Tag Archives: SHIPPING

Park West Gallery Partners with Margaritaville at Sea

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Park West Gallery Partners with Margaritaville at Sea

Park West Gallery has announced the launch of its partnership with Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line and will showcase fine art aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

The art dealer said in a press release that guests will enjoy a variety of art experiences from live auctions and seminars to artist meet-and-greets and curated exhibitions of original works.

Park West Gallery added that both novice and seasoned collectors can savour world-class art while onboard.

“We are thrilled to partner with Margaritaville at Sea to bring Park West’s world-class art auctions, exhibitions and exclusive events to their guests,” said John Block, Park West Gallery’s COO.

“Together, we’re creating unforgettable experiences that blend the joy of discovery, the thrill of collecting, and the spirit of adventure at sea,” added Block.

“Park West Gallery is a natural fit for the Margaritaville at Sea fleet, bringing even more immersive experiences to our laid-back, island-inspired escapes,” said Sally Imhoff, vice president of onboard revenue for Margaritaville at Sea.

“From first-time bidders to seasoned collectors, every guest can enjoy auctions, exhibitions and artist encounters that can bring our signature brand of fun and escapism to their homes,” added Imhoff.

Norwegian Changes Escape Itinerary Due to Speed Issue

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Norwegian Changes Escape Itinerary Due to Speed Issue

Norwegian Cruise Line is adjusting the itinerary of the current cruise onboard the Norwegian Escape due to a speed issue affecting the ship’s propulsion.

According to a statement sent to guests, the cruise will drop two of its planned ports of call, adding a visit to a new destination.

“We know how much anticipation and preparation go into creating the perfect getaway, and while we try to maintain the original itinerary as much as possible, occasional adjustments may be necessary to optimise your voyage or accommodate certain circumstances,” Norwegian said.

“Rest assured, these decisions are made thoughtfully and with your experience at the heart of it,” the company added.

After sailing from New York City on Saturday, the Norwegian Escape is currently offering a repositioning cruise to New Orleans.

The 14-night sailing originally included visits to eight destinations across the Southern, Eastern and Western Caribbean.

“Due to a required adjustment that slightly reduces our sailing speed (don’t worry, everything’s smooth and safe onboard), we’ll be swapping San Juan, Puerto Rico, and George Town, Grand Cayman, for an extra day at sea and a stop at the beach-lover’s paradise of Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic,” Norwegian added.

The company also said it made changes to the timing of port visits, providing guests with “as much time in each destination as possible.”

The adjusted itinerary now features visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Norwegian also said that shore excursions booked through the company for dropped ports of call will be automatically cancelled. Guests will receive a full monetary refund to their onboard accounts.

In destinations that underwent schedule changes, the company is also working to adjust tours to match revised port dates and/or times.

“If we’re unable to make it work, the impacted excursions will be cancelled and a full refund will be automatically credited,” Norwegian stated.

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions to Merge

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Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions to Merge

Polar Latitudes and Albatros Expeditions are set to merge their operations ahead of the 2026 season in the Arctic.

The two expedition brands joined forces earlier this year, coming together under the same ownership group.

While the merger was confirmed in a social media update, additional details of the joint operation will be announced in mid-October.

“We are very excited about our future in the expedition cruise industry, which we intend to lead through innovation, collaboration, and leading responsible tourism initiatives,” Polar Latitudes stated.

The brand added in a social media update that the merged operations will be highlighted by operating “the most fuel-efficient fleet” in polar areas.

In an interview with Luxury Australian Travel Trade News (Latte), Albatros Expeditions’ CEO Patrick Shaw said that the new company will be named Polar Latitudes Expeditions.

Shaw will reportedly serve as CEO of the newly created entity, having previously served as CEO and President of Quark Expeditions.

“Given this exposure and experience, I have been in a unique position to appreciate the possibilities that this merger affords, and I am honoured and delighted to be a part of this transformation,” he told Latte.

He noted that the new brand will operate “more durable, efficient and expertly led” ships, highlighting the company’s field staff training and integration with communities.

Polar Latitudes currently operates the Seaventure for seasons in Antarctica, while Albatros Expeditions sails the Ocean Victory and the Ocean Albatros.

The Ocean Albatros operates for the brand on a year-round basis, offering expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Chartered from SunStone Ships, the Ocean Victory sails for the brand seasonally, offering itineraries in Antarctica and South America.

Polar Latitudes Expeditions’ new website is expected to launch in mid-October, when the company is also set to organise a series of online events for trade members and customers.