(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (April 17, 2019) - The U.S. Virgin Islands is determined to position itself as the number one tourism destination in the Caribbean by employing robust public-private partnerships.
 
Recently installed U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., who led the Territory's delegation to Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami last week, made the declaration during discussions with leaders of the cruise line industry when he also shared news of the Territory's tourism developments.
 
Speaking at a welcome reception hosted by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), Governor Bryan said "as we build this new Virgin Islands product and we recover from two hurricanes, our main push is to make St. Thomas the premier port in the Virgin Islands, to (solidify) an identity for St. Croix, whether it's in Christiansted with our small cruise ship industry or in Frederiksted with the expansion of our port and what we are doing in (the) town."
 
The Governor said positioning the U.S. Virgin Islands as the premier destination in the Caribbean requires continued investment in the Territory's infrastructure and its people. He said it was important that Virgin Islanders understand the importance of tourism, explaining that the industry's continued contribution to GDP is dependent on high levels of customer service.
 
To remain competitive, the U.S. Virgin Islands has embraced public-private partnerships, is looking at creative ways of securing financing, and is examining the addition of new ports of call to the Territory's harbors. "We cannot do that without the support of the FCCA and all our tourism partners, whether they're in aviation or the cruise (sector)," Governor Bryan said.
 
"Working with the cruise industry is a commitment. It's a partnership. But together, the economic impact that we deliver to the destinations is unparalleled," said FCCA President Michele Paige. "We are not only your friend ...  we're your partner," she told Governor Bryan and Commissioner of Tourism Designee Joseph Boschulte during the reception. Developing "win-win situations", she declared, was critical to the partnership.
 
While in Miami, Commissioner Designee Boschulte, who is Chairman of The West Indian Company Limited and a board member of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, held several meetings with cruise ship executives on plans to upgrade the Territory's ports and to enhance the visitor experience.

He also held strategic partnership talks with representatives from the British Virgin Islands, Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism, and Shereen Flax-Charles, the newly-appointed Junior Minister of Tourism.
 
At a travel industry luncheon - attended by members of the media, travel agents and meeting planners - the commissioner shared positive developments taking place across the sector, from airlift and accommodations to cruise port developments and arrivals, which have now returned to pre-storm levels. 
 
The tourism leader, who appeared on NBC's "6 in the Mix" during his visit, also had media appointments with representatives of Caribbean Journal, Cruise Critic, Food & Wine, Prevue, Recommend, Skift, The New York Times, Thrillist, and Travel + Leisure.
 
In Miami, the USVI delegation displayed the culture of the Territory through a live performance by Virgin Islands musician Pressure Busspipe, vibrant steel pan music, a mocko jumbie, carnival dancers and authentic Virgin Islands products, ranging from candies and guavaberry to bush tea and pepper sauce.

Commissioner Designee Boschulte declared: "The cruise industry is vital to the U.S. Virgin Islands' economy and our future as a tourism destination. Our attendance at Seatrade has increased cruise interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and we look forward to positive developments in the future."

(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 15, 2019) – In 2020, Princess Cruises guests will enjoy the welcoming spirit and idyllic islands of French Polynesia when the cruise line returns to Tahiti with the intimate Pacific Princess, offering a series of roundtrip cruises for the first time since 2015. Tahiti and French Polynesia cruises open for sale on April 17, 2019.

Guests will discover a trove of unspoiled treasures with sparkling lagoons and white-sand beaches available on five, 10-day Tahiti & French Polynesia departures, sailing roundtrip from Tahiti (Papeete). Every voyage includes overnight calls in Tahiti’s capital Papeete and romantic Bora Bora, as well as a late-night stay in Raiatea. Additional ports includes Huahine, Rangiroa, and Moorea. Cruise vacations begin Oct. 5, 15, 25 and Nov. 4 and 14, 2020 starting at $1,999.

“Tahiti and French Polynesia lure travelers from all over the world seeking pure unspoiled paradise, snorkeling, swimming adventures and relaxation,” said Jan Swartz Princess Cruises president. “With our return to Tahiti in 2020, Princess Cruises offers the best way to explore this remote island life aboard our intimate Pacific Princess.”

