(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 11, 2018) – Today officially marks the 60-day countdown until MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and leading cruise line in Europe, introduces MSC Armonia to Miami for the first time. Beginning December 10, 2018, MSC Armonia will offer unique 7-night Caribbean sailings departing from Miami and calling Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico before arriving in Havana, the Cuban capital, on Saturday and staying overnight to Sunday.

MSC Cruises’ 7-night program to Cuba will include two days in the bustling city of Havana over the weekend. And, as excitement builds for this company-first, MSC Cruises will also introduce even more distinct culinary and entertainment features on board the ship to further elevate the guest experience, including elements of the Havana experience brought on board, a brand new specialty restaurant, original theater performances and more.

“We are thrilled that in 60 days MSC Armonia will join MSC Seaside and MSC Divina in Miami, further enriching our offer to guests sailing from North America,” said Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA. “Not only will we offer MSC Cruises’ guests a brand new attractive itinerary, but also a variety of enhancements to make the MSC Armonia experience that much more memorable. On board, guests will delight in fresh entertainment and new gourmet culinary choices, while on shore, an overnight in Havana will allow guests to fully experience the culturally vibrant city.”

Highlights of the Cuba cruise include the following.

NEW ON BOARD CULINARY ENHANCEMENTS

A new, mouth-watering specialty restaurant

MSC Armonia will introduce a brand new specialty restaurant to the culinary line-up. The 38-seat “Surf & Turf” will serve a delectable menu for $35, where guests can select an appetizer, main co.urse and dessert from an assortment of gourmet options.

For example, patrons can dine on an appetizer of Slow Braised Pork Belly, paired with Jalapenos, radish slaw and topped with a pineapple BBQ sauce. For main courses, the Surf & Turf offers the best of both worlds, with a 6 oz filet mignon and 7 oz cold water lobster tail. Additional entrée highlights include a Lobster Thermidor, baked in shell with a mushroom cream sauce, and the 18 oz Certified Angus Beef Bone-in Ribeye. Desserts are as varied as they are delicious with a Guava cheese cake, dressed in a warm Rum sauce, a Red Velvet Cake, and a Seven Layers Mexican Chocolate cake.

Deerfield Beach, FL. October 11, 2018 – 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 Brightline, the new intercity express train service currently connecting South Florida.  Now through October 31, 2018, guests sailing on Grand Classica can receive 25% off Smart Service and depart from the downtown MiamiCentral or Fort Lauderdale stations, avoiding the traffic and hassles of driving to the Port of Palm Beach. Once guests arrive at the downtown West Palm Beach Brightline Station, the ship is just a short rideshare away via Lyft. First time Lyft users can redeem $5 off their first two rides at www.lyft.com/invite/GOBRIGHTLINE

“A Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line vacation is about flexibility and convenience and Brightline makes the journey to the Port of Palm Beach for our guests in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties even easier,” shares Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line President Oneil Khosa. “We are delighted to pass along these exclusive savings to our guests and encourage Brightline riders to experience a cruise to Grand Bahama Island.”

Guests get a head start on their Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line vacation when taking Brightline with comfortable, stylish trains and lounges, refreshing drinks, snacks and reliable service. Upon boarding the ship at the Port of Palm Beach, a short rideshare from the West Palm Beach Brightline Station, guests will enjoy a full array of dining options, several bars and a variety of entertainment choices including Vegas-style shows in the theater, live music, casino action and more. Grand Classica also offers a full-service spa for treatments, pool deck games led by an energetic entertainment team, interactive kids’ programs, sail away shows and parties, and much more.

Once on Grand Bahama Island, cruisers will have plenty of time to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful beaches and fun-filled shore excursions. If booking a Cruise & Stay package, guests can take advantage of extra days to explore the gorgeous and tranquil island.  For Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line reservations, visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com. To enjoy Brightline savings visit gobrightline.com and use promo code BPCRUISE.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (October 9th, 2018) – MSC Cruises - the Swiss-based world’s largest privately owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf and South Africa - announced that sales for MSC Grandiosa’s maiden voyage are now open exclusively for MSC Voyagers Club members through October 21. During this period, members will not only have the first selection of staterooms, but also receive a special 5% discount on top of to their 5% loyalty discount. Sales will open for all other guests on October 22, 2018.

