 Rendering of the new NCL Miami Terminal (NCL)  Credit: NCL PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI, Florida – April 26, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a leading global cruise company which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, today celebrated the groundbreaking of the new and dedicated Norwegian Cruise Line terminal at PortMiami. The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners approved the project on April 10, 2018, with construction beginning May 1. Present at the ceremony, which took place at PortMiami’s Terminal B, were Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, Howard Sherman, executive vice president of onboard revenue and destination services, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County commissioner Rebeca Sosa, PortMiami director and chief executive officer Juan Kuryla, Florida State Representative Cynthia Stafford and leading executives from the architecture and construction firms on record, Bermello Ajamil & Partners and the NV2A-Haskell joint venture. The state-of-the-art terminal is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2019, as Norwegian Encore, the newest ship of the Breakaway Plus class, debuts in Miami with seasonal cruises to the Caribbean.
“This iconic terminal represents our continued partnership with Miami-Dade County, our commitment to excellence and Miami as a world capital,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.. “As a global cruise company we’re transforming and elevating guest experiences through design and innovation on our ships, and this new terminal at PortMiami is the next step in that journey. We are honored to be here today alongside the team dedicated to making this dream a reality.” At nearly 166,500 square feet, the Norwegian terminal will accommodate ships of up to 5,000 passengers and will feature state-of-the-art technology to support faster and more efficient embarkation and disembarkation, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in. A dedicated lounge and service area will offer a warm and welcoming arrival for guests, and a new parking garage and valet parking area with direct access to the terminal will streamline the entire arrival and departure process for more efficiency.
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 The Eagles' Jake Elliott. The Horizon event will benefit St. Jude's. (Carnival) PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI (April 26, 2018) – Let the battle begin! Carnival Cruise Line today announced that Jake Elliott, kicker for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, and Queen Latifah, Grammy-award winning musical artist, acclaimed actress and godmother of the new Carnival Horizon, will face off in a special edition of Lip Sync Battle as part of the ship’s naming ceremony.
The invitation-only event, which will take place in New York City on May 23, will celebrate the ship’s U.S. arrival and benefit one of Carnival’s primary charitable partners, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, based in Elliott’s adopted hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Part of the line’s popular reproduction of the hit Paramount Network series, Lip Sync Battle: Horizon will feature Elliott and Latifah who are sure to bring the house down with their unique interpretations of today’s pop hits, accompanied by Carnival Horizon’s Playlist Productions cast, all to a packed house in the ship’s Liquid Lounge. FROM ROYAL CARIBBEAN_Imagination brings the one-of-a-kind Ultimate Family Suite to life with swoon-worthy features, whimsical color schemes and a whole lot of awesome. The 1,346-square-foot interactive space is designed for both the young and the young at heart, providing a space for families to come together during their cruise vacation, while also offering enough room and amenities to relax during that special “me time.”
 Orlando and Ethan serve during Guest Chef Night (Holland America) PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., April 24, 2018 — Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line, Holland America Line, sponsored Guest Chef Night with Ethan Stowell on Thursday, April 19, at FareStart Restaurant in Seattle. President Orlando Ashford and a team of executives put their serving skills to the test when Holland America Line Culinary Council member Ethan Stowell was the featured chef for the organization’s weekly Guest Chef Night. Ashford and colleagues served Stowell’s three-course meal to guests who came out for the event, which raises funds to support FareStart’s foodservice job training and job placement programs.
