Theme Park News
"Mickey's PhilharMagic" in the Magic Kingdom will be introducing a new song to the show with the addition of an animated scene based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”
The musical number “Un Poco Loco” will anchor the new scene when it opens to Guests at Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Paris on July 17, before being added to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort later this year.
The film’s fun, upbeat music and characters combined with the humor of Donald Duck marks the first time Disney and Pixar animators have worked on a creative endeavor where characters from both animation studios will be seen together on screen.
Guests will enjoy this new scene alongside all of the show’s current fan favorite musical numbers.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
Disneyland Resort
The Halloween season will once again come to life at the Disneyland Resort! From September 3 – October 31, 2021, guests will delight in the spooky fun of Halloween Time, at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. Guests will not want to miss all the treasured magic – from transformed Halloween-themed attractions and sightings of favorite Disney characters and villains, to seasonal décor and delightfully delicious treats. Downtown Disney District also gets into the spirit with delightful décor, seasonal treats and an all-new Halloween-themed pumpkin hunt, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.
As guests stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. they’ll be greeted by the familiar grin of the Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern and the cleverly carved pumpkins of the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Disney characters will be photo-ready in their Halloween best. In New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion Holiday will feature a merry makeover of the beloved eerie estate, inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” And every night from September 3 – October 31, in Walt Disney’s original park, Guests will enjoy a dreadfully delightful treat in the form of “Halloween Screams,” a supernatural projection and special effects show. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” will take to the skies and enhance the mischief with fireworks. Performances are subject to change or cancellation, including due to weather.
At Disney California Adventure Park
Under the spell of Oogie Boogie, favorite attractions will be transformed for the Halloween season. In Cars Land, Radiator Springs will become Radiator Screams, where residents decorate their homes for a unique Haul-O-Ween makeover and transform the attractions. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rolickin’ Roadsters will change into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. The façade of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will spark as the attraction transforms at night into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, offering an exciting Halloween adventure filled with creepy creatures and thrilling drops. Over on Buena Vista Street, Mickey Mouse and friends will be throwing it back with old-fashioned Halloween costumes. Seasonal décor will add to the Halloween ambiance on Buena Vista Street. Guests can also snap a spooky selfie in front of the 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman holding his jack-o-lantern head to the sky.
Also in Disney California Adventure park, experience the return of Plaza de la Familia in Paradise Gardens from September 3 – November 2. This immersive, limited-time celebration is inspired by the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, with exciting live entertainment, festive foods, crafts and interactive experiences. Several times daily, Guests will be able to enjoy “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” a dynamic street show honoring Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. They will also be treated to Mariachi music at Paradise Gardens Bandstand, The World of Coco, an evocative art exhibit, a photo opportunity with a hand-animated figure of Miguel from “Coco,” as well as the iconic Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) photo location and memory wall.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party
More excitingly spooky news! On 25 select nights, beginning Sept. 9 through Oct. 31, the separate-ticket, after park-hours event Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will add to the family friendly fun during Halloween Time. At Oogie Boogie Bash, kids and Guests of all ages can trick-or-treat their way through the park in their favorite Halloween costumes and encounter characters both spooky and fantastic. At this limited-capacity event, you can experience Disney California Adventure park in a unique way, with exclusive offerings like immersive treat trails, “Frightfully Fun Parade,” Villain’s Grove at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, “Mickey’s Trick & Treat” show and more. Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash will go on sale beginning Tuesday, July 13, 2021 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) at Disneyland.com/OogieBoogieBash.
The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for a commercial purpose. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has announced the reopening of more resort hotels. They have started accepting bookings for:
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for arrivals beginning September 16
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for arrivals beginning October 14
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for arrivals beginning October 28
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for arrivals beginning December 9
For 37 delicious days, select restaurants at Disney Springs are offering up a slice of summer flavors with inspired eats and refreshing sips during Flavors of Florida. Starting July 6 through August 12, more than 30 restaurants and shops will celebrate the best of the Sunshine State.
