(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. October 9, 2019 – Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle brand set to disrupt the travel industry, today announced its exclusive on-demand champagne delivery service, Shake for Champagne. Continuing to create the most irresistible experiences at sea, Virgin Voyages is enabling Sailors to request champagne, anywhere on board Scarlet Lady, with a simple shake of their phone.

Those looking to take indulgence to the next level, can also treat themselves in the newly revealed luxurious champagne lounge and caviar bar, Sip.

“It is never too early for champagne and there is always something to toast to while aboard Scarlet Lady. We want our Sailors to enjoy a glamorous holiday and what better way to feel like a RockStar than a sip of bubbly whenever and wherever you want it,” said Tom Mcalpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. 

SHAKE FOR CHAMPAGNE

Virgin Voyages is giving its Sailors one more reason to celebrate all of life’s moments with its on-demand delivery service, Shake for Champagne. When the Virgin Voyages Sailor App is shaken, a secret Virgin Voyages Champagne button is revealed and, with just one press, a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial will be delivered to the Sailor.

“There’s nothing more luxurious than having champagne at your beck and call or even a shake. We are committed to creating the world’s most irresistible travel brand, so we thought long and hard about how to help our Sailors effortlessly get a sip of bubbly during their voyage, and presto Shake for Champagne was conjured up!” said Nathan Rosenberg, CMO for Virgin Voyages.

Delivered in an eye-catching, gleaming Virgin red champagne bucket, which is sure to make everyone around envious, the service includes a 750ml bottle of Möet Chandon Imperial with two glasses. Möet Chandon Imperial is a blend of over 200 crus, mingling the full body of pinot noir with the suppleness of Meunier and the finesse of chardonnay – the perfect pairing for a day or evening sailing in the warm Caribbean sea. 

SIP

Sip is a decadent lounge designed to be enjoyed with a chilled glass of bubbles. Featuring a diverse curation of champagne labels, including Moët Chandon – Virgin Voyages’ featured champagne house. Sailors can opt for a glass of bubbles priced from $9 or splash out on a $1,000 vintage bottle. In a nod to Virgin’s quintessential British heritage and eccentricity, Sip will offer a signature afternoon high tea, which will delight the eyes as well as the taste buds, while celebrating oceanic elements.

 Designed by the Virgin Voyages design team, with spatial design by HKS Hospitality Interiors, the lounge was inspired by the glamour and effervescence of champagne. Featuring a long marble bar with rose-gold inlay, Sip encourages Sailors to indulge in one of the most luxurious pairings of them all, champagne and caviar. Gold and rose-pink hues echo the color of the champagnes that will be served, and are beautifully offset by deep watery blues and carrara white marble bars and tables. The deep ocean blue banquette wall and carpet that wraps through the space, will create a chance to revel or relax at all times of day as the ship sails through the ocean’s blue waves.

(PRESS RELEASE)_SHANGHAI, Oct. 10, 2019 – Excitement was in the air today as Royal Caribbean International announced the homeport and name of its fifth Oasis Class ship. The next ship to join the leading cruise line’s innovative lineup will be named Wonder of the Seas and set sail from Shanghai, China. The details were revealed by Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley at a global cruise industry conference event held in Shanghai. Slated for a highly anticipated debut In 2021, the world's largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis Class to sail the Asia Pacific.

          “Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and an Oasis Class ship in China is proof of that,” said Bayley. “Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come.”

          Today also marked an important milestone for Wonder of the Seas. Halfway around the world in Saint-Nazaire, France, Wonder’s keel was lowered into place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, a 970-ton block, measuring 155 feet by 65 feet, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-ton crane.

          “Royal Caribbean International has been a market leader in China for more than 10 years by consistently showcasing bold deployment strategies and driving growth of the new to cruise market,” said Dr. Zinan Liu, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Asia. “The deployment of Wonder of the Seas is a manifesto of new era for Royal Caribbean.”
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           Wonder of the Seas will be part of the Oasis class of ships, the largest in the world, and will combine the iconic seven-neighborhood concept that her sister ships feature along with a bold lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology. More information on Wonder’s itineraries and brand-new adventures will be announced soon.  

