Los Angeles (April 15, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced it took delivery of Viking Venus®, the company’s newest ocean ship. The delivery ceremony took place this morning when the ship was presented at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Viking Venus will now make her way to the United Kingdom, where she will be officially named on May 17, 2021 by her ceremonial godmother, Anne Diamond, the esteemed British journalist and broadcaster. The ship will then sail spring and summer departures of the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary. “We are especially proud to welcome our newest ship to the fleet this year. Many of us have stayed close to home for months, so this is an important milestone as we begin to get back out into the world again,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We look forward to celebrating the naming of Viking Venus by her esteemed godmother, Anne Diamond—and to welcoming our UK guests back on board next month.” For more than a year, Anne Diamond has been a key figure on Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, Viking.TV (www.viking.tv). Viking.TV went live in March 2020, in the early stages of the pandemic, and was conceived as a way to build community, stay connected and share positive experiences while people are staying home, rather than traveling. Every Thursday since the launch of Viking.TV, Anne has interviewed a wide spectrum of significant figures with relationships to Viking, including world-renowned cellist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma; Xander Parish, principal ballet dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre; the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon; the Duke of Devonshire; explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, OBE; former PBS MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton, OBE; Downton Abbey’s “Mrs. Patmore,” actress Lesley Nicol; polar explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft; NASA astronauts Dr. Anna Fisher, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan and Dr. Richard Michael Linnehan; classical musicians Alma and Helen Deutscher; legendary British actor, broadcaster and writer Sir Michael Palin; celebrity chefs Eric Ripert, Andreas Viestad and Ainsley Harriot, MBE; bestselling authors Jeffrey Archer, Claire Cook, Robert Harris and Paul Schneider; and Kyle MacLachlan, Sofia Helin and Alexander Eik, the lead actors and the creator of the new PBS MASTERPIECE series, Atlantic Crossing. Today’s news follows Viking’s recent announcement that it is restarting operations with a collection of new itineraries in England, Bermuda and Iceland beginning in May 2021. All of Viking’s new Welcome Back voyages are available exclusively for vaccinated guests, in accordance with local entry rules in many of the destinations that will welcome Viking ships—and as a complement to the Viking Health & Safety Program, which was designed to protect guests and crew even while the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is still moving forward. Viking Venus is the newest ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet of identical sister ships. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, airy public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, APRIL 14, 2021 – Luxury cruising continues its comeback as Crystal’s recently announced Crystal Endeavor summer 2021 voyages – the much-anticipated inaugural sailings for the company’s new groundbreaking expedition ship– were met with great enthusiasm from affluent travelers. The company announced today that just 24 hours after the five 10-night Luxury Iceland Expeditions circumnavigating Iceland and crossing the Arctic Circle opened for reservations on Tuesday April 13, they are booked at over 50 percent of capacity. “We are thrilled with the response to Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural sailings in Iceland as it is clear that luxury travelers, and returning Crystal Society members in particular, are looking forward to traveling again and reconnecting with their onboard Crystal family on our newest, most innovative ship to date,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO. “Crystal Endeavor signifies an entirely new chapter in Crystal’s long history of delivering unforgettable journeys and giving travelers distinctive ways to see the world in the embrace of the Crystal brand. “This ‘Made in Germany’ ship will deliver on what Crystal does best – innovative ship design, generous public spaces, unique destination experiences and world-class cuisine while remaining true to the heart of the Crystal Experience – the people who provide personal, warm service and make guests feel at home,” Anderson added. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, April 13, 2021 – Reservations opened today for Crystal Endeavor’s upcoming Luxury Iceland Expeditions, beginning July 17, 2021. The highly anticipated first ship for Crystal Expedition Cruises will sail round-trip from her home port of Reykjavík on five consecutive 10-night voyages circumnavigating Iceland and crossing the Arctic Circle exploring geothermal wonders, massive glaciers, countless waterfalls, havens of rare sea bird colonies and migrating whales, remote valleys and quaint villages throughout Iceland. Guests can now book the Luxury Iceland Expeditions with compelling savings, reduced deposits and an extended final payment date to 60 days prior to first date of service, as well as other incentives. Cruise fares start at $13,999 per guest, including double Book Now Savings at $3,000 for a limited time only. Guests will receive a $300 per person As You Wish shipboard credit; Crystal Society Savings will double to five percent; new-to-Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent; and solo fares start at just 150 percent. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these sailings. Guests wishing to extend their explorations in Iceland can select one-, two- or three-night hotel programs at Reykjavík’s luxurious Hotel Borg, starting at $499 per person. Convenient air options are available from many major U.S. and European cities, as Iceland’s capital city is just six hours from New York City and three hours from London. The German-built Crystal Endeavor is the most spacious luxury expedition ship in the industry, designed to accommodate just 200 guests with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known. The 20,200-GRT vessel is designed to the highest standards of renowned German engineering, with a focus on the luxurious details that have earned Crystal the travel industry’s highest accolades for more than 30 years. Built at a cost of more than half a billion U.S. dollars at MV WERFTEN, Crystal Endeavor will be the fastest and most powerful expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Crystal Endeavor will offer discerning travelers elegantly casual, generous public spaces designed to enhance the bold expeditions. Accommodations will be elegantly appointed retreats for guests after days full of exploration, with every suite offering private butler service, with convenient butler pass-throughs for maximized service and privacy. Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, 24-hour room service and the Vintage Room experience; spacious social spaces; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – which houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, rare in the industry but a key Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, and an Expedition Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more. A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive Crystal Experience with globally inspired dining; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits; award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference. (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (April 13, 2021) – Citing an overwhelming response to the launch of its first-ever Seven River Journey Through Europe, AmaWaterways today announced a second Seven River Journey – Spring. This new 45-night curated itinerary offers guests extra time to discover the springtime floral splendor of Netherlands and Belgium along with the opportunity to experience the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna sailing the upper and lower Danube during the final two weeks of the trip. Sailing on three ships, the Seven River Journey – Spring will take guests through 14 beautiful countries, with unparalleled experiences in each destination. The journey will depart April 20, 2023 from Avignon, France onboard the award-winning AmaKristina and end on June 4, 2023 in Giurgiu, Romania with rates starting at $24,999 per guest*. “Our first Seven River Journey – Summer received such a positive response that I am overjoyed to provide our guests yet another incredible extended journey designed to fully immerse them in European culture and create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Having one Cruise Manager take care of guests throughout this entire journey ensures a seamless transition from one ship to the other and we have many unique experiences and onboard amenities planned to further enhance the immersive nature of this 45-night journey.” The awe-inspiring spring journey through Europe will set sail from Avignon, France cruising the Rhône River to Lyon, the gastronomy capital of France. Guests will transfer over to Basel, Switzerland where AmaCerto awaits to explore the Dutch Waterways (Scheldt and Maas rivers) before enjoying the castle studded Rhine and a scenic trip along Moselle, Main and Main Danube Canal. Arriving in Vilshofen, Germany, guests will embark on the last two legs of this epic journey on board AmaMagna, sailing through majestic capitals and small villages along the upper and lower Danube. With the growing interest in less-traveled destinations, AmaWaterways is particularly excited to showcase the lower Danube, taking guests through the enchanting lands of Bulgaria and Romania. Travelers will experience the centuries-old history of Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities while sailing through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Europe filled with diverse flavors, sights and sounds. The pioneering AmaMagna adds another level of luxury with more suite categories, unique experiences and space for guests who book the new Seven River Journey -- Spring. At twice the width of regular river cruise ships, AmaMagna is one of the most innovative ships in the industry with four unique restaurants, an onboard cinema, expansive Zen Wellness studio, Sun Deck with a sky bar, incredibly spacious staterooms and suites (pictured right), and more. Guests will round out their extended journey with an amplified experience of unparalleled luxury and comfort. AmaWaterways first-ever Seven River Journey Through Europe was announced at the beginning of March. The June departure, for a limited 144 guests, garnered international attention, quickly filling with guests eager to participate. Based on the incredible response received from travel advisor partners and guests for the first 46-night journey, the team at AmaWaterways built a second spring itinerary to meet the rising demand for longer, more immersive travel experiences. The pioneering luxury river cruise line also offers other appealing combination cruises for guests looking to customize an extended river voyage through Europe. Travelers who wish to be a part of this journey full of unique experiences that only AmaWaterways can deliver are invited to contact their travel advisor or visit AmaWaterways.com/SevenRiverJourney for complete itinerary details. To book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, visit AmaWaterways.com or call 1.800.626.0126. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways, Twitter @AmaWaterways, and YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways. *USD per person in double occupancy Cat. E, plus port charges (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., April 12, 2021 – Couples can exchange vows at ‘the end of the world’ on a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition with Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new Happy Ever Atlas destination weddings and vow renewals. Departing on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2022, World Navigator’s Happy Ever Atlas voyage will offer couples and their companions the most adventurous destination wedding on earth. The Happy Ever Atlas destination wedding package is complimentary for guests when registered in advance. Plus, the bride enjoys a 50 percent savings off her stateroom when the wedding party books five or more rooms. The package includes a legal marriage license, valued at more than $650, and many additional inclusions, which ensure a unique, complete and unforgettable nuptial exchange. As with all Atlas luxe-adventure expeditions, all guests travel in the brand’s signature All Inclusive All The Way style, which, on Antarctica expeditions, includes complimentary round-trip air travel aboard Atlas’ private charter jet service direct to Ushuaia, Argentina. For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Happy Ever Atlas wedding package, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/AntarcticaWedding. “Antarctica is the most coveted bucket-list destination and Atlas Ocean Voyages is delivering the Seventh Continent in the most distinctive and memorable way,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “World Navigator’s Happy Ever Atlas voyage will offer couples the most unique setting to exchange their vows for a wedding day they will never forget. Throughout the voyage, guests will also discover fascinating wildlife; awe at Antarctica’s pristine and majestic landscape; and learn about the need to sustain and preserve our planet’s fragile ecosystem.” Atlas will provide an officiant to conduct the ceremony; a wedding coordinator to ensure everything is perfect for the big day; and a professional wedding photographer to capture each breathtaking moment. Depending on weather, ceremonies can be performed both on land, with penguins, seals and other Antarctica wildlife to bear witness, or in shipboard venues, including World Navigator’s bridge. The Happy Ever Atlas wedding package includes marriage license, one-tier wedding cake, digital photo package, welcome itinerary & giftbag, personalized bridal parasol, custom penguin jackets, flower bouquet and boutonniere, and custom nuptial announcements and Thank You cards. World Navigator will also throw separate group bachelorette and bachelor parties, as well as host a wedding reception. Additionally, Atlas will establish an online wedding registry, which allows family and friends to contribute to the couple’s voyage costs or other gifts. Family and friends can gift upgraded transfers, excursions, spa services and more. Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides all guests a complete and seamless experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, choice of a shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites. For its Antarctica voyages, Atlas is the first and only cruise brand to charter its own widebody private jet to bring guests in a safe bubble directly to Ushuaia, where Antarctica expeditions embark. Guests travel from 16 major U.S. and Canada gateways and connect with Atlas’ branded jet at Orlando airport. Atlas’ private charter jet eliminates lengthy layovers in an international airport, common with very limited commercial options. Atlas’ Plan With Confidence flexible travel policy provides travelers a 100 percent refund of deposited funds up to 91 days prior to sailing. Plus, they can change their reservation as many times as they want, up to 15 days before their voyages’ sail date. They can even change their destination and sail with Atlas in another part of the world or choose to cancel at least 15 days or more prior to the departure date and be assured of a 100 percent future cruise credit. Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in exciting and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited, bucket-list destinations. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience for up to 196 guests and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and her construction is on schedule for delivery in July 2021. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023. Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something new’ in the brand’s new marketing campaign “At Last… Atlas” (www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Also, please follow Atlas Ocean Voyage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises). Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami and St. John’s Antigua, April 9, 2021 – Crystal continues to be at the forefront of the cruise industry’s return as the company announced that Crystal Symphony will sail a series of 15 10-night Luxury Caribbean Escapes round-trip from St. John’s, becoming the first ship ever to homeport in Antigua. Beginning August 5 through December, including a holiday sailing on December 23, Crystal Symphony will visit the coveted island locales of Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago*, St. Maarten and British Virgin Islands, offering travelers tropical luxuries and ample wide-open spaces to discover the local cultures with plentiful air options from most major U.S. cities. Crystal Symphony’s return to sailing marks the resumption of service for 97 percent of Crystal’s oceangoing fleet in the summer of 2021. Reservations for the new Luxury Caribbean Escapes open on April 20, 2021. “The islands of the Caribbean are a warm welcome back to traveling the world, rich in fascinating history and the kind of natural beauty that astounds even the most seasoned travelers, and St. John’s is an ideal home port to begin luxury journeys through such a paradise,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO. “Minister Charles Fernandez and his team, and the local tourism businesses throughout the islands, have been working to renew travel to the islands safely and we are thrilled to partner with them to support economic growth in the region and to deliver the kind of luxuries and hospitality Crystal guests have been craving for the past year.” He added, “We’re looking forward to welcoming our Crystal onboard family back, as well, as Crystal Symphony’s new itinerary, combined with Crystal