Amorette’s Patisserie
Florida Sunset Éclair – Blood orange, dulce de leche mousse infused with orange liquor and decorated with candied orange zest
Chef’s Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Tender Fried Gator Bites – Marinated gator lightly seasoned and deep fried served with house-made remoulade and hot sauce
Floradora Cocktail – A mix of gin, freshly muddled raspberries, freshly squeezed lime juice, house-made simple syrup, and a splash of ginger beer
City Works Eatery & Pour House
Grouper Tacos – Cajun-spiced grouper, blackened, Key lime coleslaw, pineapple salsa, micro cilantro, white corn tortillas, and olive oil-parsley fries
Golden Honey Margarita – Tequila, honey syrup, fresh orange juice, and fresh lemon juice
Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar
Coca-Cola Orange Cream Float – Soda fountain favorite with Florida flair
Dockside Margaritas
Specialty Margaritas – Chipotle or wine margarita served from this laid-back waterfront bar themed after a 1960s Florida fruit stand
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Orange Blossom Cupcake – Moist vanilla cake with sweet orange-flavored frosting
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Key Lime Pie Donut – Glazed donut filled with citrus custard piped with sweet meringue and sprinkled with tendrils of lime zest
Frontera Cocina
Shrimp Ajillo Tostada – Roasted garlic-guajillo Florida pink shrimp, citrus-soy vinaigrette, avocado, jicama, local heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and orange
Watermelon Pink Flamingo – Fresh watermelon and lime juice with tequila and orange liqueur with a chili powder rim
Gideon’s Bakehouse
Chocolate Chip Key Lime Pie Cookie – Chocolate chip cookie infused with Florida Key lime juice covered in dark chocolate and coated with crunchy pie crust crumbs
Key Lime Pie Cake – 3-layer vanilla Key lime cake with tangy Key lime cream cheese frosting and house-made graham cracker crust accents
Goofy’s Candy Co. & Disney’s Candy Cauldron
Key Lime and Strawberry Cupcakes
Key Lime and Strawberry Marshmallow Pops
Key Lime and Strawberry Crisped Rice Treats
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
Key Lime Pie – Key lime filling layered on a graham cracker crust topped with toasted coconut
Green Gator – Toasted coconut rum mixed with melon liqueur, simple syrup, and pineapple juice
Jaleo by José Andrés
Pancetta de Valencia – Cured classic pancetta drizzled with orange sauce served with potato purée
Agua de Valencia – Refreshing blend of orange juice, gin, vodka, and Spanish cava
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Florida Shrimp Tacos with Watermelon Salsa – Jerk-spiced shrimp served in a grilled corn tortilla with watermelon pico de gallo
Marketplace Snacks
DOLE Whip Watermelon – DOLE Whip Watermelon piled high on a slice of fresh watermelon or layered in a parfait with Key lime mousse and sprinkled with chocolate chips
Morimoto Asia
Florida Frog Leg “Lollipop” Tempura – Frog leg nuggets sweetened with an orange blossom honey glaze rolled in toasted sesame seeds and served on one-bite skewers
Florida Sunshine Lager – American-style beer brewed by a local brewing company in Winter Garden, Florida
Paddlefish
Florida Shrimp Feast – Peel and eat Key West pink shrimp with red potatoes and sweet corn on the cob
An easy-to-drink wheat beer with hints of blood-orange flavor crafted by a local brewing company
Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
Blood Orange Margarita – Tequila, blood orange tequila, and fresh lime juice mixed with a splash of agave nectar
Florida Sunshine Orange Cake – Sweet Florida orange layer cake with white chocolate frosting
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Florida Key Lime Salmon – Whiskey-cured house-smoked salmon, Florida Key lime and herb crushed potatoes, pea texture, and horseradish-crusted crispy skin
A signature pale ale from local brewing company brewed with Florida grapefruit
Splitsville’s Bamboo Bar
Golden Spider Roll – Tempura-fried softshell crab, cucumber, and avocado wrapped in soy paper and sushi rice topped with diced mango, honey wasabi, eel sauce, and micro greens
Hemingway Daiquiri – Dark rum, maraschino liqueur, fresh lime and grapefruit juices, and splash of house made grenadine served in a coupe glass
STK Orlando
Market or Fresh Catch – Ceviche with passion fruit, lime, and chilies
