Eat Around the World Aboard Norwegian!
Get ready for a culinary exploration at Food Republic on Norwegian Cruise Line
Savor a fusion of foods and cultures from around the globe without ever leaving the ship. Travel to Peru to scoop up some ceviche. Jet away to Japan and try a new kind of sushi roll. Or have a hearty helping of noodles from China. Whichever delicious food guests choose, they will enjoy exotic dishes made with the freshest ingredients – and made fresh daily. Food Republic is not a food court, but rather a chef-inspired marketplace where guests order by using a tablet at their table or at the counter.
Travel somewhere new with every delicious bite. Food Republic can be chosen as one of the specialty dining restaurants as part of the FREE AT SEA promotion or dine a la carte for a per person charge.
Food Republic is currently available on the following Norwegian Cruise Line ships
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Encore
The New Wave Of Cruise Experiences
Thirteen experiences you didn’t know you could have on a cruise.
Today’s cruising boom is good news for everyone, from aficionados who love setting sail to those ready to give a new vacation style a go. And as cruising’s popularity grows – approximately 27 million people stepped aboard in 2018 – cruise lines have diversified. It’s all about variety these days, not just in ship size – ranging from intimate, 60-passenger yachts to next-level, 6,000-person megavessels – but in style too. You can sip coffee on your balcony as you float down a European river, go searching for wildlife on an expedition ship, or get lost in a floating city at sea. Itineraries are also more creative: Culinary academies and wellness centers on board, for example, pair well with surprising shore excursions, from hiking up mountains to attending orchestra concerts. These 13 experiences are offered by cruise lines that participate in Virtuoso Voyages – an exclusive program that offers complimentary benefits and perks to travelers who book cruises through a Virtuoso travel advisor – and they’ll make you think twice about what you can do on your next sailings.
Welcome to the new era of cruising, where almost everything goes.
1 – Explore Marine Life From Inside A $3 Million Submarine
Realize your James Bond fantasies with a trip on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Esprit, a 62-passenger yacht that touts a three-person submersible as one of its water-based activity options. (Jet Skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are also at the ready.) A pilot takes two passengers at a time on explorations up to 1,000 feet below the surface, including on a seven-day, Dubrovnik-to-Venice sailing. The Esprit is an ideal vessel for scuba divers and snorkelers, and its slim size means it can call on smaller ports, including the yacht marina in Kotor, Montenegro; Croatia’s walled city of Dubrovnik; and all the way north to Venice.
Departures: Multiple dates, July 7, 2019, to August 30, 2020. Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select sailings include a $125 shipboard credit. Submersible experience, $350.
2 – Set Sail With Your Pup In Tow
Crossing the Atlantic on Cunard’s eight-day, New York City to Southampton sailing is slow travel at its finest – rest, relaxation, and enrichment, from tango lessons and yoga sessions to fi lm screenings and music recitals. Share the adventure with your four-legged BFF on the 2,620-passenger Queen Mary 2, which has an onboard kennel for 24 pets. Like their owners, cats and dogs receive VIP treatment, including a portrait session, fleece coat, and “turndown service” of freshly baked biscuits. The pet lounge and play area welcome animals from both sides of the pond with a Liverpool lamppost and an NYC fire hydrant.
Departures: Multiple dates, June 7 to December 15, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select sailings include private port transfers in New York City and London and an onboard specialty-dining credit.
3 – Get Your Daily Cardio In
You’ve worked too hard to let your fitness routine slide for a week. Do as much (or as little) as you like with AmaWaterways, the river-cruise line that stables bicycles for shore excursions and employs dedicated wellness hosts to lead core and circuit training classes on board. On the new, 196-passenger AmaMagna, which debuted in May and is twice as wide as most European river ships, cruisers can log a mile on the top-deck walking track, take a stretching class in the Zen Wellness Studio, hydrate at the juice bar, or get a massage. Disembark on an eight-day, Vilshofen-to-Budapest Danube River sailing to bike along the river or hike to a castle.
Departures: Multiple dates, June 2 to December 29, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select sailings include an onboard host and welcome reception and a guided tour of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace.
4 – Discuss World Affairs With A Career Diplomat
There’s nothing like sailing with an astronaut, scholar, government official, or filmmaker to vanquish the shuffleboard-and-buffets cruising stereotype. Seabourn raises the intellectual bar with its Seabourn Conversations series, featuring notable guests who don’t just lead onboard lectures, but engage with fellow passengers over meals and excursions as well. Ashok Sajjanhar – India’s ambassador to Sweden and Latvia and president of the Institute of Global Studies, New Delhi – will educate guests on the 599-passenger Seabourn Ovation during a 19-day, Dubaito-Singapore cruise with stops in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
Departure: December 2, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include an onboard host and welcome reception and a $150 shipboard credit or a private shore excursion in Mumbai.
5 – Stay Out LATE Without Fear Of Missing The Boat
Azamara Club Cruises pioneered overnight port stays, letting guests revel in the local nightlife in addition to the standard daytime scene. The boutique cruise line is amping up its after-dark experiences with a new series of exclusive evening shore excursions, such as taking in an acrobatics performance in Valencia, Spain. On an 11-day, round-trip-from-Athens sailing on the 702-passenger Azamara Pursuit, travelers can attend a traditional Jewish folk music performance by a klezmer group at Jerusalem’s Ashdod Performing Arts Center. It’s part of an immersive, three-day stop in the holy city that includes visits to the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock.
