(PRESS RELEASE)_Deerfield Beach, FL. February 22, 2019 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL), the only provider of two-night cruises and Cruise & Resort stays to Grand Bahama Island year-round from the Port of Palm Beach, announces a partnership with Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Entering its 22nd season of baseball in Jupiter, Florida, the 6,871-seat stadium will kick off Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training on February 23, running through March 24. In addition, the Florida State League’s Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals play their regular season at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium April through September. Amidst homeruns, hotdogs and ballpark fun, fans can learn more about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s vast array of exciting offerings both onboard and on Grand Bahama Island, as well as enter to win a variety of prizes including an unforgettable two-night cruise vacation.

“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to thousands of baseball fans at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium during both Major League Spring Training and the Minor League regular season,” shares Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa. “This partnership solidifies our commitment to show locals and visitors everything Palm Beach county has to offer. You can go from a fun ball game to a quick getaway on a whim.”

Every time the home team hits a homerun, the unmistakable Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line horn will sound, images of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s ships will display on the 35-foot Jumbotron and one lucky fan will have the chance to win a Bahamas Paradise cruise courtesy of the cruise line. Fans can stay tuned to the Jumbotron during the game to learn more about the cruise line’s premier dining options, fitness classes, children’s activities, spa services, live entertainment, shore excursions and more. Fans can also sign up for the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium email newsletter to receive exclusive cruise offers, discounts and promotions.

“We are very excited to start a new partnership with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line”, says General Manager of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Mike Bauer. “They provide a first-class experience and we cannot wait to introduce our fans to their gorgeous ships and vacation packages.”

The fun doesn’t end once guests leave the ballpark. Fans should follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay tuned for social media contests on each platform. Guests will be able to participate in each contest with one lucky fan winning a Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line “Cruise into Summertime” package including: 

A two-night cruise for two to Grand Bahama Island
Tickets for two to the Florida State League (FSL) All-Star Game
First Pitch Experience during the 2019 Florida State League (FSL) season

Various teams will make the trek to Palm Beach County for Major League Spring Training including the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and the Atlanta Braves. Season, Mini-Plan, and Group Tickets for Spring Training 2019 are all available at www.RogerDeanChevroletStadium.com or at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium Ticket Office.

For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – February 21, 2019 – Modern explorers looking to discover the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands in unrivaled comfort will find an array of exciting new opportunities with the unveiling of Celebrity Cruises’ 2021 sailings. With the launch of the cutting-edge luxury mega yacht Celebrity Flora and the stunning modernization of Celebrity Xpedition, this is poised to be Celebrity’s best Galapagos season yet, connecting guests to these awe-inspiring islands and the evolutionary wonders found exclusively in this region, such as the blue-footed booby, Darwin’s finches, land and marine iguanas, and more, like never before.

“Celebrity Cruises has been sailing the Galapagos Islands since 2004. All this time in the destination allows us to perfect every detail of the vacation experience and offer our guests a one-of-a-kind, seamless and completely unforgettable vacation,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We have taken our experience in this unique and untouched archipelago and combined it with an unparalleled experience on board, so that we offer the best ships, the best crews and certified naturalists, and the best all-inclusive packages. There is simply no better way to experience the incredible Galapagos Islands than with Celebrity.”

CELEBRITY FLORA REDEFINES THE EXPEDITION TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

With its all-suites accommodations, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will be one of the most energy-efficient ships of its size in the Galapagos Islands. The ship will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation with the innovative new Novurania Yacht Tenders, and an industry-first Galapagos Glamping experience. Innovative outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-led ecological seminars take Galapagos vacations to new heights.

On Celebrity Flora, guests choose from a selection of 10-, 11-, and 16-night packages, which feature either pre- or post-cruise expeditions to bucket-list destinations and including one of two seven-night Inner or Outer Loop Itineraries, both sailing from Baltra, Ecuador.

