Spectrum of the Seas is one step closer to completion. Having undergone a unique construction process, Spectrum’s FERU (Floating Engine Room Unit) mega-block which was built in Rostock, Germany travelled 296 nautical miles down the River Ems to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany to be joined with the rest of the ship, which is scheduled for delivery in 2019.
PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., Mar. 15, 2018 — Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam is set to debut in December 2018; and when the ship sets sail from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy it will feature distinct stateroom enhancements. The newest 2,666-guest Pinnacle-Class ship will have eight more staterooms than sister-ship Koningsdam, and all categories have been reimagined from top to bottom to showcase more thoughtful touches and innovative additions. Among the most noticeable enhancements is the redesigned Pinnacle Suite — the largest on the ship — as well as reconfigured Family Staterooms. However, Nieuw Statendam still displays all stateroom hallmarks introduced on Koningsdam, including single-cruiser accommodations, as well as a wider range of suite configurations. “As with every new ship, we’ve listened to guest feedback and made our own assessments that have led to exciting changes to Nieuw Statendam that will enhance our stateroom experience across every category,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Staterooms should be a sanctuary for our guests, and they are going to appreciate the elegance, functionality and extra-special touches to be found on our newest ship.” Nieuw Statendam adds five more ocean-view and three more interior staterooms, bringing the total stateroom count to 1,339. The ship features 103 ocean-view and 280 interior staterooms, ranging from 225 to 266 square feet. The ship will have 851 verandah or verandah spa accommodations, bringing the total staterooms that have a verandah, including suites, to 912. PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI, March 14, 2018 – Royal Caribbean International is amping up vacation adventures by reimagining its fleet with a $900 million investment. The Royal Amplified program spans 10 ships in four years, and touches every facet of the guest experience on a lineup of the world’s most highly regarded and award-winning ships, including Oasis and Allure of the Seas, as well as all Freedom and Voyager Class ships. The program is set to introduce a wide range of innovative features and bold new experiences that will further build on Royal Caribbean’s best-in-class global vacation offering.
In developing Royal Amplified, the global cruise line analyzed multiple years of guest satisfaction ratings, venue utilization data and crew interviews to focus the major investment on key features and experiences that matter most to travelers. Full details on each ship’s new amenities will be revealed on a continuous basis in the next three years. “Royal Amplified is built on our passion for innovation, relentless attention to detail and commitment to always exceeding our guests’ expectations,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We sail with more than five million guests worldwide each year, and recognize the need to always innovate and stay ahead of the curve. We have designed this program to wow our loyal guests while also attracting the next generation of adventurers.” Iconic Pools and Attractions With Royal Amplified, outside decks will be reimagined for thrill seekers to discover everything they want under the sun and beneath the stars. From pools specifically designed for family fun and relaxing spa-like environments, to lively activities day and night, more specialized pool spaces will catering to diverse preferences. Upper decks will be amped up and evolved with exciting new attractions and first-of-its-kind thrills such as Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience along with waterslides, and waterparks. PRESS RELEASE_Miami, FL, March 14, 2018 – Oceania Cruises will introduce its new Wavenet high-speed internet fleetwide. With Wavenet, travelers will be able to upload and download large files in a snap, enjoy their favorite shows on Netflix, stream their favorite playlist on Spotify and instantly share their Oceania Cruises’ memories on Facebook, and Instagram. They can even livestream, Facetime, and Skype with friends and family back home. “With our new Wavenet high-speed internet, our guests and crew can continue to surf, post and stream aboard our ships from anywhere around the globe, just as they would at home,” stated Bob Binder, president & CEO of Oceania Cruises. Free and unlimited Wavenet service will be included for all stateroom and suite categories on all sailings. A streaming upgrade, Wavenet Prime, is available for $9.99 per day for guests who wish to stream movies, music, or videos. Wavenet and Wavenet Prime will be available on all vessels by the end of April. PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI, March 14, 2018 – Upping the ante on what it means to thrill and chill on vacation, Royal Caribbean International today unveiled the first details of the new Perfect Day Island Collection, a series of unrivaled private island destinations around the world. The first in the collection, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas will boast a number of distinct experiences and iconic features, giving adventurous vacationers first-time experiences that will top any bucket list. From racing down the tallest and most thrilling waterslide in North America or riding the tide of the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, to taking in the highest view in The Bahamas from a helium balloon 450 feet in the air, unwinding at the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, or enjoying the perfect beach day, guests will have the power to create their perfect vacation day – no matter what that may look like.
