<![CDATA[NORTH PALM BEACH LIFE - Cruise/Travel]]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:26:10 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Winners Named in Key West 'Conch Honk']]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:19:51 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/winners-named-in-key-west-conch-honkPictureBob “Hapo” Hauck of Rockaway Point, Queens, N.Y., raises his conch shell in triumph after winning the men’s division. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau)
(Press Release) KEY WEST, Fla. (March 8, 2026) — It’s not every day you hear music from a seashell. But in Key West, it’s tradition. 

More than two dozen hopefuls puckered up for the 63rd Annual “Conch Honk” Saturday. Their mission? Blow the judges away. Literally. And that’sexactly what they did! 

Key West Locals, known as “Conchs,” joined visitors to watch dozens of contestants test their lung power on the Keys’ most famous shell. 

Bob “Hapo” Hauck (PRONOUCED HOW-CK) of Rockaway Point, Queens, N.Y., took home the men’s division title. He said he traveled to Key West specifically for this contest. ​
“So, I saw this on YouTube or Facebook about the conch blowing contest, and that’s what I do. It’s all about the conch for the last 10-plus years, and I wanted to ‘conch-pete,’” said Hauck. 

Hauck is no casual honker. In fact, he practices his “craft” daily. “I blow the conch every day, numerous times a day, much to my neighbor’s chagrin,” he said with a grin. 

The quirky contest is hosted by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Key West’s architectural and cultural heritage since 1960. And while it may sound silly, the conch shell has serious history here. 

Long before radios or cell phones, the conch horn was how people communicated across the water. The Calusa, the native people who inhabited the Keys centuries before European settlement, blew conch shells to signal across distances. Seafarers later adopted the practice. And some ships wouldn’t ever leave shore without a conch horn on board, just in case they needed to call for help. 

Judges scored each competitor on tone, volume, length and creativity. 

In the girls’ division, 8-year-old Sophia Hodek (PRONOUCED HO-DECK) of Key West took home the win, blowing the same bedazzled conch shell that’s been in her family for three decades. Her mother, Angelica Hodek, a past winner herself, has seen the shell pass through generations. 

“This shell has been in the family for 30 years, I’d say. In the late ’90s, we decorated it. My mom won with this conch and also my nephew and siblings. And we also won as a group,” said Angelica Hodek. “I have been trying to keep the tradition with my older daughter.” 

The conch shell isn’t just an instrument...it’s a symbol of the Florida Keys. The name goes back to the early 1800s, when Bahamian immigrants — some of Key West’s first settlers — were known for eating the hardy mollusk. Locals started calling them “Conchs.” The name stuck. And today, Key West natives proudly claim the title. In fact, the island chain is known around the world as the Conch Republic. 

“A conch is very resilient. We’re very strong. And our community has been strong for years and years and years,” said Key West Mayor Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez. 

The Conch Honk has been sounding off since 1960. Competitors still come from near and far to give this quirky contest their best blast. And after more than sixty years, the tradition is still echoing through Key West.  
]]><![CDATA[Cruising? WMS Shares Wireless Tips]]>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:33:52 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/cruising-wms-shares-wireless-tipsPictureCredit: WMS
(Press Release) MIRAMAR, FL. – (March 6, 2026) – According to AAA, 2026 is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for the cruise industry with 21.7 million Americans sailing on ocean cruises. More than 37 million passengers are expected in 2026 globally. A peak time to cruise? Spring Break, which will hit its stride mid-March. As travelers head out to sea in search of much-needed rest and relaxation, they still need to stay connected—with each other, friends and family at home, their employers, their pet-sitters, and more. WMS, the premier global provider of cruise wireless connectivity services, is sharing three timely tips.

TIP 1: Choose the Right Connectivity Service Based on How You Will Utilize Your Devices Onboard
Travelers are encouraged to think about how they plan to use their mobile devices prior to departure so they can select the best options for connectivity while at sea. Cellular connectivity is well-suited for everyday needs such as internet browsing, social media engagement, messaging, email, voice calls, and secure financial transactions. For more data-intensive activities—including video streaming and online gaming—cruise ship Wi-Fi remains the optimal solution.  Below are a few options available:
 
  • AT&T International Day Pass: AT&T customers have access to this service, which includes coverage on land and at sea with unlimited voice and text, plus 0.5GB of the best available speed data for $20 per day per line.
  • Verizon Cruise Daily Pass: Verizon customers can purchase a day pass with 0.5GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 3G speeds while at sea, plus unlimited calls to the US and unlimited text, for $20 per day per line.
  • Cellular at Sea Cruise+ eSIM Service: Available to travelers who have an unlocked and compatible mobile device, this is particularly beneficial for those whose home provider does not offer data at sea. Affordable prepaid plans are available for land and on the ship.
  • Cruise Ship Wi-Fi: Prices and capabilities vary widely depending on the cruise line.
 
