Why Carnival Panorama’s New Homeport Matters

Posted on 19 February, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

PHOTO: Carnival Cruise Line commemorates the expansion of the Long Beach terminal. (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
In a surprise move, Carnival Cruise Line just unveiled that it would be homeporting its upcoming new vessel—the 2019 Carnival Panorama—on the U.S. west coast year-round from Long Beach, California.

This is major news because such a deployment hardly ever happens, though it certainly should.

To give a clear sense of how infrequently Southern California is the base for a brand new cruise ship, it’s the first time Carnival has opted for it in two decades. I was on site at the newly expanded Long Beach terminal over the weekend to hear the news from Carnival President Christine Duffy firsthand, and I was both astonished and delighted.

Norwegian Cruise Line got the ball rolling in part when it announced it would be introducing its upcoming Norwegian Bliss in Alaska. However, it is only going to be there for a few months per year, alternating to the Caribbean in the off-season. In between, it too will be making several stops in Los Angeles for Mexican Riviera roundtrips from the port of San Pedro.

Helping, of course, is a resurgence of interest in Mexico itself. Carnival has always remained committed to the region: Even during the downturn, the brand was sending its Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration on short getaway cruises to Ensenada and its Carnival Miracle farther south on weeklong voyages.

Now that the company has expanded its Long Beach terminal, it has replaced the Miracle with the larger Carnival Splendor for 2018 and will again swap out for the even bigger Carnival Panorama in 2019.

Previously, the east coast was predominantly earmarked for new vessels with hand-me-downs eventually making their way west. The recent Carnival Vista will move to Galveston as this year’s new Carnival Horizon comes to Miami. So if anything, it was expected that California might be next to get the Vista the year after with the Horizon shifting to Texas if the Panorama had gone to Florida.

Instead, the Panorama is going to Los Angeles. I’ve always believed that passengers interested in the latest ships would follow wherever they go—not just to the world’s cruise capital of Miami—and it would seem Carnival agrees.

Best of all, it might only be the start of a trend.

Carnival is also working on an Ensenada development project set for completion in 2020. Very few details have been revealed thus far, but it is said to be a unique dining, retail and attraction complex too, “make Ensenada one of the West Coast’s premier destinations,” according to Carlos Torres de Navarra, Carnival’s vice president, strategic and commercial port development.

Knowing how much vacant space exists pier-side in the Mexican port, that could potentially foreshadow a Grand Turk- or Amber Cove-type environment complete with the likes of a Margaritaville, swimming pool and waterslides immediately off the ship. (If nothing else, one can at least dream.)

It’s also not just Carnival that could follow suit. Plus, only Long Beach and San Pedro as homeports and Mexico and Alaska as destinations have thus been discussed off the west coast. Within the broader Carnival Corporation, Holland America Line is dedicated to departures from my hometown San Diego, with the brand leaving for Hawaii as well. Additional corporate cousin Princess Cruises also features the Cali coast from San Pedro.

These and other companies that call on California (like the Disney Cruise Line) could surely expand west with ever new ships as their fleets continue to grow. Already looking good for the future, cabin categories are selling out on Norwegian Bliss’ L.A. departures.

Should such demand sustain, I predict more fresh ships will follow and start a trend accordingly.

Cultural and Culinary Theme Cruises for 2018-19

Posted on 19 February, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

PHOTO: America’s Test Kitchen as seen on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. (photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
“America’s Test Kitchen” on Holland America Line

Holland America Line is already heavily featuring its new partnership with “America’s Test Kitchen” aboard its ships and the fleet is set to bring more culinary talent to 2018. A trio of special themed sailings will feature cooking shows and interactive workshops, as well as the opportunity to meet cast members from the television show.

Meet-and-greets will occur at a book signing and reception, while additional events will include a question-and-answer session, presentation on recipe development and kitchen knowledge trivia.

