(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (MARCH 10, 2020) – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, in collaboration with The Nader Museum, today opened the public voting for its first ever Call to Artists. The submissions for the masterpiece to be featured at Norwegian’s new state-of-the-art terminal were narrowed down to 20 local artists, who will be celebrated at the Gary Nader Art Centre in Wynwood, Miami. The public has an opportunity to help choose the winner by reviewing the 20 finalists’ submissions here and submitting a vote to info@nadermuseum.com. Voters need only email the artist name and number associated with the artwork. Voting begins today and closes on Sunday, March 15, 2020. In addition to his/her artwork featured on the terminal wall for a year, the winner will receive $100,000 and a 10-day artist residency at the Artist Loft on an Oceania Cruises ship. The artwork will debut in June at the grand opening of the new terminal, dubbed the “Pearl,” where it will be viewed by millions of guests who arrive or depart from PortMiami as well as all those transiting the MacArthur Causeway. “We received an overwhelming response from the South Florida art community, and we’re honored that so many talented artists are looking to be a part of our story,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “The ‘Pearl’ will be a significant part of Miami’s iconic skyline, which is why we invite the public to help us choose the artwork that will reside on our terminal and be reflective of our city’s unique flair.” The artwork of the 20 finalists is currently on display through Thursday, March 19, 2020 in a special exhibition open to the public at the Gary Nader Art Centre located at 62 NE 27th Street Miami, Florida 33137. The winner will be chosen through a combination of public votes and by a selection committee comprised of art experts. The winner will be announced at an invitation-only function on Thursday, March 19, 2020. At nearly 166,500 square feet, the new Norwegian Cruise Line terminal, designed by Miami-based global architect firm Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc., will accommodate ships of up to 5,000 passengers. The modern terminal draws its inspired design from the Fibonacci nautilus, with its spiraled and multi-level façade, providing vast grand water views. A dedicated lounge and service area will offer a warm and welcoming arrival for guests, and a new parking garage and valet parking area with direct access to the terminal will streamline the arrival and departure process for more efficiency. (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – March 9, 2020 – For the first time in maritime history, an all-female bridge and onboard leadership team set sail yesterday, commemorating International Women’s Day. Led by Captain Kate McCue, the first American female cruise ship captain, who was accompanied by 26 other women representing 16 different countries, the award-winning Celebrity Edge sailed out of Port Everglades and began its seven-day Caribbean journey. Retiring Pilot Boat Captain Cheryl Phipps, one of only a few female pilot boat captains in the country, led the ship out to sea.
Also, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Celebrity Edge lit up the high seas with a vibrant purple glow, the color associated with the day, to further celebrate change-making women everywhere. Around the world, only 2% of the world’s mariners are women. Celebrity Cruises made it a priority to #BRIDGEthegap, leading the maritime industry into a more diverse future and growing the number of women on their bridge teams from 3% to nearly 25% over the last few years, ultimately, making this historic moment possible. “I fell in love with cruise ships at age 12 when my family took its first cruise vacation. At the end of the trip, I asked my Dad if he thought I could be a cruise director someday and he replied that I could drive the ship, if I wanted to. Five years later, I enrolled at the California Maritime Academy and nineteen years later I became a Captain,” said Captain Kate McCue. “I firmly believe that you have to see it, to be it. My hope is that today we inspire a new generation of young girls and women to chart their own course of pushing boundaries and breaking barriers to be whatever it is they want to be.” “To ‘man the bridge’ with 100% women and to fill every leadership role on board with women is truly significant. I am so proud of these accomplished women, who worked tirelessly to be the best person for the job in a traditionally male-dominated industry and I am honored to work alongside them,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Advancing gender equality in our industry takes a purposeful and focused commitment because it is not easy. This is such meaningful progress and we’re just getting started.” On board for the history-making sailing are trailblazing women in other fields including Madeline Stuart, the first Supermodel with down syndrome; Kellee Edwards, the first black woman to host a national adventure travel show; and child prodigy artist Autumn de Forest; international jewelry designer Reout Kallati; and world-renowned