TIP 2: Activate Cellular Connectivity Before Embarkation Day
Planning ahead is critical—Spring Breakers should anticipate their connectivity needs two weeks ahead of embarkation day. Embarkation day is filled with excitement, as it should be. To eliminate undue stress, travelers planning to use cellular service onboard should activate their connectivity in advance. Some services require an app download while on land. Cruise passengers should visit cellularatsea.com, select their connectivity profile, check ship availability, and find a plan suited to their needs. Cellular at Sea becomes available once the ship reaches international waters – about an hour after leaving port. A text message will indicate it is on.
 
TIP 3: Suggestions for an Optimal Cellular Experience
Travelers planning to use cellular services onboard SHOULD NOT turn Airplane Mode on. Additionally, they will need to temporarily toggle Wi-Fi off to enable cellular connectivity. They should turn on International Roaming before setting sail.
 
“Affordable, accessible, seamless connectivity greatly improves the experience for cruisers, and eliminates unnecessary stress,” said Pramod Arora, President and CEO, WMS. “Knowing what you’re going to pay, and being able to easily access your service onboard and off, lets you stay connected with friends and family, manage day-to-day ‘business,’ and maximize the time you have to enjoy your trip.”
​
WMS installs, manages, and maintains onboard wireless networks through 25+ cruise line partners, on 210+ ships worldwide, and enables cellular roaming through relationships with 400+ providers worldwide. WMS launched the first cellular service on a cruise ship in 2004. Innovating from 2G to now 5G and eSIM services, and leveraging all satellite services including Starlink, WMS drives value to passengers, crew, and cruise operators.
]]><![CDATA[Carnival Marks 20 Years at Grand Turk]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:18:15 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/carnival-marks-20-years-at-grand-turkPictureCredit: Carnival Cruises
(Press Release) MIAMI, March 5, 2026 – Carnival Corporation celebrated the 20th anniversary of Grand Turk Cruise Center Wednesday, March 4, marking two decades of partnership, shared growth and memorable vacation experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Since its inaugural visit in 2006, Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Corporation’s family of world-class cruise lines have brought more than 14 million guests to Grand Turk. Coupled with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the hospitality of the community, the destination has earned its spot as one of the company’s most popular ports of call in the Caribbean.
“Grand Turk holds a special place in our history and in our future,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our guests love visiting this beautiful destination and we’re grateful for this partnership which has brought so many benefits to this community for the last 20 years.”

The milestone was commemorated with a special anniversary event hosted by Carnival Cruise Line at the Grand Turk Cruise Center while Carnival Celebration was in port. Damian Rudich, vice president of global operations at Carnival Corporation, was joined by Turks and Caicos leaders including Premier Charles Washington Misick, Deputy Premier Jamell Rayan Robinson and Deputy Governor Anya Williams, as well as community stakeholders and local business partners, to recognize the strong collaboration that has defined the company’s presence on one of Carnival Corporation’s exclusive Caribbean destinations.

During his remarks, Rudich also announced that April 18 will officially be declared Grand Turk Cruise Center Community Day, featuring a special day of events at the Cruise Center to thank and celebrate the community for 20 years.

The ceremony included a ship model gift to community leaders, symbolizing two decades of shared success and a continued commitment to collaboration in the years ahead.

“To Carnival, thank you for two decades of partnership and investment, and for working with us not only in the celebrating years, but in the planning years when wise decisions secure long-term success,” said Premier Misick. “And to the people of Grand Turk, thank you for your hospitality, your resilience and your pride. This anniversary belongs to you as well, because you have lived the transformation, you have contributed to the success and you will help shape what comes next.”

Over the past 20 years, the Grand Turk Cruise Center has supported local businesses, transportation providers, tour operators, retailers and hospitality partners, while welcoming millions of visitors to experience the island’s culture and natural beauty. Carnival Corporation remains committed to working closely with the local community to ensure the destination continues to thrive for years to come.

