions and a variety of lively entertainment representative of the country’s colorful culture. Pre- and post-cruise optional land packages take in Medellín, Colombia and Panama City. Egypt AmaWaterways takes guests on an immersive 11-nightSecrets of Egypt & the Nileitinerary on two sister ships,AmaDahliaandAmaLilia, offering unparalleled cruise and land experiences. A seven-night roundtrip river cruise from Luxor is paired with three nights pre- and one-night post-cruise stay in historic Cairo. Popular optional land packages paired with this destination include Dubai and Jordan. Africa Travellers can take a walk on thewildside and sail along Africa's Chobe River aboard the luxurious 28-passengerZambezi Queen. With five distinct itineraries to choose from, such asDiscover AfricaandStars of South Africa, guests can look forward to discovering Africa's vibrant culture, spotting some of the most prolific wildlife and exploring iconic destinations like Cape Town's Table Mountain and Victoria Falls. AmaWaterways' Africa itineraries combine the four-night luxurious river cruise experience with the choice of thrilling wildlife land safaris, city stays or the timeless grace of cross-country rail travel so guests can emerge themselves into the enriching cultural experience that is unlike any other. Prices for the 2026 programme start from £2,311 per person for the seven night ‘Captivating Rhine’cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, departing on 5thFebruary 2026 in a category E stateroom (based on 2 sharing). The price includes an early booking saving of £430 per person as well as return flights from London or Manchester and overseas transfers. Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef's Table speciality restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a complimentary Wellness Programme in Europe and on the Mekong with a variety of host-led fitness classes, and much more. For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise for a client, visit AmaWaterways.co.uk or call 0800 520 2250. 24 June, 2024 -
Silversea officially names Silver Ray in Lisbon
Silversea officially names Silver Ray in Lisbon
Silversea officially named Silver Ray, the second ship in its innovative Nova Class. This continues a banner year for the brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades as a pioneer and leader in ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel. At the ceremony, Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, and Bert Hernandez, celebrating his first naming as Silversea’s president, addressed esteemed guests. Dr. Josefina Olascoaga, ocean scientist and the ship’s godmother, and Captain Alessandro Zanello, taking the helm of Silver Ray, officially named the ship followed by a ceremonial champagne bottle break on the ship’s hull, a longstanding maritime tradition. The celebration included a bagpipe performance — Royal Caribbean Group’s customary tradition — alongside live dance performances, and renditions of the U.S. and Portuguese national anthems. “Welcoming Silver Ray to our global fleet represents the latest commitment from Royal Caribbean Group to continue building the Silversea brand and delivering the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition travel,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray's naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “I am incredibly grateful to all involved, most notably to Captain Zanello and his crew who will bring this ship to life, and I proudly welcome Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga to the family as Silver Ray’s Godmother." SILVER RAY’S GODMOTHER: DR. MARÍA JOSEFINA OLASCOAGA Silversea announced Dr. María Josefina Olascoaga as the Godmother of Silver Ray, a longstanding maritime tradition and a lifelong title. An ocean scientist and Professor of Ocean Science at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Dr. Olascoaga also co-leads OceanScope, a unique public, private and academic program, that equips Royal Caribbean Group ships with oceanographic instruments to collects the ocean’s vital signs. Dr. Olascoaga’s research and experience in studying ocean currents, how the ocean moves, and what that tells us, helps to shed light on how ocean conditions affect objects in the water. Her spirit of curiosity and her depth of knowledge on the ocean make her an ideal Godmother for this innovative ship. SILVER RAY: THE SECOND SHIP IN THE INNOVATIVE NOVA CLASS Strengthening Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to unlocking the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel, Silversea’s Nova Class ships mark a new take on luxury at sea, introducing an unparalleled openness to the world with an asymmetrical design and 4,000m2 of exterior glass. Silver Ray joins her sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most energy-efficient ultra-luxury cruise ships ever built, representing an important milestone on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to net zero emissions. Due to embark on her maiden voyage from Lisbon on June 15, Silver Ray will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas in December 2024. CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF DESTINATION LEADERSHIP IN 2024 In its three-decade history, Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships have welcomed almost 800,000 guests who have amassed roughly 13 million accumulated Venetian Society cruise days. Since pioneering the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise concept with the launch of Silver Cloud in 1994, the industry-leading brand has consistently pushed boundaries to unlock unique travel experiences for its guests. Many of the brand’s early characteristics continue to set its offering apart: guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere on all-suite ships, with balconies in virtually all accommodations and some of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea; unparalleled service standards, including butler service in every suite; a comprehensive all-inclusive offering, with complimentary drinks served throughout the ship and exceptional culinary experiences in a range of restaurants on every ship; and a wealth of immersive experiences in the most enriching destinations around the world. 19 June, 2024 -
