Jan115

Hurtigruten Group is reorganizing its cruise operations into two separate entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway. Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise entity will operate a fleet of eight small-size, custom-built and greener expedition cruise ships. These cruises visit more than 250 destinations from pole to pole, ranging from the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, the British Isles to the Caribbean, South Americaand Antarctica. Starting in 2021, Hurtigruten Expedition is offering several new itineraries—including new year-round departures from United Kingdom and Germany, as well as a full Alaska season. Newly appointed CEO of Hurtigruten’s global expedition cruise operations, Asta Lassesen, said in an announcement: “We go where the big ships can’t—taking you far beyond the ordinary and closer to communities and nature, while exploring the true beauty of our planet in a more sustainable way.” As for Hurtigruten Norway, the coastal operation will consist of seven custom-built ships and will operate under a separate entity with a yet to be named CEO. The company has operated the Norwegian coast continuously since 1893. The 2,500-nautical-mile stretch between Bergen in the south to Kirkenes at the Russian border offers a combination of local travelers, goods and cruise guests, visiting and serving 34 communities. In the same announcement, Hurtigruten reported strong demand for 2021 and 2022 cruises. “2020 is a tough year for everyone in the travel industry. But the set back is only temporary,” said Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam in the announcement. “For second half of 2021 and beyond, we are seeing a strong demand across all markets and all destinations, including the Norwegian coast, the Arctic and Antarctica.” The newly established cruise entities are part of the company’s plan for post-COVID-19 expansion. “The demand reflects our predictions that expedition cruises, with all our advantages such as smaller ships, more flexibility and fewer guests, will prove even more popular post-COVID-19,” Skjeldam added. Hurtigruten is planning on resuming operations next year. Through November 15, travel advisors can offer travelers a “buy one, get one at half off” discount to experience Alaska. Starting April 2021, travelers to Alaska can expect to visit smaller ports with access to a selection of small towns to explore off the beaten path, including Wrangell, Petersburg, Misty Fjords and more. Clients can choose from a variety of itinerary lengths, including longer voyages that take “the scenic route,” such as the southbound option through British Columbia, a route not accessible for many ships. _____________________________ SOURCE: Travel Agent Central, Matt Turner (Oct. 20, 2020); Photo Credit: Hurtigruten Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

You might try calling the Gift Department at Princess (1-855-500-7690) or email customer service: customerrelations@princesscruises.com I know EBay has a bunch, but none as new as Majestic.

Hahaha - you caught that before I fixed it 😁

Andi - What an amazing adventure that will be! Unfortunately, a 16-day cruise isn't in the cards for us in 2022, but I'd be happy to put a group together for any CruiseCrazies friends or any others who want to tag along. 😀🛳️

Azamara has become the latest cruise brand to write off the rest of 2020, confirming a decision to pause operations until the 2021 European season. The line now hopes to return to service on March 20th, with Azamara Quest sailing her originally scheduled 12-night Spain country-intensive voyage. Azamara Journey’s return will hopefully follow on April 9th, voyaging from Lisbon to Barcelona, with Azamara Pursuit’s new series of Greek routes starting on May 9th. The cruise line has chosen to adjust its sailings as a result of individual country restrictions, as well as guest survey results indicating that Azamara guests will feel more comfortable waiting to cruise until 2021. “After very careful consideration, we have made the decision to pause operations until the 2021 Europe season, as we are still confronted with the many global challenges resulting from Covid-19,” said Azamara chief operating officer, Carol Cabezas. “We plan to return stronger than ever next season, with reimagined guest experiences that will protect the wellbeing of our guests and crew yet remain true to the Azamara spirit of connecting people to cultures.” Cabezas continued: “As we look at our long-term plan, we have already seen a strong demand to our 2022/2023 voyages, which was announced in mid-September.” Azamara is prioritizing the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities they visit. As part of the Royal Caribbean Group, an expert panel has been assembled called the Healthy Sail Panel. The panel is a group of the best minds and leaders in public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, hospitality and maritime operations. Their insights and recommendations are helping drive the way forward as the company works to strengthen current procedures and create new ones across the entire cruise experience. __________________________ SOURCE: breakingtravelnews.com, (October 7, 2020); Photo Credit: Azamara Cruise Line Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