(PRESS RELEASE)_14 October 2019, Sydney, Australia – Vanuatu, one of the natural gems of the South Pacific, will be the new home of Royal Caribbean’s newest private island destination – Perfect Day at Lelepa, Vanuatu.

The announcement of the new project was made by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

Salwai and Bayley said the destination will be created in partnership with the community of Vanuatu to showcase the distinct natural ecological beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities.

Perfect Day at Lelepa will also be built with sustainability features designed to safeguard the island’s ecosystems and will be the first carbon neutral* private cruise destination in the world. Cox Architecture, a sustainable, design-focused contemporary architectural firm based in Australia, will serve as the lead architect on the project.

“We believe our destinations should be sustainably designed,” Bayley said. “That idea goes beyond simply protecting the ecological features of Lelepa and includes showing respect for the people and traditions that make this a special place.”

Vanuatu Prime Minister Salwai said, “Vanuatu is a true paradise for both our people and the visitors we welcome to our shores each year. Today marks a major step forward in our island nation’s close relationship with Royal Caribbean and one that will support sustainable growth for future generations. The Ni-Vanuatu people look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean guests from around the world to enjoy extraordinary adventures and relaxation during their Perfect Day at Lelepa.”

Bayley said, “Anyone who has encountered the tremendous natural beauty of Lelepa can understand why it is the perfect setting for ‘Perfect Day.’ Our guests who travel to the South Pacific are seeking authentic adventures and genuine relaxation, and they will find both here.”

Perfect Day at Lelepa will have a different look and feel from Royal Caribbean’s wildly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay “because our guests around the world all have different definitions for their perfect day — and all of them are right. Our designers and nature have created the ideal South Pacific experience and we expect the results will be stunning.”

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – October 15, 2019 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced that its wildly popular, innovative Cruise & Stay program is coming to Nassau. Earlier this month, the company introduced Nassau as a second destination, joining Grand Bahama Island. Now, travelers seeking an authentic, memorable Bahamian escape can extend their cruise with a resort vacation at a number of properties, including the all-inclusive Meliá Nassau Beach Resort at Cable Beach, SLS at Baha Mar and Comfort Suites on Paradise Island.

“We are excited to introduce our unique Cruise & Stay Program on Nassau, giving travelers the chance to extend their escape at any one of our partner hotels and resorts,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We have seen tremendous success with this program over the years, and we know that offering the option in Nassau will be a real hit for our guests, as well as benefit Nassau and the Bahamas’ tourism recovery effort.”

Beginning on October 14, travelers can enjoy two ways to get away to Nassau, with either a two-night cruise onboard Grand Classica or through the cruise line’s Cruise & Stay program, which allows travelers to extend their time on the island for up to six nights, uncovering the magic of Nassau and enjoying the various benefits and amenities that each resort offers. Prices for a four-night cruise and stay start at just $389 per person*.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s premier partners in Nassau include:

Meliá Nassau Beach All-Inclusive Resort: Perfectly located on the white-sand beaches of Nassau Beach, this all-inclusive resort is a fan favorite featuring seven dining venues and four bars serving international, regional, and local specialties. Resort suites feature panoramic ocean views, heated beachfront pools, and a Kids Club with indoor and outdoor activities – perfect for families and multigenerational groups.

SLS Baha Mar: An irresistible Bahamian retreat that’s sure to please every guest, this resort’s suites include signature bedding, a walk-in rainfall-style shower, and plush SLS robes and slippers. The resort boasts 19 food concepts, seven pools, a luxury casino, and premier nightlife, including a range of bars and lounges.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island: Nassau’s most affordable option, located just steps away from Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, where guests have access to the beach and waterpark, this hotel features a family-friendly atmosphere with daily buffet-style breakfast, spacious rooms, and an outdoor pool.

