Cruise News
October 1-31, 2015
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Carnival Cruise Line & New Orleans Saints Announce Multi-Year Partnership
MIAMI, Oct. 2: Carnival Cruise Line. New Orleans' largest cruise operator, has signed a multi-year agreement with the New Orleans Saints that includes in-stadium promotions, community partnerships, onboard game-day festivities, social media activities and advertising opportunities. As the Official Cruise Line of the New Orleans Saints, Carnival will bring even more fun to the Big Easy with a variety of in-game activities and promotions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, including the "Helmet Shuffle" contest that awards one lucky fan a free cruise during each home game. Additionally, stand-alone ads will be positioned throughout the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, while Carnival messaging will be featured on the team's web site.
Guests on board Carnival's New Orleans-based ships can also enjoy the new Saints Sailgate Sailaways, football-themed deck parties that will include food and drink specials, games, prizes, a DJ, dancing and more. Saints fans will also have a chance to win a number of fantastic prizes, including autographed jerseys, footballs and helmets and free Caribbean cruises departing from New Orleans. Carnival is also teaming up with the Saints to support the team's Read and Rise program that promotes children's literacy in and around the New Orleans area.
"Carnival has been a part of the New Orleans community for more than 20 years and this partnership with the Saints offers fans a variety of opportunities to engage with the team and, just like on board our ships, provides an environment that creates a lifetime of wonderful memories," said Christine Duffy, Carnival's president.
"Both Carnival Cruise Line and the New Orleans Saints are committed members of the greater New Orleans community who share similar objectives in regards to enhancing the combined economic impact of our partnering brands on the city and region," said Saints Owner Tom Benson. "We are thrilled to join with Carnival as they add another element of excitement to our game-day experience, while enhancing the appeal of the tourism industry for our region."
Carnival pioneered year-round cruising from New Orleans in 1994 and currently operates two year-round ships carrying 400,000 guests annually; more than any cruise line. Carnival's New Orleans-based ships include Carnival Dream, which sails 7-day cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida, and Carnival Elation offering 4- and 5-day cruises to Mexico. Next spring, the newer, larger Carnival Triumph will assume Carnival Elation's short-cruise program, increasing capacity on this route by 34 percent. For additional information on Carnival's cruises, visit carnival.com.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Guests to be Featured on New TV Series to Debut Oct. 3
MIAMI, Oct 2: Norwegian Cruise Line has teamed up with travel journalist Peter Greenberg and Emmy Award-winning entertainment company Tri-Crown Production Group to produce a new weekly 30 minute television series titled Dream Quest with Evette Rios. The new series is set to debut as part of the CW Network’s “One Magnificent Morning” Saturday block. Dream Quest with Evette Rios will feature 26 episodes in its 2015-2016 season, airing at 11:30 a.m. Each week Dream Quest cruises to a new location and, with the help of Norwegian’s outstanding crew members, makes deserving guests’ dreams come true.
“Each and every day, the hard working 20,000 Norwegian team members worldwide strive to make all of our guests’ dream vacations a reality across our fleet,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line said. “On Dream Quest with Evette Rios, we’ve taken our guests’ vacations to the next level, making them stars in some of our most exciting onboard and in-port experiences while also making their dreams come true.”
Hosted by television personality, mother, and lifestyle expert Evette Rios, Dream Quest takes families on an interactive voyage where they learn about the world's amazing oceans, the animals that live beneath the water, and the ecological advancements underway to preserve and protect our most precious resources.
The new series follows families as they embark upon journeys filled with excitement, adventure and learning aboard select Norwegian ships including Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Jewel, and the all-new Norwegian Escape. Each ship is a floating classroom designed to give families the real-life education of a lifetime
The concept for Dream Quest with Evette Rios was developed in conjunction with Peter Greenberg, known in the industry as “The Travel Detective.” He is the travel editor for CBS News. Additionally, his production company produces the PBS Television series “Travel Detective” and the special series “ROYAL TOUR” featuring personal, one-on-one journeys through countries with their heads of state.
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HOLLYWOOD, FL, Oct 2: Costa Cruises is elevating its menu offerings to feature even more dishes that cater to veggie lovers. Costa has crafted new vegetarian and vegan menus so even the most selective palates can enjoy "Italy's Finest" cuisine onboard. The Italian-flagged cruise line's experienced and creative corporate chefs have developed new combinations and added an Italian touch to vegetarian and vegan dishes so guests will not have to sacrifice taste to maintain their lifestyle while cruising. The menus feature dishes based mainly on food derived from plants and for vegans exclude dairy products and eggs.
