Havila Voyages is actively working to reduce emissions and meet future environmental requirements.

“Last year, we made history as the world’s first cruise company to sail into the Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site emission-free and silently, four years before the Norwegian government’s requirement for emission-free ferries and ships in the World Heritage areas comes into effect,” says CEO Bent Martini.

“This is clear proof of our ambitions. We look forward to continuing our journey and doing our part to make tourism and shipping more sustainable”.

Martini points out that Havila Voyages intends to become both carbon-neutral and achieve zero emissions in the future. “It starts with gradually replacing natural gas with biogas, and the goal is to be carbon-neutral by 2028. After that, we will switch to emission-free fuel alternatives such as hydrogen, and the goal is zero emissions by 2030 – with the ships we have today,” he says.

Ambitious goal achieved

Another goal set by Havila Voyages was to reduce onboard food waste and produce only 75 grams of food waste per person per day. The company’s food concept includes serving all meals à la carte and using locally sourced and short-travelled ingredients.

“Meeting our target of 75 grams of food waste across four fully operational ships, means we can reduce food waste by 60 tons per year, by not using buffets”, says Martini.

“It is therefore very gratifying to report that this year we successfully achieved our goal and collect only 71 grams of food waste per person per day on board. We have accomplished this thanks to the fantastic efforts of those who have developed our food concept, those who prepare and serve the food on board, and, not least, our guests who are made aware of the concept. And no one leaves our restaurants hungry.”

In addition, Havila Kystruten can report a high degree of waste sorting and effective circular use of resources on its ships.

Aiming to make a positive contribution

Havila Voyages’ ships, which include battery packs that enable emission-free and silent operation for 4 hours at a time, are the most environmentally friendly vessels to have ever sailed the historic coastal route Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen. With current operations, CO2 emissions are reduced by 35-40%, and local emissions such as NOx and SOx are reduced by over 90%, compared to equivalent ships using traditional fossil fuels.

“We believe that our sustainable approach to coastal tourism and our focus on climate and the environment are a positive contribution to the transition to a zero-emission society. We look forward to continuing our journey and doing our part to make tourism and shipping more sustainable socially and environmentally,” says Martini.

“These reports help our investors, partners, employees, and customers learn more about our business and how we will continue to develop an inclusive and environmentally conscious company. Together, we will lead the way towards a greater focus on sustainability, and we aim to be among the first to achieve zero emissions,” he concluded.

The article Havila Voyages confirms ambition for emission-free coastal sailings by 2030 – with current ships first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“Sarah brings a track record of success and a passion for building strong relationships with travel partners to our growing sales team,” said D’Aoust. “We are confident she will make an immediate impact and further strengthen our position as a leader in the North American cruise marketplace.”

Yates joins the team with more than 12 years of cruise industry experience. Before joining AQV, she was a concession partner working with Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, and Disney Cruise Lines. Most recently, she was a fleet manager for Park West Gallery. Yates previously was fleet managing director at the PPI Group and a brand manager at Danyal Paraiba prior to that. She began her cruise career working at sea, where she was part of the entertainment team at Carnival Cruise Line.

Yates is a graduate of Victor Valley College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Outside of work, she cherishes her time spent with her loving fiancé and two young daughters.

The article American Queen Voyages welcomes Sarah Yates to growing Sales team first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“This is the only event in the region that puts any attendee in direct contact with cruise executives that can drive business,” said Micky Arison, Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc.and FCCA.

“We are proud of this event’s continued success for attendees and so many throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “The FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show has been the birthplace of everything from new tours to entire destination developments, so we are excited about what this year can bring for our destination partners.”

FCCA will build on the new format focused on one-on-one meetings and workshops that launched last year and featured a record number of one-on-one meetings – with 652 held at the event: 600 between delegates and cruise executives and 52 between cruise company presidents/CEOs and government leaders. Any preregistered delegate can schedule a series of 15-minute meetings with participating executives to pitch their product and receive individualized input, with the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show being the only event in the region offering this direct contact with cruise executives, and FCCA is also coordinating private meetings for its destination partners.

