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Seabourn replaces Chef Thomas Keller partnership with Solis

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 October 2023 18 October 2023

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, has announced the next chapter in its culinary experiences with the debut of Solis, a new fine dining venue, that celebrates Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the places visited by the line’s ultra-luxury ships. Solis, an exquisite addition to Seabourn’s onboard culinary experiences, will offer an array of light, modern Mediterranean cuisine bursting with color and character, handcrafted and prepared fresh daily. The new restaurant will launch on board Seabourn Quest in January 2024, and will be rolled out across Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn by Spring 2024.

The new fine dining experience has been meticulously curated to bring Seabourn’s signature elegance and sophistication to its fleet of ultra-luxury ships, ensuring that each meal becomes a truly memorable occasion. Designed to evoke every one of the senses, Solis will transport guests to the Mediterranean through a number of surprise-and-delight culinary moments. Highlights include whimsical cocktails, vibrant plating, and flavor combinations that are both familiar and elevated, all served within a redesigned dining space reminiscent of the afterglow of the sun.

Solis was developed in collaboration with long-time Seabourn partners, Master Chef and Culinary Partner Chef Anton Egger, and Senior Corporate Chef Franck Salein. Their years of Michelin-level experience, strong passion for travel, and deep knowledge of Seabourn guests have contributed to the brand's culinary success, elevating their world-class dining to rival the finest restaurants anywhere. Chef Egger has opened restaurants in Singapore and Bangkok and has appeared worldwide in culinary events alongside Michelin-starred chefs. Chef Salein's extensive background includes roles as executive chef at several 2 and 3 Michelin-star restaurants. The skilled culinary team excels in providing a variety of dishes that cater to different appetites, ensuring each one is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented with a discerning eye.

“Culinary is an integral part of our ultra-luxury experiences, and we are committed to continuously innovating to delight our guests with unparalleled dining options. The addition of Solis is truly inspired by the voice of our guests and our team has worked hard over the past several months to bring this to life," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “Solis will showcase a vibrant, chic atmosphere with feel-good background music and a menu reminiscent of our favorite travel memories. With each dish, guests are transported to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. An evening at Solis will surely delight our guests and leave them with lasting Seabourn Moments and memories.”

Solis will debut an array of dishes to reflect the diverse and tantalizing range of flavors of the Mediterranean. The menus will include colorful dishes inspired from the Rivieras to the central Mediterranean to the Greek flavors in the eastern Mediterranean. Each dish will represent a masterpiece of flavor, presentation, artistry, and story of our travel memories.

Solis will offer a delightful array of dishes to satisfy and linger long after the last bite. Sumptuous, featured dishes include Piquillos De La Mama - Basque piquillo peppers with fresh Murcia goat milk cheese served on country bread crostini; Branzino - Whole Sea Bass baked in a sea salt and fresh thyme crust served with artichokes and tomatoes; Bistecca Alla Fiorentina – Tuscan-style grilled beef porterhouse steak; and Spiced Lamb Shank - Chargrilled smoked eggplant with tahini, pomegranate, roasted pine nuts, and labneh. A beautiful assortment of vegetarian and vegan options will also be incorporated throughout the menu.

Beyond the culinary, guests will be able to indulge in a truly sophisticated experience with Seabourn’s newly presented, refined vintage cocktail menu, featuring an allure of classic cocktails expertly crafted to perfection. From classics such as the Kir Royale or Negroni to the always-popular Aperol Spritz, the team of talented mixologists have meticulously curated this menu to ensure that every drink is a masterpiece of flavors and aesthetics.

With the addition of Solis, Seabourn will end its eight-year culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller by Spring 2024.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines appoints Samantha Stimpson as its new CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 October 2023 16 October 2023

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomes CEO Samantha Stimpson, who has more than 25 years of commercial, operational and executive experience in the travel and hospitality industry.

She joins the company from FTI Touristik, where she currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer. "Samantha brings a remarkable track record of strong commercial results, exceptional customer experience, and energised organisations. Based at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Head Office in Ipswich, Suffolk, Samantha will take overall responsibility for strategic development and managing the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ operation, which covers 220 staff in Ipswich and more than 2,000 crew members across the fleet of three ocean cruise ships," the company said in a statement.

Anette Olsen, CEO of Bonheur ASA, said: “On behalf of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Board of Directors, I am very happy to welcome Samantha to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

"Samantha brings a strategic mindset, extensive knowledge and management experience with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the travel industry. We are very pleased that Samantha joins us, as we see exciting possibilities for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for the future."

Samantha Stimpson said: “I am honoured to be joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a company that I have known and admired for years. I very much look forward to working with the organisation, contributing my skills and expertise, continuing to enhance the strategy which is built on smaller, elegant ships, and exceptional experiences, underpinned by a culture that recognises the importance of personal, attentive service.”

Her new role will commence no later than February 1st 2024.

Pete Deer, the current Managing Director, will as previously announced, take the position as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the financial operations of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Anette Olsen said: “On behalf of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Board of Directors, I very much want to thank Pete Deer, and the entire organisation for the extraordinary efforts during the last few years."

New Sun Princess to feature collaboration with The Magic Castle

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 October 2023 13 October 2023

Princess Cruises has unveiled Spellbound by Magic Castle, a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon set to enchant guests aboard Sun Princess when the new ship debuts in early 2024. "Spellbound blends the captivating world of magic with the art of mixology to create an extraordinary, Victorian-inspired experience," Princess said in a statement.

Guests will find Spellbound nestled behind a non-descript door amidst the sensational confines of the newest Princess ship, where they’ll enjoy incredible feats of magic from talented magicians, surprises in themed rooms and theatrical cocktails delivered by sleight-of-hand servers.

