SEATRADE MIAMI_ Now Arizona has its own cruise port. Or at least, the closest thing to it.
Officials and media gathered at the Mexico booth to learn about Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV)'s planned cruises from Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) into the Sea of Cortez, described by famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as the "world's aquarium." Set to debut in December, the 12-day "Treasures of the Sea of Cortez" will sail round-trip from Puerto Peñasco to ports of call in Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California Sur, including: Puerto Topolobampo, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Santa Rosalia, and Guaymas. Rocky Point is 60 miles from the Arizona border and only a few hours drive from both Phoeniz and Tucson. Mexican officials at the event made a special point of saying travel to Rocky Point is safe. A “Safety Corridor” program between Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco is maintained by authorities in Arizona and Sonora. “This is an exciting project that we have been very much looking forward to announcing together with the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and Sonora and the state of Arizona – the first opportunity to cruise from Puerto Peñasco – Rocky Point! Our new Treasures of the Sea of Cortez voyage takes travelers to discover some of the best kept secret destinations of Mexico from a beautiful seaside town conveniently located just outside Arizona,” said John Dennis, VP, Sales and Marketing for CMV USA in the press release. Guests will be traveling on the historic ship, Astoria, originally launched in 1948 and restored to accomodate 550 passengers on eight decks. The "Treasures of the Sea of Cortez" cruise includes:
CMV also announed they will offer packages that will include hotel and transportation options to the Port of Peñasco, featuring stays in Phoenix, Tucson, and Peñasco. Scheduled to debut this December, fares will start at $1,599 per person. Established in 2010, CMV provides diverse cruises departing from ports in the UK, Europe, and Mexico, operating small to mid-sized classic cruise ships carrying between 500 to 1,500 guests. CMV carries approximately 150,000 passengers annually and is headquartered in the UK with offices in the United States, Australia, Germany, Mexico and Greece. For additional information, visit www.CruiseandMaritime.com or call 855-206-4897. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., April 7, 2019 — In a nod to its long line of historic ships that helped build the foundation for cruising as we know it today, Holland America Line announced that its next Pinnacle Class ship will be called Ryndam. The newbuild, due for delivery in May 2021, will be the fourth ship in the company’s history to carry the name. Ryndam will be similar to sister ships Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, weighing 99,500 tons and carrying 2,666 guests. As the third in the series, Ryndam will feature enhanced Pinnacle Class amenities and innovations, along with Holland America Line hallmarks that drive one of the highest guest repeat rates in the industry. “Holland America Line honors the timeless tradition of cruising while also embracing new innovations for today’s travelers, and the name Ryndam reflects the unique history of this company while honoring previous ships that were progressive in their time as this last Ryndam will be,” said Orland Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “From the first Ryndam more than 100 years ago to the most recent, the namesake ships have been beloved by our guests. The next Ryndam will bring new life to one of the most notable series of vessels in our history.” The steel cutting for Ryndam, signifying the official beginning of the building process, was held March 13, 2019 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy. This will be the 17th ship constructed for Holland America Line by the Italian shipbuilder, which most recently delivered Nieuw Statendam. Holland America Line’s Historic Ships Named Ryndam The first Ryndam was part of the Holland America Line fleet from 1901 to 1929, starting as Rijndam before receiving the English spelling in 1923. In 1927 Ryndam I became the first Holland America Line ship to sail a world cruise, although it was chartered as a floating school at sea for that voyage. The second Ryndam served from 1951 to 1973, and the third sailed in the fleet from 1993 through 2015, when it was transferred to sister brand P&O Australia and now cruises as Pacific Aria. HAVANA — April 3, 2019 — Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin and Diana Block-Garcia, Vice President of destination, itinerary and revenue, were joined by La Habana Cruise Port officials yesterday for a ceremonial celebration of the formalization of Virgin Voyages’ contract to sail to Cuba in 2020. The contract formalization ceremony piggy-backed off a development visit to Cuba as the company continues to build its shore excursion program, which it affectionately refers to as Shore Things. “Our Sailors are eager to sail to Cuba and we are incredibly proud to celebrate our plans to visit Havana, which is without a doubt, one of the Caribbean’s most authentic and enriching destinations,” said Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin. “This fantastic place offers the chance for our Sailors to experience a vibrant city and artistic haven, where they can meet locals and discover the heritage and culture of this beautiful destination.” “We are excited to take part in Virgin Voyages’ Shore Things program, and we look forward to welcoming Virgin Voyages’ first