The agenda is already being penciled in for the event’s main meeting, the Heads of Government Meeting, where Ministers of Tourism will join presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines to discuss issues regarding the region, with it open to any suggested topics. Currently on the table are an increase in summer traffic and passenger/crew spending, better experiences, investment opportunities and development of new ports.

A series of workshops led by cruise executives and experts will also headline the event. While still in planning, one will give the spotlight to attending presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines, and a few have already confirmed attendance:

• Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International
• David Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line
• Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA
• Josh Weinstein, President & CEO & Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc

The article FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show continues record-breaking meeting format first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

From restaurants to walkup windows, casual to upscale, live music to chefs who put on a show, the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation will feature options for every occasion and mood. On the menu are new venues like the upscale Empire Supper Club, a swanky and lavish eight-course experience; AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean’s first food hall – and Izumi in the Park, an all-day window with fresh sushi and more. The variety of new flavors complement the favorites on board that range from Italian to Japanese and Mexican, including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Izumi and El Loco Fresh.

“The experiences had over great food are at the heart of so many shared memories that we could all use more of in our day-to-day. We’ve designed Icon of the Seas to offer every guest, no matter their tastes, age and mood or the occasion, a variety of ways they can easily make those moments their way every day while on vacation,” said Linken D’Souza, vice president, food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International. “If vacationers want to stick to their favorites, like kids and their chicken tenders, or mix it up every night and try new flavors, more than 20 experiences across Icon’s eight neighborhoods make that possible – without compromise – more than ever.”

Whether it’s refueling on the go between the six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 in Thrill Island or the whole family sitting down for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Surfside neighborhood designed for young families, there are spots to grab a bite and a drink in and around each of Icon’s eight neighborhoods.

Elevated Dining Experiences

• Empire Supper Club – Near the lush Central Park neighborhood, the new experience is an extravagant night out with a taste of old New York. Bringing it to life is an eight-course menu of premium American cuisine, from caviar to wagyu; a drink paired with every dish; a swanky three-piece band playing unexpected renditions of modern favorites; and more.
• Celebration Table – Special occasions and milestones get the VIP treatment at the new 12-seat private experience. Paired with AquaDome’s sweeping ocean views, guests can have their choice of exclusive American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus, along with the option to add a personal touch with ambient plus-ups and menu upgrades.
• Returning favorites – The good times continue at signature venues like Central Park’s American steakhouse, Chops Grille, and Trellis Bar, with its debut menu of bites; the Dining Room, where three levels are matched with three courses; Hooked Seafood in AquaDome; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, new to Royal Promenade; the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood; and the exclusive Chef’s Table experience.

Spots for Quick Bites

• AquaDome Market – The lineup at Royal Caribbean’s first food hall brings five different stalls and a selection of wines and beer to the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Flavors range from sweet and savory crepes at Creme de la Crepe to macaroni and cheese with a twist of tasty toppings at Mac’s, to fresh pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean, to Asian-inspired treats like Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR, and sandwiches and salads at Toast and Garden.
• Izumi in the Park – The all-day window debuts next to the first Izumi restaurant in Central Park, serving up fresh sushi and street food to go like taiyaki ice cream with Insta-worthy toppings.
• The Pearl Cafe – A new stop for bites day or night, like freshly toasted sandwiches and ready-made salads, the cafe sits between The Pearl and floor-to-ceiling ocean views in Royal Promenade.
• Basecamp – The new spot to refuel between memory-making in Thrill Island, Chill Island and The Hideaway serves drinks and treats like pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. For a sweet ending, nearby is Desserted, the new milkshake bar with over-the-top shakes, including adults-only boozy options.
• The Grove – The new al fresco and casual Mediterranean dining option conveniently located on the suite sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood – only steps away from the private pool, whirlpool and cozy spots to hang out.
• Returning favorites – Part of making convenience a staple of the dining lineup on Icon are the fan favorites, including Central Park’s Park Cafe – now open in the evening for tapas – El Loco Fresh, the grab-and-go spot for Mexican delights in Chill Island; Sorrento’s signature pies and a different specialty pizza for every day of the week in Royal Promenade; and the most expansive Windjammer buffet that offers an equally expansive menu of flavors from around the world, along with a section and selection designed for kids.

