(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Jan. 21, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line said today that it will be the largest cruise line to use the VeriFLY solution for its operations from U.S. homeports, with a pilot program that will start this Saturday for guests boarding Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, in addition to finalizing plans to expand in-terminal testing capabilities for vaccinated guests prior to embarkation, specifically for short itineraries of 3- and 4-day voyages.  Carnival also said it will continue to operate under its current protocols, sailing vaccinated voyages, requiring pre-embarkation testing and following onboard indoor mask requirements until further notice.

              VeriFLY by Daon is now widely used in the airline industry, and it will allow Carnival guests to upload their proof of vaccination and testing information so that it can be verified in advance of the sailing – resulting in a streamlined embarkation experience at the terminal.  Once the pilot at Port Canaveral is complete, Carnival intends to move quickly to implement the solution across its fleet.

Carnival is also working to expand testing capabilities at the terminal for vaccinated guests, specifically for short itineraries (3- and 4-day voyages).  Once implemented, vaccinated guests will be able to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement as part of the embarkation process. Pre-registration will be required, and there will be capacity limits based on the resources of testing providers.  Testing sites to support short itinerary cruises will be phased in and announced by the end of January. 

Carnival also said it intends to follow its Have Fun. Be Safe. operating protocols until further notice.  Guests and travel agents will be receiving more details on operations for February and beyond over the coming days.
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On Jan. 13, Carnival restarted operations from another homeport, with Carnival Sunshine returning to its year-round schedule from Charleston, SC.  To date, Carnival has 19 of its 22 U.S.-based ships in guest operation, sailing from eight homeports on the Atlantic, Gulf and West coasts.

(PRESS RELEASE)_EYOS Expeditions, the world leader in private superyacht experiences, announces new departures to Antarctica and the South Pacific on the redesigned superyacht Hanse Explorer in 2022/23. Newly outfitted to explore both tropical and polar regions, Hanse Explorer will allow travelers to reach remote parts of the world on bespoke itineraries led by EYOS’ decade of experience operating private yacht expeditions.
 
The Yacht: Hanse Explorer

Following a multimillion-dollar redesign by Partnership Design and AROS Marine, the seven-cabin Hanse Explorer features a rugged, steel-hulled exterior, with the highest commercial ice classification, and a newly refined interior with a distinctly modern style. With an indoor-outdoor design that embraces its oceanic surroundings, traditional dark paneling and leather furnishings have been swapped for light woods and a neutral palette of creams, clean whites, and chromed silvers, complemented with nautical navy blue touches. Expanses of glass sliding doors flood spaces with light to allow for optimal viewing of wildlife during expedition, and cabana-style Bali beds were added with the opportunity to sleep under the stars. New amenities also include a saltwater jacuzzi and sauna as well as a cocktail area with Bose sound systems to enjoy after a day of exploring with a meal prepared by the onboard culinary team.
 
Once strictly a polar yacht, Hanse Explorer is now equally equipped to explore both the tropics and polar regions. A pair of zero speed stabilizers were installed, allowing the yacht to cross the Pacific with minimal motion. Passengers also have access to kayaks, standup paddleboards, diving equipment, and two zodiacs to view these diverse landscapes up close and make remote beach landings. A state-of-the-art dive center will also be added that caters to both beginners and advance divers in order to explore remote reefs rarely visited in the Pacific. Expeditions are guided by a team of experts with decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of these regions.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Jan. 19, 2022 — Holland America Line is giving consumers the confidence to make travel plans through the summer with the extension of its Flexible Cancellation Plan to Sept. 30, 2022. As part of its “Worry-Free Promise,” Holland America Line also will continue to implement best practices for COVID-19 health safety including operating vaccinated cruises and requiring a medically-supervised negative  COVID-19 test prior to cruising.
 
Under the Flexible Cancellation Plan, which was originally offered for cruises departing through the end of April, guests who make a new booking by March 31, 2022, for itineraries that depart on or before Sept. 30, can cancel for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of any cancellation fees that normally would be incurred. Cancellations must be made up to 30 days before departure. Additionally, final payments for cruises through May 31, 2022, are due at 60 days instead of 75 or 90.
 
“We want our guests to feel confident when they book a cruise,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We’ve seen so much excitement from guests who have cruised with us since our return. We want everyone who is looking forward to that next adventure to feel comfortable making those plans, and our ‘Worry-Free Promise’ offers that comfort.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise brand Cunard unveils over 150 new international voyages, sailing on its three Queens between April 23 and December 15, 2023.

Across the new itineraries, the iconic fleet of Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will call at 120 unique ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration.

Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner, will sail a program of 18 Transatlantic Crossings, with departures from both Southampton and New York.  In addition, a Mediterranean season from Barcelona, a series of 10-night roundtrips in Alaska, an Independence Day sailing calling in Boston, a 16-night Baltics voyage with an overnight call in St Petersburg, and a 14-night Canada and New England voyage offering three full days in Quebec are just some of the highlights.

"We're excited to share our 2023 voyage program, with which our guests can rediscover the joy of exploration, visiting long-dreamed of destinations," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard, North America. "Our signature ocean travel experience and White Star Service provide the perfect setting to escape, unwind and feel special."

Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal helped fans at the Miami Heat game Saturday night get Funderstruck by giving away a cruise in celebration of his and Carnival’s upcoming 50th birthdays in March.

O’Neal surprised the crowd by taking to the court and asked fans if they were ready to get Funderstruck. He then released parachutes carrying T-shirts and QR codes. One lucky fan also found a gift card with their T-shirt that can be applied for a Carnival cruise of their choice. When scanned, the QR codes also gave fans the chance to opt-in for updates on all of Carnival’s Funderstruck moments to come this year.

Showing some extra love to the port where Carnival first began sailing, the line’s newest Excel-class ship and sister to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, will debut later this year from PortMiami and coincide with the line’s 50th birthday celebration.

“This will be the most Funderstruck year ever, and who better to spread that message than our very own Chief Fun Officer Shaquille,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Miami is where Carnival first started, so we can’t wait to welcome our newest ship Carnival Celebration to our hometown to help us ring in our big 5-0.”

Built upon Carnival’s brand platform Choose Fun, the line recently introduced an entirely new word and marketing campaign – Funderstruck – to describe the unmistakable feeling uniquely experienced when choosing fun on Carnival.
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For additional information, please call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.