MIAMI, October 12, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests and travel agents that it is cancelling the remaining cruises for the six total ships operating from PortMiami and Port Canaveral for November 2020. It has also cancelled five cruises scheduled to operate from Sydney, Australia from Jan. 16 - Feb. 8, 2021. Following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) decision to extend its no-sail order for cruise operations until Oct. 31, Carnival cancelled all but PortMiami and Port Canaveral cruises for the rest of the year. It has now determined that November 2020 operations will not be feasible. Carnival continues to work on protocols and procedures that would allow for the resumption of cruise operations, with a gradual, phased-in approach, designating Miami and Port Canaveral as the first two homeports for embarkations. Cruises currently scheduled for December from those two homeports remain in place for the time being while Carnival evaluates options. However, guests booked on cruises in December out of Miami and Port Canaveral still have the ability to voluntarily cancel their reservation and receive the same offer that all other impacted guests are receiving, which includes a combination future cruise credit (FCC) and onboard credit (OBC), or a full refund. In Australia, Carnival is notifying guests and travel agents that five cruises on Carnival Splendor from Jan. 16 - Feb. 8, 2021 have been cancelled. Those guests will receive the same offer of the combination FCC/OBC, or a full refund. _________________________ SOURCE: Press Release, Carnival (October 12, 2020); Photo Credit: Pixabay Free Stock Photos Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Carnival Cruise Line is taking reservations for Carnival Celebration, its newest ship set to debut in November 2022 as part of the company’s 50th birthday. A sister to the line’s first XL-class ship, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration will maintain PortMiami's position as the top embarkation port for Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Celebration will include many Mardi Gras features, including BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, along with other design features created specifically for this vessel. Carnival’s 50th Birthday celebration kicks off in March 2022 with a series of commemorative sailings that will feature special entertainment and itineraries and continuing all year long, culminating with Carnival Celebration’s arrival in November. “Carnival Celebration promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet, just in time for our 50th birthday,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’ve put together a terrific array of itineraries kicking off with a two-week-long inaugural transatlantic cruise and then year-round Caribbean sailings from PortMiami featuring some of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the region.” Carnival Celebration will debut with a 14-Day Carnival Journeys transatlantic crossing departing Southampton Nov. 6 and arriving in Miami Nov. 20, 2022. Featured ports will include La Coruña and Vigo, Spain; Funchal (Maderia), Portugal; and Tenerife (Canary Islands), Spain. Carnival Journeys cruises offer guests local cuisine, entertainment and cultural opportunities, along with cooking, arts and crafts and other activities. Once in Miami, Carnival Celebration will offer a six-day Thanksgiving cruise visiting Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Nassau Nov. 21 to Nov. 27, 2022, then begin its year-round seven-day Caribbean cruise rotation on Nov. 27, 2022, offering week-long voyages departing Sundays to the eastern and western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises call at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. or St. Maarten, N.A., while the western Caribbean route features Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan. Two eight-day cruises will depart Dec. 11 and Dec. 19, 2022 featuring stops at Grand Turk, Amber Cove, San Juan and St. Thomas, while a one-time five-day cruise to Amber Cove and Grand Turk will operate Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2023. For more information, visit www.carnival.com or www.carnival.com/sailabration. ___________________________________ SOURCE: Insider Travel Report, Alan Fine (Oct. 9, 2020); Photo Credit: Carnival Corp. Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

A new seven-night itinerary has been announced between New Orleans and Memphis, which will include an exclusive after-hours tour of Graceland. Visits to Elvis Presley's mansion are available on the itinerary starting in December 2022. The 'Holiday in Graceland' excursion includes the Archives Experience, Private Presley: Elvis in the Army Exhibit, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and other exhibits. "Graceland will be 'aglow with holiday lights and festive decorations' the line says. It also includes a private dinner at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum. The new 386-guest Viking Mississippi, which is under construction in Louisiana, will be deployed on Mississippi sailings. As well as extended stays in Memphis, the ship also calls at Vicksburg and Natchez in Mississippi; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The vessel is expected to launch in August 2022. ________________________ SOURCE: Travelmole (Sep. 30, 2020); Photo Credit: Viking Cruise Line Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Welcome back to CruiseCrazies. Looks like you joined us in 2010. No one is cruising now, but do you have any cruises coming up to look forward to? I look forward to chatting!😎🛳