Guests who book a Cruise & Stay package to Nassau will experience Grand Classica while cruising from and back to West Palm Beach. The ship offers an extensive sun deck with a swimming pool, al fresco dining with stellar sunset views, full-service spas, interactive kids’ programs, and a variety of entertainment options, including nightly theater performances, live bands, and more.  

In tandem with the launch of its Cruise & Stay Nassau offering, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is giving cruisers free reasons to book, rolling out several special perks for guests who book through December 31.  These include a free specialty dinner on the first night at sea, five free drinks per stateroom, a free wine tasting onboard and 400 Paradise Reward points towards a free cruise. Kids also sail and eat free.

For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit: www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com or call 888-530-2775 (English) / 888-530-2776 (Español). Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following the cruise line on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, October 14, 2019 – As the countdown to Crystal Endeavor’s August 2020 launch progresses, Crystal Expedition Cruises announced today that naturalists Boris Wise and Eva Molin Westerholm have joined the Crystal team as expedition leader and assistant expedition leader, respectively. The two are working with Crystal experts to build the team of expedition guides that comprises a comprehensive roster of subject matter experts relevant to the destinations Crystal Endeavor will explore. The expedition guides will share their passion for discovery with Crystal guests, highlighting the history, terrain, wildlife and culture of the destinations on a variety of worldwide voyages. Depending on the itinerary, Crystal Endeavor will feature up to 22 expert guides that will include biologists, marine biologists, naturalists, historians, ornithologists, geologist, ecologists and others.

“Every destination featured on Crystal Endeavor voyages is absolutely fascinating in its own way. Each itinerary allows for authentic connections and great adventures that include wildlife spotting, zodiac and kayaking adventures, helicopter flightseeing and deep-water discoveries in a seven-man submersible,” said John Stoll, Crystal’s vice president of land programs. “As every region of the world is so vastly unique, so, too, will be the perspectives and experiences for our guests. We are thrilled to feature some of the world’s top experts in their fields uncovering the best ways to explore and truly become immersed in adventures that each area has to offer.”

Both Wise and Westerholm are veteran explorers of the Arctic and Antarctic, with vast experience leading expeditions in the polar regions and beyond. Wise, an accomplished photographer with a background in horticulture, has spent a decade sharing his expertise in Southeast Alaska, before he ventured to Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island, Svalbard Archipelago, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Westerholm has focused her background in social anthropology and passion for the wilderness on expedition voyages for more than 13 years, guiding travelers through the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as Iceland, Central America, Eastern Canada and the British Isles.

The addition of Wise and Westerholm to the Crystal Endeavor team comes as David Sinclair is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities closer to home.

“We are immensely grateful to David for his unique insights and assistance over the past months as we’ve developed programs to enrich and excite Crystal Endeavor guests,” Stoll said. “He was a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish him all the best in the future.”

In 2020-21, Crystal Endeavor will sail to the farthest reaches of the world, from the Arctic via the fabled Northeast Passage to the Ross Sea in Antarctica, and to many regions few travelers explore, including New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands; the Russian Far East and Japan; New Zealand, Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef; Borneo, Philippines and Indonesia; Aleutian Islands and Alaska; Western Europe and Canary Islands; and South America. Guests will have opportunities to embark on thrilling adventures, cultivate deep cultural connections, and gain intimate understanding of the biodiversity and natural history of the destinations.

The German-built, 20,000-GRT Crystal Endeavor will accommodate just 200 guests with elegantly casual, expansive public spaces; all-suite, butler-serviced guest rooms; Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including designated “mud rooms” and helicopter lounge.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (October 7, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line made a big splash as the first cruise operator exhibitor at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, debuting its new fleetwide seasonal beer, ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale, which will be available in bottles and on draft later this month. 

