(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., May 12, 2022 – Following its bonus commission offer to recognize Travel Advisors for Travel Advisor Appreciation Month, Atlas Ocean Voyages announced new Seminars At Sea to offer Travel Advisors and their family and friends the opportunity to experience luxe-adventure cruising first-hand at an incredible value starting from $200 per night. Travel Advisors can choose among 10 legs this summer, departing as early as June 17, 2022, and enjoy and learn about Atlas’ distinctive travel experience, while sharing their industry benefit with their guests. Additionally, Travel Advisors who bring five or more guests along for the Seminars At Sea will sail for free. For more information and to reserve their accommodation on Atlas’ Seminars At Sea, Travel Advisors should contact their Atlas Sales representative or call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527.) “Atlas Ocean Voyages appreciates the invaluable role that Travel Advisors play in our industry, and we are augmenting our Travel Advisor Appreciation Month offer with Seminars At Sea,” said Carlos Garzon, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Atlas Ocean Voyages. “In addition to offering bonus commission for every new booking made in May, we are making it easier for Travel Advisors to experience our distinctive luxe-adventure expeditions first-hand and to share their incredible experience and offer with their family and friends this summer. These voyages offer an expansive selection of destinations for a variety of travel times, interests, and bucket-list experiences.” (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Maritime archaeologist, Mensun Bound, who made headlines across the world in March with the discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, will head out to sea again this summer to talk exclusively to Cunard guests. Bound will join Queen Mary 2 in Southampton for a 7-night Transatlantic Crossing on June 24, 2022, before arriving in New York on July 2. Returning in 2023, the maritime archaeologist will join Queen Elizabeth for a 13-night voyage from Alaska to San Francisco, taking in some of the world's most breath-taking scenery and wildlife. "It is a huge honor to welcome Mensun Bound on board our flagship Queen Mary 2 so soon after his historical expedition captured the world's attention," said Matt Gleaves, Vice President, Commercial, Cunard, North America and Australasia. "I know our guests will be enthralled by his first-hand account of his Endurance 22 expedition, as well as his extraordinary, decades-spanning career." (PRESS RELEASE)_Global leader in manned submersibles, U-Boat Worx, is excited to announce the launch of a completely new class of submarine – one that has been designed to host the most prestigious and memorable events on the planet. The "Under Water Entertainment Platform", or UWEP for short, is a completely autonomous submersible with capacity for up to 120 guests, excluding crew. Guests will experience diving to depths up to 200 meters in comfort and style, and are free to walk around just as they would aboard a cruise ship. Over 150 m2 (1,600 ft2) of floor space can be configured by the operator, varying from an underwater restaurant with 64 seats, a subsea gym, or a deep-sea casino. As a multi-purpose venue, the UWEP is suitably prepared to host product presentations, parties, weddings, conferences, or any other stage-based performance, in the most unique setting imaginable. Fourteen windows connect the guests directly to the fascinating underwater world. A series of exterior lights illuminate the surroundings and add an extra dimension, whether to night-time diving or deep-sea dining experiences. The UWEP runs solely on batteries and can operate non-stop for 24 hours. For the convenience of the guests, the air-conditioned UWEP is fully pressurized, so there’ll be no need for decompression. Luxury washrooms and a galley are standard. Between cruises, the UWEP can be recharged and reprovisioned in a port or floating dock, where guests can also comfortably board the submarine via its two grand access hatches. Founder and CEO of U-Boat Worx, Bert Houtman, said, “The UWEP will shake up both the submarine and hospitality industry and lead the way in bespoke underwater events. We will not only present a stellar experience for the most discerning clientele, but also a business opportunity that will benefit entrepreneurs and contribute to our understanding of the oceans." Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager for U-Boat Worx, said, “Our goal as a company has always been to make the oceans more accessible for everyone, and with the launch of our UWEP we can truly say that U-Boat Worx provides 'your gateway to discovery'. U-Boat Worx is currently reviewing opportunities with pioneering entrepreneurs and leading hospitality groups to select the most suitable locations. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, May 10, 2022 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, reported the opening day for its 2024 Collection of voyages on May 4, 2022, ranks among the best single-day booking periods in the company’s history.