Leave it to a “new wave” news website to get the scoop on when the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will allow cruise ships to sail again from U.S. ports. As the cruise industry and travel advisors were waiting on pins and needles to see whether the CDC would extend its “no sail” order beyond Sept. 30, Axios, a news website founded in 2016 by former Politico journalists, said the CDC would now extend the order to Oct. 31, which just happens to match when CLIA and its member lines said they would “voluntarily pause” cruising. Of course, the Axios report also said the Trump administration had overruled CDC Director Robert Redfield when he tried to push to extend the “no sail” order for cruises into February 2021. Axios cited two sources with direct knowledge of the conversation on Sept. 29 in the White House Situation Room. In that context, the Axios report said the decision was another example of the administration undermining Redfield, whom Axios said has been the source of much consternation among public health officials inside the administration. Axios reported that public health officials have privately complained that the thwarting of Redfield on the cruise ship ban is politically motivated because the industry is a major economic presence in Florida, a key battleground state where the polls are statistically tied. Axios said the White House denies politics played any role in the decision. Vice President Mike Pence, who according to Axios, chaired yesterday’s meeting, told Redfield that they would be proceeding with a different plan, according to two task force members. According to Axios, Trump administration officials hope that between now and then, the cruise industry can demonstrate it has a plan to ensure ships can sail in a safe and responsible manner and that the companies assume the burden of dealing with any possible outbreaks. Cruise industry representative are scheduled to meet with the Trump administration on Friday to describe their transformation and dozens of ways that they will mitigate risk and ensure public health. "And in that meeting there will be a discussion and afterwards a decision will need to be made about whether the order needs to be extended," a White House official said, as reported by Axios. "These things can be extended for a month and then we can reassess the conditions on an ongoing basis." Axios reported that one senior official said the decision on the “no sail” order for cruising "is an example of the task force weighing all the equities of the departments and agencies represented on the task force and making a decision that properly balances the public health impacts and the economic ramifications on the country.” So what’s the initial reaction to this news from the travel industry, particularly top cruise sellers? Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners’ chief operating officer, said it was the right decision for the cruise industry to voluntarily suspend operations, but the industry is being hamstringed by any mandatory extension and it is time to start implementing the responsible and safe return to operations. “The cruise industry continues to be singled out by the CDC—resorts, hotels, theme parks, restaurants and airlines are not having to defend their safe return to business at this caliber,” Garcia said. “We support the science-based plan that the cruise industry’s Safe Sail Panel presented to the CDC and believe these safety protocols puts public health and people first including travelers, the crew and port employees. Garcia noted that according to ASTA’s recent study, 73 percent of travelers who have taken a cruise within the past year are ready to go on a cruise now and ultimately it is up to individual travelers to determine their own risk assessment when it comes to any type of travel. “And while people are willing and ready to book and go on vacations, Cruise Planners travel advisors will be there to help them each step of the way—and our increased sales prove consumers are ready to travel,” Garcia said. ________________________________ SOURCE: Insider Travel Report, James Shillinglaw (Sep. 30, 2020); Photo Credit: Pixabay Free Images Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Ready to revisit your wander list? Feel the sun on your skin as you unwind in an overwater cabana on a private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Get to know Mother