Small ship cruising on Pacific Princess with just 670 guests offers casual elegance, signature Princess Cruises features, warm welcoming service and the special camaraderie that guests always find when sailing with others who share their passion for travel.

“Princess Cruises has a long history with Tahiti and is a highly valued partner showcasing the diversity of our islands, the rich authentic local culture, and the great variety of experiences that await discovery,” notes Paul Sloan, Tahiti Tourisme, Directeur Général and CEO. “We are eagerly looking forward to next year and welcoming Pacific Princess back to The Islands of Tahiti.”
With four Grand Adventure & Crossings itineraries, Pacific Princess also offers longer sailings for guests to experience the Aloha spirit of the Hawaiian Islands or discover the treasures of South America, including Easter Island with its mysterious Moai. A 19- or 29-day Hawaii & Tahiti Grand Adventure cruise departs Vancouver Sept. 16, 2020 and a 25- or 35-day Tahiti, South America & Panama Canal Crossing departs Tahiti on Nov. 14 or 24, 2020.

Captain’s Circle Savings and Early Booking Deposit

Princess Cruises past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book early with a $100 per person discount off the public fare. This can be combined with launch and group promotions. These discounts do not apply to third or fourth guests. Additionally, a reduced deposit is available for Captain Circle guests when they book by November 30, 2019.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, USA (April 9, 2019) – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company, announced today details of a new highly-innovative cruise terminal at PortMiami that will support its expanding presence in North America and in the Caribbean in particular. 
  
As per the terms of the agreement, which has today received approval from the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, MSC Cruises will design, construct, operate and maintain a large building that hosts two cruise terminals (AA and AAA) as well as two berths. Designed by the award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica, MSC Cruises’ exclusive new PortMiami terminals will be capable of hosting two mega cruise ships at the same time, allowing the Company to conduct two turnaround operations simultaneously, handling up to 28,000 passenger movements per day. 
  
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, said: “With another 13 cruise vessels due to join our fleet in the next eight years, our ambition is to have our most innovative ship classes represented at PortMiami, bringing a wealth of choice to our North American as well as international guests. 
  
“In particular, the new terminal – which will be one of the most innovative the industry has seen – will ensure that we can provide our guests an enhanced end-to-end high-quality experience while both embarking and disembarking, thus adding to their ability to fully enjoy every moment of their vacation.” 
  
MSC Cruises currently operates four vessels out of PortMiami: MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia year-round; MSC Divina seasonally; and MSC Meraviglia, which will join the ships sailing from Miami this fall, seasonally.  With the new cruise facilities, MSC Cruises will bring a total 1 million guests through PortMiami each year. 
  
Work on the new terminals is due to commence in early 2020. MSC Cruises currently estimates that the work will be completed by late 2022, at which time the Company will transfer all its PortMiami operations to the new Terminal.

SEATRADE MIAMI_After moving to Ft. Lauderdale, SeaTrade Cruise Global 2019 once again returned to Miami following an extensive refurbishing of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Cruise industry exectives were joined by thousands of attendees and 700 exhibitors representing every facet of the cruise business. And business is booming.

Kelly Craighead, the president and CEO of the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), confirmed that in her opening remarks on Tuesday with these stats:

• In 2018, 28.5 million people worldwide took a cruise, up 7 percent from 2017.
• This year, that number is expected to be 30 million.
• 18 new ships will launch this year.
• The cruise industry accounts for 1.1 million jobs and $134 billion in global spending.

Ms. Craighead also spoke about the industry's commitment to protect the environment, including reducing carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030. The environment was among several themes taken up by the "State of the Industry" panel discussion that followed, moderated by Lucy Hockings of BBC World News. Panelists included Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chairman, Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival and Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian.