Guest Chef Night occurs every Thursday night when a different guest chef works with the FareStart students to prepare a three-course meal for over 200 guests served at the FareStart Restaurant. Community volunteers — Holland America Line’s executives for this event — serve the diners, and 100 percent of the proceeds and donations from the evening go back to fund student services and training. “Holland America Line and Ethan Stowell Restaurants are both very involved in giving back to the local community and have supported FareStart in the past, so Ethan’s participation in Guest Chef Night presented the perfect opportunity to partner together and assist the important work of FareStart,” said Ashford. “It was a fantastic experience to serve diners with Ethan’s incredible menu that was prepared by FareStart students. The Holland America Line team was honored to be part of this special night and even more so to share in the graduation of two students from the FareStart program.” Guests who attended Stowell’s Guest Chef Night were treated to a signature menu that started with Salami and Castelvetrano Olives followed by a Little Gem Salad with tarragon, hazelnuts, goat cheese and haricot vert; and an entrée of King Salmon with asparagus, spring onions and baby turnips or a vegetarian selection of Gnocchi with asparagus, mushrooms and spring onions. Dessert was a choice of a delicious espresso or vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip cookie sandwich. Patrons pay $29.95 per person to attend Guest Chef Night and enjoy a meal prepared by some of the area’s most acclaimed chefs. Since 1992 Guest Chef Night has raised more than $6 million to support job training, placement and support for adults who are turning their lives around. About Ethan Stowell, Culinary Council Member With an impressive roster of highly acclaimed restaurants, Stowell has helped to change the face of the Seattle food scene. He was named one of the “Best New Chefs in America” by Food & Wine in 2008 and chosen as one of the “Best New Chef All-Stars” in 2013. As part of Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, Stowell joins an elite team of world-renowned chefs, including Master Chef and Culinary Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin and international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, Andy Matsuda and Jacques Torres. No other cruise line has a team of seven global culinary experts partnering with it to enhance all aspects of the dining experience. Stowell works collaboratively with the Holland America Line’s culinary team to create a narrative that brings the flavors of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest on board its seven ships cruising in the region. Across all ships, guests are able to choose Stowell’s regionally inspired dishes in the dining room, New York Pizza and select stations at Lido Market. To learn more visit ethanstowellrestaurants.com.  PRESS RELEASE_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 24, 2018) – Destination lovers seeking new worldwide travel experiences need to look no further than Princess Cruises and the cruise line’s 2020 World Cruise. Offered on the intimate 670-guest Pacific Princess, cruisers will visit 42 destinations on five continents and come back holding once-in-a-lifetime memories from around the globe.
Due to popular demand of the 2019 World Cruise, the 2020 111-day roundtrip voyage offers similar routing to the 2019 cruise, including South Africa and departs Ft. Lauderdale on January 5, 2020 and Los Angeles on January 20, 2020. Princess Cruises also offers a 96-day Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale segment, departing Los Angeles on January 20, 2020, as well as shorter, multi-day segments along the journey. “We’ve been offering World Cruises since 1998 and our team of destination experts knows how to create the best worldwide itineraries like no other in the cruise industry,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Our Captain, officers and crew regularly hear from guests the impact the World Cruise has on them, as they share their appreciation for taking them to places they never in a million years thought they would experience.” Fun facts and Princess Cruises firsts for the 2020 World Cruise include:
Past Princess guests are also eligible for a savings of up to $1,000 per person. More information about the 2020 World Cruise is available at www.princess.com/world.  Captain Carlo Queirolo (Carnival) PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI (April 23, 2018) – With its spectacular new West Coast ship already open for sale and taking reservations, Carnival Cruise Line has named its senior leadership team for the Carnival Panorama, scheduled to enter service in 2019. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Carnival Panorama will be based in Long Beach, Calif. – the line’s first new ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years.
Carnival Panorama’s senior officers include some of the most talented and experienced mariners in the cruise industry: Captain Carlo Queirolo: A 33-year Carnival veteran, the Rapallo, Italy, native joined the company as a deck cadet aboard the TSS Festivale in 1985 and, after moving up the ranks, was named captain in 1996. During his three-plus decades at sea, he has commanded just about every ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet and been part of the inaugural teams for Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Glory and Carnival Dream. Chief Engineer Nunzio Priolo: A native of Catania, Sicily, Priolo joined Carnival Cruise Line in 1980 as a third officer after serving in the Italian Navy and working aboard a number of cargo vessels. After moving up the ranks, he was named chief engineer in 2004 and was part of the start-up team for Carnival Miracle in 2004. Over his 28-year Carnival