PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., April 10, 2018 — In advance of World Art Day, April 15, 2018, Holland America Line announces it is developing a unique and special art experience on board its ships and on shore during cruises. Launching this summer through partner ArtLink, the world’s leading pioneer of the international emerging art scene, the new program will deliver a unique art experience throughout the fleet where guests will have the opportunity to participate in a number of interactive art events; to delve deeper into the cultures they visit by being introduced to a region’s unique art and craftwork; and to take home a genuine memento of their experience. The program will be centered in an on-board gallery space exhibiting works by emerging artists curated from the destinations visited by the ships. During the launch period the galleries will feature works by a select group of emerging international artists. The general collection will gradually be replaced by changing exhibitions curated to reflect the regions of the world as the ships sail the globe. An ever-changing selection of photographs, sculptures, crafts, paintings and drawings will ensure that the collections remain fresh and relevant, revealing stories as they are uniquely portrayed by artists of the destinations visited. The works showcased in ArtLink galleries will be offered exclusively to Holland America Line guests. “As with many aspects of our onboard experience that have been elevated successfully over the past few years, we wanted to enhance the way art was presented on board and reflected throughout the cruises in a way that was meaningful to our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Through our work with ArtLink on our newbuilds, we connected with a mutual passion to create an innovative art experience that was more integrated with the places we visit. The right piece of art can be not only an incredible souvenir for our guests but also a prominent way for them to connect emotionally with their travels.” An ArtLink Art Concierge and Art Specialists will be on-hand to provide guests with information and background on the works and the artists, as well as lead them through the acquisition process, and guests will be invited to view the pieces at cocktail parties, attend special talks, meet visiting artists and simply enjoy the galleries independently. PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI (April 9, 2018) – Continuing Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to providing guests with the widest variety of choices at sea, the line has dramatically expanded its retail offerings with its newest ship, Carnival Horizon, featuring the fleet’s most expansive retail space showcasing top brands like LeVian, Victoria’s Secret and, for the first time, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Breitling and Hublot.
Designed to take Carnival’s retail offerings to the next level, Carnival Horizon is distinguished by its modern two-level, mall-style shops located along the ship’s atrium on decks 4 and 5 with branded outlets providing guests with a fun and engaging shopping experience. “We’ve significantly upgraded our retail choices and spaces in recent years and with Carnival Horizon we’re raising the bar with our biggest and best shopping experience yet,” said William Butler, vice president of retail services at Carnival Cruise Line. In addition to offering the largest and most varied offerings in the fleet, Carnival Horizon’s retail space is unique in that it is divided into areas dedicated to a particular shopping experience, each designed around guests’ interaction with the various interests. These areas include: PRESS RELEASE_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 5, 2018) — Guests aboard Regal Princess voted musical comedian Tom Franek, as Princess Cruises’ “2018 Entertainer of the Year.” Four finalists were selected from the hundreds of talented performers — comedians, magicians, vocalists, tribute bands and novelty performers — which entertain guests on Princess Cruises’ stages each year. These top artists performed to enthusiastic audiences during the cruise, and then guests cast their ballot to select the winner. This year’s competition brought a record-breaking number of guests out to vote, a nod to the level of talent among the finalists. Guests aboard the March 25 Regal Princess seven-day cruise to the Caribbean enjoyed live performances from each finalist. The finalists were determined by the Princess Cruises entertainment department based on guest surveys and onboard audience response. Along with Franek, the finalists included vocalists The Modern Gentlemen, comedian Jo Little, and illusionist Michael Barron. Franek was announced as the winner on the final night of the cruise and presented a $5,000 cash prize at a celebratory event in Princess’ signature venue, The Piazza. Franek’s stage shows are performed around the world and combine clean comedy, genuine charisma, dynamic piano playing, singing, dancing, quick wit, and contortionist acrobatics in an unforgettable experience that leaves audiences' jaws dropped and people talking. “Congratulations to Tom Franek Princess Cruises 2018 Entertainer of the Year,’” said Denise Saviss, Princess Cruises vice president of entertainment experience. “Guests were entertained by the energy and excitement of the performers this year - it was surely a difficult choice to select a favorite.” This is the line’s seventh annual “Entertainer of the Year” competition which was established to recognize the high caliber and diversity of guest entertainers that perform on each Princess cruise. Previous Entertainer of the Year winners, Nathan Foley, Ben Seidman, Zach Winningham, Tony Tillman, Carlos Oscar and Robbie Printz continue to perform year round on Princess and remain among the top-rated entertainers throughout the fleet. The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, is the bucket-list-worthy vacation for all ages. Packed with thrilling adventures, delicious dining and jaw-dropping entertainment, it’s the ultimate experience you won’t want to miss. (Royal Caribbean)
PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI (April 6, 2018) – Carnival Cruise Line announced today it has added another 20 voyages to Cuba aboard Carnival Paradise from Tampa in 2019, complementing the 11 cruises to the island taking place aboard the vessel through next year.