ship, Scarlet Lady, and its Sailors to Havana,” said La Habana Cruise Port general manager Jorge Mandiola. La Habana Cruise Port is operated by Global Ports Holding and plays a role in developing the cruise port and the wider visitor experience in Havana. “We wish Virgin Voyages smooth sailing as they ready their ship over the next year, Havana is awaiting your arrival,” Mandiola added. When Virgin Voyages’ first ship, Scarlet Lady, sets sail in 2020 she will be the largest and newest ship to ever sail into Havana Harbor. Virgin Voyages will begin sailing to Havana on four and five night Havana After Dark itineraries beginning April 1, 2020, featuring an overnight stay in Cuba’s magnificent capital and a visit to Bimini, Bahamas, where Sailors can experience the perfect beach day at The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages’ private club while on-island. All sailings to Cuba from Miami feature an overnight stay, meaning sailors have time to really explore and experience the capital city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage. While in port, sailors can visit Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; experience the rich diversity of Cuban music and nightclubs, visit Cuba's warm and friendly residents through people-to-people exchanges, or simply wander the streets alongside pastel-washed colonial architecture. Yesterday’s contract formalization ceremony follows a letter of agreement for berthing in Havana, which the company put in place in October of last year. Future sailors and First Mates, travel partners, are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com. (ROYAL CARIBBEAN NEWS)_Royal Caribbean International’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is set to redefine private island destinations following a $250 million transformation that will introduce the ultimate combination of thrill and chill. On the unrivaled private island, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy an array of distinct adventures and iconic features from, the tallest waterslide in North America, Daredevil’s Peak; and Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean -- one-of-a-kind experiences that will top any bucket list.
FIND OUT MORE about CocoCay on North Palm Beach Life. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Apr. 2, 2019) –Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands are known for their inspiring beauty, immersive experiences and ancient culture. Luxury travelers are increasingly sailing to Exotic locales visiting multiple destinations in one voyage, and: Exploring a new island paradise every day in the South Pacific, with stunning beaches, shimmering azure seas, and lush forests brimming with tropical flowers; Admiring the magnificent Blue Mountains outside Sydney, feeding stingrays near Gisborne, and posing for photos with koala bears in Melbourne in Australia and New Zealand; and Discovering ancient Asian temples in the jungles of Cambodia, journeying through a forest in search of the renowned Komodo dragon or admiring the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the leading luxury ocean cruise line, today announced it will offer a curated selection of Asia Pacific voyages as part of the cruise line’s popular Elevate & Explore offer. Guests who sail on one of 14 selected 2019 and 2020 voyages in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific will enjoy up to a three-category suite upgrade plus a $250 shipboard credit per suite. This limited time offer is valid in the United States and Canada for new bookings beginning on April 1, 2019. The voyages sail on Seven Seas Voyager (700 guests) and Seven Seas Navigator (490 guests), two intimate, spacious and stylish all-suite luxury ships. In addition, 11 voyages include a free enriching pre- or post-cruise land program that will reveal both the highlights and hidden treasures of these mystical lands for a beautiful prelude or grand finale to the voyage. These three-night programs include deluxe accommodations, daily touring and exclusive ctivities, all escorted by local experts. For example, The Feb. 8, 2020 sailing starts with the Magical Bali: Land of the Gods pre-cruise land package before sailing the southern Australia route to Sydney. Delve into the fascinating Balinese culture by visiting an array of architectural treasures such as Hindu temples, traditional villages and cultural parks that reflect daily life on the island of Bali. Guests sailing on the Dec. 6, 2019 Southeast Asia voyage can discover the Angkor Wat Experience from Singapore, where, just outside Cambodia’s Siem Reap, a unique and thrilling adventure awaits in the jungles of Angkor to uncover the rich history and grand architecture of the Khmer Empire. Obscured by dense vegetation for centuries, the impressive temples of Angkor comprise one of the world’s largest religious monuments. The Mar. 27, 2020 sailing from Bangkok, Thailand features a new Abu Dhabi, Dubai Dunes and Sharjah post-cruise land program to discover the intriguing history and modern development of the emirates by experiencing some of the ancient and natural wonders of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and also visiting the cultural landmarks of Sharjah. The Elevate & Explore offer allows guests to elevate their Regent experience with an up to three-category suite upgrade so they can relax in the comfort of their suite after an immersive day discovering Asia Pacific ashore. Guests will further explore destinations through the shipboard credit, which can be used for Regent Choice Shore Excursions, offering an even deeper level of engagement through unique experiences and smaller group