Known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed island atmosphere, Grand Turk gives guests an array of options to experience. Guests can unwind on powdery white-sand beaches, explore the historic streets, snorkel along the coral reef wall or choose from a variety of locally operated shore excursions that showcase the destination’s natural beauty and culture.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to feature Grand Turk on a wide variety of Caribbean itineraries sailing from multiple U.S. homeports, giving guests each year the opportunity to experience this premier destination. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming sailings to Grand Turk, visit carnival.com.
]]><![CDATA[Chef Shannon Bard's Recipe for Great Travel]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:46:00 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/chef-shannon-bards-recipe-for-great-travel
Picture
Read About Her 'Flavors and Frontiers' Initiative in the March Issue of Aqua Magazine
]]><![CDATA[American Unveils New Pacific Northwest Cruise]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:31:22 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/american-unveils-new-pacific-northwest-cruisePictureThe Pacific Northwest (American Cruise Lines)
(Press Release) Guilford, CT—March 2, 2026--American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce a new 16-Day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise. This incredible exploration will begin operating roundtrip from Portland, Oregon in May 2027 and will be exclusively sailed by American Anthem, one of the company’s three newest riverboats in their rapidly expanding fleet. 
American’s 16-Day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers itinerary will cruise both river systems extensively. The itinerary commences with an included pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland, OR. The following day, American Anthem will embark from Stevenson, Washington, sailing westward to the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria, OR, where it flows into the Pacific Ocean; then eastward to the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers near Richland, WA; and onward into Clarkston, WA, and Hells Canyon before concluding in Stevenson, WA.
​This new longer itinerary allows for more time for shoreside excursions throughout the region including new opportunities to explore Portland, Hood River, and St. Helens, OR, as well as Burbank/Walla Walla, WA. Shoreside experiences feature popular excursions at famous sites like Mount Saint Helens, Multnomah Falls, and Cape Disappointment State Park, as well as area attractions like Pendleton’s underground city and the Bonneville Dam. Throughout the journey, onboard enrichment and shoreside experiences will also highlight Native American culture and the famed Lewis & Clark expedition, including an excursion at Fort Clatsop, where the explorers wintered in 1806. 

The Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise also showcases many active and exciting excursions from hiking and kayaking to rail-bike and e-Bike tours, jet boat tours in Hells Canyon, and flightseeing. Opportunities to sample the area’s best wine varietals also abound, with featured experiences offered at the Maryhill Winery, the Rivaura Winery, and several vineyards throughout the Walla Walla Valley.

Throughout the cruise, American’s guests will enjoy some of the most magnificent sightseeing in the world, as American Anthem sails past this river-region’s diverse topography—a virtual kaleidoscope of ever-changing landscapes including desert canyons, alpine meadows, lush forests, dormant volcanoes, and the blue mountains of the Cascade Range. Cruising through The Dalles and the Columbia River Gorge guests will be surrounded by both natural beauty and manmade wonders, including the Bonneville Dam and distant views of snow-capped Mount Hood. Guests will also have ample opportunity to view the area’s world-renowned wildlife from American Anthem’s sweeping top deck, spacious lounges, and 100% private-balcony accommodations. 

Amenities and accommodations aboard 2027’s American Anthem will be the finest of any riverboat in the world—mirroring the acclaimed design of sistership American Encore, the best riverboat ever built, cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers this May 2026. 

American Cruise Lines’ new 16-Day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise presents one of the most memorable ways to explore America’s beautiful western states and offers one of the finest river cruise experiences anywhere in the world.

American’s cruise season on the Columbia and Snake Rivers begins in April and concludes in November. Additional details on the new 16-Day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers itinerary, and others in the region, including the Line’s bucket-list 16-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers land & cruise packages, classic 9-Day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises, and 7-Day Columbia River Gorge cruises, are available on the website.
]]><![CDATA[American Congratulates Figure Skating Team]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:08:31 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/american-congratulates-figure-skating-teamPictureCourtesy of American Cruise Lines
(Press Release) Guilford, CT—February 25, 2026--American Cruise Lines has been a proud sponsor of U.S. Figure Skating since 2019 and would like to congratulate all the members of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team, competing and representing the United States of America this year at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy. 
U.S. Figure Skating Team members medaled in several of the 2026 Olympic Figure Skating events, including Gold Medal wins in both the Team Event and Women’s Singles, as well as a Silver Medal win in Ice Dance. U.S. Team members: Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Ellie Kam, and Danny O’Shea won the Gold for the U.S. in the Team Event; Alysa Liu won the Gold for the U.S. in Women’s Singles, and Madison Chock & Evan Bates won the Silver for the U.S. in Ice Dance.