EXPLORE LIKE NEVER BEFORE ON THE REVOLUTIONIZED CELEBRITY XPEDITION

Following its seven-day “revolutionary” revitalization in September 2018, Celebrity Xpedition debuted with an array of enhancements across the 100-guest mega-yacht, from redecorated staterooms, lounges, and restaurants that perfectly complement the natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind destination, to faster and more reliable Wi-Fi that allows guests to stay connected even as they disconnect.

Travelers looking to experience the gorgeous Galapagos Islands can do so with ease onboard Celebrity Xpedition, where they can choose from a selection of 10-, 11-, and 16-night packages, which feature either pre- or post-cruise expeditions to bucket-list destinations and including one of two seven-night Inner or Outer Loop Itineraries, both sailing from Baltra, Ecuador.

The best ship in the Galapagos will get even better in June 2019, when Celebrity Xpedition will debut enhanced suites services and amenities coinciding with the arrival of the new Celebrity Flora. Celebrity Xpedition suite guests will be geared up with marine binoculars to use on their cruise, as well as premium backpacks and rain ponchos that they can take back home with them. When unwinding in their suites on board, guests will enjoy stateroom attendants who can help with packing and unpacking, full in-suite dinner service, upgraded premium bathrobes, luxurious bath products from Ecuador, and more.

To learn more about the brand’s unrivaled offerings, its industry-leading stewardship and conservation efforts in the region, or to book a one-of-kind vacation in the beautiful Galapagos Islands, visit www.celebritycruises.com/galapagos.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland / Paris, France – 21 February 2019 – MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company, and Paris Saint-Germain, one of the fastest-growing football clubs in the world, announced a new partnership under which MSC Cruises will become the official and exclusive global cruise partner of France’s leading football team. The partnership between the two brands will last for three years and will be showcased throughout the seasons at Parc des Princes and beyond.

Commenting on the announcement, which was made in Paris at Parc des Princes, the official home of Paris Saint-Germain, Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “For MSC Cruises, this is a truly exciting opportunity to join forces with the French football giants and a fierce European contender. It is part of MSC Cruises’ strategic focus in France, a key market, to build further positive brand association as well as introduce our distinctive cruise experience to new audiences in France, Europe and across the globe.”

MSC Cruises is the leading cruise brand across the whole of Europe as well as in the Gulf, South America and southern Africa and is currently in the midst of an industry-unprecedented 10-year, €13.6 billion investment plan, which will see 17 new ships coming into service over the 2017 – 2027 period. MSC Cruises has a presence globally and welcomes over 170 different nationalities on its ships.

 Mr Onorato added: “The relationship with Paris Saint-Germain demonstrates our ongoing commitment to partner with world-class leaders. MSC Cruises and Paris Saint-Germain both have a culture of excellence, a strong global footprint, and as we seek to access new audiences in an engaging and relevant way, they are the perfect partner to help us.”

Marc Armstrong, Chief Partnerships Officer of Paris Saint-Germain stated: “We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises to the Paris Saint-Germain family. We share core values such as striving for excellence and offering high quality and innovative experiences to our fans and customers.

Paris Saint-Germain and MSC Cruises are growing fast all over the world. The Club is now followed by over 65 million fans on social media and is especially focused on markets which are key to MSC Cruises, such as Brazil and Asia.”

The partnership includes collective image rights, VIP hospitality, meet & greets with players, LED perimeter advertising during matches, brand activation during international tours, signed merchandise and dedicated marketing opportunities, including digital assets to engage fans and cruisers alike.

The agreement was made during a milestone week for MSC Cruises, as the Company is preparing to take delivery of MSC Bellissima. The Company’s new flag ship, which was built in France and which will be launched in Southampton in a star-studded ceremony on March 2nd.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (February 21, 2019) - MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and market leader in Europe, South America and the Gulf, revealed new details of the incredible retail offering on board the Company’s new flagship MSC Bellissima with the largest shopping area in the fleet to date at 8,072 ft2. With an ever-expanding array of luxury brands as well as popular high street names, MSC Bellissima is set to inspire guests from all around the globe with a unique experiential retail offering. MSC Bellissima will feature in shopping space, building on MSC Cruises’ already stellar shopping offer, which clinched the Cruise & Ferry Line Retailer of the Year 2018 award at the Frontier Awards.

