Virgin Expands Fleet and Begins to Say Where They Will Go

Fincantieri said today Virgin Voyages had contracted for a fourth vessel for their fleet to be delivered at the end of 2023.

This ship will be a 110,000-ton sister to the first three, carrying 2,800 passengers (double occupancy), which will be delivered beginning in 2020.

If that wasn't enough news, this afternoon, Virgin said that during their first season, in 2020, Scarlet Lady will feature Havana on its Caribbean itinerary.

Details appeared in the October 31 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Fannie Would Have Approved

If you had gone to Alaska a hundred years ago, you may have stayed in a room at Fannie Q's Saloon. If you go in 2019, chances are you may well stay at the Denali Princess Lodge - and dine at Fannie Q's Saloon.

Princess Cruises is kicking off their 50th year in Alaska by opening Fannie Q's Saloon at the Denali Princess Lodge, named after Alaska's own Fannie Quigley, a true Alaskan rough and tumble icon known for her hospitality.

Details appeared in the October 30 issue of Cruise News Daily. 

Rendering courtesy of Princess Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission. 

Even an Inside Cabin Would Be Better Than This

Many of us have been aboard a cruise ship when they have stopped to pick up migrants whose boat is disabled at sea, because it happens so often. If we haven't seen it first-hand, we've certainly read about it somewhere, but it usually only gets a couple of sentences, usually saying that the Coast Guard returned several dozen to their home island.

Few of us really get a good look at the dangerous conditions these people accept for the chance to get to a new life. They are literally risking their lives.

Today, the Coast Guard put out a routine press release saying the Cutter Thetis repatriated 84 Haitian migrants who were picked up Sunday on a 42-foot boat that was disabled 30 miles southwest of Turks and Caicos Island.

The Coast Guard said they interdicted the boat “for safety at life at sea concerns.”

The complete story appeared in the October 30 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Photos courtesy of the US Coast Guard. 

It's the Real Thing (with apologies to Coca-Cola)

Beginning this week on some ships, very soon on the rest of the fleet, Costa passengers will be able to experience traditional Genoese focaccia - another of the authentic Italian products that will be available on all Costa ships around the world.

The Associazione Panificatori Genovesi (Genoese Bakers Association) has taught the Costa bakers to bake the Genoa staple.

The complete story appeared in the October 29 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Photo courtesy of Costa Crociere and CND. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 29, 2018

CND subscribers also read about:

• Cunard partnering with BAFTA LA
• Bitter Blanca propels P&O Australia into finals for first time

Details appeared in the October 29 issue of Cruise News Daily. 

Bartender Siddhant Naik's Bitter Blanca

Photo courtesy of P&O Australia and CND. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.