Departure: September 4, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include an onboard host and welcome reception and a $150 shipboard credit or a private shore excursion to Jerusalem.
6 – Finally Figure Out The Difference Between A Julienne And A Brunoise Cut
Make tasty use of your time at sea on Oceania Cruises’ 1,250-passenger Marina or Riviera ships by enrolling in a cooking class or three at the onboard Culinary Center. Kick things off with Slice: Mastering Chef Knife Skills to learn the basics of mise en place before trying your hand at making pasta or grilling. The 12-day, Rio de Janeiro-to-Buenos Aires voyage on the Marina offers a balanced diet of cultural excursions in Paraty, Brazil; beach time in Punta del Este, Uruguay; and food and wine tours in Montevideo and Buenos Aires.
Departure: December 7, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include prepaid gratuities.
7 – Celebrate Your Anniversary With A Polynesian Blessing Ceremony
Cast away to the South Pacific for the most memorable of occasions aboard the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin Cruises. During an eight-day, roundtrip from Papeete sailing through the Society Islands – full of archaeological sites, lagoons fit for snorkeling, and white-sand beaches – local onboard hosts know as Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins can bless couples in a traditional Polynesian ceremony by reciting a love poem, singing, and after a Champagne toast, wrapping celebrants in a traditional patchwork tifaifai quilt. They’ll also teach you how to say “I do” in Tahitian, dance island-style, and make a basket out of pandanus leaves.
Departures: Multiple dates June 8 to December 28, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select sailings include an onboard host and welcome reception and a $150 shipboard credit or a private shore excursion in Moorea.
8 – Spend All Day At The Spa
Bookending stops in Sint-Maarten, Dominica Saint Lucia, Antigua, and Saint Bart’s, four of the 11 days on Regent Seven Seas Cruises 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer’s roundtrip from Miami journey are spent at sea, offering prime time to find some inner peace in the ship’s Canyon Ranch Spa. This at-sea outpost mirrors the famous destination retreat, with yoga classes, seaweed wraps, hot stone massages, reflexology, and hydrotherapy features ranging from saunas to cold rooms. Between oxygen facials and pedicures, check out the ship’s impressive art collection, including several Picasso’s, or learn about the healthful secrets of Mediterranean cooking in the Culinary Arts Kitchen.
Departure: January 8, 2020. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include an onboard host and welcome reception and a $150 shipboard credit or a private shore excursion and lunch in Saint Bart’s
9 – Learn How To Steer A Sailboat
Sixteen sails bound to four masts help power the 360 foot Star Flyer clipper ship, one of three throwback vessels in the Star Clippers fleet. Nautical culture meets luxury aboard this 17- passenger vessel, which has two swimming pools on its teak decks. Friendly deckhands, who hoist the sails manually each time the ship leaves port, offer knot-tying classes, ship-maneuvering lectures, and demonstrations on navigating with a sextant – a tool to measure angular distances at sea. Test your newfound skills on a 15-day, Barbados to Panama voyage, which visits Grenada, the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), and Colombia and culminates in a sailor’s dream transit through the Panama Canal.
Departure: November 23, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include an onboard host and welcome reception and a $150 shipboard credit or a private shore excursion and lunch in Saint George’s, Grenada.
10 – Turn Your Expedition Photos Into Professional Masterpieces
Go beyond VSCO and your smartphone’s filters: The fully equipped Photo Studio aboard Silversea Cruises’ 254-passenger (200 in polar waters) Silver Cloud offers master classes in composition, editing, and Adobe’s Lightroom and Photoshop programs. High-tech printers encourage shutterbugs to create postcards and panoramic prints, regardless of whether they were taken using an iPhone or a DSLR. Photograph the wildlife that inhabits the bottom of the earth on a ten-day, roundtrip-from-Ushuaia expedition to Antarctica. The ship’s resident photo manager will coach passengers on adjusting shutter speeds so they can capture images of seabirds in the Drake Passage, penguins on the South Shetland Islands, and otherworldly icebergs in the Antarctic Sound.
Departures: Multiple dates, December 10, 2019, to January 20, 2021. Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select sailings include a $300 shipboard credit per person.
11 – Read Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn On The Mighty Mississippi
The sense of freedom and possibility brought to life in Twain’s iconic novel can still be found on Ol’ Man River, and you’re likely to experience both during American Queen Steamboat Company’s nine-day cruise from New Orleans to Memphis. On board the 436-passenger American Queen, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, watch the Mississippi roll past from the ship’s decks, read a classic tome in the Mark Twain Gallery, and take in a show in the Grand Saloon. Along the way, holiday themed events and excursions reveal the history and heritage of the U.S. South. See NOLA’s ceremonial lighting of bonfires on the levee, learn how to perfect buttery biscuits in the Natchez home of award-winning chef Regina Charboneau, and more.
Departure: December 15, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include an onboard host and welcome reception; contact your Virtuoso travel advisor regarding an additional, soon-to-be-announced amenity.
12 – Travel Back In Time On The Nile River
From the hand-built pyramids at Giza to tranquil Nile excursions aboard a traditional felucca sailboat, travelers will revel in the ingenuity of past centuries during their time in Egypt. Seven of the 12 days on Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s round-trip-from-Cairo itinerary are based on the elegant 82-passenger River Tosca. Egyptologist-guided excursions decode the colossal statues of Memnon, the mummified remains of King Tutankhamun in his Valley of the Kings tomb, and the hieroglyphics adorning temples from Luxor to Aswan. Changing pace, ride a felucca and take tea at the hotel where Agatha Christie set Death on the Nile. Go now, while tourism is growing, but before the masses return.