MSC Cruises Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway shared, “The beauty of cruise travel is that guests have time on their hands while the ship is at sea unlike other travel retail touchpoints. We are continuously looking to further enrich the onboard experience so when it comes to retail we want to offer more than just a classic shopping plaza with souvenirs and essentials. We are seeking to take shopping at sea to the next level with an experiential approach and combining shopping with entertainment. We work hand in hand with our partner brands to find ways to tailor their products to the setting of the cruise.”

One of the key features of MSC Bellissima will be the Mediterranean-style promenade. Designed as the social hub of the ship, this 315 ft. long promenade topped with a mesmerizing 262 ft. LED dome attracts guests throughout the day and night to shop, eat and drink as well as enjoy a whole host of entertainment activities. In addition, a new team of Retail Ambassadors will be on hand to create an environment of ‘experience retail,’ unique to the cruise industry.

No longer simply a place to purchase mementos, the promenade is rich with “retail entertainment.” MSC Bellissima will be the first ship where the retail team collaborates directly with the entertainment team to determine the best way to involve guests, crafting a party-like atmosphere. Perhaps most notable is the 60s-themed Flower Glory party, where thanks to external partner Ray Ban, guests will have a chance to shop and party together, win exclusive t-shirts or purchase limited edition sunglasses to complete their look, all while dancing the night away.

The dynamic atmosphere of the Galleria will be enhanced with nightly retail events, including competitions, offers, fashion shows and lucky draws, making for a fun, social and interactive shopping experience, complete with exclusive promotions like gifts with purchase and special offers.

A FLEXIBLE SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE A RANGE OF PREFERENCES

Pittaway continued, “With each new ship we look at how to enhance the retail space and as an international company that welcomes more than 170 nationalities on board, we need to ensure that what we offer can be tailored to the needs of our guests depending on where the ship is positioned.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – February 14, 2019 – Celebrity Cruises is taking its already unrivaled vacation experience to greater heights by joining forces with two legendary names in the entertainment and culinary worlds—the iconic American Ballet Theatre and world-renowned Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud. Both of these cutting-edge partnerships will create unforgettable onboard experiences unlike anything at sea.

“Our guests know to expect something unique, upscale and unexpected each time they step onboard.  By partnering with American Ballet Theatre and the world’s leading culinary authority, Daniel Boulud, we are creating experiences that won’t just meet those expectations — but shatter them,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

“At Celebrity Cruises, we are always looking for new ways to open up the world, not only through the places the brand visits, but also through world-class entertainment and culinary experiences,” said Brian Abel, SVP, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “I cannot think of better partners than American Ballet Theatre, who will bring the best classical dance experience on board, and Chef Daniel Boulud, a chef that all other chefs admire and respect for hospitality, creativity and excellence both in the kitchen and dining room.”

A PARTNERSHIP WORTHY OF A STANDING OVATION

Celebrity is teaming up for a pas de deux with one of the most acclaimed dance companies in the world, American Ballet Theatre. Founded in 1939, American Ballet Theatre has been a pillar in New York City’s cultural community and America’s artistic landscape for nearly 80 years. American Ballet Theatre has wowed audiences in all 50 states and in 45 countries, performing for nearly 300,000 annually. Now, through an exclusive partnership that’s a first in the industry, they’re coming aboard Celebrity’s ships to bring guests the best classical dance experience at sea.

As part of the partnership, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive American Ballet Theatre guest performances on select ships, join the dancers for intimate seminars, ballet barre classes, and embark on unforgettable excursions to American Ballet Theatre performances in some of our most dynamic ports of call.

“American Ballet Theatre’s mission is to bring the best of ballet to the widest possible audience,” said American Ballet Theatre Executive Director Kara Medoff Barnett. “We are thrilled to redefine “widest” to now include audiences at sea! This partnership will allow ABT’s remarkable dancers to see the world and will invite Celebrity’s guests to discover the magic of ballet.”

