(Press Release) Geneva, Switzerland – March 18, 2024 – MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line, announced today that it will host the naming ceremony for its newest flagship--MSC World America—on the evening of April 9, 2025 at the company’s new PortMiami terminal. The ceremony will honor MSC Cruises' investment in Miami and its commitment to the North American market, with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle and a slate of immersive onboard events highlighting everything Miami’s newest megaship has to offer. Our last port of call on Windstar's "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze was where we started: Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti. It was an opportunity to take a quick look around the island's north coast, where we found a waterfall, a blow hole and a lighthouse, along with scenic volcanic, black sand beaches. We also saw a lot of surfing. In fact, the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition will be held on Tahiti. -- Gerry Barker By Georgina Cruz Special to North Palm Beach Life Photos by Georgina Cruz “A couple who sails together, stays together” is my husband Humberto’s and my motto. Many years (except during the pandemic) we have celebrated our anniversary on a cruise including nine world and grand voyages on Holland America and two Caribbean cruises on Crystal. This year we also wanted something special as we are celebrating 52 years together and a new ship, Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, caught our attention. From a line that calls itself “the most luxurious cruise line in the world” and which has been voted one of the best mid-size cruise lines by readers of Travel & Leisure in 2023, she merited a look. Also really catching our eye was a special offer of a free two-category suite upgrade and $500 per suite shipboard credit. New ship, luxury and perks? We could not resist and booked a 10-day Caribbean cruise out of Miami in early March. Windstar's Star Breeze made a stop at Maroa Bay on the French Polynesian island of Huahine, consisting of two islands, Big Huahine and Little Huahine. We took a tour that included a picnic in the water, featuring freshly-made Poisson Cru (raw fish) and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Just another day in paradise. -- Gerry Barker While anchored off Bora Bora, Windstar's Star Breeze staged a special "Destination Discovery Event" on a private island: Dinner, sunset viewing and Tahitian dancers. It was a magical night to remember. -- Gerry Barker Mention Bora Bora, and you think about luxury resorts with over-the-water bungalows. This 12-square-mile island is world-famous as a bucket list destination for tourists and newlyweds. On Windstar's "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze, we spent a half-day touring the island paradise. Take a look. -- Gerry Barker Small, private "motus" (islands) are sprinkled throughout French Polynesia. On our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze, the cruise line arranged for us to have a beach BBQ on Motu Mahaea. We were ferried over in Zodiacs, eight at a time, to spend the day lounging on the beach, playing water sports, sipping cocktails and enjoying delicious food. Plus the scenery isn't bad, either. -- Gerry Barker (Press Release) Juneau, Alaska / Montego Bay, Jamaica (March 14, 2024) — Huna Totem Corporation, the award-winning Alaska Native Village Corporation with operations across the state, today announced that it has taken a stake in Chukka USVI, which previously acquired Cruise Ship Excursions, the over 50-year-old tourism business dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for visitors to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Press Release) SINGER ISLAND, Fla., March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A reimagined beach escape, The Singer Oceanfront Resort – located on a pristine, four-mile stretch of Singer Island, Florida's hidden gem between Palm Beach and Jupiter and the eastern-most point in the state – will debut this spring following a transformative, multi-million-dollar renovation and rebrand. Just steps away from turquoise blue ocean on one side and the calm waters of the Intracoastal on the other, The Singer offers an unmatched retreat on the Atlantic Coast with easy access via Palm Beach International Airport just 12 miles away. With its grand opening, The Singer transitions to Curio Collection by Hilton, operated by Davidson Resorts. (Press Release) Seattle, Wash., March 15, 2024 — Holland America Line opened its 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons, including longer calls at unique ports like Mexico’s Loreto and Topolobampo, and a new seven-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary — a rarely cruised route that reveals the beauty of British Columbia, Canada. Cruises run from August 2025 to May 2026 and range from one day up to a 29-day Collectors’ Voyage. |
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