career, he has served on nearly every ship in the fleet. Hotel Director Damir Mrsic: Mrsic joined Carnival in 1993 as a member of the beverage operations team and was named hotel director in 2009. During his Carnival career, he has worked as bar manager and food and beverage manager, while serving on the start-up teams for Carnival Legend, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor. A native of Zadar, Croatia, Mrsic graduated from the Maritime Academy in Salzburg, Austria. He worked in several hotels along the Adriatic Sea before joining Carnival. With almost 100 years of combined experience at Carnival, these seasoned professionals will lead a team of nearly 1,400 crew members who will travel to Marghera to prepare the 133,500-ton vessel for its inaugural voyage from Long Beach – a three-day cruise to Ensenada operating Dec. 11-14, 2019. Following its inaugural voyage, Carnival Panorama will launch year-round seven-day cruises Dec. 14, 2019, departing Long Beach every Saturday to stunning destinations along the Mexican Riviera, including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Carnival began accepting reservations for Panorama’s west coast cruises in March. Voyages will depart from the newly refurbished Long Beach Cruise Terminal, housed in a massive 146,000-square-foot geodesic dome that once served as home to Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose airplane. The expanded and renovated facility offers streamlined embarkation and debarkation processes along with stunning design elements that pay homage to the Golden State. Like its name implies, Carnival Panorama will feature venues offering both indoor and al fresco experiences, including the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse, among others. The ship will also feature groundbreaking attractions like bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction SkyRide, a massive WaterWorks aqua park, and the SportSquare recreation area, along with vibrant Havana section with tropics-inspired staterooms and its own Cuban-themed bar and pool, Family Harbor featuring extra-roomy accommodations, the Family Harbor Lounge and the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa. It will be the third ship in Carnival’s Vista Class, following Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.  PRESS RELEASE_Deerfield Beach, FL. April 20, 2018 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) has been named a finalist for the esteemed Discover The Palm Beaches 27th Annual Providencia Award. The Providencia Award is an important symbol of recognition for Palm Beach County’s hospitality and tourism industry, and is bestowed to an individual, institution, corporation or organization that is making an extraordinary and positive impact on local tourism.
“We are extremely honored to be a finalist for the Providencia Award,” shared Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “As a young company who just doubled service capabilities and will bring over $75 million to Palm Beach County’s economy, I am proud of our entire organization to be in contention for this award- especially alongside such established and recognizable names in the community.” Following the initial application process, a committee of local tourism representatives selected three finalists who demonstrated excellence in contributing to the growth of the local tourism industry; implementing innovative marketing, public relations and social media initiatives; and creating awareness of The Palm Beaches as a premier destination. Online public voting is currently underway to determine the recipient of the coveted award. Votes can be cast daily through 11:59 p.m. on April 30 by visiting https://pbpost.secondstreetapp.com/27th-Annual-Providencia-Awards/. The Providencia Award winner will be announced during a Travel Rally Day + Providencia Award ceremony at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County on May 11 starting at 9 a.m.  Azamara Pursuit PRESS RELEASE_New York, April 2018: Hue & Cry U.S. – a creative communications agency – is delighted to announce its PR representation of Azamara Club Cruises® – the cruise line that combines authentic service at sea with Destination Immersion® experiences around the globe. Having represented the brand in the U.K. for the past four years, the Hue & Cry U.S. team looks forward to sharing news from the brand, including Azamara’s 2020 deployment schedule; the launch of its new ship, Azamara Pursuit; and expanded shore programming.
“As Azamara continues to expand its fleet and build immersive land and sea itineraries for the well-traveled explorer, we are pleased for Hue & Cry U.S. to join us as an extension of our team to help share our message of commitment to destination immersion® experiences,” said Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “We are thrilled to work with a cruise brand that is at the forefront of in-depth travel around the world, and know Azamara will benefit from the great synergy between our offices in the U.S. and U.K., two of the brand’s biggest markets,” said Carla Burt, Co-founder of Hue & Cry. “Larry Pimentel is a well-respected thought leader and talented educator in the upmarket travel industry, marketing upscale experiences to discerning travelers, and we are honored to be working with him and the Azamara team.” Upcoming Highlights for Azamara Club Cruises Include: Azamara Pursuit Departing for its inaugural sailing in August 2018, Azamara Pursuit joins sister ships Azamara Quest® and Azamara Journey® in providing guests with one-of-a-kind curated experiences, and access to a selection of the most exotic destinations around the globe with country-intensive voyages. On its maiden voyage, the ship will travel from Southampton to Norway, visiting eight destinations in the Scandinavian country. Explore Further℠ Launched in March 