Launching in November 2019, MSC Grandiosa will become the Company’s newest flagship, the biggest and richest in features to be built by MSC Cruises. The mega ship is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique (formerly, STX France) in Saint-Nazaire, France, and will be the first of two highly-innovative Meraviglia-Plus class ships to launch.

Departing on November 10, 2019, MSC Grandiosa will sail a robust itinerary through Northern Europe as well as the Mediterranean. Guests who will be the first to experience this state-of-the-art cruise ship can choose from a 10 or 13-night sailing, embarking in Hamburg and disembarking in Genoa, Italy or Marseille, France. MSC Grandiosa will also call Southampton, UK, Lisbon, Portugal and Barcelona, Spain. With an overnight stay in each port, guests will have more time to fully immerse themselves in each of the destinations.

MIAMI (Oct. 5, 2018) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruise travel, today announced an expansion of the free and reduced roundtrip airfare offer for new reservations on select cruises sailing from November 2018 through September 2019.

The company has extended the recent free and reduced airfare offer for Norwegian Joy’s inaugural season in Alaska in 2019 to include additional itineraries sailing from the U.S. This limited-time offer is available through October 16 for sailings to the Caribbean and North America, with no official end date for Hawaii cruises.

The promotion includes free or reduced roundtrip economy class airfare for up to two guests from over 100 airports across the U.S. and Canada flying to Norwegian’s most popular homeports including Honolulu, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Seattle and Tampa. Guests reserving an oceanview, balcony and mini-suite stateroom receive free or discounted airfare from select gateways.  The Haven and Concierge level receive complimentary airfare at all eligible airports. The Free Air promotion is also combinable with Norwegian’s Unlimited Internet Package, and Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer, which allows guests to select up to five specified amenities of their choosing.

Available on 12 of Norwegian’s award-winning ships, including Norwegian’s newest sister ships: Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, the promotion applies to select sailings of the brand’s top itineraries including Alaska, Bahamas and Florida; Bermuda; the Caribbean; Canada and New England; Hawaii; Mexican Riviera; and the Panama Canal. 

“We believe the vacation experience begins well before our guests board our ships, and that the perfect cruising getaway includes a stress-free way of getting there,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The overwhelming success of our Free Air promotion with Norwegian Joy has proven that our guests feel the same, and inspired us to expand the promotion to allow for even greater access to more of our incredible destinations.”

The limited-time Free Air offer is also available for new reservations on Pride of America, the only ship to offer seven-day inter-island Hawaii cruises from Honolulu.  The promotion is available in all stateroom categories, excluding Sail Away categories and must be combined with a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay.

The Free Air promotion is based upon availability and offered through October 16 for select sailings to the Caribbean and North America, with no official end date for Hawaii cruises at this time.  The promotion includes roundtrip economy class airfare from select airports.  It is not applicable with Sail Away categories.  Additional terms and conditions may apply.

For more information about the free air fare offer or to book a cruise aboard one of Norwegian’s ships, please contact a travel professional; call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784); or visit www.ncl.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., October 4, 2018 — Luxury cruise line company Cunard today announced the World of Adventure Sale featuring fares from $999 as well as Free Drinks and Free Gratuities for Grill Suite guests on select 2019 Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth voyages. The offer applies to sailings ranging from 5 to 50 nights to sensational destinations such as Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Japan, Middle Eastern, Northern Europe, Pacific Coastal, and Transatlantic voyages.

The World of Adventure Sale is the perfect opportunity for guests to reserve their space for Cunard’s return to Alaska on Queen Elizabeth, including the ship’s voyage from Japan to Alaska in May 2019 and 10-night roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver in May and June. These sailings feature calls in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, and include close-up views of the magnificent landscape of the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier.

