(PRESS RELEASE)_Deerfield Beach, FL. December 6, 2018 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) is pleased to announce that Grand Celebration will return to her homeport, the Port of Palm Beach, and resume a two-night sailing schedule beginning on Friday, December 21. Grand Celebration was chartered for the past two months to assist with restoration of service to communities impacted by the Massachusetts gas incident. With Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line resuming daily departures, there is still time for families to plan an affordable, convenient and unforgettable cruise to celebrate the holidays or kick off the new year.

 Not only do kids 12 and under sail free with two paying guests, but adults will enjoy being treated to two of four free entertainment options, all part of the Sail Away Your Way offer- valid for sailings through Feb. 12, 2019 when booked by December 12, 2018. Cruisers can try their luck in the casino with $25 match play credit, lose themselves in bliss with a $25 spa credit, capture picture-perfect moments with a $25 photo credit or choose a $25 onboard credit for use on everything from tropical drinks to delectable dining to unforgettable shore excursions. With cruises beginning at just $139 per person, families can plan a flexible and affordable winter getaway full of adventure, relaxation and non-stop fun that everyone will enjoy.

“We are excited to have Grand Celebration rejoin Grand Classica at the Port of Palm Beach to offer daily departures just in time for the holidays,” shares Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa. “With our current Sail Away Your Way offer, there is no better time to escape to Grand Bahama Island and book a winter sailing with loved ones.”

To learn more about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com or call 800.995.3201.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Dec. 5, 2018) – In a nod to Carnival Cruise Line’s rich history as America’s Cruise Line, the line announced today that it will name its new XL-class ship to be delivered in 2020 Mardi Gras™, bringing back to the fleet the name of the first Carnival Cruise Line® ship that entered service in 1972 and started the wave of cruise vacation popularity in the United States. 

In keeping with its tradition of fun, Carnival revealed the name to a nationwide television audience on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune on its signature Puzzleboard at the conclusion of the broadcast.

Mardi Gras will be the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship ever constructed and the first in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising platform.  At 180,000 tons, the new Mardi Gras will be more than six times the size of its namesake.

Currently under construction at Meyer Turku in Finland, the 5,200-plus lower berth vessel will offer a variety of never-before-seen innovations and attractions.

Itineraries for Mardi Gras will be announced in January and go on sale later that same month.  Carnival Cruise Line fans who want to be the first to book on Mardi Gras can get a head start by clicking here where they can register to get a “first to know” alert and special promotional offer when itineraries are opened for sale.

The original 27,000-ton TSS Mardi Gras, a converted trans-Atlantic ocean liner  purchased by entrepreneur and Carnival founder Ted Arison, ushered in the modern-day cruise industry when it set sail on its inaugural voyage in 1972, helping to transform cruising from an experience once reserved for the elite into a mainstream vacation accessible and affordable to everyone. 

“Our first ship Mardi Gras was a historic vessel, introducing a brand new style of cruising to the vacationing public. What better way to pay tribute to our company’s nearly 50-year history of creating wonderful vacation memories than by naming this groundbreaking vessel after our original and beloved ‘Fun Ship,’” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The new Mardi Gras will follow the trailblazing lead of her predecessor, introducing features and technological innovations that have never been seen before on a cruise ship while setting a new standard for seagoing vacations.”

Carnival previously announced that the ship will be based in Port Canaveral, Fla., which will feature a new state-of-the-art terminal.  A second XL ship will start construction in 2020 and be delivered in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding.

(PRESS RELEASE)_PORT EVERGLADES, FLA. – December 4, 2018 – After more than four years of limitless passion and hard work on the part of thousands of engineers, architects, artisans, designers and crew, Celebrity Cruises sets sail into a new era Tuesday. Celebrity Edge joined the fleet after a moving ceremony where the ship’s godmother, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, was joined by all on board to “bless this ship and all those who sail upon her.”

The naming event brought together more than 3,000 guests, employees, crew members and students to commemorate the debut of Celebrity’s first new ship in six years and first new ship series in more than a decade.