Departures: Multiple dates, September 28 to December 28, 2019. Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select sailings include a $200 shipboard credit per person.
13 – Get Cooking With A Celebrated Chef
The James Beard Foundation ships out its award-winning chefs and sommeliers on culinary-themed Windstar Cruises sailings, which include cooking demos, beverage pairings, and market tours. Gain firsthand knowledge by joining a talented chef and beverage expert on a ten-day, San Diego-to-Vancouver sailing aboard the 212-passenger Star Breeze, which plies the U.S. West Coast with stops in Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. The chef will host a wine-paired dinner, lead a shopping trip, and provide a cooking demonstration. Work off the meals while exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Seattle’s Pike Place Market.
Departure: May 5, 2020. Virtuoso Voyages benefits include an onboard host and welcome reception and a custom-curated shore event.
Original Article from Virtuoso Traveler July 2019 issue
Canaletto’s New Menu is Amore at First Bite!
In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food, which is what you’ll discover at Holland America Line’s Canaletto — a specialty dining venue that brings people together with delectable dishes, designed to be shared family-style.
Our popular Italian restaurant recently debuted a new menu that features an authentic selection of outstanding dishes. To make the experience even more exceptional, Holland America Line is now making fresh pasta on board our ships! Continue reading below for a taste of what’s on the menu.
THE INTRODUCTION
To start, whet your appetite with a variety of delicious small plates including Beef Carpaccio, Grilled Calamari, and Melanzane Ripiene — eggplant roulade filled with ricotta, basil, Parmesan, wilted spinach and chunky arrabiata sauce. Additional selections include tasty Salumi All’ Italiana, Veal and Sage Polpettine and Mozzarella Di Bufala!
THE MAIN EVENT
Hungry for more? Canaletto’s new menu features a variety of mouthwatering entrees that include Italian classics like Lasagna Bolognese, Branzino Alla Siciliana, Gnocchi Carciofi E Antara and Scaloppine Alla Caprese, and that’s not all! Each day of the week Canaletto features specials that are sure to wow guests.
Sunday: Chicken Parmigiana
Monday: Osso Bucco Milanese
Tuesday: Beef Short Rib Brasato Barolo
Wednesday: Veal Liver Veneziana
Thursday: Veal Saltimbocca Alla Romano
Friday: Chicken Curry – Cipriani Style
Saturday: Gamberi Alla Griglia
Don’t forget to compliment your meal with a delicious cocktail, like the restaurant’s refreshing Aperol Spritz.
THE EPIC FINALE
“Save room for dessert!” This familiar saying is advice we strongly recommend to our guests when dining at Canaletto! The new menu offers everything from Tiramisu, Gelato and Affogato to Torta Caprese Al Limone — an almond lemon tart with limoncello, Mascarpone cream and fresh berries! Trust us, these sweet treats are not be missed!
Whether Italy is on your itinerary or not, enjoying a meal at Canaletto will have you feeling as if you’ve been magically transported there. We guarantee this is a dining experience your taste buds will thank you for. Buon appetito!
Canaletto is available at dinner for a nominal charge. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Post shared from Holland America’s Blog April 15 2019
Original Blog post can be found here
Why We Can’t Wait for Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor
When the Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016, it was christened “the most luxurious ship ever built.” Now, Seven Seas Splendor, its highly anticipated sister ship, aims to take everything that works about Explorer and dial in the luxury even more. Is that possible? Here are six reasons we’re looking forward to Splendor’s debut next February.
1. There’ll be more Explorer-style cruising to go around.
When Joan Novack boarded Seven Seas Explorer for its preinaugural sailing three years ago, the Virtuoso travel advisor was blown away. “As I walked onto the ship, the most magnificent lobby surrounded me,” she says. “From that point on, I was in awe of how beautiful this ship is. The amenities are lavish in the suites, the dining venues, the spa, and all the public rooms.” A longtime fan of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Novack has since enjoyed three – soon to be four – additional voyages on her favorite ship. “Until someone builds something to top it, Explorer truly is the most luxurious ship ever built,” she says. And that someone, she adds, “will probably be Regent, with the Splendor.”
2. When Regent strives, opulence wins.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and CEO Jason Montague described the approach to creating Splendor as “obsessing over large and small details.” Those large details likely include the 46,000 square feet (we’re talking more than an acre) of Italian marble that will adorn Splendor’s interior – including the posh bathrooms in the 375 suites. As for those small things, look for specially commissioned original artwork throughout the ship and thoughtful touches such as lined jewelry drawers and designated spaces for designer handbags in the Penthouse Suite.
Like Explorer, the 750-guest Seven Seas Splendor will offer the maximum space and an emphasis on service, boasting one of the highest space ratios and lowest guest-to-crew ratios among cruise lines. Guests will also have plenty of room to stretch out in the fresh air, thanks to nearly 52,000 square feet (larger than a football field) of balcony space.
3. Regent Suite shatters records in a big way.
Palatial doesn’t begin to describe the Regent Suite, the largest suite ever constructed on a luxury cruise ship. Commanding the 14th deck, above the bridge and overlooking the bow, this splurge-worthy accommodation offers more than 3,000 square feet of interior space and a 1,300-square-foot wraparound veranda, complete with a hot tub on the forward balcony. (This is where you’ll catch those gorgeous sunsets, a glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand.)