Among the points they made:

• Fain emphasized the need to always be looking forward, avoiding "one size fits all" and embracing diversity. "If people want it, we need to provide it."
• Vago talked about the importance of making getting on and off ships a seamless experience and how technology can be used to help with all aspects of cruise travel.
• Donald foresees growth in all sizes of ships over the next 10 years, although he pointed out there's a set amount of capacity with the current shipbuilders.
• Del Rio noted additional cruise entrants lend more crebility to the industry, and was bullish on the re-emergence of Eastern Mediterranean ports of call.
• Two major segments driving growth are the millennials and an increasing number of Baby Boomer retirees. One difference, according to Fain, is that the millennials "don't have the same preconceptions about cruising" as the Boomers. -- Gerry Barker

(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, April 9, 2019 - Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled the most extensive and creative plant-based menus at sea as their latest OceaniaNEXT innovation. Remaining at the forefront of culinary development, the cruise line is featuring more than 200 new healthy menu selections. In addition to the current gourmet offerings, plant-based choices will be available at breakfast, lunch, and dinner in The Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café and guests will also have plant-based options available upon request during dinner service in each of the specialty restaurants. 

“These new plant-based options are flavorful, colorful, bold, and creative. Our hallmark finest cuisine at sea now provides an innovative and appealing menu of choices that reflect our guests’ evolving palates and heightened focus on wellness while balancing our more decadent and extravagant dishes,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. 

The new menu offerings are in addition to the line’s already acclaimed vegetarian and Canyon Ranch Healthy Living selections and were developed by Oceania Cruises’ culinary leadership team in concert with world-renowned chef, culinary instructor, and author Christophe Berg.

The range of cuisines includes Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Malaysian, and more. There are healthy Power Bowls and Poke Bowls, hearty pastas and pad Thai, light and refreshing salads and soups and even a variety of downright surprisingly decadent items to choose from including an Impossible Cheeseburger, Truffle Mac and Cheese, and an Apple-Oatmeal Crumble with plant-based Vanilla Ice Cream and Coco-Vanilla Cashew Crème Brulee.

Selected Menu Highlights

Breakfast
Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes with Berries and Maple Syrup
Green Apple Müesli with Pistachios, Pecans, and Yellow Raisins
Avocado Toast on Rustic Farmers Bread

Lunch
Chilled Melon Soup with Port
Korean Kimchi Soup
Wakame Sesame Salad
Hawaiian Poke Bowl
Penne au Pistou with Broccoli and Sundried Tomato

Dinner
Som Tam Green Papaya Kelp Noodle Salad
Roasted Butternut Squash with Arugula, Mango, Black Radish and Hearts of Palm
Sweet Potato-Oat Tarte with Forest Mushroom and plant-based Truffle Cheddar Sauce
Falafel Fritters with plant-based Harissa Mayo, Cucumber, Mint, and Capers
Crespelle alla Fiorentina with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Tomato Sauce
Green Curry Stir Fry with Eggplant, Oyster Mushrooms, Green Peas and Thai Basil

Desserts
Plant-based Vanilla Mango Ice Cup, Crispy Granola
Vodka-Marinated Strawberries Romanoff with plant-based Vanilla Ice Cream 
Summer Berry Pudding Chantilly
Shortbread with plant-based Orange Cream Cheese and Raspberries

Raw Juices and Smoothies

The Raw Juice and Smoothie Bar is located on the pool deck, adjacent to Waves Grill, and serves raw, cold-pressed juices and vegan smoothies all morning long from 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Choices include the Rise & Shine juice, Coco Island juice, Tropical Green smoothie, Sweet Green juice, Yellow Sunshine smoothie, Cacao Joy smoothie, Cold Brew latte, Acai Berry bowl, and Chia Cashew Yogurt bowl.

The Wellness Ships

Having featured the famed Canyon Ranch Spa at sea and Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine for close to a decade, Oceania Cruises has a long-standing reputation for focusing on healthy life balance, fitness, and wellness. With the expansion of the vegetarian and gluten-free offerings, the recent addition of Healthy Living Tours Inspired by Canyon Ranch, and this debut of plant-based menu offerings, Oceania Cruises offers the most comprehensive wellness program at sea.