The first theme cruise is scheduled for May 6, 2018, aboard Westerdam’s seven-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary. Showcased on that departure will be Jack Bishop and Bryan Roof. Bishop is the CEO of “America’s Test Kitchen” as well as tasting lab expert and cookbook author. Roof is the executive food editor for “Cook’s Country” magazine and a televised test cook.

The second sailing will depart on July 7, 2018, aboard Zuiderdam’s 14-day Northern Isles circuit. Showcased on the ship will be Bridget Lancaster and Lisa McManus. Lancaster is the executive editor for new media, television, and radio at “America’s Test Kitchen” as well as the television host. McManus is an equipment-testing and ingredient-tasting executive editor at “Cook’s Illustrated” and “Cook’s Country” magazines as well as on-screen gadget expert.

The third voyage will leave on September 22, 2018, aboard Veendam’s seven-day Canada & New England Discovery route. Julia Collin Davison and Rebecca (Becky) Hays will be highlighted. Davison is executive editor for the book division of “America’s Test Kitchen” and television host. Hays is the deputy editor of “Cook’s Illustrated” and “Cook’s Country” magazines plus televised test cook.

Benovia Winery on AmaWaterways

Wine connoisseurs will want to take note that Benovia Winery Proprietors Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane and Wine Educator Peg Melnik will be hosting an AmaWaterways river cruise. From June 29 to July 6, 2018, AmaViola’s seven-night Melodies of the Danube Wine Cruise will set sail from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany.

The 84-stateroom vessel will float down the Danube while guests enjoy Wachau Valley wines as well as Benovia tastings onboard. Other wine experiences will include a “Welcome Aboard” reception, three seminars, social tasting on the Sun Deck and a Wine Dinner hosted by Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane.

The Miami Dolphins on MSC Cruises

On March 17, 2018, MSC Cruises will host the Dolphins Fan Cruise aboard its brand new MSC Seaside. Both Miami Dolphins players and cheerleaders will be on the ship for guests to interact with as part of the three-year partnership between the cruise line and NFL football team.

Onboard for autographs will be Kim Bokamper, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose and Patrick Surtain. Guests can pose and cheer with cheerleaders for photo-ops, while former players will be on hand for Q&A sessions. Cheer squad and mascot T.D. will also present special performances.

The themed fan cruise will be available annually over the three-year span of the collaboration. Also, on April 28, 2018, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will have their annual calendar shoot on the MSC Seaside at its port for guests to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the process and enjoy other hosted programming.

The Quintessential Collection on Ponant

Starting in May 2019, Ponant will offer its Quintessential Collection of themed cruises. “Designed to inspire travellers in destinations,” sailings will showcase onboard speakers and performances as well as shore excursions focused on regional cultures and themes.

—Green and Gentle Lands: Exploring Gardens and Historic Sites, May 14-22, 2019: Retired Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden and internationally recognized horticulturist, Holly Shimizu, will host conversations on the ship. Guests will explore Kew Gardens, Chelsea Physic Garden, and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh for a lunch.

—Sicilian Food and Wine Experience, June 28-July 6, 2019: Travel and food writer for The New York Times and the Financial Times, Mary Taylor Simeti, will lecture onboard. Passengers will discover Palmero and Greek temples, as well as enjoy Wine Spectator-selected wines and pairings with help from regional wine ambassador and educator, Marco Scapagnini.

—Treasures of the Mediterranean World: A Family Learning Adventure, July 15-22, 2019: Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati and Greek archaeology/mythology expert, Kathleen M. Lynch, and host of “Myths & Legends” podcast, Jason Weiser, will chat about local history, literature and culture. The Young Explorers children’s program will encompass photo workshops and a mock Olympics competition.

—History, Art, and Architecture along the North Sea, August 23-September 1, 2019: General Director of the Municipal Museum of Bruges, Till-Holger Borchert, will accompany the trip as guests check out the likes of the Louisiana Museum and Groninger Museum.

