Tag Archives: Pacific

Upgraded Celebrity Solstice Begins Spring Season in the Pacific

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Upgraded Celebrity Solstice Begins Spring Season in the Pacific

The Celebrity Solstice recently kicked off a spring season in the Pacific after undergoing a major upgrade project at a shipyard in Singapore.

As part of a $250-million refit program that will see other Solstice-class vessels being modernized, the 2008-built ship welcomed guests back on March 2, 2026.

Sailing from Singapore Marina Bay Cruise Center, the vessel offered a 12-night cruise that ended in Hong Kong earlier this month.

The Celebrity Solstice is now set to offer additional itineraries in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific before repositioning to Alaska for a summer season.

The schedule includes a 14-night cruise to Australia that sails between Singapore and Sydney, featuring visits to Bali, Darwin, Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob and Airlie Beach.

In early April, the Solstice is also set to offer a 16-night itinerary to the South Pacific that is highlighted by destinations in Fiji.

Sailing between Sydney and Honolulu, the cruise features visits to Lifou, Lautoka, Apia, Pago Pago and Suva.

The 122,000-ton vessel is then set to arrive in Alaska in early May for a series of seven-night cruises departing from Vancouver.

The itineraries include visits to Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point, in addition to scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier and the Tracy Arm Fjord.

In October, the ship returns to Hawaii before kicking off a winter season in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

During its 45-day drydock, the Celebrity Solstice saw the debut of new dining venues, as well as updated public areas and staterooms.

The vessel’s capacity was also significantly increased with the addition of 54 extra cabins to areas across six decks.

Among the new features introduced onboard is Trattoria Rossa, a new Italian-inspired specialty restaurant that replaced Qsine at Silk Harvest.

The Celebrity Solstice also saw the addition of the Sunset Park, a new outdoor venue that will offer lawn games and open-air concerts.

Royal Caribbean Returns to Thailand

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The Spectrum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is featuring longer sailings, and more of Southeast Asia to explore in the coming months as she will embark on cruises with Phuket featuring as one the core stops on four- to seven-night cruises, joining popular destinations like Penang and Port Klang in Malaysia.

Sailings are open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website.

“Thailand is hugely popular with our guests from Singapore – its distinctive food, culture and welcoming locals have made the country a destination of choice for many, and we are thrilled to be able to visit Phuket again so travellers can fully experience the wonders and rich heritage of the Southeast Asian region,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. “

Thailand’s travel and tourism industries can anticipate a lift from the weekly sailings Spectrum is scheduled to deliver into Phuket. We continue to work closely with governments in the region to connect our guests with new destinations, adventures, and experiences, and to become a gateway for fly-cruisers from around the globe looking to experience the spice of Southeast Asia.”

“As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman Sea, with her magnificent beaches,  beautiful sunsets at Phromthep Cape and spectacular local culture and lifestyle. Tourists also love the distinct local architecture and row houses that speak to Sino-Portuguese influence, which today house museums, boutique hotels and cafes. Phuket’s famous cultural shows, as well as the Phuket Fantasy theme park which combines Thai arts and culture with cutting-edge light and sound, shows altogether make for a memorable experience for visitors to the island,” said Governor Narong Woonsiew, Governor of Phuket, Thailand.

Photo: Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International, and His Excellency, Narong Wun Siew, the Governor of Phuket, doing the exchanges as part of the plaque and key ceremony in recognition of the return of cruise tourism in Phuket, Thailand.

American Queen Voyages Rolls Out Pacific Coast Sailings with Free Air

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American Queen Voyages is launching its Pacific Coast sailing aboard the Ocean Victory from San Diego, California, to San José, Puerto Rico, and offers free air transportation from select getaways, according to a press release.

Guests will be eligible for the free air option if they complete their booking by August 31, 2022, according to the company.

American Queen Voyages also offers its guests the choice to pick between two shorter voyages ranging from eight to fifteen days, from San Diego, California to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to San José, Costa Rica, beginning on October 3, 2022.

Guided tours led by local experts and historians are available in each port, and the company has also introduced a series of premium tours developed by its shore excursions team, such as Turtles and Iguanas and Salsa and Margaritas.

“Guests have given Ocean Victory rave reviews on her inaugural Alaska season, and our Pacific Coast sailing provides a final opportunity to experience this unique vessel in 2022 before she returns to North America again next year,” said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. “This itinerary exploring the Western coastlines of Mexico and Costa Rica will provide spectacular vistas and a variety of experiences guests have come to cherish from American Queen Voyages, which combines science, history, wildlife and adventure.”

Voyage Options:

San Diego, California to San José, Costa Rica
Date: October 3, 2022
Duration: 15 days
Calls on: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; La Paz, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Manzanillo, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; and Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Fare: Starts from $5,099 per guest with free roundtrip airfare

San Diego, California to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Date: October 3, 2022
Duration: 8 days
Calls on: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and La Paz, Mexico
Fare: Starts from $2,499 per guest with a $300 onboard credit

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to San José, Costa Rica
Date: October 9, 2022
Duration: 9 days
Calls on: Manzanillo, Mexico; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; and Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Fare: Starts from $2,799 per guest with a $300 onboard credit