Nature on trails that lead deep into tropical rainforests. Or take your adventure beneath the waves while scoping out colorful coral gardens. Right now, you'll save up to $150 on sailings in 2021. You'll also enjoy 60% off your second guest, plus bring the whole family because kids sail free*. If you need to change your plans, that's okay--our Cruise with Confidence policy allows you to cancel your booking up to 48 hours before you sail. and our Best Price Guarantee ensures you'll always get the best deal. Come Seek the Royal Caribbean. Contact Seven Sea Journeys at 401.203.7177 to learn more and book today! * For full terms and conditions please contact your travel advisor. BOGO60 must be booked between 09/1/20-9/30/20. BOGO60 applies to select sailings departing on or after 11/1/20. BOGO60 provides 60% off cruise fare of second guest booked in the same stateroom as first, full-fare paying guest. BOGO60 offer also provides 30% cruise fare savings for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests. Kids Sail Free applies to new bookings made between 9/1/20 – 9/30/20. Kids Sail Free provides free cruise fare for 3rd guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger as of cruise departure date, booked in the same stateroom as the fi rst two qualifying guests in a triple or quad-occupancy stateroom. Kids Sail Free applies to select 4-night or longer Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, CaribNE, Coastal, Europe, Hawaii, Repositioning and all 2020 Serenade of the Seas sailings departing between 11/1/20 – 12/17/20 and 1/8/21 – 5/17/21 and 9/1 – 12/17/21, and QN in Alaska 5/10 – 9/21/21. Offer excludes 2020 Thanksgiving sailings (Sailings between 11/21/20 – 11/28/20), 2021 President’s Day sailings (Sailings between 2/12/21 – 2/15/21), and 2021 Spring Break and Easter sailings (Sailings between 3/13/21 – 4/4/21), and 2021 Thanksgiving Sailings (Sailings between 11/ 19 – 11/26/21. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests. 2021 Kicker Sale applies to new bookings made between 9/1/20 – 9/30/20. 2021 Kicker Sale offers instant savings of up to $150 USD per stateroom on select sailings departing between 1/1/21 – 12/31/21. Savings amount determined by category booked and sailing length: On sailings 5 nights or less, $25 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $50 for Balconies and $75 for Suites; on sailings 6 nights or longer, $50 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $75 for Balconies and $150 for Suites. Instant savings applied as instant rebate to the price of cruise fare at checkout. Instant savings do not apply to China departures. The “Cruise with Confidence” program allows individual guests and guests in non-contracted groups who booked a cruise on or before September 30, 2020, for cruises sailing between June 12, 2020 and April 30, 2022, to opt-in for RCI’s “best price guarantee” on their current sailing, or cancel their cruise up to 48 hours prior to the vacation start date and have the option to either (i) move their booking to an eligible alternate sailing and receive our “best price guarantee” for the re-booked sailing (“Lift and Shift”) or (ii) receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to the amount of the cruise fare the guest paid for their cruise. Visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruisewithconfidence for complete details. NRDB cancelled prior to final payment due date will receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit minus a 100USD/CAD per person service fee (“FCC”). FCC is non-transferable and expires 12-months from issue date. 100USD/CAD per person service fee applies to changes to NRDB ship or sail date. Deposits made toward Guarantees and Grand Suites and higher categories are non-refundable and are subject to NRD Booking Terms. Offer applies to new, individual and named group bookings confirmed at prevailing rates. Offer open to residents of US, Canada, Puerto Rico and select countries in the Caribbean. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to www.RoyalCaribbean.com for complete terms and conditions. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2020 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: Bahamas. 20074304 • 8/26/2020 FL Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578 - CA Seller of Travel No. 2090937-50 Washington UBID No. 603189022 - Iowa Registered Agency No. 1202