Yousafzai, who is now a college student at Oxford University, is the inspirational co-founder of Malala Fund, which advocates for a world where every girl can learn and lead by investing in local education activists, holding global leaders accountable and amplifying girls’ voices around the world.

She discussed those issues before the ship’s crew and guests in a one-on-one interview with Celebrity’s President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. From girls’ education to the power of diversity, both share a profound passion and commitment to these important issues.

“We are honored that Malala agreed to be the godmother of this ship, a role that reflects centuries of maritime traditions,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Celebrity’s parent company. “We are especially proud because Malala’s example of relentless persistence and achievement is an inspiration to our crew, who have all worked so hard and made real sacrifices to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

Lutoff-Perlo added: “I am so very proud to have Malala Yousafzai as godmother of Celebrity Edge. Malala embodies our commitment to opening the world through education and gender equality. Seeing her aboard our ship sends a powerful message to our crew who represent over 70 diverse nationalities, and our guests who we sail all over the world.” She continued, “The ceremony today was both touching and symbolic of what Celebrity Cruises stands for. I am grateful to Malala, her family and Malala Fund for embracing today’s events and look forward to continuing our work together around the world.”

Celebrity is proud to partner with Malala Fund and support them in their mission to see the 130 million out of school girls around the world get the 12 years of free, safe, quality education they deserve.

"I'm fighting to ensure millions of girls stuck in situations of poverty or war that they didn't create can learn what they need to choose a future for themselves. But to continue making progress for girls' education, we need support from leaders in every sector. I am so grateful to Celebrity Cruises for their generous support and investment in the potential of girls everywhere,” said Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of Malala Fund.

At the naming event, hosted by noted designer Nate Berkus, emotions ran high when acclaimed recording artist Andra Day took to the stage for empowering renditions of her Grammy-nominated single “Rise Up” and Oscar-nominated single “Stand Up For Something.” Both anthems were chosen for their bold statements about the power of girls’ education and its role in shaping the future.

The brand chose to forego the traditional champagne bottle at the launch, and instead smashed a custom-made 18-liter bottle of Badoit French mineral water across the ship’s Parabolic Ultra Bow. And with that, the ship’s long-awaited inaugural season will get underway, ushering in the premium cruise line’s first new ship series in more than a decade – and sparking a revolution in the industry, with the ship’s cutting-edge design and first-at-sea offerings.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (December 5, 2018) — MSC Cruises has revealed today details of the two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows that are being created specifically for MSC Bellissima. The breath-taking shows will be called SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination and VARÉLIA – Love in Full Color and will be available exclusively to MSC Bellissima guests, following her launch in March 2019.

The long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and Cirque du Soleil first began in 2013 and has since set new standards in live entertainment at sea. The partnership, in total, will result in eight original shows that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, exclusively on MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia generation ships coming into service between 2017 and 2020. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR last June. Work is already underway for MSC Grandiosa, launching in November 2019, and MSC Virtuosa, launching October 2020.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman commented, “The partnership with Cirque du Soleil is truly special. With the creation of Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring our guests the very best in onboard live entertainment and more importantly something that they would not be able to see anywhere else in the world. As a family company, all of our strategic partnerships are built on shared values and a shared vision — a true collaboration from beginning to end. With Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring yet more innovation to our entertainment offering, and this began with the bespoke design and construction of the state-of-the-art entertainment lounge — the only such venue at sea — through to the creative development of the shows, where we are involved every step of the way from early conception right through to final delivery of the shows.”

Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer, Cirque du Soleil & President, 45 DEGREES stated, “We are thrilled to embark on our second MSC Cruises ship as we pursue Cirque du Soleil’s journey at sea. We could not have wished for a better partnership where thanks to the purposely built theater, the Carousel Lounge, our teams can unleash their creativity and continue to push the boundaries of entertainment at sea. Joining VIAGGIO and SONOR, our first two shows on MSC Meraviglia, Cirque du Soleil continues to reinvent itself through an intimate theater experience, where two new shows are created exclusively for MSC Bellissima which promise to take MSC Cruises’ guests on an entirely new journey. We look forward to revealing some of the details of these 2 new shows.”