2018, Azamara’s new campaign – Explore Further℠ – greatly expands and tells the story of the brand’s commitment to connect people with people; people with cultures; and people with themselves by enabling them to look at life with a new perspective. Explore Further℠ adds 900+ new cultural destination tours to its itineraries that focus on intimate experiences craved by well-versed travelers. An example of the new, expanded shore programming includes cooking with a Parsi family in their home in Mumbai, India. With overnight stays and docking at smaller, less-travelled ports, Azamara welcomes guests to step on land as an insider, and to travel deeper, beyond the initial layers of a city. Additional information on Explore Further℠ can be found on www.azamara.com/explorefurther 2019 Destinations Azamara’s 2019 itineraries span the globe with new ports and destinations including Alaska, Canada and Japan, which will provide travelers with the opportunity to connect with local cultures and experiences such as a helicopter ride above Juneau’s mountainous terrain before landing on Mendenhall Glacier for a dog-sledding journey with 300 Alaskan huskies. Themed voyages will also take place, including the annual solar and lunar eclipse in the Indian Ocean  Norwegian Bliss PRESS RELEASE_BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY – April 19, 2018 – Today, Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the 168,028-gross-ton Norwegian Bliss from Meyer Werft during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany, marking the conclusion of an 18-month building period. In attendance were executives from Norwegian Cruise Line, including Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer, Harry Sommer, executive vice president of international business development, Robin Lindsay, executive vice president of vessel operations for the 16-ship fleet, representatives from Meyer Werft including Bernard and Tim Meyer, managing partners of the German-based shipyard, and the ship’s captain and hotel director. Before cruising to Southampton, England to begin her transatlantic journey on April 21, Norwegian Bliss will showcase all she has to offer to her first guests during a two-day European inaugural preview cruise hosted by Andy Stuart and Harry Sommer.
Upon her arrival to the U.S. on May 3, the festivities for her U.S inaugural tour will commence with two-night preview events in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, and will conclude with a grand christening ceremony and sailing from her first homeport at Pier 66 in Seattle, Washington on May 30. Following a three-day inaugural voyage with a call into the port of Victoria, British Columbia, she will return on June 2 and will then embark on her first seven-day voyage to Alaska.  Credit: Holland America PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., April 18, 2018 — Holland America Line is celebrating its 145th anniversary today, April 18, 2018, marking its place in history as one of the most experienced cruise lines in the world. What started as shipping and passenger line Netherlands-American Steamship Company in 1873, is today an award-winning premium cruise line taking guests to more than 400 ports around the world, sailing on all seven continents. Within 25 years of its founding, the company owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships and operated between Holland and the Dutch East Indies. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, over time the company became known as Holland America Line. “Holland America Line proudly honors the rich and rare legacy of our past while exceeding the expectations of today’s traveler with the very best experience at sea,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Throughout the history of the company, our purpose has remained the same: to bring to life the dreams of those who sail with us, discovering new places, cultures and people along the journey. We look forward to the next 145 years.” Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of revenue, in 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise. The line was primarily a carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, bringing nearly one million people to new lives in the New World. It supported the Allied cause during two world wars and several ships served as troop carriers. In 1973, the company sold its cargo shipping division. Through the early ‘70s, Holland America Line was the first to establish schools in Indonesia and the Philippines to train future employees, thereby making its shipboard service renowned in the industry. Holland America Line has been headquartered in Seattle since 1983. Purchased by Carnival Corporation in 1989, the company grew to new heights, embarking upon a shipbuilding path that has seen the introduction of 16 new vessels over the years to the line’s fleet so far. Today, the premium cruise leader operates 14 ships sailing to all seven continents. Throughout its history Holland America Line has carried more than 16 million passengers to vacation destinations across the globe. The Legacy Continues with Nieuw Statendam In December 2018, Holland America Line will welcome Nieuw Statendam to the fleet. Nieuw Statendam is the second Pinnacle Class ship for Holland America Line, joining Koningsdam, which launched in April 2016. A third Pinnacle Class ship will set sail for the cruise line in 2021. The new 99,500-ton ship will reflect the ongoing evolution of the company. Holland America Line’s first ship to be called Statendam sailed in 1898, and this will be the sixth ship in the company’s history to carry the name. In combining the Dutch word for “new” with the classic Statendam, Holland America Line is celebrating the company’s past, present and future.  Palm Court on the Rotterdam (Holland America) |
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