"In the Mediterranean diet vegetables are of fundamental importance, and there are numerous vegetarian dishes in Italian cuisine that have always been part of our culinary tradition," said Antonio Brizzi, Costa corporate traveling chef, "The new regional menus just recently introduced onboard Costa ships include many dishes that fully satisfy certain needs of many of our guests. "For example," Brizzi continued, "in the Venetian cuisine, there is a soup called risi e bisi (rice and peas), as well as Treviso radicchio strudel with Monte Veronese DOP cheese. The Ligurian regional menu offers a delicious dish, trenette with pesto, while moving south, and specifically in Puglia, there is a dish consisting of celeriac and caciocavallo cheese."
By skillfully blending natural ingredients with a passion for cooking, Costa's corporate chefs have created complete menus with breakfast, appetizer, dinner and dessert dishes. The wide array of offerings includes a reinterpretation of the traditional arancino, stuffed with rice and vegetables and served with stewed lentils, a tasty and original hamburger made with kidney beans and served with a garden rocket and apricot salad, cauliflower and fig tempura flavored with raspberry sauce, and sweet potato and red onion soup. Guests can also savor special and original combinations, such as porcini mushroom and Savoy cabbage soup laced with fig vinegar, an appetizer consisting of cold zucchini stuffed with goat cheese and toasted almonds, or country-style spaghetti with stewed chick peas and vegetables.
All guests should indicate any special dietary needs or preferences, including vegetarian and vegan, when booking their cruise.
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New Culinary Experiences Unveiled for Oceania Cruises’ Newest Ship, Sirena
MIAMI, Oct. 1: Oceania Cruises announced today that Sirena, the newest member of the Oceania Cruises fleet set to debut in April 2016, will feature two new specialty restaurants: Tuscan Steak and Red Ginger. Additionally, the line recognized for serving the finest cuisine at sea will transform the Grand Dining Room into Jacques Bistro for lunch, offering an exclusive menu featuring some of legendary chef Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes. The overwhelming popularity of Red Ginger and Jacques on the line’s recent new builds, Marina and Riviera, led Oceania Cruises to add variations of these remarkable dining experiences to the more intimate, 684-guest Sirena.
“The addition of Tuscan Steak, Red Ginger and Jacques Bistro to Sirena further exemplifies our commitment to epicurean excellence and steadfast focus on serving our guests the finest cuisine at sea,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Oceania Cruises. “These new dining experiences, along with Sirena’s collection of unique, destination-rich itineraries will provide guests with another exciting choice within the Oceania Cruises’ portfolio.”
Sirena will be the first ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet to offer this collection of exquisite dining options, providing guests with new culinary indulgences to explore.
Tuscan Steak, a completely new restaurant concept inspired by both Oceania Cruises’ traditional steak house, Polo Grill, and the line’s authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana, is destined to become an instant classic. The innovative and diverse menu offers succulent steaks and seafood with a Tuscan flair, cooked to perfection and expertly served in an elegant, contemporary setting. Its eclectic menu will offer authentic favorites that celebrate the passion and tradition of Italian dining, while continuing to offer savory steakhouse fare. Among its varied and delectable offerings will be the signature Tuscan porterhouse, bistecca alla fiorentina; iberico de bellota pork chop with gaeta black olives; and Maine lobster fra diavolo. Featuring glossy wood paneling with a platinum and silver color scheme and hardwood floors, the motif at Tuscan Steak is a modernized treatment of the classic steakhouse. Adorning the entrance will be a stunning wine cellar featuring an extensive selection of the fine vintages to perfectly complement the meal.
Red Ginger, the beloved contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant currently available on Marina and Riviera, will offer familiar culinary delights such Miso Glazed Sea Bass and Lobster Pad Thai. The restaurant’s décor features vibrant red crystal chandeliers, ebony wood furnishings and a striking collection of modern Asian artwork. The stylish, contemporary décor is a study in feng shui, and perfectly complements the restaurant’s Pan-Asian cuisine.
Available for lunch, Jacques Bistro will transport guests to an authentic Parisian bistro in Sirena’s Grand Dining Room. Inspired by Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director and world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s namesake restaurant on Marina and Riviera, the bistro will offer simple and elegant French fare. As evidenced by its hand-written chalkboard displaying the day’s specialty items, Jacques Bistro will convey a comfortable and warm mid-day charm.