The Florida Sunset – Rum, passion fruit syrup, strawberry purée, and orange and pineapple juices garnished with a strawberry and orange slices
Terralina Crafted Italian
Creamsicle Panna Cotta – Italian “cooked cream” infused with orange served with raspberry purée and cookie crumbles
Summer Sangria – Pitcher of special blend of white wine and vodka and garnished with fresh Florida citrus (serves 4)
The BOATHOUSE
Key West Peel and Eat Shrimp – A seafood classic served with hot drawn butter and cocktail sauce
The BOATHOUSE signature beer – refreshing and flavorful lager with light and crisp fruity undertones
The Ganachery
Key Lime Ganache Pop – White chocolate blended with Key lime juice and fresh lime zest covered with dark chocolate
The Polite Pig
Shrimp and Grits – Southern classic with a Florida peach and habanero glaze
Bees Knees – Lemon juice, honey syrup, and gin with a splash of soda
Vivoli il Gelato
Lemon Blueberry Cookie Sandwich – Blueberry gelato sandwiched between two lemon cooler cookies
Key Lime Cheesecake Shake – Cheesecake gelato blended with Key lime juice and chunks of Key lime pie topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and graham cracker crumbs
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
Local Tomato & Burrata Salad with fresh stone fruit, blackberries, granola, and honeycomb.
Strawberry Basil Margarita – Tequila mixed with strawberry and lime juice garnished with fruit and fresh basil sprigs
YeSake
Watermelon Boba Slushie – Refreshing summer drink with watermelon and boba pearls
Be sure to pick up a Flavors of Florida event guide upon arrival at the Disney Springs Welcome Center or any participating location.
photo credit: Disney Destinations
Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando Resort will be celebrating the holidays from November 13, 2021 to January 2, 2022. Get in the spirit with Holiday shows and decorations in both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Nobody wraps up the Holidays into a mind-blowing, mischief-making, action-packed adventure like Universal Orlando Resort.
Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice.
Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” to debut all-new mazes inspired by Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House,” beginning this September.
For the first time ever, Netflix’s critically-acclaimed series “The Haunting of Hill House” will bring its ominous presence to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in all-new mazes for “Halloween Horror Nights 2021,” which is officially back beginning in September.
Reincarnated as “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes, the imposing and mysterious Hill House eerily comes to life beckoning guests to embark on the dark journey experienced by the Crain family.
Iconic scenes from the Netflix series will be featured throughout the maze, including the omni-powerful Red Room – the heart of Hill House – and the infamous Hall of Statues, where deceptive powers overtake everyone who enters. Apparitions will appear around every corner, from William Hill – The Tall Man, whose towering stature overwhelms everyone he encounters; to The Ghost in the Basement, who feverishly crawls throughout the bowels of the House in search of his next victim; to The Bent-Neck Lady, whose disturbing scream and ghastly appearance invoke a constant state of unnerving dread.
“The Haunting of Hill House” mazes will test even the bravest guests as they attempt to escape the entanglement of the estate’s eternal stranglehold or succumb to the powerful forces of Hill House – leaving them to wander the endless halls forever…alone.
The “Halloween Horror Nights” events begin on Friday, September 3 in Orlando and Thursday, September 9 in Hollywood – and both events run select nights through Sunday, October 31. Select tickets and vacation packages are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort; tickets for the event at Universal Studios Hollywood will be available soon. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, be sure to contact your travel advisor.
photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris has added an option for their guests. Disney Premier Access is a paid service that gives you speedy access by skipping the regular queue to some of the most popular attractions thanks to a dedicated fast lane. There are a limited number of Disney Premier Access available for each time slot.