Serenity’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes and Crystal Endeavor’s Luxury Iceland Expeditions will mean that nearly all of our Ocean crew members will return to work very soon and we know they are as excited about returning to the seas as our guests.” “We are delighted to welcome Crystal Symphony and her guests to Antigua and the Caribbean, as this represents an important milestone in reinvigorating tourism here, as well as deeper support of our island communities’ economies as Crystal becomes the first cruise line to homeport on a scheduled basis in St. John’s,” said the Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda. “Together with the local health authorities, we have developed the requisite health and safety protocols to ensure the protection of residents and our guests. With the continued commitment of the government of Antigua and Barbuda and our port operator, Global Ports (Antigua) Ltd., we are certain that Crystal guests will find themselves at home here, as our local businesses and tourism specialists share Crystal’s spirit of hospitality and relish sharing the rich culture and beauty of our islands with travelers.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced new details surrounding the relaunch of their website and the planned resumption of sailing operations. The website re-launch is April 9, 2021, and sailing operations resume July 2, 2021. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows: “The past year has been incredibly challenging for the cruise industry and as an independent, family-owned and operated boutique cruise line, this has been particularly difficult for us. That said, we are pleased to announce that our website is now live and accepting bookings for sailings beginning July 2nd, when Grand Classica will make her much-anticipated return to the Bahamas. "I am incredibly proud of our entire team for their efforts over the past year and immensely appreciative of the Sheehan family, who have worked tirelessly to chart a course for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s future. We have worked, collectively and in collaboration with our partners in the Bahamas, at the CDC and elsewhere, to carefully and thoughtfully prepare for our return to Grand Bahama Island. Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 we have remained one of the few cruise lines that reported no cases of the virus onboard our ships, and we have worked to install the highest safety protocols onboard Grand Classica, which is now well-suited to fulfill the needs of our guests’ and crew. Our website now offers a more streamlined experience for our customers, including an updated booking engine and new FAQs around the overall cruising experience. "The industry has taken the necessary steps to ensure a safe, fun experience for travelers, and we want to express our gratitude to Gov. DeSantis for his most recent efforts to help us return swiftly to cruising. We also want to thank our partners, crew, the Bahamian government, the travel advisor community and our loyal guests for their support and patience during an unprecedented year. We are ready to return to the waters and look forward to welcoming guests back onboard in July!” For information on the cruise line or to book a cruise, visit www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com. Follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Facebook at Facebook.com/BPCruiseLine, Instagram @BahamasParadiseCruiseLine, and Twitter @BPCruiseLine. (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 8, 2021) – In a world where working remotely has become commonplace out of necessity, Princess Cruises is delivering super-charged internet connectivity by leveraging a new constellation of satellites to offer the ultimate remote workstation – an office at sea. Upon its return to service, every Princess cruise ship in the global fleet will feature land-like connectivity as part of its MedallionNet Wi-Fi service, making remote working, distance learning, and the opportunity to securely conduct important transactions, available all while enjoying the most picturesque video conference backdrop on the horizon thousands of miles from home. Each Princess MedallionClass ship transmits enough bandwidth per vessel to guarantee a superior connection for each guest and the personal device they are using. MedallionNet’s seamless integration ensures guests can work from their deck chairs as efficiently and effectively as in their office, with access to their cloud-based enterprise applications such as storage, videoconferencing, and email. And because there is an access point in every stateroom, as well as all public areas, guests can move freely around the ship as they work without any frustrating signal drops. As more than 40% of the American workforce continues to work remotely, and with an expected 36.2 million Americans are projected to telecommute by 20251, an at sea office has never been more feasible and certainly remains very desirable to many. “As an Internet person who lives her entire life online, I was thoroughly impressed with MedallionNet,” said Chelsea Lankford, creator of fashion and lifestyle blog Truelane. “I’m always impressed by its reliability. I’ve published blog posts, uploaded videos, and streamed Netflix in the middle of the ocean without a glitch.” In late 2021, Princess connectivity partner – SES – will begin to launch a new constellation of satellites that will further super-charge MedallionNet and offer guests the best connectivity possible at sea. The unmatched bandwidth capacity not only delivers superior Wi-Fi service levels, but also powers the Princess MedallionClass experience onboard. The cruise line’s award-winning OceanMedallionTM , the most advanced wearable device in the global hospitality industry, replaces the traditional cruise card to significantly expand touch-free options and personalization on board. Working professionals will appreciate features and amenities such as: --Keyless stateroom entry --On-demand food, beverage, and retail items delivered anywhere onboard while you continue work or lead a video conference call --Friends and family locator or chat function to find your travel partner when work is complete When cruise vacations begin again, Princess will be ready to take guests to the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean or Mexico, the awe-inspiring scenery of Alaska, the iconic sites of Europe, the unparalleled California Coast, and many more destinations. Princess also recently expanded its Book with Confidence policy which now allows guests the flexibility to change their vacation plans 30 days before the day of departure, receiving cancellation fees as a future cruise credit. This flexible booking option is available for any cruise bookings made through June 30, 2021, on voyages departing through Oct 31, 2021. Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from global health leaders in response to COVID-19 and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated on current Cruise Updates and Health & Safety protocols. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or your Cruise Vacation Planner, or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_PAPENBURG, GERMANY (April 8, 2021) – Today, Disney Cruise Line reached a significant construction milestone marked by the traditional keel laying ceremony of the Disney Wish, the first of three new ships in the line’s fleet expansion. Also announced today, the magic of Captain Minnie Mouse will come to life for the first time through whimsical artwork on the bow of the Disney Wish, a hallmark of Disney Cruise Line vessels. “As we look to the future with anticipation and excitement for continuing our legacy of creating magical vacations for families across the globe, we are thrilled to reach this significant milestone in the ship building process and to unveil Captain Minnie as the beloved character on the bow of the Disney Wish,” said Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Cruise Line. Keel laying takes place when the first block, or section of a ship, is lowered into the building dock, and a newly minted coin is placed under the keel for good fortune. The coin created for the Disney Wish features Captain Minnie, who made her debut aboard Disney Cruise Line ships in 2019 as part of a collection of initiatives aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the cruise industry. “In maritime tradition, keel laying is the ceremonial beginning of the ship's life,” said Philip Gennotte, portfolio project management executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Germany, who placed the coin at the ceremony. “Today marked a momentous occasion for the Disney Wish, and I could not be more proud of our Imagineers, the cast and crew at Disney Cruise Line and the team at Meyer Werft, the shipyard in Germany, who are bringing this enchanting ship to life.” As previously announced, the Disney Wish is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage in summer 2022. Information on itineraries and bookings for the ship will be released at a later date. The Disney Wish will showcase the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver. The ship will be powered by liquified natural gas, or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. (PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (April 6, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) announced today that it will continue restarting limited operations with a collection of sailings around Bermuda and Iceland beginning in June 2021. As a result of strong demand among past Viking guests in the United Kingdom, Viking has also added two additional sailings of the England’s Scenic Shores itinerary in June 2021. All of Viking’s new Welcome Back voyages will be available exclusively for vaccinated guests, in accordance with local entry rules in many of the destinations that will welcome Viking ships—and as a complement to Viking’s new health and safety protocol enhancements, which were designed to protect guests and crew even while the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is still moving forward. Reservations for the new Bermuda, Iceland and UK voyages are now open. For the new Bermuda Escape itinerary, Viking Orion® will homeport in Hamilton for 8-day roundtrip itineraries; with the new Iceland’s Natural Beauty itinerary, Viking Sky® will homeport in Reykjavik for 8-day roundtrip itineraries. For both itineraries, the small size of Viking’s ocean ships will allow convenient access to both small and large ports in Bermuda and Iceland—and both itineraries will be available for a limited time this summer. Viking has been working closely with officials in the UK, Bermuda and Iceland for months; these destinations were chosen specifically because of their popularity among Viking guests, as well as their commitment to welcoming Viking ships, offering enriching experiences and reviving the travel industry in their respective countries. The company is actively working on developing Welcome Back sailings in a variety of other popular destinations, including Greece, Turkey and Malta—with the goal of announcing further 2021 sailings as soon as government approvals are given. “We applaud the governments of the United Kingdom, Bermuda and Iceland for their collaboration and support in restarting the cruise industry safely,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “No other travel company has implemented the same science-led approach that includes a vaccination requirement for all guests, plus frequent non-invasive saliva PCR testing among all guests and crew. Therefore, we believe there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage. We look forward to welcoming guests back on board—and welcoming them back to the world.” Today’s news follows Viking’s recent announcement that it would initially restart operations with domestic sailings in England for UK residents on board Viking Venus® beginning in May 2021. These initial sailings sold out within a week. Those who sail the new UK, Bermuda and Iceland voyages will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests at embarkation and frequently throughout the itinerary. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety. |
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