Cruise, Organisations & Operators,

This June, Silversea Cruises is offering agents, the chance to earn a £150 bonus commission on every new booking made between 1 – 30 June 2022 as part of its Trade Appreciation Month to reward its valued agents partners. The bonus is redeemable on all qualifying voyages throughout 2022. In addition to the luxury cruise line’s existing commissions, there is no limit to the number of bonuses that can be earned throughout the month – the more agents book, the more they earn.
Peter Shanks, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Silversea Cruises commented:
“With all 10 Silversea ships back sailing in June, and as we see a nice pick-up in late demand for the summer – this is an opportunity for us to thank our wonderful Travel Advisor Partners for all they do for us – hence June is our ‘Trade Appreciation Month.”
Silversea Cruises is nominated as Europe’s Leading Cruise Line 2022 by World Travel Awards.

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Aurora Expeditions has announced its new, purpose-built expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, will be making her debut voyage on the Subantarctic Safari from November 4-20 2022. The ship will be christened by its namesake, the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, prior to making its way to the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The 17-day maiden voyage to the Subantarctic Islands will appeal to wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Beginning in Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, passengers will explore the history-steeped Falkands~Malvinas, a bird lovers’ paradise home to an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species and the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, followed by South Georgia – known for its enormous King penguin colonies and beaches lined with Elephant and Antarctic fur seals. Plus, passengers will have the opportunity to trace the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s infamous journeys here.
“We are thrilled to confirm the inaugural season of the Sylvia Earle, and to be debuting her on such a magnificent voyage whose destinations are so representative of Aurora’s spirit of exploration, discovery and education,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO at Aurora Expeditions.
“This highly anticipated vessel is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, with a large focus on marine education and conservation in line with Dr Earle’s own longstanding efforts. We are so looking forward to having our adventurous expeditioners join us in exploring some of the world’s wildest, most awe-inspiring and important regions whilst paying tribute to such an incredible hero of our planet.”
Certified 100% Carbon Neutral, outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, the ship also pays tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr Earle, who are honoured on each of the ship’s public decks: Jo Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok.ADVERTISEMENT“Travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle will be an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the planet’s extraordinary marine habitats and the importance of protecting them,” Dr. Earle commented.
“I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. I am very much looking forward to christening the ship, connecting with Aurora Expeditions’ passengers, and following its journey in providing countless life changing and eye-opening experiences to many of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.”
Dr. Earle will herself be joining a special Antarctic Climate Expedition during the ship’s maiden season, taking place in February 2023. This voyage will see a collection of thought leaders in the fields of conservation, science, art, education and economics come together to bring about public and government awareness of the importance and the splendour of the Antarctic, and to address the warming climate and loss of sea ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on this planet.
Expedition members will be expected to help formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.
Like sister ship the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®. Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on board has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship features a unique two-level glass atrium lounge in the bow, a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, two restaurants serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, a swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
Following her maiden voyage, the Sylvia Earle will continue her inaugural season on several voyages to Antarctica, followed by Costa Rica, the Canadian Arctic, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland. Aurora’s unique activity program and focus on active adventure will continue to play a major part in the expedition experience on the new ship, offering the likes of sea kayaking, scuba diving, polar snorkelling, alpine trekking and much more.
Aurora Expeditions was nominated as World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2021 World Travel Awards.

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Quark Expeditions, the global Leader in Polar Adventures, launched its Arctic 2022 season, with a 7-day “Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief” voyage. This much-awaited sailing also marked the inaugural Arctic voyage of Ultramarine, Quark Expeditons’ game-changing new ship.
“We’re so proud of our recent Arctic season launch for myriad reasons,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “Not only is this Ultramarine’s inaugural season in the remote Arctic waters, but it also heralds a new way of exploring the Polar Regions—on a ship that’s been designed with a pioneering mix of advanced sustainability features that exceed industry standards. In addition to Ultramarine’s first Arctic sailing, we’re introducing this season a mix of new innovative itineraries and experiences in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic that are exclusive to Quark Expeditions. These include our helicopter-supported Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air itinerary, as well as Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience.”
Quark Expeditions’ ground-breaking Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience offers guests a one-of-a-kind adventure into the culinary traditions of the Inuit in Greenland and Nunavut. Guests who participate in this on-ship Adventure Option will enjoy dishes from these Arctic regions prepared by Inuit chefs, and learn about local Inuit culture and culinary traditions.
Quark Expeditions’ Arctic 2022 season features diverse regions, including Spitsbergen, Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, on multiple small polar vessels.
Quark Expeditions is considered as the World’s Leading Specialist Cruise Line 2021 by World Travel Awards.ADVERTISEMENT

