Expect Beetlejuice aboard Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced “Beetlejuice” The Musical as the headline production aboard its newest groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Viva, along with the ship’s full lineup of onboard entertainment offerings debuting August 2023.
Marking the first time the Tony Award-nominated musical will be performed at sea, the 90-minute Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 film narrates the story of the Deetz family as they attempt to remodel an uproariously haunted house.
David J. Herrera, incoming President of Norwegian Cruise Line said, “NCL has a history of pioneering the cruise experience and delivering the high-caliber entertainment programming our guests expect. We are dedicated to pushing the envelope, delivering on those expectations, and putting our guests first as we elevate our onboard offerings for the ultimate vacation at sea.
“This summer, I cannot wait to bring the fun and nostalgia of ‘Beetlejuice’ to our all-new Norwegian Viva.”
EXPLORA I completes sea trials
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand of the MSC Group, announced that EXPLORA I has successfully completed her sea trials. This will be the first of a fleet of up to six luxury ships to be built for Explora Journeys by Fincantieri in Italy.
EXPLORA I will now undergo final preparations before embarking on her maiden journey in July 2023. Explora Journeys will offer today’s discerning luxury traveller an opportunity to experience a truly transformative and purposeful ocean travel experience, reflecting both the essence of each destination visited as well as the brand’s cosmopolitan and vibrant European luxury.
Construction of the 63,900 GT vessel began in June 2021 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The naming ceremony for EXPLORA I will take place in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy on July 8, followed by her maiden journey departing on July 17, from Southampton, UK for a 15-night sailing into Norwegian fjords and the Arctic Circle to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Disney Cruise Line to launch in Singapore
Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board announced magical cruise vacations to Southeast Asia for the first time, revealed by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, S. Iswaran.
Under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board agreed to collaborate to homeport a brand-new Disney cruise ship exclusively in Singapore for at least five years beginning in 2025.
“This is a very exciting year for The Walt Disney Company – 2023 marks our 100th anniversary,” D’Amaro said. “As part of this, Disney Cruise Line is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion with new ships and new destinations around the world. We are incredibly excited to make Singapore the home port to our seventh-launched ship, which will sail from here year-round starting in 2025.”
Princess Cruises offers eclipse journeys
Princess Cruises is altering an itinerary aboard Emerald Princess in April 2024 to give guests sailing the Mexican Riviera the rare opportunity to experience a complete solar eclipse at sea.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse lasting as long as 4 minutes 28 seconds will be visible as the moon’s shadow is cast across parts of North America.
The total solar eclipse is one of the three remaining worldwide this decade, and the one visible from North America until 2044.
Princess has adjusted its 15-day ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal cruise aboard Emerald Princess after selling out the 10-Day Mexican Riviera cruise with Total Solar Eclipse on Discovery Princess. During the voyage departing Los Angeles on April 5, 2024 sailing to Ft. Lauderdale into the Mexican Riviera, through the Panama Canal and across the western Caribbean, the 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess will catch the total solar eclipse on April 8 between Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco, Mexico.