Expect sweet dreams while sleeping on the custom, handcrafted, $200,000 Vividus bed; the king-size mattress took over 18 months to complete to Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ exacting standards. Splendor’s Regent Suite boasts a master bath and spa 30 percent larger than its predecessor on the Explorer in order to incorporate a floor-to-ceiling ocean-view shower.
“The Regent Suite, for those lucky enough to experience it, is over the top,” Novack says. “Guests never have to leave, as meals and spa services are available in their plush surroundings at all times. This suite even comes with a private car and driver in every port on the sailing.”
Ready to indulge? Don’t hesitate. The Regent Suite is already sold out for nearly all of Seven Seas Splendor’s 2020 inaugural season sailings.
4. The captain, too, is breaking records.
Someone we can’t wait to meet: Captain Serena Melani. The first woman in cruise history to captain a new cruise ship at launch, she’ll helm Seven Seas Splendor when it debuts next year. Melani joined the cruise line in 2010 and has led Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Navigator since becoming the company’s first female master captain in 2016. “Captain Melani has distinguished herself as a trailblazer in the maritime and cruise industries,” Montague says. “She is an international role model and admired by our guests and crew.”
5. Regent’s all-inclusive amenities are still around and still awesome.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has made a name for itself by offering guests an unrivaled, all-inclusive, luxury cruise experience. That includes complimentary business-class air on international flights for all guests, regardless of suite category.
6. Stellar onboard dining is paired with exclusive, hands-on culinary excursions.
Please your palate and expand your culinary knowledge while exploring the world’s top foodie destinations. Chef-led Gourmet Explorer tours, available for Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor passengers only, invite you to experience a region’s culinary culture with market visits, winetastings, cooking demos, hands-on classes, and meals at acclaimed local restaurants.
In Bilbao, Spain, tour Mercado de la Ribera; back on board, don an apron for a tapas and pintxos cooking class. During the call at Taormina, Italy, learn how to prepare cannoli with a Sicilian pastry chef. Experience an extra-virgin olive oil tasting in Barcelona, followed by lunch at Michelin two-starred restaurant ABaC. And in Saint-Malo, in Brittany, France, sit down to a meal prepared by chef Julien Hennote, recipient of the prized Escoffier trophy.
Regent currently offers 19 Gourmet Explorer tours as part of the Regent Choice Shore Excursion program.
Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package
When you cruise with Royal Caribbean, be sure to bring your appetite for adventure — and for incredible cuisine. Because with the all-new Unlimited Dining Package, everything is on the table. You’ll be able to dine in any specialty restaurant on your sailing as many times as you like!* Enjoy lunch at Jamie’s Italian and then dinner at Chops GrilleSM.
The possibilities are endless but deliciousness is guaranteed.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
• For one low price, you can enjoy meals at onboard specialty restaurants as many times as you’d like, based on availability.
For instance, if you want to eat at the same restaurant twice in one night, go ahead!
• For specialty restaurants with a la carte pricing, the Unlimited Dining Package provides a $35 food credit per person for each visit.
• Chef’s Table and culinary activities are excluded.
• Package does not include beverages, but does provide 40% off bottles of wine under $100, and 20% off bottles over $100.
Packages are available as follows
| 3 – 5 NIGHT CRUISES | 3 Night Package | Unlimited Package | |
| Quantum Class, Oasis Class and Amplified Ships |
N/A |
US $29 per day per person | |
| All other ships | N/A | US $27 per day per person | |
| 6 – 9 NIGHT CRUISES | 3 Night Package | Unlimited Package | |
| Quantum Class and Oasis Class | US $99 per person | US $29 per day per person | |
| All other ships | US $79 per person | US $24 per day per person | |
| 10+ NIGHT CRUISES | 3 Night Package | 5 Night Package | Unlimited Package |
| Quantum Class and Oasis Class | US $99 per person | US $139 per person | US $20 per day per person |
| All other ships | US $79 per person | US $119 per person | US $20 per day per person |
And, Kids Dine For Less
Kids ages 6-12 dine at specialty restaurants at discounted rates. Ages 5 and under eat Free! Plus, little cruisers get their very own menu – a round-up of kid friendly favorites from the “grownups” menu. Reserve before you sail, and prices will be adjusted for kids once you are onboard, and reflected on your final account statement.
When you book your package you will need to select a time for your dinner the first night in a specialty restaurant chosen for you. Once you embark an on board representative will contact you to help arrange the rest of your reservations. Or you can choose to do this yourself in person at the specialty restaurant.
*Prices are per person for the full sailing. All selections are subject to change. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to verify eligibility upon arrival to the activity. Specialty Dining Packages must be booked at least two days prior to boarding and may not be available for every sail date. One reservation will be automatically created for the first night of the sailing. All other reservations must be made onboard and are subject to availability. Packages include service charge and food portion only for dinner and, when available, lunch service. For restaurants with a la carte pricing, you’ll receive a $35 food credit. Beverages not included. For Dining Packages, children ages 12 and under are excluded from offer; children ages 6-12 can be added to reservation for a $10 cover change once onboard. Not available on holiday sailings. Not valid for Chef’s Table, or Culinary Experiences/Activities. Offer provides discount off wine selections at specialty dining restaurants with the purchase of a qualifying dining package. Offer provides 40% discount off bottles of wine priced at $100 or less; 20% discount off bottles of wine priced over $100. VAT will be added to the price where applicable. Offer valid only with the purchase of 3-night, 4-night, 5-night, or Unlimited Dining Packages; other Dining Packages excluded. Terms of Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy apply, including a minimum drinking age, which varies by itinerary. Offer is not transferable, not redeemable for cash, and expires on the final night of the cruise. Terms of Dining Packages apply. Features vary by ship. All itineraries are subject to change without notice. ©2019 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 19067456 • 4/8/2019
Oceania Cruises Reveals Exclusive Dom Perignon Pairing Dinner
Marina and Riviera Are the Only Place in the World to Offer This Experience
Miami, FL, January 16, 2019 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled its exclusive Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve. This first of its kind dining experience pairs six palate piquing courses with a different expression and vintage of Dom Perignon’s acclaimed vintages.