THE MICHELIN STARS ARE ALIGNING

Founder of an award-winning restaurant group that spans the world, including his legendary Michelin-starred flagship, DANIEL and Café Boulud, in New York City, Chef Daniel Boulud is a name every foodie knows. Now, he’s joining culinary forces with Celebrity and the brand’s own Michelin-starred Chef and Associate Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations, Cornelius Gallagher.

As Celebrity’s Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, Chef Boulud will design signature dishes for Luminae, the brand’s exclusive restaurant for suite class guests. Celebrity is also introducing Chef’s Table by Daniel Boulud, complete with a private galley tour and five-course dining experience, plus guest chef appearances on board. The brand is also working closely with Chef Boulud on a culinary mentorship program where the most talented up-and-coming chefs can hone their craft by learning from the best – both in Celebrity’s kitchens and in Chef Boulud’s.

“I’m excited to embark on this partnership with Celebrity Cruises as we share a common passion for excellence, personalized service and creative cuisine for our guests,” said Boulud. “I’m constantly inspired by the local markets in other destinations when I travel around the world and those influences always make their way on to my menus. I look forward to offering cruise guests a taste of my cuisine that complements Celebrity’s global offering.”

The new experiences with both American Ballet Theatre and Chef Boulud will begin rolling out across the fleet in 2019, starting with Celebrity Summit, then Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Millennium. To learn more about Celebrity’s partnership with American Ballet Theatre, visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/entertainment/american-ballet-theatre. More information regarding the brand’s partnership with Michelin-starred Chef Boulud can also be found at www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/eat-and-drink/daniel-boulud.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Feb. 14, 2019) – In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Carnival Cruise Line is hosting the biggest Vow Renewal At Sea, with more than 1,000 couples expected to say “I do” in evening festivities across its fleet. 

Carnival’s cruise directors aboard ships in the Caribbean, Mexico and Australia will host ceremonies in the ships’ atrium lobbies followed by a celebratory balloon drop and special toasts to matrimonial happiness and love. Photos of the festivities will be posted through Friday on Carnival’s social media feeds.

Participating couples will be eligible for a variety of prizes on board, including spa gift packages, steakhouse dinners, bottles of wine, and chocolates and other confections from Cherry on Top sweets shop.  

During the cruises, couples can enjoy some “we” time with fun activities like Valentine’s Day-themed trivia and arts and crafts from the new “Make it With Michaels” program, romantic DiveIn Movies and, of course, the ever-popular Love & Marriage Show.  A just-for-couples sunset celebration will be held at the Serenity adults-only retreat, and ships will have their very own Kiss Cam displaying happy couples kissing on the poolside LED screens for all to see.

Love is in the air as well! As the Carnival AirShip completes its West Coast tour, longtime Carnival fans and loyal clients of Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Catherine and Jim Skoglund of Queen Creek, Ariz., will renew their vows high in the sky aboard the line’s #ChooseFun AirShip during a special Phoenix flyover on Friday.

Catherine and Jim met 25 years ago in an Arizona restaurant where Jim was a kitchen manager and Cathy was a server – and it was love at first bite. Since then, the couple has sailed on 14 cruises, including their honeymoon on Carnival Elation, with two more booked for this year – a total of 92 days at sea.

The AirShip also hosted its first-ever wedding earlier this month when Las Vegas couple, Amanda Robertson and Jason Gerken, tied the knot aside the colorful 128-foot-long blimp.

(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 14, 2019) – Princess Cruises, the world’s largest international premium cruise line, is growing and today major milestones for three ships under construction at the same time were celebrated, at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.  
 
The three milestones included the introduction of the Sky Princess crew member who was nominated by her peers to serve as Madrina to celebrate the recent float out of the ship which will enter service in October 2019; the keel laying ceremony for Enchanted Princess launching June 2020 and the steel-cutting ceremony for the sixth and final Royal-Class ship, yet to be named, debuting 2022. With two additional ships on order for delivery in 2023 and 2025, Princess Cruises will increase its capacity by 32 percent over the next six years, adding to its current fleet of 17 ships. 
 