About OceaniaNEXT

OceaniaNEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. The Regatta-Class re-inspiration is the first in a line of exciting announcements and enhancements to come in 2018, 2019, and beyond. This ambitious brand initiative will elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic re-inspiration of the iconic Regatta-Class ships, guests will savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea, be pampered aboard intimate and luxurious ships, and be enriched through in-depth destination exploration.

MIAMI, April 8, 2019 — In a grand, pier-side gala in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, Mystic Invest Chairman Mário Ferreira and singer, songwriter, supermodel, French former-First Lady, and ship’s Godmother Carla Bruni-Sarkozy christened World Explorer as Mystic Cruises’ first ocean cruise ship. The ceremony was held on April 6.

“Portugal has a rich maritime history and we are very proud that World Explorer is the first luxury cruise ship to be built here. We are further honored to have Ms. Bruni-Sarkozy as the ship’s godmother,” said Mr. Ferreira. “Active and adventurous travelers will delight in sailing with the new Mystic Cruises, which will exemplify Mystic Invest’s more than 25 years’ experience in innovating travel and tourism.”

Captains Alex Zakalashnnyuk from Russia, Filipe Sousa from Portugal, and Terje Willassen from Norway will master the new World Explorer and bring more than 75 years of combined experience aboard the 9,300-gross-tonne, 200-guest World Explorer. A low crew-to-guest ratio will ensure that guests enjoy a luxurious experience as they explore far reaches and smaller ports that larger ships cannot reach.

World Explorer – and sister-ships World Navigator and World Voyager, both scheduled for 2020 – will incorporate the latest maritime technology to be among the world’s most-advanced and safest ships. These 1B Ice Class ships are each equipped with two Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric engines and incorporate FarSounder’s Forward-looking Sonar (FLS) to deftly navigate harbors, rivers, and iceberg fields for convenient access to city centers and incomparable, up-close vistas. Portugal’s WestSea Viana Shipyard is constructing all three ships.

Mystic Cruises is a new expedition cruise company, offering programs in captivating destinations, including Antarctica, Europe, Iceland and Greenland. Focused on offering unique experiences in an eco-friendly way, Mystic Cruises delivers unspoiled landscapes with all the comfort of a five-star cruise ship. German-brand Nicko Cruises will sail World Explorer’s inaugural, summer 2019 season, and Quark Expeditions has chartered the ship for breathtaking Antarctica voyages in winter 2019-20.

Mystic Cruises and Nicko Cruises are brands of Mystic Invest, a privately held Portuguese financial holding company with more than 25 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector. Started in 1993 with the establishment of river cruise company DouroAzul, Mystic Invest has grown to aggregate more than 15 companies and a workforce of more than 550 dedicated professionals working around the world to create unforgettable experiences for more than 375,000 guests who choose a Mystic Invest brand for their holidays every year. From river cruising to hotels and resorts, including museums and helicopter tours, all the way to space tourism, Mystic Invest’s brands are leading the innovation of how travelers discover the world.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (April 9, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line today unveiled more details on the numerous accommodation choices guests will have on its highly-anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras, which will feature more than 180 suites across 11 styles, including the new premium category Carnival Excel suites with select amenities and access to a new resort-style, open-air enclave called Loft 19.

            “As we continue to announce details on Mardi Gras, guests will see that this ship is going to have more choices to stay and more choices to play,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “All of our accommodations have been designed to exceed our guests’ expectations, and the suite offerings will kick that up a notch or two for those who want an extra special Choose Fun vacation.”

New Premium Level Carnival Excel Suites

The new premium suite level on Mardi Gras includes 32 suites in four categories:  

·         Carnival Excel Presidential Suite –Two Presidential Suites – the largest in the fleet – located on Deck 17 that feature spacious living, dining and sleeping areas along with the fleet’s most expansive balconies with vast sea views, large sunbed and lounging areas, as well as a private outdoor hot tub and shower. These suites also include access to the spa’s thermal suite and the Havana pool area.

·         Carnival Excel Aft Suite – Twelve suites overlooking Summer Landing and boasting separate living rooms and bedrooms with large wraparound balconies offering impressive ocean views, as well as a private outdoor hot tub and areas for al fresco dining and relaxing.