“This is a totally new concept that is exclusive to Oceania Cruises. We worked with the team at Dom Perignon to pair the perfect champagnes with the perfect flavors and the outcome is spectacular. Marina and Riviera will be the only places in the world for travelers to enjoy this exclusive Dom Perignon experience,” stated Bob Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceania Cruises.
Created by the culinary team at La Maison Dom Perignon in conjunction with Oceania Cruises’ culinary team, the dinner is offered to a maximum of 24 guests.
“We created this dinner to be sophisticated, memorable, a little bit decadent, but also a lot of fun. After all, champagne is all about celebration,” added Binder.
Dom Perignon Experience Menu
Scallops “Rossini”, mole negro, roasted pineapple
Comme un Rossini de St Jacques, mole negro et ananas rôti
Dom Perignon 2009
Brittany blue lobster in yellow curry broth, coco foam
Curry jaune de homard bleu, nuage de coco
Dom Perignon 2006
Black truffle risotto, aged parmesan
Risotto aux truffes noires et vieux parmesan
Dom Perignon 2006
Seared wagyu beef sashimi style, sautéed arugula, blood orange-soya jus, caviar perlita
Sashimi de boeuf wagyu, roquette sautée, jus à l’orange sanguine et soja, caviar d’aquitaine
Dom Perignon Rose 2004
French A.O.C cheese plate, black currant-pepper paste, thyme flower
Assiette de fromage A.O.C, pate de fruit cassis-poivre et fleur de thym
Dom Perignon Rose 2004
Sakura tea “Geisha flower” ice cream, lemon caviar
Glace au thé fleur de Geisha et citron caviar
Dom Perignon 2009
“We’ve gone exceptional lengths to pair the flavors of the dishes and the accompanying vintages to bring out the best in each other, and even surprise the palates of our dinner guests. This will be an experience I hope our guests are talking about, with the fondest of memories, twenty years from now,” stated Bernhard Klotz, Vice President of Culinary Operations for Oceania Cruises.
The Dom Perignon Experience is currently available for all Riviera voyages and will be introduced aboard Marina beginning with her January 31, 2019 voyage. Reservations are required, and the cost is $295 per guest, gratuities are additional.
Due to the exclusive nature of the Dom Perignon Experience which is limited to 24 guests. Advance reservations are highly suggested. Reservations may be made via their travel advisor, directly with Oceania Cruises, onboard at the Specialty Dining Desk located on Deck 5.
Cunard Announces Royal Line-up for Fourth Annual Transatlantic Fashion Week 2019
Seven-night voyage features style innovators Stephen Jones OBE, Stuart Weitzman and Super Model Pat Cleveland
VALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Cunard has announced a stellar line-up for its fourth annual Transatlantic Fashion Week Crossing, to take place July 28 to August 4, 2019 (M922) on the iconic luxury liner Queen Mary 2. Headlining the voyage will be royal milliner Stephen Jones OBE, shoe maven Stuart Weitzman, and iconic American model Pat Cleveland. Fashion Historian Colin McDowell MBE, author Lindy Woodhead and Burberry vice chairman Rose Marie Bravo CBE will also be joining the line-up of industry innovators. The seven-night crossing will feature runway shows, inspiring talks, bespoke dinners and Q&A’s with the experts on board.
British milliner Stephen Jones OBE is considered one of the world’s most influential milliners of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Described by Vogue as the ‘go-to man when it comes to making headline hats’, he has worked with everyone from Diana, Princess of Wales to Mick Jagger and fashion greats including Vivienne Westwood. Stephen will showcase some of his most memorable pieces in two runway shows onboard and participate in a Q&A session.
Stephen Jones OBE commented, “I am delighted to be involved in Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Week next summer, showing my hats on the most majestic ship in the world. I look forward to sharing my insights, tips and future trends to look out for, with my fellow shipmates on board.”
Cunard will also be partnering with the Graduate Fashion Foundation, a non-profit organization which presents Graduate Fashion Week annually to celebrate the creativity of students and graduates within the industry. Previous winners of The Graduate Fashion Week awards include Stella McCartney and Christopher Bailey. Six graduates will be selected by the Graduate Fashion Foundation and Colin McDowell MBE and will have the opportunity to showcase pieces from their collections in a runway show during the voyage.
“Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Week onboard Queen Mary 2 is a must-experience event,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP of Cunard North America. “It’s one of our highest-rated sailings because guests get first-hand access to some of the biggest names in the industry.”
Additional details on the industry leaders include:
Stuart Weitzman: An American shoe designer, entrepreneur and founder of his eponymous shoe company, Stuart Weitzman has designed footwear for Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and British royalty. Weitzman will delight guests with a display of his red-carpet shoes, participate in a Q&A and give an inspirational talk on his career.