“The number of people enjoying cruise vacations has increased on average more than one million new cruisers every year over the last decade, an overall increase of more than 68 percent,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia group president. “As we continue to grow our fleet with five new ships arriving by 2025, we’re proud to not only celebrate these three major construction milestones in the same day but also to continue to innovate our product with cutting-edge technology and elevated guest experiences that will be offered on all of these ships.” 
 
Sky Princess is the first new ship to join the fleet activated with Princess MedallionClass™ Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable technology delivering guests the enjoyment of hassle-free, personalized cruise vacations. Sky Princess will also feature MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea delivering land-like internet speeds for watching sports, movies or making video calls from a smart-phone. 
 
In an industry-first event, three significant ship building construction milestones occurred in the same day, including:

(PRESS RELEASE)_NEW YORK — February 14, 2019 — Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin announced today that Virgin Voyages is officially open for business, with the company’s first ship the Scarlet Lady, now open for bookings for her inaugural season with voyages departing from April 1 through October 25, 2020 now on sale.

“I’ve dreamed of starting my own cruise line since I was in my 20’s, and now the launch is finally getting close,” said Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Voyages. “We have taken the time to think about every detail and craft an experience that brings the Virgin brand to life and disrupts the travel industry.”
Will offer a cheeky and cheerful approach to service, and an inclusive approach to sea travel that remove pesky add ons. Its Sailors will enjoy free food at the 20+ eateries onboard, free group fitness classes, no gratuities or service charges, free Wifi and free basic beverages like soda, teas, drip coffee as well as still and sparkling water.

“At Virgin Voyages we are going beyond just great design, to defy and redefine luxury to be rebellious luxe,” said Tom McAlpin, president and CEO for Virgin Voyages. “This new luxury is about knowing you are taken care of, that you’re never being nickel and dimed, and what you want, even some of the things you didn’t know you wanted, are already taken care of for you.”

In conjunction with opening bookings for sale, Virgin Voyages revealed that all voyages will feature The Beach Club, a Virgin Voyages experience in Bimini, Bahamas. There Sailors can enjoy an epic beach day and/or explore the island flavor and culture of Bimini and its turquoise blue waters.         

While on ship, Virgin Voyages Sailors will have the opportunity to choose from a festival-like lineup of all-new completely original Events & Gigs developed by some of the world’s most-talked about producers, directors and artists in the expansion of the company’s Creative Collective. Virgin Voyages’ entertainment Creative Collective includes Jenny Gersten, Randy Weiner, Sam Pinkleton, Ani Taj, PigPen Theatre Co, The 7 Fingers, Roslyn Hart and Alfredo Guenzani and the Spark Cooperative.

THE BEACH CLUB AT BIMINI

Cornerstone of every voyage will be The Beach Club at Bimini, where sailors can feel the sand in their toes in a stylish setting with white-sand and crystal clear waters and programming that will rival the best beach clubs in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – February 12, 2019 – The newly modernized Celebrity Millennium is officially ready to revolutionize modern travel. The ship’s dramatic transformation — part of the THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION — is just the beginning of Celebrity Cruises’ biggest fleet-wide modernization ever, with more than $500 million in luxurious upgrades taking the brand’s fleet to the Edge. On the all-new Celebrity Millennium, discerning world travelers will enjoy enhancements that include:

• Completely redesigned staterooms and suites
• The addition of The Retreat for suite guests, with an exclusive new sundeck and redesigned lounge
• Stunningly reimagined restaurants, bars, and lounges
• A redesigned spa and casino
• New designer boutiques featuring the hottest designer names

 
And all this is just the beginning.

“This is such an exciting moment for us as we finally get to share the new Celebrity Millennium with the world,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “She has been transformed from top to bottom. I want to share my deepest gratitude with the teams who have worked so hard to make this happen, and I can’t wait for our guests to experience this revolution in travel for themselves.”

Celebrity Millennium’s bow-to-stern transformation began on January 2, 2019, at the Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore. There, it spent a total of 35 days in the skilled hands of thousands of engineers, architects, artisans, designers, contractors, shipyard employees, and the newbuild and Celebrity teams..