“At Royal Caribbean, it’s not just about the hardware. It’s true that our new ships are technological and engineering marvels in their own right, and offer a multitude of unexpected experiences. Our destinations are an equally important part of the cruise vacation,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are introducing Perfect Day Island Collection to ensure that we deliver the most memorable vacation for adventure seekers on land, as well as on board our ships.” Scheduled for completion in fall 2019, the new Perfect Day at CocoCay will offer endless discoveries and shareable moments among seven distinctive island experiences to deliver the ultimate family destination in the Caribbean with the perfect combination of thrills and chills for everyone. The Perfect Day Starts Here Setting the stage for the perfect day is the upbeat, colorful and dynamic arrivals plaza, visible to guests as soon as they step ashore Perfect Day at CocoCay. Vacationers will be able to jam out to a welcoming party of live music or brave a zip line ride soaring across the harbor; get soaked by more than 30 water cannons on a shipwrecked Galleon or by the surprising spout of Sprayaway Geyser, spraying water 82 feet in the air. Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay will give kids even more buckets of fun thanks to fountains, pools, sprinklers, geysers, water cannons and whirlpools – plus five kid-size waterslides and two massive drench buckets. PRESS RELEASE_Geneva, Switzerland, March 15, 2018 – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and leading cruise line in Europe and South America, today announced that, as of December 10, 2018, MSC Armonia will add Miami to its 7-night Cuba and Caribbean itinerary and will homeport there alongside MSC Divina and MSC Seaside. With the addition of Miami, guests will be able to enjoy an even richer itinerary across the Caribbean, as well as benefit from more in- and outbound traveling options for their cruise vacation. Moreover, MSC Cruises will be the only cruise line offering a 7-night program regularly including two days in Havana, featuring the largest and most modern cruise ships calling Cuba. For more information on MSC Armonia, visit: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Discover-MSC/Cruise-Ships/MSC-Armonia.aspx. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, commented: “Miami is known internationally as the "Cruise Capital of the World" and it is often referred to as the world’s leading cruise port as it continues to excel in its principal homeport status with modern passenger terminal facilities, great accommodation options and outstanding end-to-end logistics and supply chain infrastructure. It is a truly exciting destination in itself and guests who visit Miami will enjoy a destination unlike any other, with a dramatic skyline, bustling cultural life, arts, great food, entertainment and so much more, as well as all that the state of Florida and beyond has to offer.” “Additionally,” added Onorato, “by having Miami as homeport this will give European and international guests an opportunity to add a pre- or post- cruise portion to their land vacation from New York, Orlando or other U.S. cities. Miami also offers a greater array of inbound and outbound options when traveling from within the U.S. or internationally.” MSC Armonia was the first ship in MSC Cruises’ $250 million Renaissance Program and has been recently and extensively overhauled, in late 2014. The ship has been tailored with a wide range of amenities and services for families; exquisite, varied dining offerings; outstanding, all-hours entertainment; a broad choice of relaxation and wellness options, and more, all provided with a touch of Mediterranean flair and flavor. With her new 7-night itinerary, MSC Armonia’s guests will embark in Miami on Mondays, with the ship then calling Montego Bay (Jamaica), Georgetown (Cayman Islands), and Cozumel (Mexico) before arriving in Havana, the Cuban capital, on Saturday and staying through to Sunday. Upon departing Havana, the ship will return to Miami. While in Cuba, guests will be able to choose from a broad range of shore experiences rich in cultural and historical discovery. The Caribbean island is a unique cultural hub, offering a distinct combination of traditions thanks to its rich heritage which is unique in the region. The visits to Cuba comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved U.S. citizens to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. As such, all sailings to Cuba from the U.S. offer shore excursions that comply with the people-to-people educational exchange activities requirement as set forth in the U.S. regulations. PRESS RELEASE_CELEBRATION, Fla. – Exciting new spaces and new experiences designed for guests of all ages are onboard the Disney Magic. From family dining in an enchanted kingdom, to a transformed teen club, to a sophisticated café exclusively for adults, the ship’s newest highlights include: An Enchanting Dining Experience for Families At Rapunzel’s Royal Table, families delight in an all-new dining experience inspired by the beloved story of Disney’s “Tangled.” The first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment transports Disney Magic guests to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and interactive fun featuring Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs. Guests step inside a regal ballroom in the royal castle, lit by glowing wish lanterns and adorned with colorful drawings that reflect Rapunzel’s artistic talents. Here, the King and Queen of Corona invite everyone to take part in a festive celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and the anniversary of her return to the kingdom. (AZAMARA)_Azamara Club Cruises has joined forces with Rocky Mountaineer, the largest privately-owned luxury tourist train company in the world, to develop special offerings of inclusive pre- & post-land programs for select Azamara