Pat Cleveland: American fashion supermodel who initially attained success in the 1960s and 1970s, Pat was one of the first African-American models in the fashion industry to achieve prominence as a runway and print model. Pat will be participating in a Q&A about her five decades in fashion.
Colin McDowell MBE: The highly-respected fashion historian and style commentator returns for the fourth time to Cunard and will host interactive talks and workshops.
Lindy Woodhead: Lindy, who worked in international fashion for over 25 years, is the author of War Paint and Mr Selfridge. She will be giving a talk on her career, participating in a Q&A and book signings.
Rosemarie Bravo CBE: During her career, Rosemarie has held leadership positions in several major fashion businesses and is now vice chairman at Burberry, of which she was CEO from 1997 to 2005. During this she signed top model Kate Moss and recruited the designer Christopher Bailey in 2001. Rosemarie will be participating in a Q&A.
Stanley Tucker: With over 40 years’ experience in the luxury menswear business, Stanley joined Burberry in 1997 as SVP of Menswear Worldwide where he was instrumental in developing the menswear business. Stanley will host a men’s styling workshop onboard and participate in a Q&A.
STORM Model Agency: One of London’s most sought-after modeling agencies, STORM will be returning to Transatlantic Fashion Week to strut their stuff in the onboard runway shows.
Cunard Announces New Partnership with the English National Ballet
Cunard Announces New Partnership with the English National Ballet and Invites Guests to “Dance the Atlantic”
VALENCIA, Calif., November 20, 2018 – Luxury cruise line Cunard is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the prestigious English National Ballet for the first-ever “Dance the Atlantic” Transatlantic Crossing on board flagship Queen Mary 2, sailing from Southampton to New York, August 11-18, 2019 (M924).
Guests on the seven-night Crossing will have the opportunity to meet six lead dancers from the British ballet company, including Lead Principal Erina Takahashi and First Soloist James Streeter. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to watch the dancers’ morning ballet class and drop-in on afternoon rehearsals. A highlight of the voyage will be spectacular performances in the ship’s Royal Court Theater, including extracts from the enthralling all-time classic Swan Lake, the poignant contemporary work Dust and the stunningly visual Le Corsaire – demonstrating the huge breadth of the company’s repertoire.
“We are so excited to have the English National Ballet onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 in 2019,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “For the first time ever, guests will be able to interact with the English National Ballet on the ocean with world-class performances and intimate experiences that will only further enhance the elegance and romance of the Cunard Transatlantic Crossing.”
In another first, dance workshops will run daily throughout the week at sea, offering a special opportunity for guests to learn directly from English National Ballet associates. There will also be Insights talks, offering a fascinating understanding of the dedication and exhilaration of the dancer’s life, along with dance-themed films and documentaries shown throughout the voyage.
“English National Ballet is thrilled to be partnering with Cunard on this exciting voyage,” said Patrick Harrison, executive director of the English National Ballet. “Guests will get to experience the joy of ballet including performances and glimpses of behind-the-scenes. We’re very much looking forward to sharing our art form with the guests on board Queen Mary 2.”
Less Than 30 Days Until Nieuw Statendam’s Delivery
Holland America Line Celebrates 30 Days Until Nieuw Statendam’s Delivery with 30 Fun Facts About the New Ship
SEATTLE, Nov. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam will officially join the fleet in 30 days on Dec. 1, 2018. The countdown is on until the ship’s delivery from Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy, and Holland America Line celebrates the month-out milestone with 30 fun facts about the newest Pinnacle Class ship:
- Nieuw Statendam will visit more than 75 ports during her first year in service.
- Nieuw Statendam’s stunning interiors were designed by internationally acclaimed hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and Bjørn Storbraaten, one of the world’s leading architects working in the cruise industry.
- In its first year, Nieuw Statendam will sail 92,723 nautical miles, more than four times around the globe.
- The ship’s dedication ceremony will be held at a private event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Feb. 2, 2019.
- Twelve Seattle-based businesses are key partners in the building, launch and operation of Nieuw Statendam, which is important to Holland America Line as Seattle’s hometown cruise line.
- Artists from 150 different countries are represented in Nieuw Statendam’s artwork.
- More than 150 bottles of red wine will be made each month at BLEND, the first purpose-built wine blending venue at sea.
- At 975 feet in length, Nieuw Statendam is a long as 12 blue whales.
- Captain Sybe de Boer has been master of Statendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Eurodam and served on Maasdam, Ryndam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Koningsdam.
- Two hundred pounds of pasta will be prepared at Canaletto during a seven-day cruise.
- It would take 7,067 standard bottles of Champagne to fill Nieuw Statendam’s Lido Pool.
- On a weeklong voyage, 9,331 towel animals will be created.
- In the first year, 42,760 pounds of lobster will be served.
- There are 1,920 works of art on board.
- On a seven-day cruise, 4,200 cups of coffee will be served.
- The hull of Nieuw Statendam is made up of 720 individual blocks.
- In Lido Market on a weeklong cruise, 5,600 freshly made, personalized salads will be prepared at Wild Harvest.
- The ship’s crew members represent 33 countries.
- On a seven-day cruise, more than 42,000 eggs will be used.
- More than 9,360 songs will be performed in Rolling Stone Rock Room during the first year.
- Guests will indulge in 11,440 massages during the first year.
- Pinnacle Grill will serve 600 pounds of Double R Ranch Beef during a seven-day cruise.
