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For a little over a decade, Seattle’s The Head and the Heart has been looking down from the top of the charts – not so much the mainstream ones, but indie, folk, and alternative.

But lack of mainstream chart success – there has been the odd peak in the general rock lists – doesn’t detract from their popularity, having proven a popular soundtrack option in various films and on TV, from “How I Met Your Mother” to “Sons of Anarchy” and “New Amsterdam.”

Across its five albums, the band’s heartfelt – no pun ¬– vibe has drawn comparison to the Avett Brothers and AllMusic calls them a band “whose music splits the difference between acoustic folk, Americana, and pop.”

Check them out on our favourite song, “Shake.” If you live in BC, the band is scheduled to play at the PNE in Vancouver on Aug. 8.

Lyrics

Well the ink in my plan went dry long before your smile
And the pages have always been blink like the trees in the wild
But the wind, yes the wind keeps pushing you and me
Time in time, I know when it’s time to leave

If the memories we make, will never been lost, no
And the look on your face, we both knew the cost
But the wind, yes the wind keeps howling

I put in the pictures, you put in the time
You put all those memories so deep inside my mind
Now the wind, yes the wind keeps pushing you and me
And time in time, I know when it’s time to leave

And the memories we’ve made, will never be lost, no
And the look on your face, we both knew the cost
But the wind, yes the wind keeps howling

Even if it was a mistake, I can’t forget your face
Even if it was just a day,
You won’t forget the one who’s making you shake

Kinda lost my way you see
Kinda lost my way you see
Kinda lost my way you see
Kinda lost my way you see
Even if it was a mistake, I can’t forget your face
Even if it was just a day,
You won’t forget the man who’s making you shake
Who’s making you shake, you shake
Ah, making you shake
You shake
Ah, making you shake

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

With Seabourn marking a major construction milestone for its second purpose-built expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit with a traditional coin ceremony at Italian shipyard this month, there was no better time for the company to call in Canada for sessions with the trade to highlight the cruise line’s growing expedition travel segment.

Seabourn execs visited Vancouver earlier this month and Toronto a week later as part of a 12-date North American roadshow that attracted over 600 agents for training sessions and evening sales events during which they could bring clients. It was the first in-person events hosted by the company in Canada since the pandemic.

On the agenda for agents was an introduction to Seabourn Expedition ships; product/ experience/ expedition team/ destinations; booking in Polar Online; and packages and pricing courtesy of Seabourn presenters Mark Spillane, director of expedition sales; Jen Martin, director of expedition product development; and Maxine Gundermann, sr. manager of strategic accounts.

Attending agents also received exclusive booking incentives and offers, including shipboard credits, savings, and reduced deposits.

Underlining the presentations was Seabourn’s now 12-year history in expedition history, which has opened doors beyond the cruise line’s mainline ultra-luxury offerings:

• In 2011, Seabourn announced its entrance into expedition cruising, culminating in the maiden voyage in Antarctica in 2013 of Seabourn Quest (capacity 450 guests).

• In 2015 expedition-style cruising was extended into other regions of the world on multiple ships through the special curated program Ventures by Seabourn, offering optional exploration via Zodiac and kayak lead by expedition guides in Alaska, Australia, Norwegian Fjords and more on select voyages.

• In 2018 Seabourn announced the order of two purpose-built ships, with a capacity of 264 guests, for launch in 2022 (Seabourn Venture) and 2023 (Seabourn Pursuit) respectively.

Spillane explained the characteristics of Seabourn’s “expedition cruising” style: smaller vessels sailing adventurous itineraries to bucket destinations in remote regions. But mostly, they are expeditions certain to provide “life-changing moments,” he said.

He noted that while ships follow set itineraries, flexibility is the key, with captains able to alter course to take advantage wildlife encounters, for example, or mitigate sea or weather conditions for the comfort of passengers.

All the while, doing it in “uncompromised ultra luxury,” he added, giving the example that passengers can come back from excursions from “the wild” to a hot cup of hot chocolate or liqueur, and a soak in a hot tub.

Guests are also provided with appropriate amenities, ranging from binoculars to parkas, backpacks, and water bottles.

“Expedition cruising really is a really special kind of thing,” Jen Martin told the audience, noting that passengers get the chance to see things “they would otherwise never have a chance to see.”