The World of Adventure Sale, runs from October 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019 and applies to new bookings only. A sampling of the voyages include:

Queen Mary 2’s signature 7-night Transatlantic Crossing between New York and London, England from $999
Queen Elizabeth’s 10-night Alaska voyage roundtrip out of Vancouver from $1,399
Queen Elizabeth’s 15-night itinerary sailing down North America’s West Coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles from $2,559
Queen Mary 2’s 11-night sailing from Singapore to Shanghai which includes overnights in Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, from $1,399
Queen Victoria’s 21-night repositioning voyage from San Francisco to Sydney from $3,499

The Free Drinks package and Free Gratuities are applicable to guests booking a Princess Grill or Queens Grill Suite. The Grills provide an unparalleled level of personal service and feature the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace, a private concierge, and single-seating dining in the Princess or Queens Grill restaurants and array of other amenities.

Bookings are based on double-occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses ranging from $80 to $325 per person are additional and subject to change. 

To view the full offer and any restrictions, please click here. Guests can reserve a voyage under the promotion code N6A.

For more information about the World of Adventure Sale or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Agent at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at1-800-528-6273.

(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (October 4, 2018) – From the cruise line that embodies discovery and inspires exploration, Princess Cruises invites guests to send in their most thrilling images of destinations across the globe in its “Sea to Sky Princess” photo contest. One thousand images will be chosen, framed and displayed throughout the stateroom corridors aboard the new Sky Princess when the cruise ship debuts in October 2019.

With a destination collection of 380 ports and scenic attractions on seven continents to capture, the “Sea to Sky Princess” contest invites guests to submit their favorite photos capturing their most treasured vacation vistas. One entry and its photographer will be awarded a grand-prize cruise for two, up to seven days, aboard the new Sky Princess.

From the vibrant and colorful Caribbean culture, to the landmarks of Europe, to wildlife in Alaska or a scenic shot from a balcony or top deck on board, guests can submit their favorite photo at www.princess.com/skyphotocontest. The “Sea to Sky Princess” contest will be judged by a panel looking for scenic beauty, creativity, originality, style and high-quality images that capture the spirit of connecting to a destination in a meaningful way through discovery and exploration.

“What better way to showcase the inspiring destinations we visit than by asking our guests, to send us their most treasured photos for a chance to become a permanent photograph featured aboard our new Sky Princess,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We’re looking for remarkable shots that capture the stunning destinations we visit and we hope entrants will enjoy sifting through their photos recalling their cherished memories traveling the world with Princess Cruises.”

The “Sea to Sky Princess” contest is open to guests and runs through November 13, 2018. The contest is open to entrants 21 years of age or older, residing in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Winners will be announced in early 2019. Full entry details for the contest can be found at www.princess.com/skyphotocontest.

The new 3,660-guest Sky Princess debuts in October 2019, sailing a series of Mediterranean cruises, followed by a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale. More details can be found at www.princess.com/skyprincess.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., October 3, 2018 – Luxury cruise line Cunard today announced exciting new shore excursions for when the legendary brand returns to Alaska with Queen Elizabeth’s 2019 voyages.

Queen Elizabeth will sail four 10-night Alaska voyages roundtrip from Vancouver, departing May 21, 31, June 10 and 20, 2019 with port calls in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria. Highlights include scenic cruising through the famous Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier.

“As Cunard returns to Alaska, we’re thrilled to offer guests the most exciting ways to explore and enjoy the region’s epic landscapes and culture,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “Our 10-day round-trip Vancouver itinerary offers guests more time and more ports with breathtaking shore excursions such as discovering the secrets to catching and cooking fresh Alaskan salmon or dog sledding across a massive glacier. We invite Cunard guests to experience Alaska in ways that speak to their individual interests and passions like never before.”

Cunard will offer more than 140 shore excursions in Alaska including:

          Whale watching and Wildlife Quest: A specially designed catamaran takes guests past snow-capped peaks and glaciers in the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage, a world-renowned feeding ground for humpback whales. Alive with Orca whales, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, Sitka Blacktail deer and bears, this region offers a wonderful opportunity to see wild Alaska up close.

          Dogsled Adventure by Helicopter: This jaw-dropping combination tour features two ways to experience Alaska’s glacial scenery. Guests embark on a thrilling helicopter ride over rainforest, alpine ridges and glacier-carved peaks only seen from the sky. To round out this unforgettable experience, guests drive a team of huskies with professional mushers over Juneau's famed Mendenhall Glacier.