—A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean, September 18-27, 2019: Former principal flautist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Michael Parloff, will lead several private recitals featuring flautist Jasmine Choi, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and pianist and composer, Michael Brown. Guests will also see Delphi and the Ancient Theater in Taormina.

— World War II History – From Hong Kong to Japan’s Inland Sea, September 27-October 10, 2019: Expert World War II historian and son of John Bradley—who hoisted the flag on Iwo Jima—James Bradley, will be onboard. Travelers will follow the path of American General Douglas MacArthur and visit Okinawa’s beaches, Mount Fuji and the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

—World Affairs Cruise – Origins of Greek Civilizations, October 9-18. 2019: CNN host and “Washington Post” columnist, Fareed Zakaria, retired US Air Force general and former Director of the CIA, Michael V. Hayden, and internationally best-selling author and columnist for “Harper’s,” Daniel Mendelsohn, will be on hand while guests traverse Athens and Crete.

Seabourn Conversations on Seabourn

Luxury line Seabourn is preparing a series of fresh Seabourn Conversations to host on its upcoming new Seabourn Ovation beginning in May 2018. Included among the special speakers and departures are the following highlights:

—Sir Tim Rice, May 5 – 16: The English author and lyricist have won three each of the Oscars, Golden Globes and Tonys in addition to multiple Grammys. Following his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, he has brought his talents to Seabourn with the wonderful fleet-wide production show, “An Evening with Tim Rice.”

—Dr. Andrew Weil, May 5 – 16: Another contributor to Seabourn’s software is the world-renowned leader and pioneering doctor in the field of integrative medicine who established his “Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil” program onboard all the line’s ships. His holistic treatments can be found at The Onboard Spa by Steiner.

—Michael Teitelbaum, May 26 – June 9; November 14 – December 4: The demographer and historian at Harvard Law School have written more than 10 books as well as pieces for “Foreign Affairs,” “Science,” “The New York Times” and “The Atlantic.”

—Armando Manni, August 4 – 18: The “M” in K+M Extravirgin Chocolate who partnered with Seabourn-favorite Thomas Keller as the “K.” The gourmet and entrepreneur is known for MANNI Oil.

—Grant Harrold October 1-13: Harrold is a broadcaster, commentator, public speaker and butler trainer recognized as “The Royal Butler.”

—Warren Fahey, November 14 – December 4: Fahey is a cultural historian plus author, broadcaster and performer focused on “curious” folklore.

—Dean McFlicker December 4 – 22: McFlicker is an award-winning producer and director having worked on campaigns for “The Voice,” “This Is Us,” “Law and Order,” “America’s Got Talent” and more.

Carnival announces the first ship based on US west coast in 20 years

Posted on 16 February, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line is to deploy a new ship on the US west coast for the first time in 20 years.

Carnival Panorama will be based in Long Beach, California, from December 2019.

The 3,960-passenger Carnival Panorama, the third Vista-class ship in the fleet, will run seven-day Mexican Riviera itineraries with bookings due to open next month.

New features unique to the new ship will be announced in the near future, according to the cruise line.

The planned deployment followed the company revamping its 146,000-square-foot Long Beach Cruise Terminal and plans for a multi-million dollar port development in Ensenada, Mexico with shops, restaurants and attractions.

The renovation of the terminal at Long Beach more than doubles the size while enhancing the overall passenger experience and operational flow.

It also includes the expansion of portside shore power to enable larger ships to plug into the local electric grid, reducing exhaust emissions while docked.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “This is a momentous occasion for both Carnival and the City of Long Beach – not only are we celebrating the grand re-opening of this magnificent cruise terminal, but also demonstrating our commitment to the west coast with the deployment of the spectacular new Carnival Panorama in 2019 and the announcement of an exciting new port development project in Ensenada.

“The west coast is an important market with vast growth potential and these initiatives further demonstrate the confidence in our future success in Long Beach.

“We are very much looking forward to having Carnival Panorama homeported here beginning next year.”