(UPDATE)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced an extended delay to the resumption of its sailing operations. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows:

“Upon announcing that we would resume cruising in late July, we were thrilled to see a great deal of demand, demonstrating that there is a strong appetite amongst travelers for our unique short-cruise ‘microcation’ product. At this time, we remain the only cruise line in the country to have received a “green status” from the CDC on our No Sail Response plan, meaning we have met all requirements in providing a safe environment for our crew members to work and disembark via non-commercial travel.

"Over the past few weeks, we’ve continued preparations to return to Grand Bahama Island while keeping an eye on the overall landscape, which continues to evolve. In recent days, amidst a spike in COVID-19 cases in many states across the country, we’ve seen mounting pressures to modify reopening plans and consideration of the return of stay-at-home orders. Additionally, new restrictions from the Bahamas have been announced, requiring travelers to present a negative swab test prior to entry. In an effort to provide the safest environment for our passengers and crew, we have no choice but to further postpone our sailing schedule.

"Our current plan is to resume cruises on August 28th, 2020. This is incredibly disappointing to our entire team, but the decision was made after very careful consideration of all factors, and we believe this is in everyone’s best interest. We look forward to welcoming guests back onboard and appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process.”

for information on the cruise line or to book a cruise, visit www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com. Follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Facebook at Facebook.com/BPCruiseLine, Instagram @BahamasParadiseCruiseLine, and Twitter @BPCruiseLine.

(PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, Ind., July 8, 2020 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a Hornblower® Family Company, is excited to announce it has officially partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of its new charitable giving series, which will launch with the Heart of the Mississippi Cruise on February 14, 2021. As a Life is Why We Give supporter, AQSC will donate $50,000 in 2021 plus 100% of the proceeds from a special 5k fundraiser towards heart and stroke research and awareness.

“We are excited to partner with the American Heart Association since these issues are not only important to our team here at AQSC, but for many of our guests as well,” says John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Giving back is important to our mission at AQSC and our new charitable giving series is designed not only to give back to key organizations, but also to our guests with new tools and skills they can incorporate into their daily lives.”

The Heart of the Mississippi Cruise will sail from Memphis to New Orleans on the American Countess from February 14-21, 2021 with a pre-cruise hotel stay in Memphis on Feb. 13, 2021.
“The American Heart Association is always looking for engaging and innovative ways to educate the public on heart health and stroke prevention, so the partnership with American Queen Steamboat Company was a perfect fit for both,” said Whitten Montgomery, AHA Development Director. “This cruise will raise money for heart and stroke research, and what better time to focus on the heart than during the week of Valentine’s Day.”

In addition to shore excursions in fascinating ports of call including Vicksburg, MS; Natchez, MS; St. Francisville, LA and Baton Rouge, LA, guests can enjoy special activities on board, including:

• Private 5k/3k with souvenir t-shirt, medal and finish-line celebration featuring live music at Nottoway, an AQSC exclusive port.
• Special, heart-healthy entrees including salmon e papillote and chicken piccata served alongside the standard, regionally inspired menu on Valentine’s Day.
• A heart healthy cooking demonstration and wellness presentation led by an AHA representative.
• A hands-only CPR class led by an AHA representative.
• Daily morning stretching on the top deck or in the Theatre, weather permitting.

The cruise will culminate with a 5k, or abbreviated 3k, run/walk at Nottoway, a member of Historic Hotels of America and an AQSC exclusive port. Participating guests will receive a souvenir t-shirt and medal and 100% of the $25 entry fee will be donated directly to the Life is Why We Give campaign. Guests who do not wish to participate in the 5k/3k may also donate directly on board, or via AQSC’s public donation portal.