·         Carnival Excel Corner Suite – Twelve suites on the port and starboard sides of the ship featuring separate sleeping and lounging areas, a wet bar and wraparound balconies with lounging and dining areas.

·         Carnival Excel Suite – Six suites on Decks 10, 11 and 12 with sleeping, dining and relaxing areas. The spacious balconies include loungers and a dining area.

Exclusive New Suite-Level Amenities

All suites onboard Mardi Gras will include an amenities package that includes priority boarding and debarkation, priority main dining room seating, plush bathrobes and bottled water upon arrival.

Guests in the 32 Carnival Excel suites will enjoy standard suite amenities plus the following:

·         Unlimited access to Loft 19
·         Dedicated concierge phone line
·         Guaranteed specialty dining times (with the exception of Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table)
·         Complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda package, room service and laundry
·         Sparkling wine and fresh fruit basket upon arrival
·         Upgraded bathroom amenities

All New ‘Loft 19’

Located on the ship’s highest deck, Loft 19 is a brand new concept for Carnival Cruise Line – a secluded retreat modeled after the world’s finest resorts with full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and spacious cabanas, available for rent. Cabanas are fully stocked with beverages, plush robes and chilled towels, fresh fruit, lunch delivery and dedicated concierge service. Carnival Excel suite guests will receive priority when reserving Loft 19 cabanas.

Additional Suite Options

In addition to the Carnival Excel class suites, Mardi Gras will also feature:

·         Ocean Suites –separate sleeping and lounging areas with ergonomically-friendly design.
         Tropics-inspired Havana Suites – private patios with a swing chair and direct access to The Lanai.
·         Extra-roomy Family Harbor Suites – nautical décor, large-scale windows and toddler benches.
·         Cloud 9 Spa Suites – with special spa privileges such as two fitness classes, access to the ship’s Thermal Suite and a scrub kit.

Innovative and Spacious Stateroom Design

            The new suite options are in addition to the wide ranging Mardi Gras accommodations previously announced, which are distinguished by turquoise hues and enhanced by design touches like floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors; new sofas that “flip” into beds; more 110V power outlets and USB connections than on any other ship; flexible bedside reading lamps; a larger, more customizable wardrobe with extensive storage options; and spacious bathrooms with glass shower doors, a first for the line, along with an in-shower shaving bar.

Itinerary Information and Reservations

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (April 9, 2019) – Let’s play Family Feud Live!™ Carnival Cruise Line today announced it will debut the seagoing version of the iconic TV game show Family Feud™ as part of the entertainment lineup on the highly anticipated Mardi Gras, when it enters service in 2020.

An exclusive partnership with Fremantle, Family Feud Live aboard Mardi Gras will feature the same format and signature set as the TV show. Two five-person teams will battle it out in rounds including Face Off and Fast Money by naming the most popular answers to survey questions for a chance to win a host of prizes in a high-energy gameplay.

“Carnival Cruise Line is all about fun, family and friends just like Family Feud,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “As we continue to build Mardi Gras’ diverse entertainment lineup, we are excited about offering this iconic game show onboard and involving our guests in a great new way to Choose Fun.”

Rick Glankler, president of commercial operations for Fremantle, added, “Our show has been wildly successful for more than 40 years, but it’s never been showcased at sea, so this is an unbelievably exciting opportunity for us. Carnival’s audience is perfectly aligned with our show, and we cannot wait to give Mardi Gras’ guests the chance to play Family Feud Live.”

The onboard version of Family Feud Live on Mardi Gras will be hosted by the ship’s cruise director. Several variations of the show will be played and designed to be both family-friendly and adult-oriented. Family Feud Live will be just one of the many all-ages entertainment offerings presented in Mardi Gras’ Grand Central zone and other new venues.

Mardi Gras is Carnival’s most innovative ship with such groundbreaking experiences like BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, as well as Emeril’s Bistro 1396, the first seagoing restaurant by famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse that will be housed in the ship’s French Quarter, one of six themed zones on board. Mardi Gras will also be the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), part of Carnival Corporation’s “green cruising” platform.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.