Good advice! You can never be too prepared for a cruise! Especially for first time cruisers - there's so much to know. Research and get help from a travel professional who specializes in cruises! 😎🛳️

Universal mask wearing, physical distancing, Covid-19 testing and increasing fresh air into ventilation systems could allow cruising in the US to return before the end of 2020. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry body that represents the world's major cruise lines, on Monday announced the "mandatory core elements" of a new set of health regulations for the return of cruising in the Americas. CLIA says these protocols will allow for a safe and healthy cruising experience. The key elements were informed by medical experts and health authorities and decided on by CLIA cruise lines and their teams of health experts. In a press conference, CLIA representatives said they'd also been inspired by the recent spate of European sailings, spearheaded by MSC Cruises in late August. Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald said the shutdown of the cruise industry in the wake of Covid-19 was "probably the most difficult period in our industry's nearly 50 year history" pointing out that no other industry in the world is "shut down through regulatory edict." Cruising out of US ports is currently banned through a No Sail Order from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) until at least October 31. But Donald added that "perhaps no other industry in the world has worked harder to study the science and create operational protocols to ensure the safety of their guests and employees" and suggested the cruise company was "on a path" to resume guest cruise operations in the US. Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian, called resuming cruise operations worldwide, and particularly in the US, the "single most important challenge the cruise industry has ever faced." Cumulative CDC data from March 1 through July 10, 2020 showed a total of 2,973 Covid-19 or Covid-like illness cases on cruise ships, in addition to 34 deaths. Eighty percent of ships within US jurisdiction were affected during the time frame, according to the data. Compulsory regulations Testing will be the starting point for the new cruising normal, with all guests tested prior to embarkation with additional temperature checks throughout the voyage. Meanwhile crew will be tested frequently, before departing their home, prior to embarking on the ship and upon conclusion of a 7-day quarantine. CLIA called testing a "critical component" of the proposed return to cruising. Face masks will also be compulsory while onboard and "during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained." CLIA also plans to implement onboard air management strategies that "mitigate risk through increasing fresh air into ventilation systems, and where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to maximize system effectiveness." The heating and air conditioning systems on cruise ships have long been pinpointed as an issue when it comes to the spread of infection. And if a person tests positive while on board a cruise ship, the goal will be to disembark them as soon as possible. CLIA says prearranged logistics with port partners and destinations will allow Covid-19 cases to be disembarked safely. Carnival's Donald said there could be modifications to some cabins, to create additional isolation rooms, but there would be "no fundamental reconstruction of the ships or anything." As for shore excursions, they will follow strict protocols -- and anyone who fails to abide by regulations will be denied reboarding. During MSC Cruises' European return to cruising in August, one family broke the rules during a port stop and was subsequently prevented from reboarding. "The health and safety protocols are put in place for the benefit of every single person," MSC Cruises representative Luca Biondolillo told CNN at the time. "There can be no breaking of the rules. These people risked jeopardizing everybody else's holidays and health." CLIA's new rules will be mandatory for every ship -- and each cruise company's CEO will need to verify in writing that they've adopted the new regulations before beginning sailing again. US return to cruising still under review In the press conference, Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain underlined that cruise companies are working together, stressing the industry will return through "collaboration, not through competition." Norwegian's Del Rio emphasized the importance of a "phased approach" to returning to the waters, saying it may begin with an employee-only voyage or "only a day or two at sea." CLIA plans to submit the new rules to the CDC on Monday. The CDC's active Request for Information (RFI) related to the resumption of cruising ends on September 21. There are presently over 10,000 public comments on the request for information, which also includes 28 prompts from the CDC on how the industry can operate safely in the wake of Covid-19, including questions on protecting port communities from Covid-19 and offering mental health services for quarantined crew. As for when US cruising could realistically resume, CLIA suggests the end of 2020 has not been ruled out. "It's possible that, with review, we could be on track to meet the industry extension date of October 31," said CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead in the press conference. Brian Salerno, the senior vice president of maritime policy at CLIA, said that the CDC's Request for Information represented a "ray of hope" and that the RFI suggests the CDC is "thinking about putting together some set of requirements that would enable that to happen." "We don't have a specific time frame from CDC, when that will be allowed. Obviously, we'd like to be able to salvage something of the 2020 season," said Salerno. ___________________________ SOURCE: CNN Travel (Francesca Street, Published 09/21/2020) Photo Credit: Janice Neves Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article

Andi, if you mean can you put it toward an existing cruise booking, I believe the answer is yes in this case.

