(Press Release) Seattle, Wash., March 21, 2024 — Holland America Line is continuing to build on its culinary leadership by showcasing fresh ingredients and regionally-inspired flavors in a new collaboration with The Spice House, a purveyor of the finest spices, herbs, blends, and extracts. Through the partnership, a special Holland America Line-branded Spice House set will be sold on board and will feature four premium blends that celebrate the cruise line’s global explorations. (Press Release) Miami, FL, March 20, 2024: Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced the appointment of its two Master Chefs of France, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale, as its two executive culinary directors. They succeed Jacques Pépin, legendary chef and founding father of Oceania Cruises’ culinary philosophy, The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Pépin will remain a crucial part of Oceania Cruises in his new role as executive culinary adviser. He and the line will also continue working together through the important philanthropic work undertaken by The Jacques Pépin Foundation. Oceania Cruises has been a key partner and supporter of the foundation since its inception. (Press Release) Seattle, Wash., March 20, 2024 — Holland America Line is celebrating its 151st Anniversary with a special “Anniversary Sale” running from March 20 through April 30, 2024. The offer features up to 45% off cruise fares, onboard credits up to $300 per stateroom, 50% reduced deposits, and free third and fourth guests when traveling in the same stateroom. (Press Release) MIAMI, FL - March 19, 2024 – Virgin Voyages’ award-winning dining and beverage offerings take center stage through a series of month-long on-board activations. Relaunching across the fleet this July, Richard Branson’s newest travel brand invites food enthusiasts, epicureans and adventurers alike to celebrate its third-annual Eat & Drink Festival. This culinary and cocktail showcase is a Sailor favorite and making a comeback with diverse tastes and brand-new events for a limited time. (Press Release) MIAMI, FL, March 19, 2024 - Windstar Cruises, the leader in small ship cruising in French Polynesia, today announces a new collaboration with Pacific Beachcomber, luxury operator of seven hotels in French Polynesia, including InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), Maitai Hotels and The Brando. A hallmark of the expanded partnership is the addition of two-night stay packages at The Brando, Pacific Beachcomber’s exclusive private island eco-resort. The Brando has just 35 private villas, all located on white-sand beaches overlooking a five-mile-wide lagoon. The resort is frequented by celebrities and was named for the late Marlon Brando, who purchased the atoll in the 1960s. Guests of The Brando engage in snorkeling, bird watching, cultural and archaeological expeditions, and resort amenities such as the much-lauded Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa. (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 |
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