tours. “These Asian Pacific voyages offer an enriching and luxurious journey uncovering hidden gems and fascinating ports with immersive shore excursions and now suite upgrades and shipboard credits added,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We are delighted to create this limited time offer for our guests and their travel advisors for luxury travelers who crave unique experiences. With Regent, every luxury is included, and each journey is an unrivaled experience.” (PRESS RELEASE)_LITTLETON, Colorado – April 2, 2019 – Its long spring season and cool evenings make Holland the perfect place to grow tulips. And, from mid-March through the end of May, the fields featuring rows, upon rows of colorful tulips draw crowds … for good reason. From breathing in the colorful blooms at Keukenhof near Lisse to bicycling along the Dutch Waterways to witness the colorful horizons of rural fields, nothing says spring like Tulip time! In 2020, Avalon Waterways is unveiling five (5) cruises – including three (3) NEW itineraries – that invite travelers to Europe when the crowds are small and the blooms are bountiful. “Every year, the fields of Holland transform into a colorful wonderland of beauty,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “It’s a spectacle every world traveler should witness up-close, at least once. And in 2020, we’re giving our guests more opportunities to breathe in the beauty of seven million blooms and tiptoe through the tulips.” In 2020, Avalon Waterways is unveiling a NEW 8-day Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium, NEW 8-day Tulip Time Highlights and 15-day Grand Tulip Cruise of Holland & Belgium itineraries. Avalon’s new 8-day Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium vacation begins in Amsterdam and ends in Brussels with opportunities to bike the river banks of Arnhem, take a guided walk through a mill and bake a Vlaai, spend time among ancient architecture in Namur, walk through the romantic streets of the “Fiery City” of Liége, visit the Grote Markt in Antwerp and meander along the Lower Town Streets of Brussels. The river cruise company’s other new 8-day escape – Tulip Time Highlights – begins in Brussels with opportunities to explore the cobblestones, canals and cosmopolitan charisma of Ghent – or alternatively, Bruges – a “last post” ceremony in Bossuit, a guided walk of the Delta Works, time spent in Rotterdam, an immersion in Dutch history in Zaandam, tulips, tulips and more tulips in Haarlem and ends with the spectacular sights of Amsterdam. The river cruise company’s 15-day Grand Tulip Time Cruise of Holland & Belgium combines both new cruise itineraries, giving travelers an in-depth vacation featuring windmills, waterways and waving fields of flowers. Other Tulip-focused itineraries include 8-day Tulip Time Cruise and Tulips of Northern Holland itineraries. Also in 2020, using Avalon’s NEW Your Way options, travelers can choose to add-on land exploration to the start or end of their cruise by booking: 1) An Avalon Waterways land extension; 2) A Monograms independent vacation package or 3) A Globus escorted touring vacation. “With our new Your Way program, we’re making it easier for travelers to extend their river cruise vacation with land itineraries that are perfectly suited to their preferences and budget,” said Hoffee. “In addition, with our exclusive onboard Avalon Choice menu on each and every river cruise itinerary, our guests have their pick of the widest array of included excursions, from classic sightseeing to immersive discoveries and active adventures.” The Suite Life Sales Event: Book a 2020 Europe cruise early and receive $299 air and SAVE $1,000 per couple on select sailings. (PRESS RELEASE)_PLANTATION, Fla.—April 1, 2019 - Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle brand set to disrupt the travel industry, today announced it is upping the ante, and means of transportation for its RockStar Suites Sailors.
Inspired by The Runway, the red running track that sits atop of the ship like a halo, on Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages will soon give its Sailors the runway they deserve on its second ship. All Sailors staying in RockStar Suites will now arrive and depart via private jet transfer– so pop the champagne because the sky is no longer the limit with Virgin Voyages. “From the sky to the sea, our RockStar Suite Sailors will truly live the glamorous life of a rockstar icon from the moment they begin their holiday. Why walk aboard the ship when you can fly,” said Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. Virgin Voyages has thrown out traditional clichés – and modes of transportation – on stuffy luxury and formalities with their RockStar Suites designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio. The Suites bring a fresh take to yachting glamour steeped in the Virgin brand’s rock and roll heritage. Inspired by mega yachts and the glory days of rock and roll where stars like Queen, The Sex Pistols and The Rolling Stones reigned supreme, the RockStar Suites feature a retro-futurism design with a palette of deep blues used with iridescent dichroic elements to echo the deep blue sea. RockStar Suites Sailors will live their best lives all taken care of with VIP private jet transfer, early access to onboard entertainment, restaurants and Shore Things. Upon disembarking the jet, Virgin Voyages RockStar Suites Sailors will have their very own wardrobe team to help unpack and repack, complimentary pressing service and nightly express swimsuit drying service-- because no rockstar should ever have a wet bottom. APRIL FOOL!! |
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