A Disney Premier Access is valid for a single use only for a chosen attraction at a given time slot and on the date of purchase.
You may buy a maximum of 3 Disney Premier Access for each attraction per Guest per day, and up to 12 Disney Premier Access for one attraction and one time slot at a time, depending upon availability.
You can only buy Disney Premier Access for one attraction at a time. To buy for another attraction, simply start another purchase and select the attraction you want to ride to see if there are any time slots available.
It is €8 to €15 per guest and attraction. Price can vary according to attraction and day of visit.
Disney Premier Access is available for Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, Ratatouille: L'Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Star Tours : l'Aventure continue, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terrorᵀᴹ, and Autopia®
You can see the attractions that are available during your visit via the app once you are in the Disney Parks.
If you don't have a smartphone or a Disney Account, you can still purchase Disney Premier Access at City Hall in the Disneyland Park or at Studios Services in the Walt Disney Studios Park.
In the World News
Spain
Hard Rock Hotels today announced the opening of the much anticipated Hard Rock Hotel Madrid. Located at the Golden Triangle of Art in the Spanish capital, the hotel is the newest addition to the brand’s international portfolio and compliments recent growth throughout Europe.
“Hard Rock Hotels has always felt very in tune with the vibrancy and spirit of Spain. It is one of the reasons we introduced the brand to Europe with Hard Rock Ibiza in 2014, followed by our Tenerife hotel shortly after” said Dale Hipsh, Senior Vice President of Hotels, Hard Rock International. “As our first Spanish metropolitan hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Madrid brings a distinctly different personality to our beach resorts. Our guests will discover art, music, history, culinary excellence and culture at their fingertips – all brought together through Hard Rock’s curated and entertainment-infused hospitality”.
The new hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers, with 161 contemporary rooms and suites (from 194 square feet) offering diverse views, so guests can take in the lights of Madrid, or retreat from the city with a room overlooking the lush garden. Additionally, more than 21,000 square feet of event space including garden and rooftop venues set the stage for world-class immersive events.
The property’s premier location in the Triangulo de Oro del Arte, is surrounded by the Reina Sofia National Museum, the Prado National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Within walking distance guests can explore the historic art nouveau train station (Atocha), the Royal Botanical Garden, and the charming Lavapies and Embajadores neighborhoods.
The hotel will be a draw for travelers and locals alike as it is home to unique bars and restaurant concepts including the brand’s signature restaurant Sessions, with interiors by Rockwell Group, and RT60, a spectacular rooftop bar offering gourmet tins, a jamon carving station and cheese, cocktails and unbeatable 360-degree views of the city to the beat of live DJ sets. Sessions, with its open and airy terrace, overlooks the hotel’s garden and serves a unique take on classic Spanish cuisine with unexpected culinary delicacies on the menu, whilst the GMT +1 lobby bar offers drinks and light fare throughout the day. The Green Room, a private chef’s table serving an exclusive menu to no more than 6 guests is set to open in September.
The property also encompasses an outdoor swimming pool, Body Rock® fitness center and Rock Om®, which fuses the ancient practice of yoga with the rhythm of a custom DJ-curated soundtrack for complimentary, in-room yoga sessions.
Tauck
Tauck announces resumption of global operations for all European river cruises, Italy land tours, and more to resume in August and September.
After announcing the restart of select tours and cruises in recent weeks, Tauck revealed that it plans to resume full operations of all remaining 2021 itineraries during August and September. The announcement includes the return of Tauck’s Danube and Rhine river cruises, its land tours in Italy and elsewhere across Europe, and its explorations of far-flung destinations ranging from Morocco to Machu Picchu. In all, Tauck expects to operate more than 80% of its pre-pandemic portfolio of tours and cruises this year, with a full return of all itineraries slated for 2022.
Tauck has begun operating an increasing number of tour and cruise departures in the U.S. and elsewhere over the past weeks. Earlier this month the company announced the August resumption of a few select land tours and cruises in Europe, its cruises in the Galapagos Islands and its guided safaris in eastern and southern Africa. However, and even with the resumption of those itineraries, Tauck had yet to confirm restart plans for the bulk of its 2021 itineraries prior to the announcement.
Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 land tours, safaris, river cruises and small ship ocean cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents.
Mexico
Hotel Xcaret Arte just opened on July 1st to give Playa del Carmen a new artistic touch.
Discover an artisan Mexico, that has captured through generations its history and culture in looms, paintings, clay pieces and symphonies, creating a unique marvel just in front of the Caribbean Sea that fusions a natural and artistic Mexico. Its 900 suites pay tribute to great Mexican artists, and its unique concept will transform the hotel industry. Come and live art from its inception. We are Mexico, we are art.
The All-Fun Inclusive™ concept of Hotel Xcaret Arte is strengthened with 5 artistic and exclusive workshops from this hotel: dancing, pottery, weaving, painting and literature. The adrenaline and inspiration continue with unlimited access to the most iconic and loved parks in Cancun and the Riviera Maya: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage and Xenotes.
They believe in creating and living the artwork, in being part of a whole, generating experiences in an environment without rush. This magical trip starts where you will rest in carefully curated suites in a handmade way, where Mexican decor and different organic amenities that will pamper you in this adults-only experience (for young adults older than 16 years old) 900 suites inspired by local and national artists.
photo credit: Xcaret Hotels
Cruise News
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line kicked off its first cruise from in almost 16 months from PortMiami, The Cruise Capital of the World, with the departure of Carnival Horizon, providing a significant boost to the local economy and the tens of thousands of jobs in South Florida that are supported by the cruise industry.
Carnival’s resumption of service in Miami provides guests with a much-anticipated vacation and is a further boost to the economy both locally and throughout the state. Florida is number one in the nation in cruise embarkations with the cruise industry contributing more than $9 billion in direct purchases and responsible for over 159,000 jobs. In Miami-Dade alone, cruise activity generates approximately $7 billion of spend and 40,000 jobs annually. Of the 437,000 cruise industry-supported jobs in the USA, nearly 37% are in Florida.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald and Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald kicked off the festivities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially welcoming guests on board. Prior to Duffy’s remarks, a moment of silence was held to honor those affected by the tragedy in Surfside.
“PortMiami is our number one homeport in terms of ships and passenger embarkations and today’s return to cruising with Carnival Horizon represents an important first step in getting our company back to business while infusing much-needed capital to the thousands of workers who rely on the cruise industry for their livelihood,” said Duffy. “The past year has been challenging to say the least and I wish to thank our state and local officials, PortMiami, and our business partners and suppliers for their incredible support and patience during this time.”
“The restart of cruise ships from Miami is an exciting day for Miami’s longshoremen. We have approximately 800 members at PortMiami and their wages dropped as much as 80% during the nearly 16-month cruise suspension. Today with Carnival Horizon’s first sailing, we get back to work and look forward to supporting our families again,” said Torin Ragin, president, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1416.
Carnival Horizon will set sail today at 4 p.m. for a six-day cruise with stops in Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.
In addition to Carnival Horizon’s departure this afternoon, Carnival Vista departed Galveston yesterday, with Carnival Breeze departing from Galveston July 15 and Carnival Miracle kicking off the line’s Alaska season from Seattle July 27. Mardi Gras, the line’s newest ship, sets sail from Port Canaveral July 31. Other ships in the Carnival fleet will begin service in August.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has made an announcement regarding some sailings this fall. Scarlet Lady’s Crew is arriving and she is about to start making her way home from Italy, with a pitstop for select long-weekend voyages in the UK in August, and followed by some preparations here in the US.
While they're getting ready to set sail from PortMiami and start their epic Caribbean adventures, there are unfortunately a few voyages they have to cancel. A handful of sailings for both Scarlet Lady (departing September 22nd through October 1st, 2021), as well as sailings on Valiant Lady (departing November 14th through May 1st, 2022) have been cancelled.
