As the world continues to battle the coronavirus, cruise companies and other travel companies have been forced to find other ways to reach their customers. While many have been left with no other option but to cancel their cruises and holidays, others are experiencing their own personal cruises from the comfort of their home. Several lines which include Viking, Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions and Holland America Line, have all introduced new virtual content in recent days to keep their customers entertained during lockdown.
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Meanwhile, others such as Carnival are recycling old content that is now more relevant.
Viking
Viking has launched ‘Viking.TV’ which has virtual content such as documentaries on worldwide documentaries and TED Talks.
One of the programmes is called “Tor’s Corner”, where Viking chairman Torstein Hagen shares the latest coronavirus updates with viewers.
Another feature is called, “Crew Messages” shows a plethora of familiar faces from the crew.
The most unique feature is “Conversations with Karine and Friends” which offers viewers live-streaming conversations with Viking senior vice president Karine Hagen and Viking’s resident lecturers and historians plus other special guests.
From 2pm (EST) (7pm BST) every week day, there will be live-streaming for viewers which will also allow them to ask questions in real time.
Each day will have different themes with schedules listed on Sundays.
The days include Museum Mondays; Resident Historian Tuesdays; Wednesdays with Music; Guest Speaker Thursdays; Fridays at Home at Highclere Castle, and Wellness Weekends with the staff of the onboard LivNordic Spas.
Crystal Cruises
“Crystal@Home” debuted on Sunday and offers a virtual voyage aboard the company’s luxury vessels.
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This channel also has a weekly schedule which includes themed days.
The features include “Destination of the week” which looks at the various destinations around the world that the Crystal cruise ships visit.
There’s also “Storyteller Monday” which is a podcast with storytellers from the ship.
“Wellness Wednesday” also offers tips on how to workout from home with help from the liner’s fitness instructors.
And, “Friday Nights at the Galaxy” offers a live Facebook event taking place at 6pm ET (11pm BST) featuring entertainment from Crystal’s onboard performers.
If you want to scrub up on those cooking skills, there are also Sunday cooking sessions with Chef John Ashton.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s cruise director Abe Hughes launched his own virtual cruise last week with a daily compass for each day.
It was due only to last a week but has returned due to popular demand.
The virtual cruise includes lots of interactive features with daily updates being posted on Mr Hughes’ Facebook page.
Holland America
Holland America Line (HAL) is planning on providing stunning cuisine for its loyal customers.
“HAL@Home”, as it will be called, will be launched with Holland America’s Culinary Council member Chef Ethan Stowell making one of his favourite pasta dishes via the “HollandAmericaFan” YouTube channel.
HAL is planning on expanding “HAL@Home” so it also includes entertainment from the ship’s onboard entertainment staff.
This will include cooking destinations and other unique offerings.
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