The menu at Jacques Bistro will be seasonal in nature, with its hot weather menu focused on grilled and short-cooked fare, and its cold weather menu featuring more sauce- and stew-oriented dishes. Menu highlights include lemon sole fillet with seafood cream sauce, free-range chicken fricassee, and braised oxtail terrine.
Finest Cuisine at Sea … and More
The 684-passenger Sirena will offer diverse and destination-rich itineraries appealing to both seasoned world travelers and passionate cruisers who crave a more intimate and luxurious cruise experience. Before entering service the ship will be elevated to Oceania Cruises’ standard of elegance by undergoing a 35-day, $40 million refurbishment. The ship’s decks will be resplendent in the finest teak, custom stone and tile work; and its lounges, suites and staterooms will be completely refreshed, including major design changes to the Owner’s Suites, Vista Suites and Horizons Lounge.
Following the award-winning design blueprint of its sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Sirena will feature a world-class fitness center and spa, six lounges and bars, a casino, and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas.
Sirena is scheduled to enter service on April 27, 2016 with an extraordinary 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Venice. During its inaugural season, the ship will feature a mix of classic destinations and exotic new ports of call, including the famed beaches of Gaeta, Italy; the pristine rainforest of Golfito, Costa Rica; and the well-preserved provincial township of La Paz, Mexico.
The recent expansion of OLife Advantage, the line’s early booking incentive program, provides guests who book any suite or stateroom category on Sirena or any of its sister ships by Dec. 31, 2015 with numerous complimentary amenities, including free shore excursions, unlimited Internet and pre-paid gratuities. For more information, visit OceaniaCruises.com.
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Royal Caribbean Announces First TV Channel At Sea Dedicated To Autism Programming
MIAMI, Oct 1: Royal Caribbean International will be the first in the hospitality industry to offer complimentary on-demand access to exclusive content from The Autism Channel onboard most of its ships. Starting in late October 2015, this new offering enhances the cruise line’s highly successful Autism Friendly program, designed to provide inclusive cruise vacation experiences for families living with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The Autism Channel is a streaming television service providing information and resources to families and professionals supporting and improving the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders. Educational and entertainment programming on The Autism Channel ranges from a look inside the daily lives of several families with children on the spectrum, to interviews with medical and legal professionals.
“The Autism Channel is delighted that Royal Caribbean has chosen to make this valuable content available on many Royal Caribbean ships. For every one person on the autism spectrum there are six more persons directly impacted by that person. Complimentary access to The Autism Channel’s exclusive content will benefit many Royal Caribbean guests and bring more awareness to Autism,” said Jeffrey A. Kasky, president, The Autism Channel.
Some of the programs available for viewing are:
• I Am Autistic with Daniel Heinlein – Diagnosed with Asperger's as a teenager, Daniel Heinlein talks about autism with doctors, researchers, and others on the spectrum.
• Dr. Judy – A board-certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician, Dr. Judith Aranson-Ramos, MD talks about early diagnosis and treatment for people on the spectrum.
• Real Look Autism – From renowned executive producer Mary Beth Marsden, an unfiltered look at ASD children and their progress.
• Direct From Autism Service Dogs America – Follow a therapy dog's journey from selection through life as a working dog.
• The Rocket Family Chronicles – A mockumentary about the life and times of Rocket, an on-the-spectrum filmmaker and his unique family.
• Cooking with Jana – Gluten and Casein free cooking with Chef Jana McMahon, featuring easy to make recipes low in allergens.
Complimentary on-demand access to The Autism Channel will be available in all staterooms onboard Quantum, Oasis, Freedom, Voyager and Radiance-class ships on LED flat-panel interactive televisions. Programming will be initially offered in English as well as closed captioned for guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Royal Caribbean International was the first cruise line to become certified Autism Friendly by Autism on the Seas™ the leading travel organization catering to vacationers with autism and other developmental disabilities in February 2014. As part of its program, Royal Caribbean has introduced autism friendly services including sensory friendly movies, an autism friendly toy lending program, and social story (downloadable from RoyalCaribbean.com/AutismFriendly), and all youth staff from the cruise line’s award-winning children’s program are provided autism awareness training. The training will be extended to other members of the staff and shipboard crew as part of their job-specific training.