TWO ORIGINAL CONTRASTING SHOWS TO SURPRISE AND DELIGHT MSC BELLISSIMA GUESTS

Mr Vago continued, “It is really quite incredible that we will develop together eight original shows, two for each of the initial four Meraviglia class ships. Every element of each show is unique from the concept and storyline, the characters, the costumes and make-up through to the music, staging and sound effects. This is unparalleled within the cruise industry and means that guests are able to experience original, truly distinct and spectacular Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows only on board our Meraviglia generation ships.”

\(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland, (December 3, 2018) — MSC Cruises — the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and market leader in Europe, South America and the Gulf — today revealed the all-star cast of uniquely international chefs on board its first ever World Cruise in January 2019. Delivering a one-of-a-kind gourmet dining experience on board, the line-up includes current as well as former Michelin-starred chefs, chefs of the year, award-winning cookbook authors as well as recipients of other international culinary recognitions.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO commented, “At MSC Cruises, we are passionate about delivering a high quality, international dining experience for our guests. The 2019 World Cruise top chef program is taking this commitment to yet the next level. For us, an MSC Cruises vacation is not only about the discovery of new countries and cultures but also marrying that with an unforgettable experience while on board. By bringing together a uniquely international all-star cast of some of the world’s leading chefs to create these dedicated dining experiences, we will truly immerse our guests in the cultures and the flavors of many of the incredible destinations that they will visit along their journey on MSC Magnifica.”

MSC Magnifica will depart for her epic 2019 World Cruise on January 5, 2019 from Genoa, Italy, and guests on board will be in for a true gastronomic experience, circumnavigating the globe through both the cruise itinerary and uniquely international on-board dining. Bringing flavors and inspiration from their native countries and beyond, this impressive group of all-star chefs will create their own special dishes for MSC Cruises guests while also joining for a portion of the cruise. The roster includes chefs from every corner of the globe representing some of the world’s most popular cuisines, including:

-          Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Ramón Freixa
-          Decorated Indian-American chef, Vikas Khanna
-          Award-winning Italian chef, Carlo Cracco
-          Two-time World Champion in pastry, French chef Jean-Philippe Maury
-          Restauranteur, cookbook author and chef, Roy Yamaguchi
-          Expert in all four schools of Chinese cooking, Chef Jereme Leung
-          Veteran chef and restauranteur, Brazilian chef, Allan Vila Espejo
-          MasterChef Colombia jury member Chef Jorge Rausch
-          And, Sydney Morning Herald’s “Chef of the Year,” French-Canadian chef, Serge Dansereau

Each acclaimed chef will develop a three- or four-course menu for guests to savor during a dedicated evening, each reflecting the chef’s own particular skill and flair. For his exclusive evening on board, Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury will instead prepare a decadent dessert. Most of the chefs will embark on board with a select team for a portion of the cruise, working with the on-board chefs to prepare their personalized creations. During these uniquely exclusive meals, the chefs will be able to greet and interact with guests in person while they enjoy their dishes.

Details and dates of the 2019 World Cruise top chef program:

Barcelona, Spain – January 8, 2019

Spanish Michelin-starred Chef Ramón Freixa will extend his existing collaboration with MSC Cruises with a menu on the evening of January 8, featuring delightful Duck Royale with cream of foie gras and other Mediterranean flavors, such as sautéed scallops and a white chocolate mousse with champagne jelly.

At sea – January 15, 2019

The next chef to be featured on board MSC Magnifica will be Brazilian star Chef Allan Vila Espejo. Giving guests culinary insight into his rich culture, he will present his full signature four-course menu for a Brazilian-themed dinner on January 15.

Cartagena, Colombia – January 24, 2019

A MasterChef Colombia alum, Chef Jorge Rausch knows the ins and outs of what it takes to put together a masterful meal. Sharing his Colombian roots, Chef Rausch has designed a meal experience that will feature octopus and shrimp ceviche, white fish Boronia and his own spin on a local dish, Posta Negra Cartagenera tipo Rausch — braised pork rib cooked in tamarind and panela, with plantain and coconut rice.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Dec. 3, 2018) – Carnival Legend will operate Carnival Cruise Line’s most diverse European season to date with nine- to 16-day voyages visiting 34 ports in 14 countries including breathtaking destinations in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Croatia, Portugal, Greece, Greenland and Iceland in summer and fall 2020.