The new voyages aboard Carnival Paradise are in addition to the 17 recently announced Cuba cruises aboard Carnival Sensation departing from Miami in 2019, indicating that more and more travelers view cruising as a great way to experience the destination. “Our Cuba cruises have been met with phenomenal guest response since we began sailing to the island last year and we’re thrilled to add yet another 20 voyages to this fascinating and sought-after destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. The newly added five-day voyages on Carnival Paradise will depart Tampa on Saturdays and feature a day-long or a full day and overnight call in the Cuban capital of Havana, along with stops at tropical destinations Key West and Cozumel. Carnival Paradise’s new Cuba cruise schedule includes: · 10, five-day cruises overnighting in Havana with a visit to Key West – departing March 2, April 13, May 25, June 22, July 6, Aug. 3 and 17, Sept. 14 and 28 and Oct. 26, 2019; · Six, five-day voyages featuring a day-long call in Havana and a visit to Cozumel – departure dates include Jan. 5, March 16, May 11, Aug. 31, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7, 2019; · Four, five-day sailings featuring day-long calls to Havana, Key West and Cozumel – departing Feb. 16, June 8, July 20 and Oct. 12, 2019. Guests sailing on Carnival’s Cuba cruises can select from nearly 20 different shore excursion experiences that showcase the island’s vibrant culture, majestic beauty and centuries-old architectural landmarks. A variety of Cuban-themed activities and entertainment, including the sizzling Amor Cubano: A Caribbean Dance Romance Playlist Productions show, Havana-inspired deck parties, trivia contests and salsa lessons, are also offered. There’s also an onboard Cuba expert who discusses the country’s rich history and culture. Carnival Paradise completed an extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishment last month that added a spectacular water park, 38 new cabins, 98 balconies to existing staterooms, and an a host of exciting food and beverage concepts. New spaces include Guy’s Burger Joint developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri, the poolside RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, the BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery, a new Camp Ocean marine-themed play area, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a Pixels-branded digital photo platform and enhanced retail offerings including boutiques from Pandora and Guess. The visits to Havana comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control. Carnival’s shore excursions meet all U.S. government regulations and provide a convenient means for complying with the people-to-people requirements of cruises to Cuba. PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI, FL – April 5, 2018 – With service like no other, Celebrity Cruises is raising the bar even further in a first-of-its-kind travel partnership with Forbes Travel Guide. A global authority on luxury service, Celebrity entered the partnership to tap into Forbes Travel Guide’s 60 years of expertise as the modern luxury brand continues to refine its already heralded award-winning guest experience. Celebrity is the first cruise line to secure a fleet wide partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, and hold itself to the highest luxury service standards in the world, further proving the brands commitment to world-class service. “Celebrity Cruises has been recognized for its industry-leading hospitality that offers guests personalized, genuine and knowledgeable service unlike any other,” said Brian Abel, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “But we’re not resting on our laurels; we’re always looking for ways to continue to improve upon our service, and that’s what we hope to gain from this industry-first partnership with Forbes Travel Guide.” Integrating its vast experience in assessing and verifying service and facility at the finest hotels and resorts in the world, Forbes Travel Guide now shares the same standards of luxury service to support Celebrity in the brand’s ongoing quest to raise the bar on service excellence. “We are proud to join with Celebrity Cruises in this important partnership,” said Gerard J. Inzerillo, Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide. “Celebrity is setting itself apart by committing to a luxury experience and service excellence throughout its fleet, and we are poised to support the company in this commitment.” For 25 years, Celebrity’s commitment to world-class service has been the brand’s calling card – the main reason why guests cruise with the brand year after year. From their stateroom attendant to their intuitive waiters, flair bartenders, and knowledgeable sommeliers, someone is always there with a smile and a helping hand. To learn more about Celebrity Cruises and the brand’s ongoing commitment to unrivaled service, visit www.celebritycruises.com/about-us/our-distinction. PRESS RELEASE_Los Angeles (April 3, 2018) – Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) today announced its 2019 Ocean & River Voyages, which provide guests the unique opportunity to explore Europe’s legendary rivers on an award-winning Viking Longship® before setting sail to Scandinavia on one of Viking’s award-winning ocean ships. Debuting in May 2019, the Grand European & Viking Fjords itinerary will sail Budapest to Bergen, combining Viking’s popular 15-day Grand European Tour cruise on the Rhine and Danube Rivers between Budapest and Amsterdam – with the 8-day Viking Shores & Fjords ocean itinerary, which sails the North Sea, between Amsterdam and Bergen. Viking will also offer additional departures in 2019 of the 15-day Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords combination itinerary, which debuts in June 2018 and will sail between Basel and Bergen. “Our guests are experienced travelers who appreciate immersive cultural experiences, while also exploring the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Only Viking can provide a destination-focused voyage that marries the river and sea into a single, unified journey. With one flight, our guests can experience both of our award-winning cruise products, making it even easier for them to explore the world.” Ocean & River Voyages Starting in June 2018, Viking’s first two combination cruises will set sail, allowing guests to explore even more throughout