Other members of the U.S. Figure Skating Team competing and representing the U.S.A with exceptional grace and skill in the 2026 Winter Games included: Ilia Malinin, Andrew Torgashev, and Maxim Naumov in the Men’s Singles competition; Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito in the Women’s Singles competition; Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik, and Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko in the Ice Dance competition; and Ellie Kam & Danny O’Shea, as well as Emily Chan & Akira Howe in the Pairs competition.
]]><![CDATA[MSC Poesia to Get Enhancements]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:18:27 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/msc-poesia-to-get-enhancementsPictureMSC Poesia enters dry dock (MSC)
(Press Release) ​Geneva, Switzerland – February 26, 2026 - MSC Cruises announced that MSC Poesia will enter dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta, marking the next phase of the cruise line’s ongoing investment in enhancing the guest experience across its fleet.
 
The enhancements will introduce new premium spaces and experiences, combining elevated comfort with lively social venues, ahead of MSC Poesia’s debut season in Alaska in May 2026.
​ 
MSC Poesia is the second ship from the line’s MSC Musica Class to undergo a major refurbishment at the Maltese shipyard, following sister ship MSC Magnifica, which left the shipyard in December and is currently sailing on the MSC World Cruise 2026.
 
When the refurbishments are complete, MSC Poesia will feature an MSC Yacht Club, the brand’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, offering 69 elegantly appointed suites, private amenities, and 24-hour butler service. Additionally, the updates include two new specialty dining venues - Butcher’s Cut, an authentic American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, inspired by the Far East where guests can savor expertly crafted sushi and exquisite authentic Asian dishes.
 
The enhancement will include a newly designed MSC Aurea Spa and MSC Gym powered by Technogym®, complete with Gentleman’s Barber, various workout studios, an outdoor Aurea area and Top 15 Exclusive Solarium.
 
Refurbishment work is expected to be completed in April, in time for MSC Poesia’s Alaska season.
 
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “This major refurbishment of MSC Poesia reflects our continued efforts and commitment to investing in our fleet and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This refurbishment showcases MSC Cruises’ commitment to offering guests the best possible experience and modern amenities. We are proud to bring the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, new dining concepts and more to MSC Poesia and to offer guests more choice and more comfort than ever before, ahead of the ship’s Alaska season.”
 
The refurbishment of MSC Poesia forms part of the most extensive upgrade and refitting program by MSC Cruises in the past decade.
 
The project is fully designed and managed in-house by MSC Cruises’ Technical Department and will be carried out at Palumbo Malta Shipyard, a strategic hub for MSC Cruises’ fleet maintenance and large-scale refurbishment projects in Europe.
 
Earlier this month, MSC Cruises announced the expansion of its renowned MSC Yacht Club to two additional ships, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra. Once complete, these latest enhancements will mean all four vessels in the Musica class, MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, will have been upgraded to feature MSC Yacht Club.
 
From May through September 2026, MSC Poesia will offer 7-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, sailing to some of the region’s most iconic destinations.
 
Following her Alaska season, the ship will reposition to offer roundtrip Caribbean sailings from Miami during Winter 2026–2027, visiting destinations including Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaçao, and Belize. MSC Poesia will then return to Alaska in summer 2027 offering guests the opportunity to visit spectacular destinations including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), along with Victoria (British Columbia, Canada).
 
MSC Yacht Club suites aboard MSC Poesia are now available to book.
]]><![CDATA[Crystal Announces Exclusive Culinary Voyage]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:42:00 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/crystal-announces-exclusive-culinary-voyagePictureAlajmo Brothers (Crystal Cruises)
(Press Release) -- Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, is pleased to announce a very special themed voyage featuring three-time Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his celebrated restaurateur brother and partner Raffaele aboard Crystal Serenity from Venice to Athens Sept. 8-15, 2026.  The exclusive seven-night sailing will showcase the artistry, heritage and innovation that defines the Alajmo dining experience, while celebrating Crystal’s enduring legacy of culinary excellence at sea.
 Throughout the cruise, guests will enjoy rare access to the brothers through intimate programming, including a Q&A session and book signing, as well as a guided wine tasting highlighting selections from their acclaimed cellars led by wine expert and next generation of the Alajmo family, Giovanni Alajmo. In addition, exclusive hosted dinners at Osteria d’Ovidio and The Vintage Room, personally led by Massimiliano and Raffaele, will be available for purchase via My Account beginning March 12, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Alajmo philosophy first-hand in an ultra-luxury setting.
 