American Queen Steamboat Company is a leading, U.S.-flagged river cruise operator sailing in the American South, Heartland and Pacific Northwest. Committed to the health and safety of its guests, crew and partners, AQSC has partnered with Ochsner Health, a Louisiana-based healthcare provider, to implement enhanced health and safety measures and receive ongoing assessments from their infectious disease experts. For more information on the new Safety and Health protocols, please visit: www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/health-and-safety-protocols/.
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For additional information and reservations, please contact American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5289, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com or call a professional travel agent.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 8, 2020 – Crystal River Cruises has once again won top honors in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Crystal River Cruises has been earning the acclaim of the world’s most discerning travelers since the line first launched in 2016 and, in fact, was named #1 River Cruise Line in its first year of service by Travel & Leisure readers. Crystal’s oceangoing brands – Crystal Cruises and Crystal Yacht Cruises – both placed in the Top Two of their respective categories, underscoring the consistent standard of luxury and excellence found across Crystal’s varied experiences. 

Crystal River Cruises’ score of 97.14 includes #1 scores for guest suites, food, service, itineraries/destinations and value. All three Crystal brand experiences placed number one in the culinary category, highlighting the superlative, globally inspired culinary experience for which Crystal has long been known. Crystal Cruises placed number one in the service, romance and nightlife categories, while Crystal Yacht Cruises placed #1 for romance.

“Every element of the Crystal Experience is designed to exceed our guests’ expectations of a luxury vacation, and it is always extremely gratifying to know that this philosophy continues to resonate with travelers 30 years after we first set sail,” said Tom Wolber, Crystal’s president and CEO. “The readership of Travel + Leisure represents some of the world’s savviest, selective travelers who know the best when they experience it. To earn such prestigious praise is an honor.”

“We are thrilled that the Crystal River Cruises Experience has delighted travelers to the extent that they have taken the time to vote and call it the best in the world, and we thank them for their incredible support,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “Since day one, we have strived to create an unmatched standard of luxury on Europe’s rivers with beautifully spacious ships; attentive personalized service; and culinary and cultural experiences that highlight the elegance of the destinations. It is wonderful to see how closely travelers are connecting with the Crystal River Experience.”

Crystal River Cruises first embarked on the rivers of Europe in 2016, winning top industry awards within its first year thanks to its superior standard of luxury that had not been previously offered in the river cruise industry. The company christened four new-build sister ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel – in 2017 and 2018, offering travelers more opportunities to enjoy the renowned Crystal Experience on varied itineraries along the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers.
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Crystal’s new-build river vessels are Europe’s most spacious river ships, accommodating just 106 guests with an intentional focus on maximizing personal and public spaces throughout their 135-meter hulls (a size typically designed to accommodate twice the number of guests). The ships comprise Europe’s youngest river cruise fleet and are the industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, butler-serviced vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line.  All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity bathrooms are featured in most categories.

All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.

While its fleet is paused, the Crystal team is developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and ensure that guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Details of these new measures and initiatives will be announced soon. 

Additionally, the inherent design of Crystal ships maximizes personal and public space, offering plenty of options for those who choose to keep a healthy distance during their voyage. All Crystal ships across the fleet including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition offer nearly double the space per person than ships of a similar size, which is among the highest space ratios in the industry and their social spaciousness will be further augmented through the new measures the company will be implementing. Further, Crystal Endeavor and Crystal’s River ships are all-suite and all-balcony with most staterooms on its two Ocean ships featuring private verandas for fresh airflow. The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal’s number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company’s expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. 
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(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, JULY 6, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line will be notifying guests and travel agents on Tuesday of revisions to the delivery of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, as well as the transformed Carnival Radiance – both resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic – and new itineraries for Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic that are all part of an updated deployment plan from November 2020 to May 2021.
The key points of the changes:

·       Mardi Gras, the first LNG-powered ship to operate in the Western Hemisphere and featuring the first roller coaster at sea, will now enter into service from Port Canaveral, Fla. on Feb. 6, 2021.  Itineraries out of Port Canaveral for departures from Nov. 14, 2020 to Jan. 30, 2021 have been cancelled.

·       Carnival Radiance’s $200 million dry dock at the Cadiz, Spain shipyard was suspended this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a nationwide lockdown.  Carnival is now evaluating shipyard options to complete the transformation, but the ship is likely not going to be completed until the spring.