Alaska voyages in 2019. These bucket list-worthy land programs allow Azamara to bring their signature Destination Immersion® programming to guests in a whole new way thanks to the unique and authentic perspectives that train travel provides. When travelers combine a Rocky Mountaineer pre- & post-land program with one of Azamara’s Alaskan itineraries, guests will be able to explore the region through the following: · Authentic experiences in marquee ports like Homer and Sitka · Bike rides alongside the Pacific Ocean and picturesque scenery with the exclusive Azamara Cruise Global, Bike Local program · Stays in premium hotels · Travel on a luxury train through unique, historical routes throughout the Canadian Rockies and gourmet cuisine with unparalleled on-board service Alaskan voyages like the 10-day Alaska Intensive Voyage setting sail May 2019, the eight-day Alaska Adventure Voyage in June 2019 and the 10-day Alaska Showcase Voyage in July 2019 are all applicable for the Rocky Mountaineer package. PRESS RELEASE_VALENCIA, Calif., March 13, 2018 – For the first time ever Cunard has collaborated with Ancestry.com, the largest online family history resource in the world, to offer guests the opportunity to trace their family history on flagship liner Queen Mary 2 while sailing across the Atlantic. Cunard played a critical role in the immigration movement to the US in the late 1800s -- one in five immigrants who came through Ellis Island arrived on a Cunard liner. This Crossing offers an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one’s ancestors and experience sailing across the Atlantic like so many immigrants did. The seven-night Transatlantic Crossing, November 4-11, 2018, will feature four genealogists from Ancestry to assist guests in learning who they are and where they come from. These experts will show guests where their family originated, how to sift through census and military records, and determine their ethnic mix through AncestryDNA. Ancestry genealogy experts include:
“Cunard has a deep history with immigration to the US,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “Cunard’s partnership with Ancestry.com for the November transatlantic crossing will be an extraordinary experience for our guests to learn about their ancestors as they retrace their passage to the US, sailing into New York on a Cunard liner.” Cunard is offering a unique two-night post-voyage tour of Ellis Island and New York’s Ancestral Trail which offers insight into the early history of New York in downtown Manhattan including historical landmarks such as Wall Street, the New York Exchange, Federal Hall and the Trinity Church. A detailed 90-minute guided tour of Ellis Island will include the immigration halls and immigrant hospital buildings. From March 1 through August 31, 2018, guests who book the post-voyage historical tour can save up to 40% off a balcony cabin on the November 4 Ancestry Crossing. PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., Mar. 12, 2018 — Following the success of the highly acclaimed “Frozen Planet in Concert” that was produced in partnership with BBC Earth, Holland America Line is debuting “Planet Earth II in Concert” on nearly all ships in the fleet. Combining live music with a backdrop of breathtaking footage from the new, award-winning BBC Earth television series “Planet Earth II,” the exclusive show immerses guests in the most spectacular landscapes and habitats on Earth, bringing them eye-to-eye with the animals on screen. “Planet Earth II in Concert” is presented through Holland America Line’s partnership with BBC Earth, where world-class education and entertainment are brought onboard through behind-the-scenes films and live multimedia shows — in addition to special feature cruises with masterclass presentations from the television teams that work behind scenes on the programs. “Our partnership with BBC Earth has been an extraordinary journey to all corners of the globe, and we can’t wait to take our guests into the world of ‘Planet Earth II’ with this stunning, new live concert,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “‘Frozen Planet in Concert’ has been one of our most popular shows, and ‘Planet Earth II’ will be the perfect encore. No one shows the spectacle of nature like BBC Earth.” During “Planet Earth II in Concert,” guests rub shoulders with acrobatic primates in the jungles of Madagascar, race alongside hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, face stormy seas of the Great Southern Ocean with a family of penguins and tap their toes along with dancing grizzly bears — all accompanied by a live orchestra that plays the main theme music by Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer and the original music score by Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music. “Planet Earth II in Concert” is rolling out across Eurodam, Koningsdam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Veendam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam, and will be on board all of those ships by the end of April 2018. Alaska-bound ships will revert to showing “Alaska in Concert,” developed last season with exclusive Alaska wildlife footage, for the duration of the season. For Holland America Line’s 70th anniversary season in Alaska in 2017, BBC Earth launched the “Alaska in Concert” production that combined live music set against backdrop footage from the BBC Earth television series “Wild Alaska,” where audiences experience the cycle of four seasons and see this place is as unforgiving as it is beautiful. In addition to “Planet Earth II in Concert” and “Alaska in Concert,” theater screenings of BBC Earth programs are featured on each sailing, and 45- to 60-minute “Inside Earth” films go behind the scenes and explore the making of BBC Earth content. “Frozen Planet in Concert” will continue to show on longer voyages as a second BBC Earth performance for guests. |
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