Antigua Cruise Port Expects to Welcome Over 600,000 Passengers

Posted on 21 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Antigua Cruise Port expects 182,120 passengers to visit between October and December 2022, for a total of 616,419 passengers by the end of its peak cruise season in 2022-23, according to a press release.

The rest of the season is expected to reach new heights, with January 2023 set to be the busiest month, with 79 calls and 135,810 passengers, according to the port.

“In comparison to the modest summer months of 2022, May – September 2023 will see a total of 18 cruise ship calls depicting the growth and development of Antigua’s cruise industry,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, general manager, of Antigua Cruise Port.

n addition, the port will engage in homeporting operations beginning with Star Clipper of Royal Clipper Cruises in December 2022 and continuing with the P&O Arvia.

Each Arvia homeporting operation is expected to accommodate approximately 800 passengers, providing the twin-island nation with a consistent business for all sectors relevant to the industry such as taxi drivers, hotel workers, shipping agents, and restaurants.

Arvia’s homeporting operations are expected to resume again in November 2023, along with the start of Emerald Cruises’ full weekly operations.

Prior to that, the port anticipates five-ship days in December 2022 and January 2023, as well as a ship-ship day in January. In February 2023, seven ships are expected to dock on the same day.

The port is currently providing free security training to all port users, including taxi drivers, vendors, tour guides, security officers, restauranteurs, and retailers.

“We continue to invest in the success of the port community and industry stakeholders. We believe in authentic, open dialogue, and see it as our duty to assist everyone; from our colleagues to our tenants, to port community members to achieve success,” added Regis-Prosper.

Virgin’s Valiant Lady Starts Atlantic Crossing Ahead of U.S. Debut

Posted on 17 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Valeant Lady flying the Virgin Flag photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Wrapping up its inaugural summer in Europe, the Valiant Lady is starting a trans-Atlantic crossing to the United States.

The 14-night voyage departs from Barcelona today and marks the North American debut of the Virgin Voyages vessel.

In addition to the Spanish port, the one-way voyage includes visits to four European destinations, such as Ibiza and Funchal, before arriving in Miami on October 30.

Once in the U.S., the 2021-built cruise ship is set to kick off a series of week-long voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The program includes two different itineraries, such as the “Western Caribbean Charm.” Sailing to Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas, the voyage features visits to Costa Maya, Roatán and Bimini.

Through mid-April, the Valiant also offers the “Eastern Caribbean Antilles” cruise. In addition to Bimini, the eight-night cruise sails to Amber Cove, St. Croix and San Juan.

Following the Scarlet Lady, which entered service in 2021, the Valiant Lady debuted in March 2022.

Virgin’s second newbuild, the 110,000-ton cruise ship spent its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, offering different itineraries to Spain, Italy and France.

Like the Scarlet Lady, the Valiant offers an adults-only product that focuses on what Virgin calls an intimate and elevated all-inclusive experience.

As part of the concept, the 2,770-guest vessel boasts 20 dining venues, in addition to many entertainment options. A highlight is The Manor – a two-story 1970s-style nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business.

Another feature is the Red Room, which, according to Virgin, is the first transformational multi-form theatre at sea.

The venue can be transformed into four different configurations – including a traditional Proscenium stage, to alley stage used in fashion shows, to a dance flat-floor configuration and finally a unique reverse stage setup.

Here Are Holland America Line’s Homeports For 2023

Posted on 16 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

MS Nieuw Amsterdam arriving in the port of Vancouver, Photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

With its entire fleet in service again, Holland America Line is planning an expansive global deployment in 2023.

In addition to strong programs from its traditional homeports in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe, the company is also returning to its long-haul, intercontinental itineraries during the year.

Offering round-trip cruises from U.S. ports, Holland America is also returning to the Amazon, the South Pacific, Africa and more.

Other highlights of the year include a summer program in Canada and New England, as well as returns to South America, Asia, the Far East and more.

Here’s a look at the company’s planned homeports and their ships for 2023:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ships:

– Eurodam (January to April/October to December);
– Nieuw Amsterdam (January to April/October to December);
– Nieuw Statendam (January to April/November and December);
– Rotterdam (January to March/October to December);
– Volendam (January to April);
– Zaandam (January to April/October to December);
– Zuiderdam (January to May/October to December).

Seattle, Washington

Ships:

– Eurodam (April to September);
– Westerdam (May to October).

San Diego, California

Ships:

– Koningsdam (January to March);
– Volendam (October and November);
– Zaandam (January to April).

Whittier, Alaska

Ships:

– Nieuw Amsterdam (May to September);
– Noordam (May to September).

Boston, Massachusetts

Ships:

– Zaandam (May to September);
– Zuiderdam (August and September).

Canada

Ships:

– Koningsdam: Vancouver (April to October);
– Nieuw Amsterdam: Vancouver (April to September);
– Noordam: Vancouver (May to September);
– Volendam: Vancouver (May to September);
– Zaandam: Montreal (April to September);
– Zuiderdam: Quebec City (September).

Europe

Ships:

– Nieuw Statendam: Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Copenhagen, Piraeus and more (April to October);
– Noordam: Barcelona, Lisbon, Trieste, Piraeus and more (April to October);
– Rotterdam: Amsterdam and Rotterdam (April to September);
– Zuiderdam: Rotterdam (May to July).

Australia and New Zealand

Ships:

– Noordam: Sydney and Auckland (January to April/October to December).

Asia and Pacific

Ships:

– Westerdam: Singapore, Yokohama and Hong Kong (January to April/October to December).

South America

Ships:

– Oosterdam: San Antonio and Buenos Aires (January to March/November and December).