·       As a result of the delayed arrival of Carnival Radiance, Carnival Breeze will be redeployed from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral and will assume the itineraries for Carnival Radiance from Nov. 8, 2020 to Apr. 24, 2021.  Consequently, guests on 18 Carnival Breeze sailings from Fort Lauderdale scheduled to operate from Nov. 7, 2020 to Mar. 7, 2021 are being notified that their cruises have been cancelled.

·       Carnival Magic’s transatlantic and European itineraries from Mar. 13, 2021 to May 3, 2021 have been cancelled.  Seven sailings previously scheduled for Carnival Breeze from Fort. Lauderdale from Mar. 13 to Apr. 24, 2021 will move to Miami and those guests will sail on the same itinerary, but on Carnival Magic operating from PortMiami.
 
“We continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global commerce, public health and our cruise operations.  In addition to our current pause in service, there have been many other unintended consequences, including shipyard, dry dock and ship delivery delays, and related changes to our deployment plans for our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “While we had hoped to make up construction time on Mardi Gras over the summer, it’s clear we will need extra time to complete this magnificent ship.  We share our guests’ disappointment and appreciate their patience as we work through this unprecedented time in our business and the lives of so many people.  We remain committed to working with government, public health and industry officials to support the response to the pandemic and to return to operations when the time is right.”

Guest and travel agent notifications will be emailed over the course of the day on Tuesday, July 7.  Carnival expressed its appreciation for their guests’ and travel agent partners’ patience as it completes the notification process.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 6, 2020 – Cruise industry leaders Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) announced a collaboration to develop enhanced cruise health and safety standards in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The companies have asked Governor Mike Leavitt and Dr. Scott Gottlieb to serve as co-chairs of a newly formed group of experts called the “Healthy Sail Panel.” The panel is tasked with collaboratively developing recommendations for cruise lines to advance their public health response to COVID-19, improve safety, and achieve readiness for the safe resumption of operations.

The expert panel has been working for nearly a month and will offer its initial recommendations by the end of August. The cruise lines said its work will be “open source,” and could be freely adopted by any company or industry that would benefit from the group’s scientific and medical insights.

“This unprecedented disease requires us to develop unprecedented standards in health and safety,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Bringing aboard these respected experts to guide us forward demonstrates our commitment to protecting our guests, our crews and the communities we visit.”

“We compete for the vacationing consumer’s business every day, but we never compete on health and safety standards,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “While the cruise industry has always had rigorous health standards, the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 provide an opportunity to raise the bar even higher.”

“Health and safety are the highest priority for all CLIA cruise line members as demonstrated by this initiative on the part of two of our largest members. We commend this and parallel efforts of all of our members, large and small, who are working tirelessly to develop appropriate protocols based on input from health authorities and medical experts in the U.S. and abroad,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Fain and Del Rio said they initiated the panel to assure the plans they will submit to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other regulators apply the best available public health, science and engineering insights. The work of the panel will be shared with the entire industry and regulators.

“In convening the Healthy Sail Panel, we sought the participation of a diverse group of leading experts in areas of science and public health that are directly relevant to the considerations listed by the No Sail Order,” said Governor Leavitt. “We view our work as a profoundly important public health effort. The health and safety of passengers, crew, and the communities that cruise ships visit will be the principal focus of this project.” 

(PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (July 2, 2020) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced that new 2023 sailings of its Mississippi River cruises are now on sale. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Viking’s first river cruises in the U.S. had been highly anticipated when they were officially announced in April 2020, and several sailings have already sold out. This strong demand has led Viking to open additional 2023 sailing dates sooner than originally expected. 

                "We are very pleased at the initial response and support we have received from guests and community partners along the Mississippi River,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Like me, many travelers are planning ahead for when we will once again be exploring the world in comfort – to exotic destinations as well as those closer to home. We look forward to welcoming guests as we bring modern river cruising to the Mississippi River in 2022.”