          Taku Lodge Feast & Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery: A floatplane allows guests to soar over waterfalls, mountains, deep crevasses and the azure meltwater pools of five mighty glaciers. Guests also enjoy a unique visit to remote Taku Glacier Lodge, only accessible by floatplane, where they learn about historic hunters and trappers and explore pristine forest trails teaming with wildlife, including black bears.

(PRESS RELEASE)_​Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruise travel, today announced it will host Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and Grammy® Award-winner Jon Bon Jovi’s Runaway To Paradise cruise vacations in partnership with Runaway Tours, creators of world-class intimate artists experiences, and Sixthman, the industry leader in music festival vacation experiences.

Norwegian Jade will be hosting Runaway To Paradise’s Caribbean cruise, which will be sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas on April 12-16, while Norwegian Pearl will host the Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Palma, Majorca on August 26-30. 

The Runaway To Paradise immersive fan experience will feature Jon Bon Jovi joining cruisers on board the ship at each destination port. Guests will be treated to a full rock show on the pool deck starring Jon Bon Jovi and the 11-piece Kings of Suburbia band, a second acoustic storyteller set where cruisers can ask Jon all of their burning questions, multiple shows from support artists (to be announced), and panels with key figures from Bon Jovi’s storied history, all the while sipping Jon and Jesse Bongiovi’s new wine, Hampton Water rosé and enjoying the stunning amenities of Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel class ships.

Runaway To ParadiseThe action on Runaway To Paradise goes far beyond the music. Guests will get up close with historic memorabilia in the Jon Bon Jovi Gallery, shop for new looks in the Hart N Dagger pop up shop, and even enjoy a meal while giving back to those in need at The JBJ Soul Kitchen that will be brought to life on board. All guests will take home an autographed event lithograph, and fans who book in the first 400 staterooms on each cruise will get an opportunity to take a picture with Jon Bon Jovi. 

 “Ever since we started Runaway Tours, it’s given me such joy to entertain the fans and tell them the stories of where my songs came from. What I’ve realized after all these years is that they’ve found not only my stories, but their own,” said Jon Bon Jovi. “Hundreds of people have gotten together every time we take off for a destination, and long-lasting friendships are born. We want to continue that tradition in Runaway’s fully-immersive vacation trips. Get ready, we’ll see you out there!”

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (October 2, 2018) – Leave it to Carnival Cruise Line to take Halloween to the next level with its “Frightfully Fun” festivities taking place during all sailings throughout the month of October.

The month-long “spook-tacular” is highlighted by the debut of Patch the Pumpkin Pirate, a colorful swashbuckling seafarer who towers 12 feet tall and greets guests as they board each ship.  Kids can gather around Patch as they enjoy Scary Story Time hosted by the cruise director.

And what’s Halloween without trick or treating where the young – and the young at heart – can stock up on candy and other goodies from costumed crew members at different venues throughout the ship.  The event concludes with a costume contest, of course, with prizes for the most creative get-ups.

All-ages activities including Thriller dance classes, Patch’s Deck Party, Halloween-themed trivia and bingo, and pumpkin-carving contests, along with poolside DiveIn Movies showing scary (and not so scary) films like Hotel Transylvania 3:  Summer Vacation, Dracula Untold and It, are also featured.  Guests can also enjoy tasty Halloween treats and custom libations like Witches Brew and the Green Goblin. 

“Halloween is always an exciting time aboard Carnival and this year we’re taking it to the next level with a full month of ‘Frightfully Fun’ activities that guests of all ages can enjoy.  It’s going to be a blast!” said Sarah Beth Reno, Carnival’s vice president of entertainment. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2018) – In early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will offer families even more ways to explore the world together with the addition of a brand-new home port in New Orleans and a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands. Disney Cruise Line will also return to Puerto Rico for a limited time and continue guest-favorite itineraries to tropical destinations from Florida and California.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 4, 2018. More details on 2020 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2020 page of disneycruise.com.

First-time Home Port in New Orleans

In 2020, the Disney Wonder will embark on a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises from New Orleans – the first time Disney Cruise Line will have a home port in Louisiana. Not only will this provide families from the region with the magic of having a Disney ship in their own backyard, but it will also draw families from farther away to discover this incredible city before they set sail.