- Nearly 20,000 guests will attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows class in the first year.
- During a seven-day cruise, 3,000 burgers will be served at Dive-In.
- Seventy performers will grace the stages of Music Walk during the first year.
- Eighteen different flavors of gelato will be made on board each cruise.
- In the first year, 260 live America’s Test Kitchen shows will help our guests master their home kitchens.
- Grand Dutch Café will serve 1,250 beers on a seven-day cruise.
- New York Deli & Pizza will serve up 350 breakfast sandwiches on a weeklong cruise.
- Nieuw Statendam is a sister-ship to Koningsdam, which was delivered in April 2016. A third Pinnacle-class ship will be delivered in 2021.
Nieuw Statendam sets sail on its 14-day Premier Voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dec. 5, 2018. The ship then spends a season in the Caribbean before returning to Europe for summer explorations to the Mediterranean and Norway.
About Nieuw Statendam
The 2,666-guest, 99,500-ton ship will reflect the ongoing evolution of Holland America Line. From familiar elements that reflect a rich heritage and classic style to state-of-the-art enhancements that chart a bold new course forward, guests on board Nieuw Statendam will delight in details that are artfully inspired and perfectly presented to create the ultimate Pinnacle-class experience.
While much of the ship’s design will be similar to Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle Class ship, Nieuw Statendam will have exclusive public spaces and its own style created by leading hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer and architect Bjørn Storbraaten. The ship will feature all of the hallmarks of Pinnacle-Class design: grand, light-filled spaces; visual drama; and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments.
Holland America Line’s first ship to be called Statendam sailed in 1898, and this will be the sixth ship in the company’s history to carry the name. In combining the Dutch word for “new” with the classic “Statendam,” Holland America Line celebrates the company’s past, present and future.
Cruises Make Happier Holidays
While Ship’s Crew Does the Work, Guests Get to Relax, Enjoy Special Celebrations, Festive Atmosphere
MIAMI, Sept. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Strange things will be happening on the high seas for Halloween, and Santa Claus will be visiting cruise ships around the world in December. No matter the holiday, cruise lines go all out getting into the spirit with special decorations, traditional food and a plethora of fun activities.
Expect to see your ship done up in black and orange and with goblins and witches wandering around for Halloween; serving turkey with over-the-top trimmings for Thanksgiving; festooned stem-to-stern for Christmas; and becoming the scene for extravagant dress-up parties for New Year’s.
And all you have to do is have fun. No need to entertain, or do the cooking – and cleaning — yourself.
Oktoberfest and Christmas, German style
Experience an Oktoberfest to remember on the high seas with German line AIDA Cruises. The celebration embraces Bavarian tent-style activities from arm wrestling to yodeling. Popular German bands will be onboard AIDAperla and AIDAprima for live performances. Both ships will serve a special Oktoberfest beer brewed in the ships’ own breweries, to be enjoyed while sitting or dancing on benches. Traditional Bavarian culinary fare will include pork knuckle, sausage salad and dumplings. Wearing traditional dress is encouraged.
Christmas and New Year’s sailings bring AIDA Cruises guests to destinations including the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Ships include the brand new AIDAnova, the first ship in the world powered at sea and in port with liquefied natural gas, the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel. Advent cruises celebrate with Christmas carol singalongs, Advent calendars, trees and other Christmas decorations and gingerbread. Christmas markets take place onboard, making holiday shopping easy. Goose is served on Christmas Eve.
Celebrating with Pirate Patch and The Grinch
For the month of October, Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its already popular “Frightfully Fun” Halloween programming with even more “spook-tacular” activities. The celebration will include costume contests, trick-or-treating and special holiday versions of live deck parties, trivia, Dive-In Movies, arts and crafts, and bingo. The centerpiece of the fun will be Patch, Carnival Cruise Line’s pumpkin pirate, who will stand guard in the atrium on each ship.
Starting in late November, it’s “Grinchmas Time” throughout the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Though Mr. Grinch may be “a mean one” as part of the line’s exclusive Seuss at Sea program, and decked out in his green “Santy Claus” costume, he’s actually a leader of fun. The young and young at heart can catch a glimpse of the cantankerous curmudgeon as he slinks and slithers throughout the ship, with both scheduled appearances and spontaneous pop-up visits.
Carnival Cruise Line’s 26 ships also celebrate the holidays with ornately decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, caroling and appearances by Santa Claus, as well as traditional food including roast turkey and pecan pie on Christmas Day.
British holiday celebrations on P&O Cruises
Beginning in late November, special Christmas Market cruises visit markets around Europe, giving P&O Cruises guests opportunity to stock up on gifts, ranging from fine Belgium chocolates to handmade artisan gifts from Amsterdam and everything in between.
The seven ships in the fleet will be lavishly decorated with a total of 249 Christmas trees, adorned with twinkling lights and more than 44,000 decorations. Christmas dinners, festive-themed entertainment and holiday-themed films get everyone in the holiday spirit. On the line’s family-friendly ships, Father Christmas comes down the ship’s funnel. Guests can choose Christmas sailings in the Caribbean, Baltic and Canary Islands.
Ultra-luxury celebrations on Seabourn
Guests on Seabourn’s five ultra-luxury ships will celebrate the holidays in destinations around the world. There’s Christmas and New Year’s in Australia and the South Pacific or the opportunity to embrace the spirit in the stark white scenery of Antarctica. Guests on Seabourn Odyssey may spend some holiday time beachcombing in the Caribbean, while those on the new Seabourn Ovation will be exploring Thailand and Vietnam.
