Holland America’s Westerdam Returns to Japan for Spring Season

Posted on 14 March, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

The Westerdam is marking Holland America Line’s return to Japan today after a three-year gap.

Following a short season in Southeast Asia, the 1,900-guest vessel arrived in Yokohama to kick off a spring program in the country.

Sailing roundtrip from the port – which is located near Japan’s capital city, Tokyo – the Westerdam is set to offer a series of 11- to 14-day cruises to different ports including Kobe/Osaka, Tokushima, Kagoshima and Shimizu.

For its first cruise in the region since early 2020, the ship is offering a 14-night itinerary named “Japan Explorer.”

The voyage features visits to a total of ten ports in the region, such as Hiroshima, Kochi and Sakaiminato.

Through April, the program also includes visits to Ishigaki, Naha and other destinations in Japan, as well as ports of call in Taiwan and South Korea.

After completing its Asia schedule, the ship offers a 14-day North Pacific Crossing to Seattle – its homeport for the upcoming summer season in Alaska.

Part of Holland America’s four-ship Vista Class, the Westerdam first entered service in 2004. Extensively refurbished over the years, the 82,000-ton ship underwent a drydock in January 2023 for routine maintenance and class work.

Offering a premium cruise product, the vessel was designed with an array of dining, entertainment and bar venues that include the Exploration’s Café – a lounge that provides travel resources and enrichment opportunities for guests.

Other features comprise the Billboard Onboard, where two pianists perform shows centred around facts and figures of the music industry, and the Lincoln Center Stage, which showcases a nightly ensemble of musicians performing chamber music.

The ship also offers an extensive dining lineup that includes Holland America Line’s signature venues, such as the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and the Italian Canaletto Restaurant.

Cunard to Launch Silent Discos in Onboard Nightclubs

Posted on 12 March, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Cunard announced that it is launching silent discos in nightclubs aboard its ships, according to a press release.

David Jones, vice president of Marketing and Sales at Cunard, said: “Cunard is known for being a pioneer of sophisticated and luxurious travel, but the introduction of silent discos to our nightclub venues reflects our commitment to offering immersive and contemporary experiences for guests. I’m sure some may be surprised to learn that our ships have nightclubs, let alone silent discos, and this is just one of the many unexpected experiences you’ll now find on a Cunard voyage.

“As a business, we have always been willing to embrace new trends and have continually adapted our offering to evolve with the times – it’s in our DNA and goes right back to our forebears launching the world’s first ocean liner in 1840. This latest innovation ensures we remain at the cutting edge of luxury travel as we strive to provide guests with unforgettable moments they will cherish for a lifetime.”

To celebrate International DJ Day on March 9, Cunard is introducing silent discos to late-night venues on selected evenings starting with G32 onboard the Queen Mary 2, which is the biggest of the fleet’s nightclubs.

The cruise line is adding a live DJ and resident party band to the venue. There will be silent discos aboard Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria as well.

The concept of silent discos involves guests wearing wireless headphones and dancing to music that is only audible through the headphones. It allows for a customizable experience as each guest can listen to the music they want, switch between genres and control their own volume.

This allows the cruise line to transform unexpected areas into nightclubs with parties in the Grand Lobby, on deck, or in other locations on the ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas Resumes Service Following Drydock

Posted on 12 March, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas is re-entering service today following a 21-day drydock in Spain.

Sailing from Miami, the Voyager-class vessel is resuming a program of six- to eight-night cruises to the Southern and Western Caribbean.

For its first voyage after the refit, the 2000-built cruise ship is offering a six-night itinerary to Jamaica and Grand Cayman that includes George Town and Falmouth as ports of call.

Before returning to PortMiami, the Explorer is also set to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

In addition to routine maintenance and technical overhaul, the Explorer of the Seas received new waterslides during its recent stay at the Navantia shipyard.

Named “The Perfect Storm,” the pair of slides were added to the ship’s 13th deck on an area previously occupied by sun loungers.

The drydock work scope also included hotel upkeep, as well as minor upgrades and class work.

As the second ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager Class, the Explorer of the Seas originally entered service in 2000.

With a capacity for 3,100 guests, the Explorer was also one of the first ships to offer the Royal Promenade, Royal Caribbean’s trademark indoor boulevard surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants.

In 2015, the ship underwent a major refurbishment that added new features, such as the FlowRider surf simulator and a 3-D movie theatre.

While new cabins and suites were added to different parts of the ship, the existing staterooms were also equipped with “virtual balconies” during the refit. According to Royal Caribbean, the large screens added were designed to bring the live ocean and destination views into the interior of the cabins.

Completing its winter season in the Caribbean, the Explorer of Seas is set to kick off a summer program in the Mediterranean on May 8.