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Royal Caribbean Group announces its new commitment to the next phase of its ongoing partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for guidance and counsel in establishing bold environmental goals and sustainable business practices.
“Healthy, sustainable oceans are paramount to our mission of delivering the best vacations responsibly,” said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty. “Our partnership with WWF encapsulates our belief in continuous improvement and our commitment to advancing our environmental, social and governance (ESG) work. The support and assistance of WWF will be invaluable to realising this mission as we work to set and achieve our sustainability goals.”
Royal Caribbean Group first partnered with WWF in 2016. Since then, WWF has advised Royal Caribbean Group to embed sustainability into the core of the company’s business and across the industry, promote responsible tourism in priority coastal destinations and help protect the oceans by investing in conservation programs globally. This included establishing bold 2020 sustainability goals that the company has met or exceeded, with the exception of the sustainable seafood sourcing target, which was impacted by global suspension of service from the pandemic.
The next five years of the partnership will focus on setting ambitious, measurable sustainability targets around the reduction of carbon emissions, the sustainable growth and development of the business, sustainable commodity sourcing and tourism, the elimination of single-use plastics and waste management, among other areas.
“Scale matters, particularly in the face of global challenges like climate change and ocean conservation. We’re grateful for the progress Royal Caribbean Group has made toward achieving its sustainability goals since 2016, and we’re energised by an ambition for even greater things to come,” said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF-US. “Our work together is grounded in the reality that people everywhere – from local communities and Indigenous peoples to urban residents and tourists – rely on the ocean for food, livelihoods, and enrichment. We’re committed to doing everything possible to keep ocean ecosystems thriving for the benefit of all people, as well as the many other creatures for whom the ocean is their home.ADVERTISEMENTThis year, WWF and Royal Caribbean Group will work together to establish sustainability goals across three key areas of Ship, Sea and Shore:
Ship — Continuous improvement of operational sustainability, including emissions, marine mammal protection, seafood sourcing, plastics reduction, and food waste.
Sea — Investing in ocean health through targeted philanthropy; engaging with a global science-driven agenda and consumer-facing education and fundraising campaigns.
Shore — Embedding principles of sustainable development in projects and increasing sustainability and certification of tour operators.
Royal Caribbean Group will also continue to provide financial support to WWF’s global ocean conservation work through a $5 million philanthropic contribution and collaborate with WWF to build global awareness about ocean conservation issues among Royal Caribbean Group’s millions of guests.
The renewal of the partnership with WWF builds on Royal Caribbean Group’s broader decarbonisation strategy, focused on establishing Science-Based Targets (SBT).

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Heritage Expeditions is celebrating the reopening of New Zealand’s borders to international visitors from 1 May 2022, with the launch of three brand new voyages taking in the hidden beaches, breath-taking fjords and remote island sanctuaries of this enduringly popular destination.
The New Zealand based expedition cruise operator, which has been specialising in conservation-based trips for the past 35 years, is marking the addition of the new cruises with a US$500 flight credit per person booking any of the three trips.
New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast:  The first of the new departures leaves the bright lights of Auckland on 14 November 2022 on an 11-day voyage to discover the highlights of the country’s three main islands, North, South and Stewart.
Before boarding the 140-guest ship, Heritage Adventurer, in Tauranga, a detour will take in the geothermal sights of Rotorua, with its plethora of steam vents, geysers and bubbling mud pools, without which no trip to New Zealand would be complete.ADVERTISEMENTThis is a cruise which packs in the contrasts, focal points and hidden gems of the ninth longest coastline in the world.  From the avant-garde fashion labels of Dunedin, the adventure playground of Queenstown and the Art Deco capital of Napier, to the stunning scenery of Fiordland including Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart and Ulva Islands, home to New Zealand icon – the Kiwi bird, and thrilling opportunities to encounter rare Hector’s dolphins, native fur seals and penguins in Akaroa Harbour, the Ultimate Expedition features them all.
What’s more, guests will never be far from New Zealand’s gourmet delights, including award-winning wines from Canterbury, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and French-infused Akaroa, along with its cheeses.