Carnival, which operates the only shipboard breweries in North America, also showcased its ParchedPig West Coast IPA, ParchedPig Toasted Amber and ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat to more than 60,000 attendees at the festival which attracted 800 brewers this year.   Recipes for these three beers were created by Carnival’s in-house brewing team and, in partnership with Brew Hub, are available in cans and kegs across the fleet

Additionally, the line announced that a brand new beer, ParchedPig Beach Lager, will debut at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse aboard the new Carnival Panorama when it enters service in December from Long Beach, Calif.

“Showcasing a selection of our beers among some of the top breweries in the country and introducing our product to the thousands of beer enthusiasts at The Great American Beer Festival is a true highlight for our team,” said Edward Allen, vice president of beverage operations for Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re constantly evolving our beverage choices, including the quality and variety of our beers, and this was the perfect opportunity to debut the new ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale and announce ParchedPig Beach Lager as we continue to provide our guests with even more exciting choices on board.”

Available for a limited time, ParchedPig Pumpkin Ale is a bold, full-bodied beer with a hint of spiciness and notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, caramel, and brown sugar, providing the perfect complement to fall cruising.  It will be available in 22-ounce “bombers” and on draft in bars and lounges across the fleet, as well as at breweries aboard Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.

The newest beer under the ParchedPig moniker, Beach Lager, is an easy-drinking refreshing brew that combines traditional German brewing techniques with a fun sense of adventure.  ParchedPig Beach Lager will be brewed and served at Carnival Panorama’s Smokehouse Brewhouse, joining the award-winning ParchedPig Smoked Porter West Coast IPA, Toasted Amber, and Farmhouse Ale, also brewed on board.  These beers pair perfectly   with the delicious smoked-on-board barbecue offerings created by Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri.

“ParchedPig Beach Lager is light, drinkable beer that’s a personal favorite of mine and serves as the perfect accompaniment for whatever guests want to do on board, whether it’s relaxing by the pool or enjoying delicious barbecue,” said Colin Presby, brewmaster for Carnival Cruise Line. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., October 8, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced three additional opportunities for guests to sail roundtrip from Victoria, BC, Canada on some of the company’s 2020 Alaska itineraries.

As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria sits on the southern end of Vancouver Island and is known for Butchart Gardens, Hatley Castle, and a picturesque downtown with colorful Victorian architecture and charming pubs. The city has a lot to offer passengers who want to spend time there either before or after their voyage.

New roundtrip 2020 voyages out of Victoria on Queen Elizabeth include (fares are per person, based on double occupancy):

A 12-night Alaska voyage (Q020F), July 8-20, 2020, calling at Vancouver, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Anchorage, Kodiak, Seward and College Fjord. Fares start at $1,599.
A 10-night Alaska voyage (Q021A), July 20-30, 2020, calling at Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka and Ketchikan. Fares start at $1,449.
A three-night getaway cruise (Q020E) from San Francisco to Victoria, July 5-8, 2020, with a call in Astoria, Oregon. Fares start at $649.

The above voyages are in addition to the Alaska itineraries, roundtrip out of Victoria, which Cunard launched earlier this year including (fares are per person, based on double occupancy):

An 11-night voyage (Q022B), July 30-August 10, 2020, calling at Vancouver, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan. Fares start at $1,499.

A 9-night voyage, August 10-19, 2020 (Q023A), calling at Vancouver, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and Sitka. Fares start at $1,299.

A 9-night voyage (Q024A), August 19-28, 2020, calling at Vancouver, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka and Ketchikan. Fares start at $1,299.
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A 10-night voyage (Q025A), August 28-Sept 7, 2020, calling at Juneau, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Glacier Bay National Park, and Ketchikan. Fares start at $1,449.

“We are excited to offer our guests this new option of sailing roundtrip into Alaska from Victoria,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “After a successful launch of four roundtrip Victoria voyages in July, we have decided to add three additional voyages to meet our guests’ demand. Victoria is one of Canada’s top-rated destinations and this will give passengers extra time in port to explore the city pre- and post-cruise.”