fashion designer Mary Frances. The historic seven-night sailing will celebrate other female achievements through a variety of events including panel discussions, gallery exhibitions featuring female artists, excursions to women-led businesses in the ports the ship visits, and a cinema series putting female directors, actors and inspirational narratives center stage. Celebrity Edge, which debuted in late 2018, was brought to life by a team of visionary architects and designers and features an array of stunning industry-first innovations – such as the transformational Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda and Magic Carpet, the world’s first cantilevered platform that travels up to 16 decks alongside the ship. Building on Celebrity Edge’s incredible momentum, Celebrity Apex debuts in 2020, followed by three additional sister ships in 2021, 2022 and 2024, respectively. To learn more about the historic International Women’s Day 2020 sailing and meet the leading ladies who came together on board to make it possible, visit www.celebritycruises.com/about-us/celebrity-cares/international-womens-day. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, March 9, 2020 – A new wave of island flair has arrived in the Southern Caribbean. With a crowd-pleasing combination of new thrills, guest favorites and top-rated destinations, Royal Caribbean International’s newly amplified Freedom of the Seas has debuted its $116 million transformation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The transformed ship unveils new adventures from bow to stern, including The Perfect Storm duo of high-speed waterslides, a vibrant Caribbean poolscape, the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and new, dedicated spaces for kids and teens. Now sailing, Freedom offers travelers 7-night Southern Caribbean cruises that visit a new, idyllic island each day, from Barbados and Antigua, to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao).
Thrills on Deck The Perfect Storm – At three stories high, guests can choose Cyclone or Typhoon to go head to head through winding twists and turns in a heart-pumping faceoff. (PRESS RELEASE)_WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – March 9, 2020 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has issued a formal response to the March 8 n-COVID19 U.S. State Department travel advisory, emphasizing the strength of its unique Bahamas vacation product. The official statement is as follows: “We want to reassure travelers that the U.S. State Department’s recommendation is just that, a recommendation, and there are currently no restrictions for those who choose to travel by cruise ship. The safety, health and well being of our guests and crew will always remain our top priority and while we continue to monitor this situation closely – maintaining communication with the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – we firmly believe the risk to our guests and crew members remains very low. We will not permit any persons who have traveled or transited from countries currently identified in the CDC list. Additionally, we have a Health Declaration in place and we are prepared to take all necessary preventative measures as circumstances indicate. "As the only provider of two-night cruises, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers a fun, quick, carefree vacation option, with no passport required. By traveling with us, consumers can avoid sacrificing their vacation during these challenging times, enjoying a two-night micro-cation with an unforgettable day on Grand Bahama Island. We invite those seeking a quick, worry-free getaway to experience Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, and we look forward to seeing travelers onboard.” – Oneil Khosa, CEO, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line." The company has also updated its cancellation policy for travelers with concerns; the updated “Sail with Ease Policy” is as follows and valid on any new bookings made now through the end of 2020: "Cruise passengers traveling in less than 30 days may change to a new sailing date at no charge, with price protection and the transfer of any promotional offers or supplements. Cruise passengers traveling in more than a month can cancel with no charge or take the opportunity to transfer to a future sailing, receiving up to a $50 onboard credit. "Cruise & Stay passengers traveling in the next 45 days may change to a new sailing date at no charge or cancel for any reason, receiving a future Cruise & Stay credit. Cancellations with future bookings will be made at the prevailing rate but will include the transfer of any existing promotional offers or supplements. Cruise & Stay passengers traveling in 46 days or more will be given the opportunity to cancel for any reason. Those wishing to rebook on a future date can do so at prevailing rates with a $50 onboard credit. " “While traveling with us is a wonderful way to experience a quick, close-to-home Bahamas getaway, we understand some people do still want the confidence of being able to change their plans up until the last minute. We will continue monitoring the situation and maintaining