"We are excited to introduce Spellbound by Magic Castle and take the art of magic around the world aboard the spectacular new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "This collaboration with The Magic Castle takes entertainment into new dimensions with an extraordinary experience that combines the allure of magic with the thrill of cruising. Spellbound will become an iconic guest favorite on Sun Princess.”

With its ornate décor that includes magical artifacts, vintage curiosities, and interactive special effects, Spellbound is meticulously designed to capture the essence of Hollywood’s exclusive Magic Castle, where stars gather, legends have been born and magic has left audiences spellbound for decades.

As guests move into Spellbound, they’ll first encounter the essence of the authentic Magic Castle including the Music Room adorned with eclectic and mystical artifacts and paintings to peak curiosity. In the Music Room, guests will meet the spirit of Isabella who will share her stories of sailing on Sun Princess. The venue will also feature a vintage Parlor Bar featuring Artemis the owl who is revealed through interaction with skilled illusionists before entering the intimate 30-seat, Spellbound theater, to experience close-up magic that will blow guests’ minds.

“We are bringing some of the most authentic aspects of The Magic Castle in Hollywood to Sun Princess, complete with incredible magicians and illusionists, so that Princess guests can experience a taste of the world class magic that is showcased nightly at the Magic Castle,” said Erika Larsen, president of Magic Castle Enterprises. “It's an exciting opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in a magical experience typically reserved exclusively for members and their guests."

Performances by world-class magicians handpicked from around the globe will fascinate audiences with mind-bending tricks, awe-inspiring illusions, and mesmerizing acts that promise to leave guests in a state of wonder and disbelief.

Spellbound will make its debut aboard Sun Princess in February 2024. More details about operating hours and pricing will be made at a later date.

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories.

With the most balconies and sun decks on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the Arena is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design.

Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe and Caribbean are on sale now.

MOL Cruises names its new brand Mitsui Ocean Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 October 2023 12 October 2023

MOL Cruises, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, announced the launch of the new cruise brand, Mitsui Ocean Cruises and introduced Matsui Ocean Fuji as the name of the new ship that will be launched for passenger service at December 2024.

Mitsui Ocean Fuji will be MOL Cruises' second ship in addition to Nippon Maru. Passengers on board can experience the combination of Japanese high quality "Omotenashi" service and hospitality with and western luxury hardware on Mitsui Ocean Fuji. Matsui Ocean Cruises also announced that Matsui Ocean Fuji will embark on an Around the World Cruise in the April 2025. The all-suite cabin-based cruise ship was purchased from Seabourn Cruise Line Limited in March 2023.

The Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Group created its new management plan, "Blue Action 2035" in March 2023, to diversify its portfolio to offset commercial shipping volatility. To this end, it will focus heavily on the cruise business, which is a stable and profitable industry that is not affected by the same market conditions. Specifically, it will expand its travel business and the base of international customers, including inbound, in addition to domestic customers, by launching several new cruise ships in the future. This will contribute to the improvement of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Group's corporate value and the realization of the Group's vision.

Explora Journeys celebrates naming ceremony of Explora I in New York City

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 October 2023 12 October 2023

Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of MSC Group, today will celebrate the naming ceremony of Explora I in New York City.

The maritime tradition of cutting a ribbon to break a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow to officially name the ship and bring good luck, will be conducted by Explora I’s Godmother Dr Sylvia Earle, the renowned marine biologist and oceanographer, at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

The event will be attended by distinguished guests from around the world, international journalists, key travel partners of Explora Journeys and senior representatives from MSC Group, who will all enjoy a gala dinner following the ceremonial launch and an evening of vibrant celebrations.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “In the world of luxury travel, Explora I is a game-changer. We are offering journeys that redefine the very essence of luxurious ocean travel. We are looking to attract a wider group of discerning travelers who have experienced the finest luxury land-based resorts but seek more value, more authenticity, and a deeper connection to the world. Explora Journeys is the answer by giving you a way to discover off the beaten track destinations by sea, all whilst enjoying some of the best real estate in the world. With a further five ships joining the fleet in the next five years, we are committed to delivering the same unique experience on board, wherever you are in the world.”

Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys, added, “Today’s event is a significant milestone for Explora Journeys as our first ship EXPLORA I brings to life our vision to reshape luxury travel. . We are proud to introduce a new era of discovery and luxurious travel and to showcase our first ship in the vibrant city of New York."

Dr Sylvia Earle, Founder and Chairman, Mission Blue, said “I am honored to be the Godmother for Explora I and look forward to a meaningful relationship between Mission Blue, Explora Journeys and the MSC Foundation towards making a very positive contribution to protect and restore the world’s seas and oceans.”

Explora I, the first of six luxury ships constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in a deal valued at €3.5 billion, began sailing in July this year with a series of journeys in Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to New York with visits en route to Iceland, Greenland and Canada. The ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas and nearly 1,000 square meters of wellness and fitness facilities.

The luxury ship will spend the autumn in North America, the winter in the Caribbean and spring on the U.S West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for a series of sailings in the Mediterranean Sea with many itineraries including lesser-travelled ports for Explora I’s guests to enjoy a different perspective of a destination.

Explora II will enter service in summer 2024 and operate until April 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Explora III and Explora IV will both be powered by liquefied natural gas and enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Explora V and Explora VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028 respectively and both will have state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures and be capable of using alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic gas. These two ships will pursue the use of liquid hydrogen with fuel cells for their hotel operations while docked in ports to eliminate carbon emissions with the vessels’ engines switched off.

All of the Explora Journeys vessels will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimize engine use to further reduce emissions.

Editor's note: We returned back from the Explora I last week and will feature the ship as a cover story in our Winter 2023/2024 issue.