Windstar Cruises Reveals New Ship
Windstar Cruises Reveals New Ship
Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises revealed today it’s planning to send its newest ship, Star Seeker, cruising to Alaska and Japan when it joins the fleet in 2026. Windstar last sailed in Alaska and Japan in 2023 before it redeployed Star Breeze to be the year-round ship in Tahiti. “We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests,” said Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “We know these are popular destinations, and we have many people asking us to return there. We can’t keep this secret any longer.” Windstar’s Vice President of Sales, Dianna Rom, first made the news public on stage at Travel Leaders’ Edge conference in front of 3,000 travel partners. Star Seeker will sail in Alaska from May through August on 7-, 10-, and 11-day cruises between Juneau, or Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, B.C. Pre- and post-cruise land tours to Denali will be available as well. After departing Alaska in late August, Star Seeker will sail to Japan to begin the line’s popular 10-day Grand Japan cruises sailing between Tokyo and Osaka. The ship remains in Japan through November. Windstar plans to have Star Seeker’s new deployment details, including Alaska and Japan, online and bookable in early August 2024. In Alaska, Windstar will employ expedition leaders on board to lead its Signature Expeditions as it did on previous Alaska deployments. To explore remote wilderness areas such as Misty Fjords, guests can book hiking, kayaking and skiff expeditions through the ship to enjoy up-close adventures in small groups led by an expert guide to provide context during the journey. Expedition leaders will also give presentations on board the ship bringing Alaska’s rich history, culture, flora and fauna to life. “These immersive, small group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska program and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska,” said Prelog. “Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. It’s also quiet and meditative to be out in these wild places. You never know what wildlife you might see.” In April Windstar announced the addition of two new ships – Star Seeker and Star Explorer – to its fleet of boutique yachts. Each will have 112 suites for a guest capacity of 224 and will be similar to the line’s current Star Class motor yachts. Star Seeker will be delivered to Windstar in December 2025 and Star Explorer in December 2026. 19 June, 2024 -
Utopia of the Seas officially joins Royal Caribbean
Utopia of the Seas officially joins Royal Caribbean
It’s time to gear up for weekend energy any day of the week.Royal Caribbean International officiallywelcomed the next big thing in vacations to the family:Utopia of the Seas. A celebration fit for the ultimate short getaway was had in Saint-Nazaire, France, as the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard handed Royal Caribbean the keys to Utopia just five weekends before itsJuly debutinPort Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. More than two years of construction culminated in the new vacation’s final building milestone, the delivery, when 1,600-plus crew members and workers came together to mark the moment in the signature AquaTheater. Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique Laurent Castaing hosted Utopia’s first party of many to recognize the achievements of the nautical engineers, designers, architects and more. “Taking delivery ofUtopia of the Seasis an incredibly important milestone, as it marks yet another evolution of our game-changing ships and our mission to create the best vacation experiences responsibly," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From the ultimate multigenerational vacation on this year’s earlier debut ofIcon of the Seasto now the ultimate weekend getaway onUtopia of the Seas,we are laser-focused on delivering a variety of vacation options and priceless memories for our guests.” In the weeks leading up to the debut of the summer on July 19,Utopiawill make its way to the U.S. as the Royal Caribbean teams make finishing touches to get the ship party ready. The latest in the lineup of the original gamechangers – the Oasis Class – is the first of its kind to debut with3-night weekendand4-night weekday getaways.Thecombination ofmore than40 ways to dine, drink and celebrate;more pools than the days to count,ways to thrill and chill; and more of all the above atPerfect Day at CocoCay–Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas– introduces unmatched weekend energy for everyone and every day of the week. “With the delivery ofUtopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway. Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that. We are proud and excited to soon debut Utopia in a big way!” 19 June, 2024