Published in: Cruise News American Queen Steamboat Company announced it has completed trials of RebelRocket Wi-Fi optimization service aboard its flagship American Queen vessel.  By reducing undesirable traffic, RebelRocket improved Wi-Fi performance while simultaneously lowering cost, according to a press release.  Thurman Jones, director of IT at American Queen, turned to RebelRocket to make better use of available internet capacity, according to a statement.  A trial began mid-cruise which meant guests experienced Wi-Fi without RebelRocket and then with the new traffic optimization. The ..read more

Published in: Cruise News Norwegian Cruise Line said the Norwegian Getaway is back and has completed its first sailing after the ship’s extensive refurbishment as part of The Norwegian Edge program, according to a press release.  Following a two-week drydock at a Damen facility in Brest, France in late May, the Norwegian Getaway returned to Copenhagen, Denmark, after completing her first sailing showcasing new venues and artwork, updated social spaces and refreshed accommodations and décor. The renovations were completed just in time for a summer of Scandinavia, Russia and Baltic cruising ..read more

Published in: Cruise News As of June 8, 2019, all plastic straws will be eliminated across the entire Crystal fleet, according to a statement. The company announced the initiative as the latest part of its Crystal Cares program, which comprises a broad spectrum of environmental efforts and sustainable practices. Paper straws will be available throughout the dining venues aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity as well as aboard the company’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, and the Crystal River Cruises fleet. New ships will never carry plastic straws.  “Crystal has always recognized that the wo ..read more

Published in: Cruise News At 5:00 a.m. Friday morning, local time, the American Harmony moved under its own power to the Chesapeake Shipbuilding's outfitting pier for her final touches. It's the second modern riverboat for American Cruise Lines, following the launch of the American Song last fall. The construction process is well ahead of schedule for its August 17, 2019 inaugural cruise on the Mississippi River, the company said, in a statement.  Construction on the American Jazz, the third ship in the modern riverboat series, is well underway and will be launched in about three months at ..read more

Published in: Cruise News Lindblad Expeditions announced today that it will become a carbon neutral company beginning in 2019. Lindblad’s announcement also supports National Geographic’s ongoing efforts to identify greenhouse gas emissions associated with its travel programs, the company said, and decrease that impact by offsetting carbon emissions that cannot be eliminated. Lindblad Expeditions’ investments will effectively offset 100% of emissions from their ships (eight from the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet and five leased), all land-based operations, employee travel, offices in Ne ..read more

Published in: Cruise News Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has provided an update on the new Cuba travel regulations and the estimated financial impact to full year 2019 expected financial results. “Our three brands are working diligently to accommodate the needs of our guests and travel partners as we quickly modify itineraries to meet the new Cuba travel regulations,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, in a prepared statement. “We share in the disappointment that comes with these changes especially on such short notice and sincerely a ..read more

Published in: Cruise News Ponant has announced a culinary addition to its Quintessential Collection, a series of themed-itineraries that dig deeply into special subjects and destinations. The seven-night "Epicurean Delights of Southern Italy and Sicily" cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier is scheduled for October 18-25, 2020 and features two noted food and wine experts, Eric Asimov and Arthur Schwartz, who will share their in-depth knowledge of the extraordinary food and wine culture of Southern Italy and Sicily throughout the cruise.  Fares start at $5,600 per person. During the cruise, Eric ..read more

Published in: Cruise News Aurora Expeditions debuts the new Greg Mortimer in October, sailing from Ushuaia on its inaugural Antarctica cruise, and has recently signed for a second newbuild from SunStone Ships set to debut in 2021.  By all accounts, the new Infinity-class SunStone newbuild is just a response to demand, according to Robert Halfpenny, managing director, in an interview in the 2019 Expedition Market Report by Cruise Industry News. "We’ve sold 96 percent of the total capacity to date and the ship is being built ahead of schedule,” he said, in an interview with Cruise Industry Ne ..read more

Published in: Cruise NewsSilversea Cruises has announced Bill Davis has joined Silversea in the role of Vice President Expedition Operations and Development, commencing June 1, 2019. Based in Miami, Davis will oversee the Silversea’s expanding expedition destination operations, assist with the development of new programs, and manage the cruise line’s Expedition Field Staff. e will also oversee the Silversea Expedition Academy, which recruits and trains expedition talent. In addition to working extensively in the field, in which he has led and participated in more than 200 expeditions on mor ..read more

Published in: Cruise News Aurora Expeditions today announced that it has entered into an agreement with SunStone Ships to build a second expedition vessel for delivery in autumn 2021. “Sales for our polar voyages have been phenomenal; with a virtually sold out upcoming Antarctic 2019-2020 season," said Robert Halfpenny, managing director. "In excess of 60% of the inventory has already been sold for Antarctica 2020-2021 and with the second ship, we are now able to ensure that the demand for places is met without causing disappointment to those who have not been able to join us during Greg Mor ..read more