“The evolution of Crystal’s culinary program has always been rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most respected chefs. Following the successful refresh of the Osteria d’Ovidio menus, this sailing was a natural next fit — bringing Massimiliano, Raffaele and Giovanni onboard to engage directly with our guests and elevate the experience even further through personal storytelling, wine and cuisine.” -- Gunter Lorenz, VP of Food & Beverage
 
The relationship with the Alajmo brothers is a cornerstone of Crystal’s culinary identity. In 2025, they collaborated with Crystal’s chefs and introduced newly reimagined menus in Osteria d’Ovidio aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, reflecting the modern elegance, seasonal sensibility and technical mastery that have defined their restaurants for decades. The updates further strengthened Crystal’s reputation for delivering Michelin-caliber dining experiences at sea, alongside collaborations with culinary icons including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa with the only Nobu restaurant at sea and renowned restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi who brought Beefbar exclusively to Crystal in 2024.
 
“For us, cooking has always been about sharing emotion, culture and a sense of place,” said Massimiliano Alajmo. “We are very much looking forward to meeting Crystal’s guests in person, exchanging ideas, and bringing the spirit of our kitchens to life onboard.”
 
“This voyage will allow us to share the Alajmo dining experience in a more personal and meaningful way, and that is something truly special, which we cannot wait to experience,” added Rafaelle Alajmo.
 
For more information on this exceptional voyage or to book one of Crystal’s sailings, contact your travel advisor, visit crystalcruises.com or call 1-800-446-6620.
]]><![CDATA[MSC Unveils New Entertainment for 2026]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:30:43 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/msc-unveils-new-entertainment-for-2026PictureMSC World America LEGO® Family Parade
Credit Anthony Devlin, Getty Images
(Press Release) Geneva, Switzerland - February 25, 2026 – MSC Cruises is taking entertainment at sea to the next level in 2026 with a refreshed program for all ages. This year, guests sailing with MSC Cruises will enjoy a range of brand-new and enhanced experiences across the fleet, from vibrant parties and interactive game shows to digital experiences and live music.

Among the highlights is a world-first at sea -  AI-powered robot dogs from Unitree Robotics, currently being piloted on board MSC Bellissima in Asia.
​Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises’ VP Entertainment said “As a family-owned company, we know how important it is to offer entertainment that brings generations together. In 2026, we are building on what our guests already love, while introducing new ideas, new energy and new cruise-industry first experiences - there is something for everyone, wherever they choose to sail.”

Matteo Mancini, MSC Cruises’ Family Entertainment Development Director said: “MSC Entertainment is fully focused on the future and is actively investing in the development of new, modern forms of entertainment, spanning digital and immersive experiences. From robots and game shows to interactive fun, active experiences, partnerships with celebrated brands, original mascots and music, this year’s offering on MSC Cruises is truly spectacular.”

New and enhanced experiences in 2026 include:
AI-powered robot entertainment: In a first for the cruise industry, MSC Cruises is piloting AI-powered robotic dogs, accompanied by humanoid robots, developed by Unitree Robotics on board select ships.

The initiative is already being tested on MSC Bellissima and will be available soon on both MSC Bellissima in Asia and MSC Magnifica during a segment of the World Cruise 2026.

Guests will enjoy meet-and-greets with the robots, robot-themed parade and interactive robotic workshops for children 7 and older. The sessions will introduce guests to robotics and future technologies in a creative way, featuring dance appearances during the cruise line’s Doremix Family Disco.

Updated shows, parties and live entertainment: Guest-favorite events return with a fresh new look in 2026, including a fully renewed ’70s Party rolling out fleetwide with new music, upgraded costumes and elevated interactive experiences.

20 new Big Band performances will debut on MSC Poesia, which will also feature the highly anticipated Dirty Dancing: In Concert. MSC Seaview and MSC Grandiosa will launch a complete refresh of its main production shows and MSC Meraviglia will welcome back the popular Flamenco show, Paz.  