What is Future Cruise Credit and How Do I Use It? If you’ve been one of the many who have had their 2020 or 2021 cruise canceled due to Coronavirus, you’ve probably been given the option of a full refund or a non-refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) toward a new future sailing. The amount is usually based on the fare or deposit paid toward the cruise, less any taxes and fees (which would be refunded to the guest). To sweeten the pot and entice cruisers into re-booking their cruise, the cruise lines have recently been offering bonus amounts of FCC, resulting in more value than if the cruise were simply canceled outright. If the amount of the new cruise is less than the amount of the FCC, the difference would be reissued as a new FCC voucher with the same expiration date as originally issued. If the amount of the new cruise is more than the FCC, the guest would pay the difference. How do I Get My FCC? Normally, a Future Cruise Credit is delivered to the guest by email in the form of a voucher. During the current COVID-1 pandemic, though, because of the unprecedented volume of cruise cancellations, Future Cruise Credits are generally held by the cruise line in the guest’s name until they are ready to rebook, at which time they would contact the cruise line or their travel agent to apply that credit to a new cruise. The FCC is not transferable and can only be used in the name of the guest on the original booking and goes toward the cruise fare. In most cases, it cannot be used as a deposit toward a new cruise. When will I receive my FCC? Guests should expect to receive Future Cruise Credit a week or two; however, with so many cancellations by the cruise line due to COVID-19, it can take several weeks. If the guest is registered with the cruise line or is a repeat guest, the guest on-line portal may list the amount of the future cruise credit in the guest account. To confirm the receipt of your Future Cruise Credit, a call to the cruise line or your travel agent may be required. What will an FCC NOT cover? Future Cruise Credit is meant to be paid toward the cruise fare. Generally, FCC cannot be used to pay future charges such as port taxes and fees, initial deposits, prepaid gratuities, shore excursions or any onboard spending. Read the Fine Print Each cruise line has different rules as to how a guest can use Future Cruise Credit, and will assign blackout or an expiration date. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to avoid disappointment or loss of your FCC. When in doubt, contact the cruise line or your travel agent. Be sure to understand what happens to your FCC if you or the cruise line cancels the new re-booked cruise. Keep track of your future cruise credits - don’t rely on the cruise line to do it. ______________________________ By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent; Photo Credit (Unsplash Stock) View full article

Azamara, which bills itself as the destination-focused cruise line, unveiled the remainder of programs for 2022 as well as for first quarter 2023, featuring more than 80 new itineraries and more than 170 overnights and 300 late night stays. As the brand furthers its commitment to more in-depth exploration by connecting guests to a country’s local life and culture, Azamara will offer more country-intensive voyages between 2022 and 2023 than ever before, allowing guests to experience iconic destinations as well as hidden gems within a single country. “As the leader in destination immersion, we are always enthusiastic about sharing our new deployment,” says Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas. “this year it’s even more special as we have the opportunity to announce an extension of our country-intensive voyages. When we were working on our itineraries for 2022/2023, our goal was to invite new and returning guests to explore places they have never visited before, or better yet, connect our guests to a country they have traveled to before, but adding in ports that are considered hidden gems to allow for a new experience, which our country intensives are designed to offer.” With more than 275 ports of call in more than 70 countries, Azamara will feature 26 ports in Greece alone, with two maiden ports—Syros, and Tinos. Azamara will also add on returning guest favorites, including Greece country-intensives, voyages to the Black Sea and Egypt-Israel intensive voyages. Further south, Azamara will continue with another guest favorite, South Africa intensive voyages. Highlights of some maiden ports include: Syros, Greece: Far less hedonistic than its neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini. Syros offers an authentic look at what Greek life is truly like in the Cyclades. Home to fantastic food and beautiful beaches, Syros is a hidden gem that doesn’t necessarily want to be discovered. Dakar, Senegal: Enigmatic, electric and explorable, Dakar dazzles on the West African coast. Jutting out on the Cape Verde Peninsula, the city is the westernmost point of the African continent, and was an important trading point for European colonial powers. Aberdeen, Scotland: From urban delights to pastoral pursuits, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, a surprising gem with distinctive architecture and a cosmopolitan feel. Guests can admire the granite architecture that varies from highly ornamented Victorian to robust, rough-hewn Scottish façade in the heart of quaint Old Aberdeen. Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and a leader in destination immersion, with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world. The boutique-style vessels allow guests to visit marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller less-visited hidden gems. Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, beverages and more. For more information, click on Azamara New Ports or visit www.azamara.com. ________________________________ SOURCE: Insider Travel Report, James Shillinglaw (September 18, 2020); Photo Credit: Azamara Cruise Line Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com View full article