Family and Kids-Approved Eats

• Surfside Eatery – The new buffet dedicated to families at the heart of Surfside, the stay-all-day neighborhood for young families, has options for all ages to enjoy at breakfast, lunch and dinner, including twists on kids classics for the grownups.
• Pier 7 – It’s about the all-day brunch at this new venue in Surfside, serving up casual California-inspired dishes like surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict and sharable platters.
• Surfside Bites – Surfside’s pit stop makes maximizing every minute of adventure easy, thanks to the walkup window and its menu of quick snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon-sugar donut holes and more.
• Returning favorites – From bow to stern, the whole family can have their pick from signature options like sushi and hibachi cooked by an expert chef who puts on a show at the Asian-inspired Izumi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for some friendly competition and bar bites, and Sprinkles for ice cream all day and night.

The lineup of new and returning favorites join the recently announced bars and nightlife that will light up Icon, including spots for families like The Lemon Post in Surfside, with a menu for adults and another for kids; and Dueling Pianos in Royal Promenade, the cruise line’s first dueling pianos bar.

Starting January 2024, Icon will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami year-round and visit destinations like Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. More details about the first Icon Class ship will be revealed in the coming months.

The article Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas ups the ante and appetite with new, reimagined dining first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole aboard Volendam enables cruisers to visit five continents on a journey that travels south-to-north, while the Grand World Voyage aboard Zuiderdam covers six continents on an east-to-west route, each sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“We craft one-of-a-kind itineraries that resonate with our world voyage guests, as indicated by pre-bookings on these cruises,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “Our team put together two amazing Grand Voyages so our guests can’t go wrong with either. We’re excited to offer two distinctly different, yet equally bucket-list itineraries.”

2025 Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole Highlights — Volendam

• 133 days. Departing Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
• Follows a south-north-south route through the Panama Canal, down along the west coast of South America to Antarctica, then up along Argentina and Brazil to the heart of the Amazon River. The ship then crosses the Atlantic Ocean to Africa, sails north to Europe and up to the North Cape before heading west across the northern Atlantic Ocean via Iceland and – Greenland, and finally down the eastern shores of North America.
• Pole to Pole: Down south Volendam spends four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica and up north the ship crosses the Arctic Circle to the North Cape.
• 68 total ports across five continents and 28 countries.
• 8 overnight calls: Fuerte Amador, Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru; Buenos, Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Reykjavik, Iceland.
• Memorable Moments: Panama Canal transit, Cape Horn, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, exploring the Amazon River, Strait of Gibraltar, Norwegian fjords, North Cape, Iceland and Greenland.

2025 Grand World Voyage Highlights — Zuiderdam

• 124 days. Departing Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.
• Transits the Panama Canal and makes way to Easter Island before crossing the South Pacific to Australia. Explores the Great Barrier Reef en route to Indonesia and Sri Lanka, then sails south to Cape Town, South Africa, by way of the Seychelles, back up along the eastern coast of Africa, through the Suez Canal to Portugal before crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
• 46 total ports in 32 countries across six continents.
• 9 overnight calls: Callao (two nights); Easter Island; Papeete, Tahiti; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Cape Town; Mombasa, Kenya; Safaga, Egypt; and Barcelona.
• 7 late-night departures: Manta, Ecuador; Seychelles; Cape Town and Durban, South Africa; Aqaba, Jordan; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Gibraltar, U.K.
• Memorable Moments: Panama Canal transit, two nights at Callao allowing time to visit Machu Picchu, Easter Island, scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef, two full days in Cape Town, the opportunity to visit Petra from Jordan and experience Luxor from Safaga.

The combined Grand Voyages will feature more than 4,000 live performances, 1,400 shore excursions and 5,800 pickleball games — more than any two simultaneous voyages for Holland America Line. An infographic about the breadth and depth of the voyages can be found here.