flexibility, ensuring our guests feel comfortable and confident, helping them enjoy the vacation they very much deserve,” said Khosa. “We also remain deeply dedicated to our valued travel advisor partners and are committed to doing everything we can to help them through this difficult moment. We will overcome this together, just as we have many other things in the past.” For more information, consumers and travel advisors should visit Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s official website, www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., March 6, 2020 — In order to give travelers greater peace of mind surrounding their upcoming vacation plans, Holland America Line is announcing new programs to offer greater flexibility and choice during these uncertain times. For guests currently booked on upcoming cruises, Holland America Line is temporarily changing its cancellation policy and allowing guests to cancel their cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journey departing through May 31, 2020. Any cancellation will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for the amount of the paid fare which can be used for another cruise in 2020 or 2021. The FCC must be booked by Dec. 31, 2020, and the cancellation must be made with a minimum of 72 hours in advance of departure date but no later than March 31, 2020. However, guests booked between now and March 9, 2020 may also cancel under this new policy despite being within 72 hours. For those who choose to keep their cruise plans on departures through May 31, 2020, an Onboard Spending Credit of $200 per stateroom/$100 per person for voyages longer than 7 days and US$100 per stateroom/US$50 per person for voyages less than 6 days will be automatically applied to their shipboard account as a thank you. We also know that there are people with specific individual health situations that impact their ability to safely travel during these times. For those guests who are able to provide supporting documents from their health care provider, Holland America Line will issue them a Future Cruise Credit. This “Compassion Policy” offer is available for guests booked on any sailing, regardless of departure date. New Book with Confidence Program Allows for Cancellation To help cruisers feel more secure when making a future booking, Holland America Line also is offering a new Book with Confidence program that allows for cruise and Land+Sea Journey cancellation. (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (March 5, 2020) – Princess Cruises is temporarily modifying its cancellation policy for cruises and cruise tours departing through May 31, 2020. The cruise line is implementing this revised policy to assist guests making decisions regarding their upcoming cruise vacations during the evolving worldwide COVID-19 situation. The details vary by departure date. Date of Departure* Policy Update Apr 3 or earlier Cancel up to 72hrs before sailing to receive Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees Apr 4 – May 31 Cancel by Mar 31, 2020 and receive FCC for 100% of cancellation fees Jun 1 – June 30 Final Payment moves to 60 days prior to sailing (from 90 days) * Date of departure is from the start date of your cruise or cruisetour, whichever is earlier. Excludes Chartered Cruises Guests that choose to keep their booking as currently scheduled for departures between March 9 and May 31 will receive the following Onboard Credit amounts (USD): $100 per cabin for 3-day and 4-day cruises $150 per cabin for 5-day cruises $200 per cabin for 6 day and longer cruises Future Cruise Credits will automatically be applied to each guests Captain Circle account after they have cancelled. Future Cruise Credits will not be available instantly and may take up to 10 business days to be processed. Full details can be found at https://www.princess.com/news/notices_and_advisories/notices/temporary-cancellation-policy.html Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, IN, March 3, 2020 – Today, Victory Cruise Lines, operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, a Hornblower® Families Company, announced the addition of its fourth vessel, Ocean Discoverer, from Sunstone Ships, Inc. Currently under construction, the Ocean Discoverer will be delivered in September 2022 and will join Ocean Victory in Alaska in 2023. Ocean Discoverer will make its debut with the Discover Beyond ™ Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruise itineraries, which are currently available for booking on board the Ocean Victory. “We are pleased to welcome our second Alaska-bound expedition ship and expand our Victory Cruise Line experiences,” shares John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Following the success of our inaugural season on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes and coastal New England, we are excited to continue that momentum with the new Ocean Discoverer and look forward to showcasing the very best of expedition cruising in Alaska.” As part of Sunstone Ships’ INFINITY-class of expedition ships, the aptly named Ocean Discoverer was designed for in-depth destination access and exploration, while promoting responsible