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Vantage Deluxe World Travel To Host Family Members Of United Flight 93 Victims
For Holiday Magic On The River Seine Cruise
BOSTON, Oct. 1: Every holiday season Vantage Deluxe World Travel celebrates by giving back: the world-renowned tour operator recognizes a group of local heroes by providing them with a unique, restorative travel experience. This year, Vantage has selected the family members and loved ones of the United Flight 93 victims. These Vantage Heroes will embark on a free European cruise with the goal of growing and healing alongside others who lost loved ones. Family members of the victims of United Flight 93 were chosen to honor the heroism that their loved ones displayed during the events of September 11, 2001, and to acknowledge the courage the families have shown in persevering through a tragedy that inspired so many people.
"The bravery that was shown on United Flight 93 is something that this nation will never forget, but it is just as important to recognize the heroism that the families of the victims have also shown in the wake of this catastrophe," said Patricia Lewis of Vantage Deluxe World Travel. "These people have been through a life-changing tragedy and to show our appreciation, we wanted to provide them with a unique opportunity to bond and share their experiences and their strength with one another."
Attendees will include Hamilton Peterson of Washington, D.C., whose father and stepmother both perished on Flight 93 and who has since served as the president of the Families of Flight 93, the organization that was key to the building of the Flight 93 National Memorial that was recently unveiled on the 14(th) anniversary of the tragedy. Other guests include Lorne Von Lyles of Orlando, Fla., whose wife was a flight attendant; Melodie Antoinette Homer of Wilmington, Va., who lost her husband and is the author of Where I Stand: Flight #93 Pilot's Widow Sets The Record Straight; and Lloyd Glick of Newark, N.J., whose son was one of the many passengers credited with taking action to try to foil the hijackers on the flight.
The passengers will depart the United States for the 7-day Holiday Magic on the River Seine Cruise on Dec 5, 2015. Upon arrival in Paris, France, passengers will transfer to the deluxe ms River Venture. The journey will explore the Seine River including Paris, Vernon, Rouen, Normandy D-Day beaches, Les Andelys, Conflans, and Versailles during the magical holiday season. Guests will enjoy ©Vantage Travel Lifestyle features such as a Gala Captain's Dinner, five guided sightseeing tours in Vernon, Rouen, Normandy DDay Beaches, Les Andelys, and Versailles, free use of bikes and onboard entertainment. In addition to cruise and air travel, all taxes and port charges, transfers and baggage handling are complimentary for these special guests.
For information about Vantage Deluxe World Travel, visit vantagetravel.com.
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National Plan A Cruise Month Kicks Off #CruiseSmile: A Chance To Win One Of 31 Cruise Vacations
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1: October is National Plan a Cruise Month and the cruise industry is celebrating by launching #CruiseSmile, a simple and exciting chance to win one of 31 cruise vacations from 23 different cruise lines awarded each day, from October 1 through October 31, 2015. Anyone can enter each day during the sweepstakes by simply submitting a photo featuring a 'cruise smile' at CruiseSmile.org, or posting their 'cruise smile' on Twitter or Instagram using #CruiseSmile and #Sweepstakes. Participants will have the opportunity to share their posts for more chances to win.
"Those who cruise have a secret: they love cruising and cannot stop smiling about it. Whether it's planning, booking, dreaming about or basking in the memories of taking a cruise vacation, it's hard not to smile," said Cindy D'Aoust, Acting CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). "The #CruiseSmile campaign is a fun way for the cruise industry to spread the love of cruising during National Plan a Cruise Month as well give vacation dreamers the chance to win a remarkable cruise vacation for two."
The #CruiseSmile sweepstakes prize calendar is filled with incredible cruise vacations for two, including a seven-night luxury voyage to Tahiti and the Society Islands in the South Pacific, an eight-day European river cruise on the Seine River from Paris, a magical family-friendly three-night Bahamian voyage at sea and even a 14-day Far-East Discovery cruise visiting exotic ports throughout Southeast Asia.
How to Enter #CruiseSmile
Step 1: Simply upload a #CruiseSmile photo to www.CruiseSmile.org and share the #CruiseSmile entry with friends.
Step 2: Enter for more chances to win by posting a #CruiseSmile photo directly to Twitter or Instagram, use #CruiseSmile and #Sweepstakes.
Step 3: Share your #CruiseSmile with friends to gain more entries into the sweepstakes.
Step 4: Come back to www.CruiseSmile.org each day to enter for a chance to win and discover the daily cruise vacation sweepstakes prize.