Grand Rendezvous in Barcelona

On April 24, 2025, Volendam and Zuiderdam will meet in Barcelona, Spain, for a joint overnight call, bringing the two Grand Voyages together for a celebration. Special festivities involving both ships will mark the occasion of the perfectly planned dual visit.

The article Holland America Line opens bookings to the public for 2025 Grand World Voyage and first-ever Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The launch of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne’s innovative group application in February revolutionized the way franchise owners manage group bookings. The streamlined and intuitive platform has simplified the booking process, enabling franchise owners to focus on what they do best, providing remarkable experiences to their customers.

“We are thrilled to see how much of a difference-maker the new groups application is on our franchise owners’ group sales,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “The success of the new application is a testament to our commitment to innovation and offering our franchise owners the latest tools and technology to take their group business to the next level.”

This remarkable achievement was celebrated during the recent two-day virtual Group Summit for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne travel advisors. More than 200 franchise owners and associates from across the country participated in the event, gaining invaluable insights and practical tips to elevate their group sales to new heights. The summit featured engaging presentations and breakout sessions, providing attendees with the opportunity to hear directly from suppliers and headquarters staff. Noteworthy sessions included “How to Negotiate with Group Leaders and Create the Win-Win Relationship,” “New Marketing Group Assets,” “Unraveling the Mysteries of Group Contracts to Reduce Risk and Maximize Success,” “Managing Group Communication,” and “Top 10 Tips for the New Groups Application.”

During the summit, the Dream Vacations/CruiseOne marketing team made several exciting announcements. Franchise owners can now take advantage of the following marketing assets to further enhance their group sales:

• Custom Group Registration Landing Page Graphics: Create a custom landing page that highlights your groups – leverage pre-designed banners or create and upload your own, creating a professional and enticing user experience.
• Email and Landing Page Templates: Professionally designed email and landing page templates, enabling franchise owners to create captivating and effective marketing campaigns with ease.
• Homepage and Email Banners: Eye-catching banners that can be incorporated into franchise owners’ websites and email communications, promoting group travel opportunities, and generating excitement among customers.
• Postcard: A custom-designed postcard, allowing franchise owners to reach out to potential group leaders and showcase the benefits of planning group vacations through Dream Vacations/CruiseOne.
• Social Media Posts: Engaging and shareable social media posts that franchise owners can leverage to expand their reach, attract new group leaders, and promote their expertise in planning unforgettable group vacations.

Franchise owners were captivated by real-life success stories shared during the summit. “The Group Summit was worth every minute of my time. The variety of topics from suppliers and staff members answered a lot of questions that I needed answered to scale my business,” said Lillie West, a Dream Vacations franchise owner from Waldorf, Md. “The groups application and the Group Summit have given me the confidence to step out and take on more group business.”

The 2023 Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Training and Events schedule features the upcoming 2nd annual Marketing Summit June 13 and 14. This event will provide franchise owners with cutting-edge marketing strategies to drive even greater success in their businesses.

The article Dream Vacations/CruiseOne celebrates record-breaking group sales thanks to new technology first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

In late 2021, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU mandated the Commission to accelerate Ocean and Water health conservation and restoration worldwide. The resulting EU Mission is a coordinated effort to pool the necessary financial, scientific and operational resources.

The three organisations were among the first in the world to endorse the Mission Charter, which aims to create a sustainable, carbon-neutral, circular blue economy that plays a key role in achieving climate neutrality, since the oceans are major carbon sinks, protect biodiversity and foster economic prosperity, being expected to generate €2.5 trillion per year by 2030. The Mission 2030 targets include a 30% reduction in marine microplastics and the deployment of EU carbon neutral, circular blue economy communities.

In a message of congratulations to mark the signing, Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, Institutional President of the Philippe Cousteau Foundation, remarked: “It gives me great pleasure to see our Foundation and country involved in this landmark agreement. It is not only an important early milestone in the EU Mission to help restore the balance between human activity and the health of our planet. It is also an important commitment to the values of peace, as recognised by the involvement of the World Peace Forum, including directly in the person of its President, José Félix Bentz Oliver. As such it is a source both of inspiration and of hope.”

