(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 9, 2021) – While Princess Cruises continues to work with government and port authorities to finalize its plans for return to cruising, the company is extending its pause of cruise vacations sailing the Caribbean, California Coast, Mexico and Mediterranean through June 30, 2021.
The pause in operation affects the following voyages:
For guests currently booked on a cancelled voyage where there is no matched cruise available in 2022, guests will automatically receive a refundable future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25). Alternatively, guests can request a full refund to the original form of payment. Requests must be received through this online form by April 15, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022. Princess will transfer the commission earned by travel agents from the cancelled 2021 cruise to the new booking in 2022 for bookings that were paid in full. This convenience is in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success. The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, March 8, 2021 – Crystal River Cruises today announced an expansion of its 2022 offerings with the reintroduction of Crystal Mozart, the company’s grand, double-wide inaugural river ship, increasing the luxury options available to travelers on Europe’s rivers. Affectionately known as the Queen of the Danube, Crystal Mozart will offer weekly seven-night voyages Danube Dreams & Discoveries conveniently sailing round-trip from Vienna beginning March 28, 2022. With Crystal Mozart’s return, Crystal Mahler will reposition to the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers with a variety of new itineraries.
In an industry first, Crystal Mozart will offer 38 deluxe window suites dedicated to solo travelers with no single supplement on all voyages, reducing her capacity to just 120 guests and making her the most spacious river ship, with the highest crew-to-guest ratio, in the European river industry. Crystal Mahler and her Rhine Class sister ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel – accommodate just 106 guests, also boasting superior space ratios for all on board. “This expansion meets the increased demand and pent-up desire to explore expressed by our guests across the globe as indicated by our strong advanced bookings,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “We are delighted to reintroduce Crystal Mozart to the global marketplace. She launched Crystal River Cruises’ wonderful journey five years ago and holds a very special place in the hearts of those of us at Crystal and to many along the Danube River. “Now with her abundance of dedicated suites for solo travelers, Crystal Mozart also becomes more widely available to a burgeoning solo market that has proven to be extremely popular on our ocean cruises,” Littlejohn added. New Routes and Highlights in Store Beginning March 28, 2022, Crystal Mozart’s Danube Dreams & Discoveries itineraries will sail from Vienna on Mondays with overnights in the Austrian capital and Budapest, as well as calls to the historic city of Esztergom, Hungary; Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia; Linz, Austria, with day trips to Salzburg; Dürnstein and daylight sailing through the breathtaking Wachau Valley. (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (March 8, 2021) – AmaWaterways today announced the longest-ever river cruise itinerary, its new Seven River Journey Through Europe. The unparalleled 46-night experience will take 144 guests through 14 fascinating countries on four of the luxury river cruise line’s award-winning ships providing unique experiences that only AmaWaterways can deliver. Known for its innovative spirit and groundbreaking ideas, AmaWaterways continues to set new industry standards, delivering a journey that has never before been offered in the history of river cruising. Specially curated by the company’s President and “Godfather of River Cruising,” Rudi Schreiner, the journey sets sail June 1, 2023, with rates starting at $25,999 per person*. Reservations open for the general public on March 15. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, AmaWaterways’ Seven River Journey Through Europe will carry guests along Europe’s most legendary rivers, capturing the essence of each region it visits with unique history, cultural traditions, architecture, and of course, delectable cuisine and wine. Included in their epic journey, guests will have over 130 complimentary excursions to choose from with many all-new tours and exclusive experiences guaranteed to surprise and delight. In addition to fine dining and hand-selected wines at every meal in multiple onboard venues, a Wellness Host offering a variety of core strengthening, stretching and yoga classes, and all of the amenities for which AmaWaterways’ ships are known, the Seven River Journey will also include seamless transfers between ships; complimentary laundry and portage service; all gratuities onboard and during shore excursions; and a dedicated Cruise Manager who will personally guide guests throughout their 46 nights onboard. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, March 3, 2021 – Royal Caribbean International is bringing the heat to its 2022-2023 winter deployment with weeklong Caribbean itineraries that will inspire guests to adventure again. The cruise line will set a bold tone for the season, breaking its own Texas-sized record with one of the world’s largest ships homeporting in Galveston for the first time ever, starting in November 2022. The adventure-filled Allure of the Seas will spend the season sailing 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Royal Caribbean’s new state-of-the-art cruise terminal, which will begin construction in April and is set to open in fall 2022. The renowned Oasis Class ship will captivate vacationers from the Lonestar State and neighboring drive markets with her award-winning, unique seven-neighborhood concept that features an array of world-class dining, adrenaline-inducing activities and groundbreaking entertainment in the iconic open-air AquaTheater entertainment venue. The excitement doesn’t stop there with five other innovative ships sailing from Florida, including Allure’s three sister ships: Oasis, Harmony and Symphony of the Seas. No matter the departure port, travelers can expect enriching itineraries that combine cruise vacation classics like Nassau, The Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico and Falmouth, Jamaica with far-flung favorites like Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The cruise line’s 7-night Caribbean deployment delivers on the desire for more local flavor with the addition of extended stays and late-night visits to select destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Vacationers will see a completely different side of the sun-soaked beaches and lively city centers with more time to explore the natural wonders found inland or enjoy regional delicacies and drinks under the stars. No destination delivers more of everything than Royal Caribbean’s very-own Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the cruise line’s series of private island destinations around the world. The whole family has their pick of thrill and chill experiences, from the tallest waterslide in North America and the highest vantage point in The Bahamas from a helium balloon that rises 450 feet in the air to white sand beaches and clear blue water at Chill Island and The Bahamas’ first floating cabanas at Coco Beach Club. Royal Caribbean’s 2022-2023 7-night Caribbean cruises open for bookings today, March 3. Additional itinerary highlights include: (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 3, 2021) – As Princess Cruises continues to review and assess its operations following the recent UK Government announcement on the roadmap to ease lockdown and related international travel restrictions, the company is extending the pause of its UK-based cruise vacations, sailing roundtrip from Southampton, through September 25, 2021 on Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Island Princess.