And to that end, she adds, the difference between traditional and expedition cruising is that the focus is on the destination, more so than the ship, no matter how beautiful a platform it is.

“People don’t choose an expedition just for the ship, they choose it because they want to see Antarctica, or the Arctic, or a different view of the British Isles, or the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea,” she said. “And the expedition team is a big part of that experience.”

To that end, Seabourn ships, offer a wide range of expedition activities led by an expert 24-person team of scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more. Complimentary offerings such as Zodiac cruises, hikes, nature walks, scuba diving, and snorkeling highlight every itinerary, as do curated complimentary excursions.

In addition, the ships offer optional shore excursions and optional Seabourn Expeditions with kayaking and two custom-built submersibles at select destinations, providing close-up views of wildlife and natural scenery, as well as unique intimacy beneath the waves.

And while Seabourn’s expedition cruising is “anchored” by the Arctic and Antarctic, it also offers “everything in between,” says Martin.

Seabourn Pursuit

The next programming evolution for the cruise line will be the introduction at the end of July of Seabourn Pursuit, which is currently in its outfitting dock and is undergoing final construction at the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa.

At the recent coin ceremony, Marco Ghiglione, managing director of T. Mariotti, enthused, “Seabourn Pursuit is so beautiful. At a time when the expedition cruise market is experiencing strong growth, with several players preparing to launch new products, I can proudly say that this ship is the best in terms of aesthetics and cutting-edge performance.”

Beginning Aug. 12, Seabourn Pursuit will sail five voyages in the Mediterranean before embarking on two voyages across the Atlantic and through the Caribbean. On Oct. 10, the ship will arrive in Barbados from where it will begin its expedition journeys, exploring coastal South America, the Amazon, and Antarctica into late March 2024.

Following its inaugural Antarctic season, the ship will head to the South Pacific and Australia, which will include the line’s first exploration of the Kimberley region in northern Australia between June and August 2024.

In addition to the Kimberley, Seabourn Pursuit will visit Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and sail to the South Pacific from Chile to Melanesia between March and October 2024.

The second of Seabourn’s two new expedition ships to debut in the past two years, the 170 m. vessel is purpose-built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards and equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and technology to extend its global employment and capabilities. The ship has close to 287 sq. m. of deck space and special touches at every turn. Those include indoor and outdoor guest areas with nearly 270-degree views, and a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge capable of broadcasting imagery from up to 8 km away on monitors located throughout the ship.

In summary, Spillane said Seabourn combines “true luxury on board and true expedition on shore” for guests, making for the “best of both worlds.” And that, he says, “is our big differentiator.”

It used to be that people had to sacrifice luxury in the expedition segment. “Now,” he says, “they no longer have to.”

Maxine Gundermann advised that Seabourn provides extensive tools for the travel trade to help sell its cruises, including expeditions. That includes a promotional tool kit and images, online booking capabilities, and travel agent academy. For details, visit goseabourn.com.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Whether you’re going to the London for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, or just happen to be toddling through town at the time, the historic event is guaranteed to be an all-encompassing experience for both residents and visitors, with both pleasures and annoyances certain to reveal themselves in the days leading up to, and during, Coronation Weekend.

I was living in London for the summer when Charles and Diana tied the knot on July 29, 1981 – perhaps the most comparable event in the UK in recent memory. And what I remember most is crowds like I had never seen before.

Indeed, for the upcoming Coronation – less than a fortnight away – authorities are warning with typical British understatement: “Please be aware that large crowds are expected!”

Additionally, there will be road closures in place to ensure the event is delivered safely and public transport services are likely to be very busy with some station closures and bus diversions, especially around the Westminster and Hyde Park areas.

Nevertheless, for those who are there, the spectacle should be embraced, not feared, and with a little prep, will be remembered fondly and forever.

After all, the Coronation will mark the crowning of Britain’s 62nd monarch and continues the tradition of every event having taken place at Westminster Abbey since 1066, with the first being William the Conqueror. And with 1,200 years of history behind them, the royal family knows a few things about celebrating tradition and hosting spectacular events.