and sustainable travel. Providing world-class accommodations and amenities, guests will enjoy immersive shore excursions led by expert marine biologists, scientists and naturalists throughout the 12- to 13-day expedition voyages. The 8,500-ton, 104.4-meter and 200-passenger Ocean Discoverer will be identical to the Ocean Victory and feature 93 suites, of which 68 will have balconies, nine French balconies and 16 panoramic windows. The vessel will carry a crew of 100 and boast a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio. Onboard venues include two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, observation and lectures lounges, piano bar, library, gym, spa, swimming pool with a pool bar and jacuzzi. Once complete, Ocean Discoverer will share the same cutting-edge design, technology and operating efficiencies as the Ocean Victory. Signature elements include a patented X-bow design which creates a smoother, more comfortable ride to lower noise and vibration levels and consequently seabed disturbance; Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers to reduce rolling and therefore make cruising more comfortable for guests; and Dynamic Positioning (aka “virtual anchoring”) - a computer-controlled system that automatically maintains the vessel’s position utilizing its own propellers and thrusters resulting in top-rated ship maneuverability. Lastly, the smaller size and low draw of Ocean Discoverer allows it to dock in many of Alaska’s smaller ports not accessible to larger cruise ships. The Ocean Discoverer will also utilize Victory Cruise Lines’ partnership with the acclaimed Department of Marine Biology at California Polytechnic State University to feature marine biologists, scientists and naturalists among the ship’s expedition team. This along with the vessel’s fleet of zodiacs and kayaks, will provide guests with endless opportunities for active and responsible adventure and up-close wildlife viewing. Offering the same premier service, dining and accommodations guests have come to expect onboard Victory Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat Company, Ocean Discoverer will feature the finest regional cuisines, top-of-the-line entertainment and immersive shore excursions. Bookings for Ocean Victory Alaska are currently available and can be made by contacting a travel agent or visiting: www.victorycruiselines.com/ovalaska. Bookings for Ocean Discoverer will be announced at a later date. For more information on Victory Cruise Lines, please visit www.victorycruiselines.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, March 6, 2020 – With COVID-19 adding uncertainty to travel plans around the world, Royal Caribbean Group said it will give guests greater control over their vacation decisions, allowing guests to cancel cruises as late as two days before departure. The “Cruise With Confidence” policy allows guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea to cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest’s choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings. “Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” said Richard Fain, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.” “When circumstances are as fast-changing as they have been recently, it’s good to know you have the option to take a rain check,” Fain said. “We think putting more control in our guests’ hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary.” In addition to easing concerns for booked guests, Fain said the policy would also give consumers more confidence in making new bookings, knowing that they could later adjust their plans without penalty. The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020 and will be offered by the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. Full details of the “Cruise with Confidence” policy can be found at the respective brand websites. (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – March 5, 2020 – AmaWaterways today announced its 25th river cruise ship, the luxurious new AmaDahlia, is scheduled to set sail on Egypt’s legendary Nile River beginning September 2021. The 11-night cruise and land adventure includes a seven-night round trip river cruise from Luxor and is paired with three nights pre- and one night post-cruise stays in historic Cairo at the prestigious five-star Four Seasons, Cairo at The First Residence. This immersive Secrets of Egypt & Nile itinerary will provide travelers a unique opportunity to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt, while embraced in the luxurious, warm and welcoming atmosphere AmaWaterways guests have come to know and love. “We are excited to be coming back to the legendary Nile and introducing a new river cruise experience in Egypt,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Everything about this new ship and curated itinerary reflects AmaWaterways’ focus on delivering luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine and enriching experiences designed to engage with local communities and historic sites.” The newest addition to the AmaWaterways fleet, AmaDahlia will guide guests through the heart of Egypt as they experience the Nile’s life-giving