Step 5: Follow the #CruiseSmile campaign on social channels for the latest information each day. On Twitter and Instagram: @CruiseSmile, On Facebook: Facebook.com/CruiseSmile
Contest entries do not roll over and entrants must upload a new photo each day to be eligible for each day's prize. The sweepstakes is open to entrants 13 years of age or older. If a minor is selected, a guardian age 21 or over must accept the prize on their behalf. Winners will be selected at random each day in October and some blackout dates apply and are determined by cruise lines.
Participating Cruise Lines
From luxury yachts and modern ocean cruise liners to river and paddlewheeler cruises, an impressive list of the industry's cruise line companies and brands are participating in the #CruiseSmile sweepstakes giveaways, including:
AmaWaterways
American Cruise Lines
Avalon Waterways
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises America
Crystal Cruises
Cunard
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Pearl Seas Cruises
PONANT
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Seabourn
Tauck
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Windstar Cruises
National Plan a Cruise Month
The #CruiseSmile initiative is part of National Plan a Cruise Month, a multi-dimensional campaign created by CLIA and the cruise industry to help everyone fall in love with cruising by featuring unprecedented cruise vacation offers, from chances to win dream cruise vacations each day of the month and discovering new cruises and destinations to receiving the best cruise deals and promotions.
"National Plan a Cruise Month puts cruise vacations in the spotlight helping travelers discover all the incredible experiences that a cruise vacation offers," said D'Aoust.
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Windstar Announces New Tours with Sister Brand VBT Bicycling & Walking Vacations
Seattle, Oct 1: Windstar Cruises announces a new partnership with sister brand VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations featuring land and sea tours throughout Italy. Recently, Windstar also partnered with sister companies AEG and Ritz Carlton to promote its Rising Stars Travel Agent Challenge. Windstar’s recent commitment to partner with sister brands and parent company Xanterra gives guests a more well-rounded travel experience.
New Partnership with VBT Bicycling & Walking Vacations
Windstar has partnered with VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations for a new program entitled Italy Tour & Cruise, a collection of new back-to-back experiences in Italy, that were put on sale September 21, 2015. The Italy Tour & Cruise program gives guests the opportunity to experience the enchanting towns, countryside, and mountains of Italy through VBT’s walking or biking offerings, before embarking on a Windstar Cruise to see the country and its ports by sea.
Sample Italy Tour & Cruise itineraries include:
• Tour and explore the mountains and villages along the Amalfi Coast with VBT’s Amalfi Coast and Capri Walking Tours itinerary, then discover the cobblestone streets and colorful towns while cruising along the iconic Greek and Amalfi coastlines on Windstar’s Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast itinerary, April 24, 2016
• Bike along the Strada del Vino, one of Italy’s most famous wine roads, between family owned wineries and the Tyrrhenian Sea on VBT’s Tuscan Coast Tour before setting sail with Windstar to explore the glamour, the excitement, and the exquisite élan of the Italian Riviera on the Riviera Enchantment itinerary, May 25, 2016
• Overlook the Adriatic Sea while biking along the coastal roads of Puglia, with stops for olive oil and wine tastings on VBT’s Puglia: Italy's Undiscovered Coast before cruising along the sun drenched shores of Capri, Croatia, and Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea with Windstar’s Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast itinerary, June 6, 2016
• Explore the Tuscan hills and converted monasteries during VBT’s Italy: The Quiet Pathways of Tuscany walking tour, then experience the luxury and dazzling lifestyles of the Italian, French, and Spanish Riveras with Windstar’s Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras itinerary, June 11, 2016
Windstar guests will receive special discounts and perks when they book a VBT tour with the corresponding Windstar cruise, including:
• 15% off cruise fare
• Two free hotel nights in Rome after the VBT tour, before the Windstar cruise
• Complimentary transfers to the yacht
For more information,visit windstarcruises.com.
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Costa Cruises Boosts Operations in the Indian Ocean
Genoa, Oct 1: Costa Cruises gears up its operations in the Indian Ocean by doubling the number of cruises for the winter 2016-17 season to visit the most beautiful islands of this fantastic vacation destination, an excusive of the Italian company since the end of 2006. The first of a total of 11 cruises is scheduled to depart on 15th October 2016 and the last on 4th March 2017. The cruise, always for 14 days on board the Costa neoRomantica, will be even more exciting thanks to longer stopovers to allow guests to enjoy more extended visits of the islands.