                Viking’s arrival to the Mississippi will represent a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the river, with the new cruises expected to bring more than 5,800 guests to the region in 2022 and 17,600+ during the first full sailing season in 2023. Currently scheduled ports of call on Viking’s new Mississippi River cruises comprise seven U.S. states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing, St. Paul).

(PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (June 29, 2020) – Family-owned and operated river cruise line AmaWaterways today announced plans to celebrate its 18th anniversary by inviting travel advisors and their guests to join two special virtual events. Full of surprise and delight moments, the events will take place on AmaWaterways’ digital platforms on Wednesday, July 1, at 10:30 a.m. PST/1:30 p.m. EST and 4 p.m. PST/7 p.m. EST. The hour-long interactive celebrations will be hosted by the company’s industry-leading Co-Founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, along with Co-Owner and Senior Vice President of Sales, Gary Murphy.

“’Ama’ means love – love for our guests, our employees, our crews and our travel partners whose support has meant the world to us since we started AmaWaterways 18 years ago,” said Karst, executive vice president. “It is so rewarding to see the valuable long-term partnerships that have formed and cherished memories our guests have made thanks to the passion and sparkle everyone has brought to the company, especially our wonderful crew on board our ships. We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our AmaFamily and sharing exciting plans for three new ships and new destinations like Egypt.”

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneers Schreiner, Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy. Since its founding, AmaWaterways’ fleet has grown to 25 custom-designed ships sailing the world’s most iconic rivers. One of the most admired luxury travel brands in the world, AmaWaterways has earned a reputation for innovation and transforming the river cruise industry by creating authentic and inspiring cruises for every kind of traveler.

As the desire for intimate travel experiences increases, the company continues to look for ways to invite more people to consider a magical river cruise experience with AmaWaterways. Over the past several months, the company has hosted more than 1,000 virtual events including a series of educational “Webinar Wednesdays” and virtual “Sip & Sail” cocktail hours in order to remain personally connected to travel advisors and guests and to also inspire travelers dreaming about or planning their next vacation. Additionally, the leading river cruise line recently opened its 2022 bookings six months early in response to increased demand for personalized travel experiences for which AmaWaterways is celebrated.

“I am incredibly proud to look back on the last 18 years and see all the innovation that our experienced teams have brought to river cruising,” added Schreiner, president. “With more than 48 years of river cruise experience combined between Kristin and me, the company has been able to remain agile and debt-free -- adapting to unpredictable and challenging situations and turning them into opportunities for advancement. We are particularly grateful for the support we have received from the travel advisor community and the loyal guests they have brought us from around the world. I am looking forward to having them join in our celebration because, without them, none of this would be possible.”

Guests can join either session on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways and on YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways. Travel advisors are encouraged to pre-register for the event(s) by visiting the Travel Advisor Portal on AmaWaterways.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 22, 2020) — MSC Cruises — the world’s fastest growing cruise line — will begin sailing from Port Canaveral for the first time this Winter and offer a year-round presence, starting with the modern and glamourous MSC Seaside from November – March 2021, followed by the elegant MSC Divina, starting at the end of March. The arrival marks a significant milestone for both MSC Cruises and Port Canaveral, as the port welcomes an MSC Cruises ship for the first time. Guests eager to sail from the sunshine state to the Caribbean and The Bahamas can experience MSC Cruises’ signature European style and enjoy increased flexibility with three-, four- and seven-night cruise options departing on Sundays and Thursdays. Starting today, guests can book MSC Cruises’ sailings from Port Canaveral online at MSCCruises.com or though their preferred travel advisor partner.

With nearby access to Orlando, the city’s theme parks and attractions, guests can enjoy an extended stay before or after their cruise, with options of either a short weekend getaway, or a week-long cruise. Itineraries uncover hidden treasures of the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve — MSC Cruises’ private Bahamian destination.