Affected guests will receive a credit for double the cruise fare they have paid to date or they may opt of a refund of monies paid.
Scarlet Lady, photo credit: Virgin Voyages
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean has made some itinerary adjustments due to ongoing uncertainty with the re-opening of international borders, as well as subsequent changes to their global return to service scope.
Quantum of the Seas®: Originally scheduled to set sail from Brisbane, Australia beginning October 30, 2021, the successes seen from her current deployment offerings have prompted the decision to keep Quantum in Singapore for an extended season.
Voyager of the Seas®: Originally scheduled to sail from Beijing (Tianjin), China beginning in August 2021 and Singapore as of November 2021, the decision has been made to suspend Voyager’s sailings through March 2022.
Ovation of the Seas®: Originally scheduled to reposition to Australia beginning September 2021, the decision has been made to keep Ovation in Alaska for a bit longer, adding 4 NEW sailings to the tail-end of her 2021 season.
Serenade of the Seas®: As future itinerary planning continues, the decision has been made to cancel Serenade of the Seas’ repositioning sailings departing September 26 and October 7, 2021.
For those guests currently confirmed on one of the impacted sailings and not previously canceled under their Cruise with Confidence program, a few compensation options have been prepared for their consideration.
125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) when redeeming by April 30, 2022 and sailing on or before September 30, 2022
100% Refund of amount paid valid through September 30, 2021
(Eligible for Ovation September 20 - October 16 ONLY!) On or before July 13, 2021, move to next year's sailing on the same ship, itinerary, embark port, sailing length (+/- 2 nights) and within the same stateroom category, and your cruise fare/promotion is protected!
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises has made an announcement regarding some upcoming sailings. Celebrity Cruises has been working closely with health and government authorities, in each country they sail from, to outline a clear path for cruising with new health and safety measures. As they thoughtfully plan their return to service, they are evaluating all current itineraries and the status of travel conditions around the world. Regrettably, the situation in many parts of Europe remains uncertain, therefore out of an abundance of caution, they will be canceling two Celebrity Silhouette® sailings to Europe departing September 4 and September 18, 2021, as well as seven Celebrity Eclipse® sailings departing October 18 through December 21, 2021.
Silversea
Silversea Cruises, the global leader in ultra-luxury and expedition travel, is set to enhance its global fleet with the conversion of Silver Wind to an ice-class, ultra-luxury expedition ship. The move signals continued confidence in the fast-growing popularity of ultra-luxury expedition travel to the pristine glaciers and wildlife-rich regions of Antarctica.
Silver Wind is presently undergoing refurbishments at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, following a major upgrade in 2018. The re-design includes an ice-strengthened hull for cruising in polar waters and state-of-the-art technology upgrades. Adding to her sustainability credentials, Silver Wind will be outfitted with a new advanced waste water treatment plant, new food waste treatment facilities, and new fuel-saving boilers.
Silver Wind will emerge as the cruise line’s fourth expedition vessel in its fleet of nine ultra-luxury ships. Marking her maiden voyage on November 20, 2021, Silver Wind is slated to set sail on a 22-day journey to Antarctica, providing guests with a prime viewing position on the White Continent for a solar eclipse on December 4, 2021.
Silver Wind will benefit from a set of enhancements that will enable immersive expedition cruising in both Polar Regions, as well as in the world’s most remote tropical waters. Taking guests closer to the action with on-water discovery, the ship will be fitted with a strengthened hull; ice-detector sonars, designed for use on icebreaker vessels; 24 Zodiacs; and 14 kayaks. With a reduced guest capacity of just 274, Silver Wind will deliver one of the most personalized expedition experiences at sea, carrying up to 28 expedition experts who will share their knowledge during onboard lectures, on guided Zodiac tours, and on experiences ashore. Further enhancing the expedition experience for guests, a Photo Studio (formerly the Casino) with state-of-the-art equipment, a Mudroom, and a special water-heating system in the ship’s swimming pool will highlight Silver Wind’s new amenities.
photo credit: Silversea
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