Here’s what you need to know:

Where and when: May 6

The first procession will begin on the morning of May 6. Their Majesties will travel in procession in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six Windsor Grey horses, from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. This is known as ‘The King’s Procession.’ The Household Cavalry will provide the Sovereign’s Escort.

The King’s Procession will travel along The Mall, through Admiralty Arch, passing to the south of the King Charles Island statue in Trafalgar Square before turning onto Whitehall. The procession will continue down Whitehall and along the east and south sides of Parliament Square, arriving at Westminster Abbey.The Coronation service will begin at 11 a.m. at Westminster Abbey.

After the Coronation service, their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace as part of a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession.’ They will travel in the Gold State Coach, drawn by eight Windsor Grey horses.

The procession will arrive at Buckingham Palace in the afternoon where they will receive a salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces in the Buckingham Palace Gardens, and appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony. There will then be a ceremonial flypast.

How to watch

In person

People can watch the Coronation processions in person at viewing areas on both sides of The Mall and Whitehall along the procession route in London (note: there are no screens along the route to watch the Coronation).

* Be aware that, like royal wedding of 1981, people may arrive the night before (if not days) before to secure the best viewing spots along the route.

On screen

The processions and service will be shown on screening sites around the country; and other local celebrations, street parties, and events will be held.

In London there will the screening sites at Hyde Park (four screens), Green Park, and St James’s Park – open from 6 a.m. on Saturday May 6. Authorities note the latter two parks are smaller than Hyde Park and will reach capacity quickly and will be closed when filled.

For those who don’t want to camp out or fight the crowds, both processions and the Coronation service will be broadcast live on national television, radio and online.

The afternoon after

After the Coronation Procession has passed down The Mall, police will open the route to allow people to move onto the road. People will be able to walk down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, to watch the balcony appearance. The police will monitor crowd numbers and gradually open the viewing areas, to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure.

What to bring

• Suitable clothing for the weather conditions. You may want to bring warm, protective clothing or an umbrella in cold or wet weather, or sunscreen and a hat if it is likely to be sunny.

• A water bottle. There will be water refill stations at the viewing areas and screening sites where you can refill bottles. There will also be concession kiosks available where you can buy food and drinks, but you may want to bring your own refreshments (particularly if you have specific dietary requirements).

• Appropriate footwear. You will be required to stand outdoors for long periods, so you are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

• If you are visiting the screening sites at Hyde Park, St James’s Park, or The Green Park, you may want to bring a blanket, stool, or folding chair to sit on as the viewing screens are located in grassy areas (but note there may not be space to use or store them). Do not bring stools or folding chairs to the procession route viewing areas.

(And not to bring)

• Barbecues and equipment for fires.
• Glass items. Broken glass is a hazard to other visitors and wildlife and can be difficult to remove. If you bring your own refreshments, please use paper or plastic cups for your drinks.
• If you are visiting the procession route viewing areas, do not bring stools or folding chairs.
• Oh, and, of course, no drones!

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

MSC Cruises’ summer 2023 itineraries include an expansive list of 140 destinations, including renowned hotspots and options off-the-beaten-path destinations. Featuring 22 ships, the cruise line will post more vessels than ever in the Eastern Mediterranean, plus three vessels in the Caribbean with New York as a new embarkation point.

Here are seven summer highlights from the industry’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise line.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark: Known as one of Northern Europe’s trendiest capitals and the 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, Copenhagen is the perfect destination to explore aboard MSC Cruises’ newest ship MSC Euribia – launching in June. The historic city offers an abundance of awe-inspiring landmarks for visitors to explore, from the renowned Christiansborg Palace on the island of Slotsholmen to the cutting-edge architecture of Christiania. Guests can also take advantage of MSC Cruises’ long list of shore excursions, including a visit to Dragør, known for its picturesque alleyways, cobbled streets and traditional brightly painted Danish houses.

Beyond Copenhagen, MSC Euribia’s seven-night Northern Europe itineraries offer guests a chance to discover the captivating cities of Kiel, Germany; Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flaam, Norway.