“Port Canaveral has always been an extremely popular port with cruisers. It is easily accessible, offers innovative and modern terminals and provides convenient access to many attractions in the surrounding area. We are thrilled at MSC Cruises to bring two of our modern and glamourous cruise ships, MSC Seaside and MSC Divina, to such a high-demand port for the first time, with sailings year-round to the sunny Caribbean and The Bahamas,” said Rubén Rodriguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. “As we look toward the upcoming year, we are eager to bring our guests back to sea when the time is right, with health and safety as a top priority, following guidance from national and international health authorities. We are also excited to expand our presence in North America with new and enriching cruise experiences.”

“We’re very pleased to welcome MSC Cruises to Port Canaveral and excited to be the homeport for the beautiful MSC Seaside and MSC Divina,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray. “This exciting new partnership is an endorsement of our commitment to excellence and the investments we’ve made in our cruise operations. We’re looking forward to working together with our new cruise partner providing the best possible experience for their guests.”

HIGHLIGHT ITINERARIES FROM PORT CANAVERAL

MSC Seaside and MSC Divina will uncover the treasures of the Caribbean and The Bahamas with itineraries to allow guests to escape with a quick weekend getaway or a week-long vacation under the sun. And, with MSC Seaside beginning sailings starting in November, guests can start planning their time together with a much-needed vacation for the holidays.

Aboard MSC Seaside, guests can choose from three-, four- and seven-night cruises starting November 2020 through March 2021, visiting George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.

MSC Divina will replace MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral come March 2021, continuing her itineraries with  a diverse set of three-, four- and seven-night cruises through November 2021, and visiting George Town, Cozumel, Nassau and Ocean Cay.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES IN OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE

As a highlight of MSC Cruises’ Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, guests will experience the cruise line’s exclusive private Bahamian destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. MSC Cruises has transformed Ocean Cay into a one-of-a-kind destination within a flourishing marine reserve, providing guests a unique opportunity to discover local marine life, soak up the spirit of Bahamian culture and reconnect with themselves and each other.

In Ocean Cay, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of crystal blue waters and more than two miles of white pristine sand spread across eight world-class beaches, including a dedicated family beach. Water activities in Ocean Cay have been created to help guests discover marine life close-up, including snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports. Guests can also relax with private cabanas for rent, or book a massage at the island’s exclusive, luxurious spa concept — The Spa at Ocean Cay — offering treatments designed to immerse guests in the natural environment. With late evening stays on several itineraries, guests have the opportunity to enjoy unique evening activities, such as an incredible lighthouse light show and a high-energy Junkanoo parade. 

MSC CRUISES’ NEW COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL

MSC Seaside and MSC Divina’s sailings from Port Canaveral will  follow MSC Cruises’ new comprehensive and enhanced health and safety protocol which are being developed in collaboration with relevant national and international health authorities with the support of a team of external medical experts. The new enhanced protocol will encompass every aspect of the guest’s journey, ensuring that the health and safety of guests and crew is protected, while preserving the uniqueness of the guest experience. Full details of the new precautionary health and safety measures will be announced in the coming days.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, June 22, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line today advised guests and travel agents that it has extended its operational pause in North America through Sept. 30, 2020.

“During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy told booked guests and travel agents in a letter sent today.  But she added that following the cruise industry’s announcement on Friday that it would voluntarily extend its pause in North America, Carnival Cruise Line is now cancelling all cruises through September 30.  

“We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business.  Nevertheless, we apologize for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions,” Duffy said in the letter.

Carnival initially announced a voluntary 30-day pause in operations on March 13, and has now extended that pause three times, reflecting the public health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is currently completing the repatriation of nearly 29,000 crew members to more than 100 nations who serve its fleet of 27 ships.  As with previous pause announcements, Carnival is giving guests who wish to move their booking to a later date a rebooking offer that combines a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) and  either a $300 or $600 Onboard Credit (OBC) that has proven very popular with their guests.  Guests, as always, have the option to receive a full refund.  The process is fully automated so that guests can submit their preference online and they have until May 31, 2021 to make a selection. 

          “We appreciate the patience and support of our loyal guests, and recognize how much they want to get back to cruising.  When the time is right, our outstanding onboard team will be waiting to welcome them back and give them the great vacation that they deserve,” said Duffy.