waters and find themselves surrounded by flourishing palm trees, fertile plantations and millennia-old attractions – many of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guests will follow expert guides to legendary locations like the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the beguiling Temple of Luxor, and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens, as well as be treated to exclusive private access to the Tomb of Queen Nefertari and a Nubian village. While in Cairo, they come face-to-face with Egyptian treasures like the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the 4,000-year-old Great Sphinx and three Pyramids of Giza; the Egyptian Museum, featuring the exquisite collections of King Tut; and a private tour of the principal workplace of the President of Egypt, the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. “Egypt is rich with culture and history and deserves its ranking as one of the most fascinating destinations in the world,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of the leading river cruise line. “We continuously search for new ways to expand our offerings, bringing new experiences to our loyal repeat guests as well as attracting new luxury travelers in search of adventure and exploration.” Newly designed to accommodate only 68 guests, the stunning AmaDahlia will feature 34 luxurious staterooms, 24 of which are spacious balcony suites measuring up to 430 sq. ft. Onboard amenities include a sun deck bar and swimming pool, fitness room, hair and nail salon, two massage rooms and two restaurants – The Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, offering a delectable seven-course tasting menu. Guests will be treated to authentic nightly entertainment including a Belly Dance show, a Galabeya (a traditional Egyptian gown) party and a Darawish show. The river cruise, sailing round trip from Luxor, and Cairo program -- with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor -- will operate seasonally from September through to May each year. To compliment this immersive 11-night cruise and land adventure, Secrets of Egypt & the Nile will be offered with optional extensions including pre-program, three nights in Dubai or four nights in Jordan (Amman and Petra) and post-program, four nights in Israel (Jerusalem). Guests are encouraged to book by June 30, 2020 to enjoy early booking rewards combinable with AmaWaterways Past Guest Privilege Rewards program for returning guests. For full details, or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways and Twitter @AmaWaterways. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, March 5, 2020 – As Crystal marks its 30th Anniversary of cruising this year, the company has unveiled Taste, a commemorative cookbook celebrating the onboard culinary experience that has long been one of the most acclaimed elements of the award-winning brand. From cover to cover, the book takes readers and aspiring chefs on a global journey through the destinations Crystal explores and the traditions and stories surrounding the cuisine from around the world. In all, 64 Michelin-inspired recipes – each including a curated wine pairing from Crystal’s expert sommeliers –will bring flavors from Crystal ships to the home tables of luxury travelers. “Crystal has a 30-year legacy of unmatched culinary excellence, inspired by the world we explore and then reimagined by our incredibly talented culinary team. We are thrilled to offer this rare chance for our guests to recreate their favorite dishes at home,” said Toni Neumeister, senior vice president of hotel operations for Crystal. “Creating Taste has been a nostalgic labor of love, as we reflect on the many wonderful moments and stories shared over these very dishes aboard our ships. Crystal’s cuisine has been the centerpiece of many of our guests’ most memorable travel moments, and we’re quite proud of that.” In its more than 260 pages, recipes range from appetizers and salads, pastas and soups, seafood and fish, vegetarian to signature cocktails, and more. Entrees include Beef Wellington, baked quail and potato gnocchi, while the dessert selection features mango pavlova and Kaiserschmarrn or “emperor’s mess.” Every dish is brought to life by stunning photography and detailed instructions for preparation. In addition to wine pairings like Penfolds Grange Bin 95 2013 Shiraz and Château Rieussec, Sauternes, Premier Cru, craft cocktail recipes from Crystal’s signature menus complement the cuisine beautifully. The Crystal Signature Manhattan, Gin & Jam and No Sin Gin, Silk Rose will all spark creativity at the bar for home chefs. The limited-edition Taste is available only to guests sailing aboard select 30th Anniversary Collection sailings in 2020, who will receive a complimentary gift copy in each stateroom. Guests not sailing on a 30th Anniversary Collection voyage may purchase their cookbook onboard for $59.95 USD or €55 on Crystal River Cruises. The cookbook will be added to guest’s onboard folio and shipped to their home following their voyage. Guests may also use shipboard credit to purchase Taste if they wish. |
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