2. Svalbard, Norway: Only available for four sailings in summer 2023, Svalbard is an exclusive destination on MSC Preziosa’s itineraries for adventurous guests wishing to explore the Arctic Circle. The Svalbard islands form the most remote province of Northern Europe, a mere 800 km. from the North Pole. MSC Cruises’ PROTECTOURS sustainable tour program offers a unique experience to discover fjords by a hybrid-electric catamaran, allowing guests to enjoy views of the spectacular Svalbard landscapes while keeping their eyes peeled for seals. Guests can also take advantage of the many other adventurous excursions available to explore this unique destination, discovering the Arctic on a hybrid-electric speedboat to visit a walrus colony or e-biking through polar bear country – home to more than 3,000 polar bears.

Svaldbard (port name – Longyearbyen) is included on four sailings this summer aboard MSC Preziosa, with itineraries available for 14- or 15-night sailings from Hamburg, Germany.

3. Zakynthos, Greece: The spectacular Greek Island of Zakynthos is a brand-new destination for MSC Cruises. Here, white pebbled shorelines meet turquoise-blue waters, and rugged clifftops, such as Kampi, offer breath-taking views of the sea. Soak up the island’s atmosphere of local traditions or explore its ancient culture. Among the many hotspots to discover, guests can take in the limestone cliffs, historical monasteries, and the iconic Shipwreck Beach, one of Greece’s most stunning sites.

Zakynthos is included on all weekly seven-night summer itineraries for MSC Lirica beginning in May.

4. Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey: A witness to some of the world’s most powerful empires, including Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, Turkey is abundant with ancient relics and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Renowned for its sweeping ocean vistas, bustling bazaars, archaeological wonders, and stunning landscapes, Turkey has something to suit every type of guest.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, reaching across the Bosphorous, from Europe to Asia. Filled with incredible historic landmarks, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and marvellous architecture, the options are plenty. Excursion options include visiting the world-famous sites such as the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. For added convenience, Fly, Stay & Cruise packages will be available for Istanbul through Turkish Airlines. Depending on the departure airport, guests can arrive one, two or three nights before the cruise to enjoy the city to its fullest. Flights will depart from many of the major European airports including the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland, among others.

Kusadasi is a glamorous beach resort overlooking the glittering Aegean Sea, from where guests can visit the magnificent city of Ephesus, acclaimed for its well-preserved ancient ruins. Both cities are included as part of MSC Splendida’s eight-, nine- and 10-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises.5. Messina, Sicily: MSC World Europa, the line’s new flagship, which launched in November 2022, will offer sailings to the ever-popular Western Mediterranean this summer, sailing seven-night cruises to Genoa, Naples and Messina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France). Messina offers the first sight of Sicily, with the glittering town spread up the hillside beyond its sickle-shaped Mediterranean harbour.

The first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel in MSC Cruises’ fleet and the most environmentally advanced to date, is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea designed to offer a world of new and exciting experience to guests, defining the future of cruising.

6. Japan: This summer, MSC Cruises is offering six sailings from Yokohama, Japan. These carefully crafted itineraries allow guests to journey through ancient cultures, discovering Japanese art, history, and traditions, as well as the country’s vibrant and modern present. Depending on the itinerary, one destination highlight of the eight- and nine-night cruises is Kyushu, recently featured as one of Architectural Digest’s 23 Places to Travel in 2023. MSC Cruises offers two stops on this island at Kagoshima, a seaside city best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay; and Fukoaka, a city considered to be one of Japan’s hidden gems.

Other highlights include Naha, from Okinawa – the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture, the tropical island group south of mainland Japan. It’s known for Shuri Castle, the restored royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which flourished from the 1400s–1800s and invented karate. MSC Bellisima offers sailings beginning in June departing from Yokohama, conveniently located just south of Tokyo.

7. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Since first welcoming guests in 2019, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve has become a highlight for all MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries. This private island destination was founded on a strong commitment to the conservation of marine life, including habitats and species present in the area, and exists in harmony with the local ecosystem.

Thanks to a number of initiatives, including the MSC Foundation’s Supercoral Program, which aims to restore endangered corals, and the implementation of other conservation and educational programs, the island has been transformed into a lush paradise that offers more than two miles of white sandy beaches, surrounded by endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters, where guests can soak up the vibrant spirit of The Bahamas.

Guests can reach Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve on MSC Seascape, which offers seven- or 14-night sailings from Miami, MSC Meraviglia from New York and MSC Seaside from Port Canaveral/Orlando.

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News