Dueling Pianos will be added to the lineup on MSC Seascape, along with a brand-new American Country Band experience, a live entertainment concept sure to delight country music enthusiasts.

Brand-new original MSC Cruises game shows: Guests will be among the first to enjoy two new original shows across the fleet. Chart Toppers, a high-energy music game show celebrating the biggest hits from the 1970s to today, and Quiz O’Clock, a competitive game-show experience offering a twist on the line’s classic quiz show.  

Professional Coaches expansion: Following a successful pilot, MSC Cruises’ Professional Coaches Program, covering sports, wellness and arts and crafts, will expand to 15 ships in 2026, giving guests even more opportunities to stay active and try something new while at sea.

Expanded partnerships with leading global brands: MSC Cruises will be introducing its guest-favorite, the LEGO® Parade, onboard more ships, expanding the offering from seven to 14 ships in 2026. The popular parade, which brings seven LEGO® mascots together with the brand’s own mascot, Doremi, will be gradually rolled out to MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview.

Meanwhile, across the fleet, the MasterChef at Sea offering will feature refreshed formats for adults, kids and teens.

Even more for families, kids and teens: Families can look forward to a refreshed, digital-first LEGO® Family Game Show launching fleet-wide, following the successful pilot on MSC World America. The format will feature a high-energy final round designed to unleash creativity for both children and parents, immersed in a vibrant experience surrounded by LEGO® bricks and mascots.

On MSC Poesia, guests will be able to benefit from an expanded Naturalist Program, including engaging wildlife and geology presentations, with a dedicated session for children and two enrichment talks on sea days.

A new educational entertainment program designed to inspire younger guests through interactive learning and play, Ocean Day by the MSC Foundation, will also be rolled out fleetwide.

Click here to learn more about MSC Cruises.
]]><![CDATA[AKTG  Strengthens Trade Focus]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:17:55 GMThttps://www.northpalmbeachlife.com/cruisetravel/aktg-strengthens-trade-focusPicture
(Press Release) LONDON, UK | FEBRUARY 23, 2026Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has strengthened its trade sales leadership in the Americas with expanded roles for Matias Lira and Shawn Johnson, both reporting to newly appointed Chief Sales Officer – Trade, Debra Fox.
The appointments reflect AKTG's commitment to delivering enhanced support to travel advisors across the Americas while maintaining the distinct brand expertise and dedicated focus that partners value. Fox assumes global responsibility for all trade sales across AKTG's flagship brands, including Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, A&K Sanctuary, Cox & Kings, and Ecoventura, and reports to CEO Cristina Levis.

Lira will continue in his role as Senior Vice President of Trade Sales Americas, AKTG, expanding to lead field trade sales for all AKTG brands, including Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal and A&K Sanctuary, as well as business development and MICE sales. In his expanded role, Johnson builds on his previous leadership as Senior Vice President of National Accounts, Trade Loyalty & Events, Americas, AKTG, broadening his remit to include Trade Loyalty and Events across all brands. He will work closely with Lira to ensure a seamless transition for the A&K field and inside sales teams, strengthening collaboration and continuity while accelerating sales growth. The role also enables focused development of a new trade loyalty program and further elevates AKTG's marquee trade events to deepen advisor engagement and drive long-term value.

"This structure allows us to deliver even more focused support to our trade partners than ever before," said Fox. “We are elevating our already best-in-class trade sales organization through a strengthened structure and the joint leadership of Matias and Shawn, whose deep advisor expertise and clear focus on unlocking new sales opportunities will drive even greater value for our partners.”

Growth Momentum
The strengthened sales structure supports unprecedented expansion across AKTG's portfolio. Abercrombie & Kent continues its momentum with new DMCs in key markets and product launches including new A&K Sanctuary properties such as Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru, and Baines' Lodge in Botswana. The recent brand refresh has driven increased advisor engagement and client demand.

Crystal continues its successful relaunch with two vessels currently operational, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, following extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishments. The brand recently returned to the number one position in Travel + Leisure's World Best Awards for 2025 for mid-size luxury ocean ships. Crystal's confidence in its long-term future is underscored by the announcement of Crystal Grace, the brand's first new ocean ship in 25 years, scheduled for delivery in May 2028. The 650-guest, all-suite vessel will represent a natural evolution of Crystal's design and service philosophy, with generous public spaces, world-class dining and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the segment. Additionally, the company has secured financing for the refurbishment of two additional ships.
​
]]>