The cruise will depart from Mauritius, quite easy to reach with flights from Europe, and then to the fabulous Seychelles Islands, where the ship will berth for two days and two nights. The cruise will continue with a focus on discovering the dream beaches and incredible scenic landscapes of Madagascar, with day calls to Nosy Be, Diego Suarez and Tamatave; the next stop, one day and one night, will be the island of Réunion, with its wild nature; then the return to Mauritius, with a final one day and one night call, for a close encounter with the culture and attractions of this fantastic island, before returning to Europe.
The increase in the number of cruises in the Indian Ocean is the end result of an agreement signed today in Paris, during the IFTM/Top Resa travel trade show, between Costa Cruises, the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and the Vanilla Islands Organisation (the organisation that promotes tourism in the islands of the Indian Ocean).
“We are the only company proposing regular cruises to these unique islands of the Indian Ocean and offer our Guests an exceptionally beautiful cruise experience” declared Norbert Stiekema, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing of Costa Cruises. “Thanks to the partnership agreement reached with local authorities, our tourism offer to these destinations will continue to grow, and during the 2016-17 winter season we plan on taking about 15,000 guests, and most of them European, on cruises to the islands”.
The agreement calls for cooperation and investments for promoting tourism, for improving port infrastructures and guest hospitality facilities, for flight connections and for the excursions offered to guests. On Dec 12, 2015, for the departure of the first Costa neoRomantica Indian Ocean cruise of the winter 2015-16 season, all the Ministers of each country member of the Vanilla Islands will be onboard with Norbert Stiekema for 2 days to work on the future development of the agreement.
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Rebecca Stephens MBE & Michael Palin CBE to Celebrate Shackleton Centenary with Silversea
Monaco, Oct 1: Silversea Expeditions, the ultra-luxury cruise line, will be operating a series of unique voyages to Antarctica in 2015 and 2016 to mark the centenary of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition. World-renowned explorers Rebecca Stephens MBE and Michael Palin CBE will be supporting this historic event with Silversea Expeditions and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
The story of how Shackleton led his men in the Weddell Sea party over ice and ocean to safety is one of the greatest survival tales in human history. In November 1915 Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, could no longer navigate the frozen waters of Antarctica and his expedition team were faced with the daunting task of surviving both the unforgiving climate and environment while waiting for the ice to break up again.
In November 2015, marking 100 years since the stricken expedition team managed to endure 138 days in one of the most inhospitable places on earth, the first in a series of unique Silversea expedition voyages will depart Ushuaia, Argentina, to retrace Shackleton's journey to Antarctica. Explorer and journalist Rebecca Stephens MBE, who was the first British woman to climb Everest and the Seven Summits, will be on Silver Explorer as part of the exclusive onboard enrichment program providing an insight into her experiences while trekking in some of the most remote regions on the planet.
"The story of Shackleton's Endurance expedition is a testament to humankind's determination and quest for discovery. Celebrating this unique centennial anniversary with Silversea Expeditions and the Royal Geographical Society is an opportunity to rediscover and bring to life this unique moment in history," said Rebecca Stephens MBE.
Continuing the centenary celebrations during November Silversea, in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), will host a unique Shackleton experience at the RGS headquarters for one evening in central London with the renowned travel writer, broadcaster and actor Michael Palin CBE as guest of honor. The evening will mark the opening of a major exhibition "The Enduring Eye: the Antarctic Legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley," which will be held at the RGS from the end of November 2015 to the end of February 2016.
Michael Palin's journeys have taken him across the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara Desert, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe, and Brazil. In 2000 Palin was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television and between 2009 and 2012 he was president of the Royal Geographical Society.
Guests booking one of the Antarctica 18-day voyages in November 2015, January, February, and December 2016, will hear from distinguished historians on board and visit iconic areas of the Antarctic including Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands, where Shackleton and his crew were stranded for 105 days. The Antarctica voyages will call at South Georgia, where Shackleton and five of his crew first touched land after crossing 878 miles (1,413 kilometers) of ocean. Guests will also be able to visit Shackleton's burial site in Grytviken.
Silversea's long-term partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) will bring other benefits for those booked to travel on Silver Explorer. An exclusive onboard exhibition will show a specially curated gallery of images by the Endurance's official photographer Frank Hurley, who documented the expedition on film and through iconic stills photography.
To find out more, visit: silversea.com/expeditions/royal-geographical-society/shackletons-centenary/.
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