On all the ships, Thanksgiving brings a traditional turkey dinner. During Hanukkah and Christmas, the Seabourn ships are transformed into holiday wonderlands with gingerbread village displays and evergreen hangings draping railings and balusters. New Year’s Eve brings a formal party with a memorable toast to 2019.
A holiday wonderland on Princess Cruises
It actually snows in the atrium on Princess Cruises ships, even if you’re celebrating the holidays in the sunny Caribbean or other warm local. Passengers mingle with Kris Kringle, as yuletide carolers sing the classics, and the halls are decked with trees with red ribbons – even the ships’ masts get Christmas trees.
There is opportunity to sip eggnog and make gingerbread houses as a family. Christmas dinner brings a choice of roast turkey or goose with all the trimmings. Special holiday parties take place in the youth and teen centers, with cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer on Christmas Eve.
Princess Cruises also goes all out for Halloween, with various spooky decorations, a Fright Night Party and costume contest and a special scavenger hunt for families. Thanksgiving festivities include the ever-popular turkey calling contest.
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated with a menorah‐lighting ceremony, themed crafts, festive décor and such traditional delicacies as potato latkes. New Year’s brings a countdown party culminating with a balloon drop and celebratory champagne toast.
Relax during New Year’s Day with college bowl championship games shown on the outdoor movie screen and a football tailgate party with game-day treats.
Holland America Line ships add holiday sparkle
On the ships of Holland America Line, Halloween is celebrated with a pumpkin-carving contest where passengers vote their favorite. Kids go trick-or-treating around the ship (parents can join in, too) as part of the Club HAL program, and some crew wear costumes. There’s also a costume dance party for guests – with awards (candy) given for funniest, most creative, best team and best overall costumes.
Thanksgiving brings fall décor, spiced pumpkin lattes and an impressive turkey dinner capped with a big selection of pies and desserts.
Whether you are sailing in the Caribbean on the newly launched Nieuw Statendam and other ships or in Australia, Asia, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera or Asia, a highlight of Christmas Eve is a tree-lighting ceremony and Christmas carols in the atrium, with one child chosen to throw “snow” at the tree – a cue for the holiday lights to be turned on. There’s also a Christmas Eve concert featuring international crew members singing carols.
On Christmas morning, Santa arrives and kids, ‘tweens and teens receive wrapped presents. Clergy are onboard leading services for Hanukkah and Christmas.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a gala ball and champagne toast, followed by a selection of college football bowl games shown on New Year’s Day.
Embracing tradition with Cunard
A transatlantic or other voyage on a Cunard ocean liner is always an occasion, but even more so when the ships embrace the holiday spirit – especially since the line has nearly two centuries of experience in celebrating.
During the season, Christmas decorations include poinsettias and other seasonal flowers. Gingerbread villages are displayed. There’s a festive buffet lunch on embarkation day, and special menus are created for gala dinners on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Children participate in workshops, decorating cookies and gingerbread.
Holiday cruises Down Under
On the ships of P&O Cruises Australia, Halloween gets spooky with decorations, costumes, themed treats and entertainment for kids and adults alike. Dance enthusiasts can learn routines to iconic tracks such as the “Time Warp” and “Thriller,” before showing off their moves at a special Halloween fright night party. Kids will have a ball with activities that include pumpkin and ice-carving, murder mystery games, scavenger hunts, face painting and a junior Monster Mash party. Expect popup appearances by witches and such.
Christmas on the Australian line’s ships embrace the “throw a shrimp on the barbie” spirit. With the warm summer temperatures, guests can stay in their flip flops while enjoying such activities as carolling, cookie decorating and visits by Santa.
Christmas Eve brings a special variety concert and Christmas Day is all about lunch and dinner. On Boxing Day, the ships sponsor Backyard Cricket on a special pitch at sea. On New Year’s Eve there are parties around the ship including on the top deck, with the South Pacific as the backdrop.
Australia Day on January 26, 2019, is another cause for shipboard celebration, with themed entertainment for guests of all ages – including meat pies and other Aussie eats and an Australian national anthem sing off.
Experience the holidays Italian style
Santa Claus comes onboard to personally host experiences, pose for photos and help make memories at Christmastime on ships from Italy-based Costa Cruises, whether they are cruising in the Mediterranean, South America or the Caribbean. A special show production is themed around the holiday and there are gifts for all kids onboard under a traditional tree. Special menus enhance the festive atmosphere and include a touch of Italian classic tastes – such as Italian panettone or pandoro for dessert.
Memorable New Year’s Eve parties bring surprises, and there is opportunity to celebrate on December 31 at the pool, where the giant LED screen broadcasts New Year’s events in various time zones around the world.
Tips for Holiday Cruises
1) Plan ahead. Holiday sailings are popular, so it’s important to book well in advance to get the stateroom of your choice.
2) Splurge on space. Especially if you are bringing the family, you will want room to spread out. Book a balcony and you can feel warm sea breezes in your own space, while you think of your friends and relatives in snowy locales.
3) Leave the bulk of the gifts back home. You don’t want fill your luggage with gifts. Bring one special item for each family member, and plan to open the rest later. Or better yet, seek out surprises in the onboard shops.
4) Bring treats for the crew. These hardworking folks are away from home during the holidays and will appreciate your acts of kindness.
5) Pick up ornaments at each port of call. They’ll help you remember your great holiday experience for years to come.