Europe with rich cultural experiences in each port of call. With the new Ocean & River Voyages, guests can experience sailing through the heart of Europe on an award-winning 190-guest Viking Longship, as well as sailing the high seas on one of Viking’s award-winning 930-guest ocean ships. Full details on the new 2019 Ocean & River Voyages can be found on Viking’s website here and highlights include: Grand European & Viking Fjords – (Budapest – Bergen; May 26, 2019; June 2, 2019) – This 22-day itinerary brings guests to six countries and 19 ports of call. From the riches of Budapest to the pristine shores of Norway, guests will sail the Danube River into Austria’s vineyard-laden Wachau Valley and pause to explore Germany’s historic castles along the Rhine River. In Amsterdam, guests will experience Holland’s famous windmills before boarding one of Viking’s 930-guest ocean ships and sailing north, calling on multiple ports in Norway, from cosmopolitan Stavanger to breathtakingly scenic Flåm. Finally, disembark in the historic fishing village of Bergen, home to the iconic, colorful 18th-century wooden row houses and the Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction. Inclusive pricing starts at $8,748 per person. Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords – (Basel – Bergen; June 30, 2018; June 2, 2019) – Guests will experience highlights of the Rhine River and discover Nordic wonders by sea on this 15-day itinerary, exploring six countries and 15 ports. From artistic Basel to Germany’s storied Black Forest and Cologne’s iconic Cathedral, guests will immerse themselves in the experience of each city and discover its rich culture first-hand. In Amsterdam, guests will be transferred directly to one of Viking’s 930-guest ocean ships and will continue their journey in the North Sea to Skagen, Denmark, before sailing through Norway’s dramatic fjords and disembarking in Bergen, a city with deep Viking roots. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction. Inclusive pricing starts at $6,348 per person. PRESS RELEASE_Seattle, Wash., April 3, 2018 — Travelers looking to plan ahead and book their future Holland America Line cruise vacation can take advantage of the Ready Set Sail promotion featuring pre-paid gratuities, reduced deposits and exceptional rates on nearly all of the cruise line’s worldwide itineraries. Guests who book a Holland America Line cruise by June 14, 2018, will be eligible to receive the offer, and guests who book a suite also will receive up to $300 onboard spending money per stateroom. All cruises between Sept. 1, 2018, and Aug. 1, 2019, excluding Grand Voyages and Grand Voyage segments, are eligible for the Ready Set Sail promotion. The prepaid gratuities cover the hotel service charge, while 50 percent reduced deposits and attractive fares make it more affordable to start planning for a future cruise. Depending on the cruise length, guests booking suites will receive onboard spending money up to $300 per stateroom. “Our guests are frequent travelers and many book their next cruise up to a year in advance. Promotions like Ready Set Sail give them the opportunity to reserve now with a low deposit and receive incentives like prepaid gratuities and onboard spending money,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Applying Ready Set Sail to the majority of our global cruises and adding extra perks makes it possible for more cruisers to take that trip they’ve been dreaming about.” Suite guests can use their onboard spending money to enjoy a variety of shipboard experiences and amenities. Extras that the credit can be applied to include treatments at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, gift shop purchases, EXC Tours (shore excursions), beverages or dinner at one of the specialty restaurants such as Pinnacle Grill, Sel de Mer, Canaletto or Tamarind, depending on the ship. By booking with Ready Set Sail, guests enjoy cruise fare savings and can sail all over the world while taking advantage of the promotion. Eligible Holland America Line destinations include Alaska cruises and Land+Sea Journeys, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Mexico, South America, the Panama Canal, the Far East, the South Pacific, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Australia and New Zealand. PRESS RELEASE_MIAMI, FLORIDA – April 3, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line invites guests to take advantage of a Tax-Free Spree* available now through April 17. For a limited time only when guests book select three-day or longer cruise in an ocean view category stateroom or above, government taxes, fees and port expenses will be waived. Whether guests choose to cruise the beautiful Mediterranean, explore the history and culture of Cuba or take a quick weekend trip to the Bahamas, this incredible offer is available on over 430 cruises and combinable with the Free at Sea promotion, which offers guests even more value for the amenities of their choice. Additional April value offers include: · FREE AT SEA - EXTENDED: Guests can take advantage of Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion, now extended through April 30. This signature value-added promotion provides guests who book a new three-day or longer cruise their choice of up to five free offers that feature spectacular onboard amenities†, including free unlimited open bar, $50 credit per stateroom that can be applied towards shore excursions in each port, a free specialty dining package, 250-minute internet package, or Norwegian’s Friends & Family Sail Free offer which allows the third and fourth guests to sail for complimentary on select cruises. The number of offers available is based on the stateroom category selected. o Reserve an inside cabin or Norwegian’s studio staterooms – designed specifically with the solo traveler in mind – and receive one free offer. o Book an ocean view, balcony or mini-suite category stateroom and choose up to two free offers. o Guests who want to spread out in comfort in a suite, or are in search of the ultimate luxury experience aboard Norwegian with an exclusive suite in The Haven by Norwegian®, will enjoy all five free amenities†, providing them up to $2,700 in overall value on their cruise. Watch a timelapse video of the world's largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, sail away from Barcelona, Spain for the first time.
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