Available through the Carnival Adventures program, hundreds of shore excursions will be offered where guests can explore centuries-old historic sites and landmarks, savor delicious local cuisine and view spectacular scenery, including the majestic Norwegian fjords.

          “We’ve put together an unmatched program of European cruises, featuring off-the-beaten path destinations as well as some of the most popular seaside port cities.  There’s no better way to Choose Fun in Europe!” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Unique European Itineraries on Carnival Legend

In 2020, Carnival Legend will boast the company’s most comprehensive European schedule ever, offering an unprecedented variety of destinations, cruise durations and embarkation ports.  Highlights include:

(PRESS RELEASE)_ Seattle, Wash., Nov. 29, 2018 — Holland America Line took delivery of Nieuw Statendam today, Nov. 29, 2018, officially making it the 15th ship in the fleet. A hand-over ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera, Italy, shipyard, and Nieuw Statendam will set sail for Venice tomorrow en route to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, for its Premiere Voyage with guests departing Dec. 5.
 
The delivery was attended by Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president; Carnival Corporation’s Micky Arison, chairman of the board, and Arnold Donald, president and CEO; and Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Holland America Group and Carnival UK. Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, and several other executives from both companies also attended.  
 
“Today the Holland America Line family celebrates the addition of Nieuw Statendam to our fleet, and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Ashford. “Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked diligently to deliver the ship looking more stunning than we imagined. Nieuw Statendam represents our continued evolution of adding exciting new experiences while maintaining the hallmarks that have made Holland America Line a leader in premium cruising.”
 
Following its transatlantic crossing from Civitavecchia, Nieuw Statendam will spend a full season in the Caribbean sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Nieuw Statendam’s official naming ceremony will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Feb. 2.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL – November 28, 2018 – Celebrity Cruises’ 2020 Europe season will be the brand’s most “revolutionary” yet, marking the inaugural season of Celebrity Apex, the newest addition to Celebrity’s fleet and the second ship in the innovative Edge Series. The luxurious Celebrity Apex will make her debut in April 2020 from Southampton, England. Like her industry-changing sister ship, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex will feature an innovative outward-facing design and transformational accommodations that invite guests to take in the breathtaking world around them. 

In total, Celebrity’s 2020 European season will feature six award-winning ships, two of which will have been reimagined as part of THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, an ambitious $500-million-dollar revitalization program that will introduce breathtakingly redesigned accommodations, reimagined spaces, and state-of-the-art experiences across the brand’s fleet. The best-in-class fleet will visit the most cities ever by Celebrity in a single season – with more than 90 ports of call across 27 different countries.

New destination experiences will include a first-ever mini season of sailings from Lisbon, Portugal, as well as country-immersive sailings that provide greater, in-depth experiences for travelers in either Greece or Italy. This season also introduces new ports for Celebrity, including Trieste, Italy and Isle of Portland, Dorset, UK. Back by popular demand, the brand is also returning to Oslo, Norway; Agadir, Morocco and Kusadasi, Turkey, where guests can explore the ancient city of Ephesus.

With more time in ports, more overnight stays and more in-depth experiences, travelers will be able to experience more new places in Europe than ever before and do it aboard the most spectacular spaces at sea.

CELEBRITY APEX CREATES THE PEAK EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

As the newest ship in the Edge Series, Celebrity Apex will feature impeccable accommodations, including Edge Staterooms with Infinite Verandas and two-story Edge Villas with outdoor plunge pools, as well as 29 world-class culinary venues. Celebrity Apex will debut in Southampton where she will offer a mini season of five sailings to European destinations, including the Norwegian Fjords and the northern coasts of Spain and Portugal. Aboard Celebrity Apex, travelers can experience a new 10-night Capital Cities Cruise with visits to iconic cities including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo and Paris.