For UK guests, Princess Cruises will launch a series of new short cruises departing in late- summer on Regal Princess and Sky Princess from Southampton that will go on sale later this month. "We share in our guests’ disappointment over these cancelled voyages, and we appreciate the continued understanding and cooperation from our loyal guests and travel advisors,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “As we prepare our ships for a return to service, we remain in close contact with the UK Government to monitor the latest travel guidance for international guests.” For guests booked on a cancelled voyage, Princess will offer to move guests to the equivalent cruise in 2022. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests’ 2021 fare on their 2022 voyage. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 USD) or a full refund to the original form of payment. For guests currently booked on a cancelled voyage where there is no matched cruise available in 2022, guests will automatically receive a refundable future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25). Alternatively, guests can request a full refund to the original form of payment. Requests must be received through this online form by April 15, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022. Princess will transfer the commission earned by travel agents from the cancelled 2021 cruise to the new booking in 2022 that was paid in full. This convenience is in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success. The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises. (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (March 2, 2021) – Princess Cruises today announced the line’s 2022-2023 South America & Antarctica cruises and cruisetours, on sale March 10, 2021. Guests will delight in South America’s vibrant culture, indulge in zesty cuisine and savor wines of the region while sailing onboard Sapphire Princess, exploring some of the world’s most dramatically diverse landscapes and breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. Sapphire Princess visits 19 destinations in 10 countries on six unique itineraries, including: Antarctica & Cape Horn
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, March 1, 2021 – Israeli holidaymakers will set a new course for adventure this summer when Royal Caribbean International begins sailing from Israel for the first time in May. The global cruise line will offer Israelis a combination of 3- to 7-night escapes visiting the Greek Isles and Cyprus on board its highly anticipated, brand-new ship, Odyssey of the Seas. The new sailings will go on sale on Tuesday, March 9. The itineraries, roundtrip from Haifa, Israel, will include visits to idyllic isles and destinations in the Mediterranean, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus. “We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas. Israeli travelers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Sailing from Israel is an opportunity we have had our sights on for quite some time. We greatly appreciate the government of Israel for their collaboration and confidence in us to deliver memorable cruise experiences to their residents, and look forward to delivering on that promise aboard our newest ship – the first ‘Green Island’ at sea.” Residents of Israel will be the first guests to cruise on Odyssey during its inaugural season. The innovative ship is designed to make for a memorable holiday for every kind of traveler, with a variety of new and signature experiences from bow to stern. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, highlights on board include a two-level pool deck designed for downtime under the sun and stars, SeaPlex – the two-level indoor and outdoor activity complex that is a high-adrenaline playground for all ages, and a lineup of complimentary and specialty restaurants primed to please every palate with cuisine from around the world. And entertainment throughout the ship will be punctuated by high-tech signature productions in the Royal Theater and Two70, where art and multimedia merge for jaw-dropping performances found only on Odyssey. “Thanks to the millions of vaccines we have brought, I am proud that Israel will be the first country in the world to launch Royal Caribbean’s new flagship. Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our policy. This is an important economic, touristic moment for the State of Israel,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Israel is a global model of success. We will continue our program – the ‘green passport’ – so that we can get out of the COVID-19 virus in peace. Just as we made Israel the world champion in vaccines, we will make it the world champion in economics and tourism in the post-Corona era.” In conjunction with Israel’s health and tourism authorities, Royal Caribbean will be the first to offer fully vaccinated sailings, where both crew and guests above the age of 16 will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Details on the additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Israel and Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date. The Greek Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haris Theoharis, supports all the efforts for the resumption of cruising in Greece and the surrounding area. He said, “We are very happy with today’s announcement as our recent travel agreement with Israel is already bringing results, and more people will have the opportunity to have unique experiences in our beautiful destinations and islands.” Savvas Perdios, the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Cyprus commented, “It is an honor to be featured in Royal Caribbean’s itinerary this summer, and we are delighted to welcome their newest ship to our island. Cyprus supports the cruise industry and is pleased to help the industry on its road to recovery. We are certain that guests will have a great time, both on board the ship and when visiting Cyprus, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.” GAME-CHANGING SHIP Odyssey will be the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to homeport in the region, touting a distinctive new look, an action-packed top deck and a mix of record-holding hits and groundbreaking firsts. The state-of-the-art ship will come to life with game-changing, technological innovations like the next-generation SeaPlex, which will see the addition of this venue’s first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade with club-level views of the competition below; a reimagined Adventure Ocean kids program, and the maxed-out Social180 teen lounge with gaming consoles, music, movies and an outdoor wraparound deck with ocean views. Guests will also enjoy a variety of dining venues, including Teppanyaki, serving East Asian flavors in a traditional Japanese style; and the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which offers rustic Italian dishes with a contemporary flair. Up top, Odyssey’s vibrant next-level pool deck will feature two open-air, resort-style pools and four whirlpools with shady casitas and hammocks. Also on deck will be several guest favorites, including the FlowRider surf simulator, skydiving with RipCord by iFly, the iconic North Star all-glass observation capsule that boasts 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level, and robot bartenders at Bionic Bar. For more information on Royal Caribbean’s first cruises from Israel, guests and travel advisors can visit www.royalcaribbean.com/il. |
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