Cunard is doubling its Alaska program in 2020, spending a full season in the region from June through September with ten voyages ranging from nine to twelve nights. In addition to scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Queen Elizabeth will visit the stunning Glacier Bay National Park, as well as spend full days in several ports to discover the history and culture of the area.

ALASKA 30-DAY CRUISE SALE

Travel Advisors will receive bonus commission plus extra onboard credit of up to $300 for clients when they book a Victoria voyage during the month of October. This offer is combinable with the Three for All Promotion and group amenities. Contact Cunard at 800-528-6273 to set up the bonus cruise sale.

PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (October 14, 2019) – At a press conference held aboard Carnival Fantasy earlier today, Carnival Cruise Line and the City of Mobile signed a three-year extension that will keep the ship sailing from Mobile through November 2022.

With the agreement, Carnival Fantasy will continue its popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico from the Alabama Cruise Terminal, bringing 170,000 guests to Mobile annually. Many guests extend their vacation with pre- or post-cruise land stays in the Mobile area.

“Carnival Fantasy remains a popular cruise vacation option for our guests, attracting vacationers from all over the southeast who appreciate Mobile’s convenience and centralized location. We’re delighted to work with Mobile Mayor Stimpson and city and terminal officials to allow our guests to continue to enjoy this attractive and affordable cruise program,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of nautical and port operations.

“Carnival helped generate more than 25,000 hotel room nights in Mobile last year, supporting thousands of jobs in our restaurants, shops, hotels, and cultural institutions,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Our team works hard every day to make Mobile the best possible cruise port, and this contract is validation that our labor is paying dividends. We were proud to bring Carnival back to Mobile in 2015, and we are committed to growing with them in the years ahead.”

Attractive Four- and Five-Day Cruises to Mexico

On this Mobile-based route, Carnival Fantasy departs the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursdays on four-day “long weekend” cruises to Cozumel and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day voyages to Cozumel and Costa Maya or Progreso. Each of these destinations are popular for their beautiful white sand beaches, interesting historical sites and attractions, and excellent snorkeling, scuba diving and water sports. 

During the day-long call in Progreso, guests have the opportunity to visit Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and while in Cozumel guests can visit ancient Mayan ruins or enjoy the destination’s wide range of shopping and dining experiences. At Costa Maya guests can explore the centuries-old Chacchoben ruins or visit the Lost Mayan Kingdom, a multi-million-dollar water-themed attraction featuring spectacular slides, an elaborate lazy river, a suspended ropes course that spans the property and more.  

Two longer length Carnival Journeys voyages will operate round-trip from Mobile – a 10-day cruise featuring a partial transit of the Panama Canal operating Sept. 14-24, 2020, and a 10-day Caribbean cruise departing Sept. 13 and returning Sept. 23, 2021. Carnival Journeys cruises offer unique on-board activities during which guests can sample local cuisine and enjoy entertainment and cultural opportunities within the various ports of call. Activities focusing on topics such as photography, cooking, arts and crafts and celestial navigation, along with a 1980s-themed "Throwback Sea Day," are also offered.

Variety of On-Board Choices

Carnival Fantasy offers a variety of onboard choices, including Guy’s Burger Joint, a complimentary poolside dining venue serving handcrafted burgers and fries created by Food Network star Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina offering authentic handmade burritos and tacos and two poolside bars, the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Rum Bar and Mexican-themed BlueIguana Tequila Bar. 