Rafael Lobeto Lobo, Secretary General of the Philippe Cousteau Foundation and former Director General of the Spanish Merchant Navy, commented: “Life on Earth depends on the health of the connected system of the oceans, seas and inland waters, which cover around 75% of the Earth’s surface. It regulates our climate and provides oxygen, drinking water, clean energy and food. Yet man-made changes are putting our ocean and waters at serious risk, with pollution and global heating causing biodiversity loss and extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves.”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito noted: “These ambitions are embedded in our DNA. All of Swan Hellenic’s ships are equipped with cutting-edge green technologies, including the latest generation tier III diesel engines with urea injection, dynamic positioning systems to avoid anchoring in delicate seabed locations, and advanced wastewater treatment plants. We have also increasingly eliminated “single use plastics” on board as supported by supply chain availability in remote areas.”

All three organisations in fact already have their own individual Mission Charter commitments, with the Philippe Cousteau Foundation promoting ocean literacy in schools and among fishermen and seafarers, SDG4MED making the “LIFE4MEDECA Knowledge Center” available to municipalities to pursue a shared action plan, and Swan Hellenic continuously investing in the latest green technologies and operations.

Their new partnership is significant in recognising that individual initiatives, though commendable, are not sufficient, as SDG4MED President Mario Dogliani explained: “Acting together will greatly amplify what we are able to achieve through our efforts. This partnership offers us a vital tool – Swan Hellenic’s ships and their destinations – to collect data on ocean health with previously inconceivable reach and granularity. Data collected in rarely accessed ocean areas will improve the accuracy of scientists’ assessments of ocean health and its evolution. Moreover, the direct involvement of Swan Hellenic crew and guests paves the way for a new era of sustainable, ecologically aware cruising.”

“Oceans are like humans,” observed Zito. “A full picture of health parameters enables effective medical treatment. Using commercial ships as sensors of Ocean Health is just common sense and I am pleased that Swan Hellenic is able to help make this a reality and best practice. Our new commitment with this partnership is in many ways a natural extension of our existing practice of inviting cruise guests to actively contribute to a series of leading “Citizen Science” programmes, providing data on the environment and marine life, while building their awareness and knowledge of scientific initiatives”.

The article Swan Hellenic, Philippe Cousteau Foundation and SDG4MED join forces to restore ocean health first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The purpose-designed new vessel was named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.

The sumptuous celebration Gala Dinner which followed on board also marked the official launch of Maris, an exciting new partnership with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, which offers Swan Hellenic guests a unique experience of exceptional dining and discovery through the senses, lived with the gourmet organisation’s world-famous chefs.

Maris brings a different JRE leading light aboard in a series of exclusive cultural expedition cruises on Swan Hellenic’s elegant designer ships SH Vega and SH Diana. Here, they take guests on a parallel voyage of discovery, exploring the celebrated culinary creativity that has made their name, driven by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients.

Maris was introduced by Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito, with speeches by JRE CEO Hans Van Manen and JRE Italy Vice President Daniel Canzian.

Five JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs chefs then showcased the extraordinary creative variety of Maris gastronomy to mark the occasion: Edwin Soumang (Restaurant One, The Netherlands), Daniel Canzian (Ristorante Daniel Canzian, Italy), Sabrina Schanz and Patrick von Vacano (Original Beans, The Netherlands), and Michael Ammon (Gasthof Jakob, Germany). Michael remained on board after the celebrations as the Maris chef on SH Diana’s post-naming cruise.

SH Diana is the third in a series of three elegant, high ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. Featuring a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull, she is fitted with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 125 m long, the 12,100-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

Complying with the latest environmental regulations, SH Diana is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles, and equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas. Moreover, preparations have been made to implement zero-emission battery technology, which would also make it possible to operate silently in port, marine reserves and other sensitive natural areas.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana is operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Distinguished by the same elegant design as her acclaimed sister ships, with open-plan interiors, unobstructed sea views and extensive deck areas, SH Diana nevertheless boasts certain key differences, salient among them a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre overlooking the lounge, and on-board tender boats to take guests ashore in addition to the customary expedition zodiacs. Like her siblings, SH Diana features a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room and swimming pool with poolside grill.

