CruiseSource Cruise News – October 26, 2012

The cruise industry news roundup this week includes how Silversea’s newest expedition ship was named the Silver Galapagos, the new Norwegian Getaway is open for reservations for 2014, and Holland America announces a new alternative dining option on the ms Rotterdam featuring cuisine from a renowned Dutch chef.

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Galapagos Islands

Silversea’s Second Expedition Ship Will Set Sail as Silver Galapagos
Luxury expedition cruise specialist Silversea has announced Silver Galapagos as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II.

The new name signals the company’s intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet, and will take effect after the all-suite, 100-guest vessel undergoes a major refurbishment in September 2013. In a related move, the hull of the Galapagos Explorer II has already been painted the same dark blue as Silver Explorer, the company’s other expedition ship.

Silver Galapagos will be the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important distinction enables Silversea to broaden its portfolio of expedition cruises tailored to tap into the rising interest in green tourism.

Norwegian Getaway Now Open for Reservations
Norwegian Cruise Line announced this week that the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, is now open for sale to the public. Starting February 1, 2014, the ship sails seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises year-round from Port of Miami.

Norwegian Getaway will be the largest ship to home port year-round in Miami, carrying 4,000 guests, and will embody a unique Miami vibe. Each week, Norwegian Getaway  will transport cruisers to tropical Caribbean destinations including Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas, with fares starting at $799* per person.

Holland America Line Debuts Jonnie Boer’s ‘De Librije Dinner’ in the Pinnacle Grill Aboard ms Rotterdam
Holland America Line is expanding its culinary offerings with the debut of a new alternative dining option exclusively aboard ms Rotterdam called “Taste of De Librije” featuring the cuisine of Culinary Council member and Michelin Three Star Chef Jonnie Boer. Named after Boer’s restaurant in the Netherlands, the menu will showcase a selection of starters, soups, entrees and desserts from his land-based eatery.

Once per cruise the Pinnacle Grill will be transformed with service staff wearing the uniform livery from De Librije, the restaurant’s table set-up will be replicated and the wine list will highlight a selection of labels from the Lady De Librije collection. Reservations can be made for “Taste of De Librije” for a US $69 surcharge per person including wine parings.

The five-course menu starts with an amuse bouche of North Sea Scallops served to all diners. From there, guests can select from among three appetizers, two soups, four entrees and three desserts. The tantalizing dishes include Oysters on the Beach, oysters and micro greens; Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with black olive and celeriac mousse; Venison Loin and Beef Tenderloin with bulgur wheat and smoked olive oil foam; Duo of Lamb Loin and Crusted Lamb Neck with lentil sprouts, watercress, carrot coulis and lamb jus reduction; Deconstructed Apple Pie with vanilla gelato and Chantilly-style cream; and Rice Chocolate Stones with tuile and strawberries.

Editors Note: The top trending cruise related topic for the week has been Hurricane Sandy.  CruiseSource’s coverage of Cruise Impacts from Hurricane Sandy has been at the top of related Google Searches.   CruiseSource has been keeping cruisers in the know with hurricane cruise related news since 2008.  Click here for:  Hurricane Sandy Cruise Updates.