Carnival Fantasy also boasts a 12,000-square-foot spa, a WaterWorks aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long slide and a kiddie splash area, and a Serenity adults-only retreat, as well as fun, supervised programs for kids ages 2-17, full casino gambling and a wide array of dining options, including a 24-hour pizzeria.
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(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Oct. 9, 2019) -- Carnival Cruise Line announced today that it will resume regular calls to Grand Bahama beginning this Friday, Oct. 11, when Carnival Pride will dock in Freeport.  Carnival Elation will follow on Sunday, Oct. 13 and Carnival Freedom on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Carnival Pride departed Baltimore on Sunday, Oct. 6 on a week-long cruise with nearly 2,400 guests.   All told between now and the end of the year, Carnival Cruise Line expects to host 39 calls in Freeport, bringing more than 100,000 visitors to the destination and providing a significant impact to the local economy.  For the full year, over 400,000 guests will visit Grand Bahama on a Carnival cruise vacation aboard 10 different ships sailing from nine U.S. homeports.

“Carnival Cruise Line is proud to be such a big year-round supporter for cruise tourism to Freeport so we are very excited to provide our guests the opportunity to again visit this popular destination,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of nautical and port operations. “Cruise ship visits are important to the local economy and our shore excursion team has been working closely with local tour operators and has confirmed a variety of attractive onshore excursions for our guests.”

More than 15 shore excursions will be offered, including The All Inclusive Beach Club; A Select Retreat with Beach and Water Toys; and the VIP Luxury Sail, to name just a few.

Added Senator James Kwasi Malik Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama, "The rebuilding of Grand Bahama has begun. We welcome the return of Carnival Cruise Line back to Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian. Carnival is an incredible partner for the Bahamas and Grand Bahama."

On Monday, Carnival Ecstasy arrived in Freeport to undergo an extensive 12-day dry dock at the Grand Bahama shipyard, becoming the first cruise ship to utilize the facility since Hurricane Dorian.

The company’s relief efforts include a $2 million pledge from Carnival Corporation and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, as well as relief shipments delivered by Carnival Cruise Line ships and via a partnership with Tropical Shipping.  Carnival employees and guests have also donated well over $500,000 through online giving tools and collections on embarkation day and onboard.  

VALENCIA, Calif., October 11, 2019 – Today, luxury cruise line Cunard celebrated the beginning of construction on the line’s 249th ship with a steel cutting ceremony at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia Shipyard in Italy. The first piece of steel cut will be used as a sculpture displayed on the new ship for guests to enjoy and marks a landmark moment in the company’s 179-year history. The yet unnamed ship will be the second largest to fly the Cunard flag, and is set to reimagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique and exciting on board amenities.

The steel cutting ceremony marks the commencement of the building process for Cunard’s new ship, which is set to join the fleet in 2022. Fincantieri will house and construct the first section of the new ship. The shipbuilding group previously delivered Cunard’s world-renowned Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

“After years of planning and design, we are thrilled to see the building process begin for our newest ship,” says Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “The new ship will be the fourth in our fleet, taking inspiration from our past, integrating the Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests.”

Mr. Gilberto Tobaldi, Shipyard Director for Fincantieri, added, “We are very proud to be embarking on this next chapter of Cunard’s history with the start of the build of their newest ship and we look forward to working with the Cunard and Carnival UK teams over the next months.”

Acclaimed sculptor Sam Shendi will craft a unique sculpture from the first piece of metal cut from the new ship. Known for using contemporary industrial metal, steel, stainless steel, aluminum and fiberglass to create his work, Shendi will commission the work for guests on board to view and enjoy.

Shendi said, “I’m really looking forward to working with the Cunard team and to be given the challenge of creating a sculpture from the first piece of steel cut for their new ship is such a unique opportunity. It would be exciting for any artist to be part of such a long history and know that their artwork will travel the world on the ship connecting guests from all corners of the globe."

Cunard's new ship is set to enter service in 2022 with bookings available next year. With construction underway, Creative Director and globally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany will work alongside Fincantieri to deliver a new standard of Cunard luxury. The award-winning design team also includes Simon Rawlings of David Collins Studio, Terry McGillicuddy of Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie of Sybille de Margerie Paris. During the week's ceremonies, Cunard released a video charting the progress made on the new ship over the past two years through the eyes of the design team. View the video, "Our Story So Far", here.

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, visit Cunard.com. For travel advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.