SH Diana has now departed Amsterdam on the cultural expedition cruise “Norway Explored,” an 11-day odyssey through the fjords that will reach Tromsø, Norway, on the 14th of May 2022.

Dr Terje Leiren will be accompanying the maiden cultural expedition cruise throughout, sharing his expert knowledge, insights and company with the guests on board. Terje is Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, and was the University’s first holder of the Sverre Arestad Endowed Chair in Norwegian Studies (2007-2017). Terje gained his Ph.D. in history at the University of North Texas and taught at the University of Oslo before joining the University of Washington in 1977. He served as Co-General Editor of the University of Washington Press book series, “New Directions in Scandinavian Studies”, and is the author of four books and over 40 academic articles on Scandinavian history. He has also contributed to several television documentary programmes broadcast on PBS and the History Channel on topics ranging from the Vikings to World War II.

At the conclusion of the naming ceremony Valerie Ann Wilson commented: “I really am so proud to be godmother to this wonderful new ship. It takes Swan Hellenic’s hallmark contemporary lifestyle elegance to new levels and is a fabulous expression of the way Swan Hellenic really want us to be explorers and discover the world. I’m not just excited to depart on the Norwegian cruise this evening, but also look forward to joining SH Diana’s explorations worldwide to places that even an industry veteran like me has never heard of!”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito added: “I would again like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki Shipyard for their superb achievements in creating this exceptional new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, creating another unique presence on the waves, and very much look forward to the new era SH Diana heralds, taking cultural expedition cruising worldwide.”

The article Swan Hellenic’s third and largest ship, SH Diana, sets sail for Arctic first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Starlink is the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology aimed at providing faster and more reliable Wi-Fi on a global scale. This is particularly important for internet access on ships in Alaska where weather interference and blockage from structures and mountains can challenge traditional technology.

“For our guests and our team members, maintaining the connectivity they are accustomed to at home is an important part of the cruise experience,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “Added bandwidth means our guests can share the joys of exploring Alaska in real time and our team can stay in touch with their loved ones back home.”

Since receiving the new technology, Koningsdam has sailed an 18-day cruise roundtrip from Vancouver to Hawaii and has begun sailing its 7-day Alaska Inside Passage voyages from Vancouver, including Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

“While it’s early in our usage, the feedback from guests and team members has been very positive so far,” said Kathleen Erickson, vice president of technology for Holland America Line. “We’re hearing from guests that emails and social media are performing well, and team members tell us that internet calls home to loved ones are much stronger. That’s a connection that means a lot.”

“High-speed, low-latency internet is critical to our modern lifestyle. We’re excited that Holland America Line is seeing strong results in Alaska,” said Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of commercial sales for Starlink. “And we look forward to helping Holland America Line and other Carnival Corporation ships continue to bring the connectivity experience for their guests and crew into the modern age.”

Koningsdam sails with the Starlink internet capability this summer on over 20 voyages from Vancouver to Alaska’s ports. Further ships will add the technology later this year with the goal of Starlink being available across the full Holland America Line fleet.

The article Early feedback is positive as Holland America Line installs SpaceX’s Starlink on first ship in Alaska first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“I am delighted to welcome Gary to the American Queen Voyages team,” says D’Aoust. “His experience working for luxury cruise lines and at top travel PR firms will prove invaluable as we move forward and, ultimately, strengthen our leadership team.”

Gerbino’s vast cruise industry background includes ships carrying from 200 to 2,620 guests. Most recently, he was a consultant for AQV, Atlas Ocean Voyages and OASIS Travel Network. Prior posts include head of communications for Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruise and Orient Lines.

In addition, Gerbino led the cruise practice at Lou Hammond Group and the former M. Silver Associates, where he managed the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) account team and directed the award-winning media rollout of Queen Mary 2 for Cunard Line. Gerbino is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He resides in Fort Lauderdale.

The article American Queen Voyages names cruise industry veteran Gary Gerbino as new PR Director first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.