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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced that its Wave 2021 campaign will be called ‘Generation Innovation’.
The campaign will promote the diverse range of innovative initiatives and activities being rolled out across the industry and by individual cruise lines, as the sector takes its next steps towards a return to service.
The cruise industry trade association will use the hashtag #GenerationInnovation on its social media channels to promote the campaign. 
Its regular ‘Cruise Podcast’ will feature guests from across the industry with innovation expertise, and ‘Wave Half-Wower Webinars’ are being introduced every Thursday in January at 09:30.
The webinars will feature four cruise line partners per episode, who will highlight their latest offers and innovations to help agents make the most of Wave.

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The first episode, broadcasting tomorrow (January 7th), will comprise Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Riviera Travel.
Meanwhile, CLIA’s ongoing stakeholder outreach programme – which includes MPs and influential travel groups – will be used to highlight the progress being made.
Andy Harmer, CLIA director UK & Ireland, said: “From the health and safety measures set to be implemented, to the significant sustainability progress being made, to developments in technology on and off ships, the cruise sector has much to be proud of.
“These innovations have never been more important, as Wave gets under way and we further set our sights on the industry’s phased recovery.
“We’ll be highlighting all the incredible work being carried out, both on an industry-wide level and by individual cruise lines.
“Our trade partners have backed cruise through all the recent challenges, and we hope we can count on their support and engagement again during this critical period.”
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Cruise Lines International Association has confirmed it will adopt a new set of health protocols as part of a phased-in, highly controlled resumption of operations in North America.
The trade body said this was a critical next step, with sailing having begun effectively in Europe.
The new regulations will see 100 per cent of passengers and crew tested for Covid-19 as they board, while mask wearing will be compulsory in all situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Air management and ventilation strategies have also been re-examined to increase fresh air onboard.
Shore excursions will only be permit according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers.

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Cruise lines could even deny re-boarding to any passengers that do not comply.
CLIA president, Kelly Craighead, said: “We recognise the devastating impact that this pandemic, and the subsequent suspension of cruise operations, has had on economies throughout the world, including the nearly half a million members of the wider cruise community and small businesses in the Americas who depend on this vibrant industry for their livelihoods.
“Based on what we are seeing in Europe, and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for the return of limited sailings from the United States before the end of this year.”
According to the most recent economic impact study from CLIA, cruise activity in the United States supported over 420,000 American jobs and generated $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country prior to the pandemic.
Each day of the suspension of United States cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs, the body said.
In a statement, Carnival Corporation welcomed the move: “Across the industry, we are engaged with some of the world’s top medical experts and scientists, who are providing valuable insight to inform the ongoing and evolving development of new and enhanced protocols based on the latest scientific evidence and best practices for protection and mitigation.
“The cruise industry will continue to share learnings and best practices while working together as one united industry focused on the well-being of guests, crew and the communities we visit.”
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Cruise Lines International Association has announced that its ocean-going members have agreed to suspend United States cruise operations until at least October 31st.
Lines had hoped to return on September 15th, but the lingering impact of Covid-19 travel restrictions has made the date unfeasible.
The United States Centres for Disease Control & Prevention also had a ‘no-sail’ order in place until the end of September, meaning no ship can sail in American waters.
A CLIA statement said: “This is a difficult decision as we recognise the crushing impact that this pandemic has had on our community and every other industry.
“However, we believe this proactive action further demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to public health and willingness to voluntarily suspend operations in the interest of public health and safety, as has occurred twice prior.

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CLIA said it would continue to monitor the situation, and mooted the earlier restart of short, modified sailings.
According to the most recent economic impact study from the body, cruise activity in the United States supports nearly half a million American jobs and generates $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country.
Each day of the suspension of United States cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs.
The impact of the suspension is particularly profound in states that depend heavily on cruise tourism, including Florida, Texas, Alaska, Washington, New York and California.
Confirming the cancellation, Royal Caribbean said in a statement: “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit is our top priority.
“As we work with the CDC and others toward this shared goal, Royal Caribbean Group will be extending the suspension of sailings to include those departing on or before October 31st – excluding sailings from China and Australia.
“We will be reaching out to our guests and travel partners to share further details and address any questions or concerns they may have.”
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