“The 2024 Collection launch illustrates tremendous and continued strong demand for cruising in addition to highlighting the increased trend in planning travel farther out, both for past guests and new-to-brand guests,” stated Howard Sherman, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. On May 4, 2022, Oceania Cruises opened its 2024 Collection of voyages for sale to the general public. More than 350 voyages ranging from 7 to 82 days in length and spanning from October 2023 to December 2024 went on sale. By Gerry Barker MIAMI BEACH_Small ship, luxury expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Here at Seatrade Cruise Global, media got more details from one of the newest entrants, MSC's Explora Journeys. Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer talked about how MSC's first foray into the luxury cruise market has been in the works for over two years, and its first ship, Explora I, will launch in May, 2023. Ungerer noted this "new brand was created from scratch with a long term perspective that only a family-owned company can provide." Explora I will accommodate 922 passengers and have a crew of 700. With the aim of creating an "ocean state of mind," Ungerer said they are dedicated to providing exploration in all its forms, with a focus on "experiences and memories" in a "vibrant, cosmopolitan, European luxury setting." Among the details he shared:
-- Explora I will have 461 oceanfront suites and residences, all with private terraces. -- It will have 67,000 suare feet of outdoor decks. -- Four pools, including one with a retractable glass roof. -- Nine culinary options, curated by noted chef Franck Garanger, who held previous roles with Silversea and Oceania. -- A 10,000 square-foot spa and wellness center. Ungerger said in its first year the ship will visit 132 ports in 40 countries, offering guests immersive and even unique destination experiences. He also emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting local communities. "Our brand pillar is respect," he said, and "sustainability is the new craftsmanship." Following the launch of Explora 1 in 2023, three more ships are planned from 2024-2026. (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (May 10, 2022) – In honor of National Nurses Week, award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways has extended its special offer inviting frontline medical heroes to enjoy a complimentary river cruise and opened a selection of eligible Europe sailing dates in 2022. As a gesture of the company’s heartfelt appreciation for their remarkable sacrifices and dedication, frontline medical heroes can reserve a complimentary Europe sailing on select dates with one paying guest in the same stateroom. To view the list of 46 eligible cruises and take advantage of this offer, frontline medical heroes or their travel advisors must submit their credentials at AmaWaterways.com/Hero2022 and reserve their 2022 river cruise by June 30, 2022. “Frontline medical heroes have been selflessly caring for others since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic over two years ago, and we want to show our continued appreciation for their heroic work,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome these hardworking individuals on board for an unforgettable river cruise vacation where they can explore the grand capitals and charming Old-World villages of the Danube, the fairytale castles of the Rhine and much more!” (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, May 10, 2022 - SeaDream Yacht Club announces the opening of 2024 Mediterranean voyages on its newly renovated, luxurious mega yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Responding to guest requests to reserve well ahead of their journey, SeaDream is accepting reservations for SeaDream II Mediterranean 2024 voyages now. SeaDream II’s 2024 Mediterranean season begins May 4, 2024 and will call on 12 countries on 6- to 11-night voyages. New destinations include Crotone, and Taranto, Italy; Tangier, Morocco; Vlore, Albania; Krk, Croatia; and Tunis, Tunisia, to name a few. Yachting Land Adventures will provide fascinating opportunities for epicureans, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike. In many cases, guests will explore multiple countries in one voyage. Providing a more immersive destination experience, SeaDream has overnight stays in 9 ports including Amalfi, Sorrento, and Positano, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Hvar and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Santorini, Greece; Ashdod, Israel; and Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (May 10, 2022) – Celebrity Cruises announced today that Simone Biles, 19-time World Champion and seven-time Olympic Medalist, will add another very special title to her decorated career – godmother for Celebrity Beyond, the industry’s most highly anticipated ship of the year that recently debuted in Europe. A long-standing and highly regarded tradition for new ships, the role of Godmother is to inspire all guests and crew who sail on the ship, and it is considered a lifetime title and honor. In her role as Godmother, Biles will name Celebrity Beyond – the gold standard ship and newest and most luxurious vessel in the Celebrity fleet – at the official ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on November 4, 2022. For its groundbreaking Edge Series ships, Celebrity is selecting equally transformational and courageous Godmothers who are breaking barriers and championing change in their respective fields. Biles joins Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and the Marshall Plan for Moms, who serve as godmothers of Beyond’s sister ships Celebrity EdgeTM and Celebrity Apex respectively. (PRESS RELEASE)_VANCOUVER, B.C., May 9, 2022 – American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group, is debuting the cruise line’s first-ever Expedition experience with the inaugural sailing of Ocean Victory, which departed Vancouver, B.C. May, 7, 2022. Ocean Victory marks the arrival of the seventh vessel to the American Queen Voyages fleet, which also includes Rivers, Lakes & Oceans experiences. The new 186-guest vessel, created for intimate access with an innovative X-Bow design, will sail between Vancouver, B.C., and Sitka, Alaska, on 12- and 13-day cruises May through September. Guests can expect up-close encounter travel experiences in The Last Frontier, working closely with the seasoned expedition and award-winning American Queen Voyages shore excursions teams, in addition to naturalists guiding hands-on learning opportunities, and more. “Alaska is a unique destination that to even begin to understand its vastness demands immersion with an expedition experience,” said Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer, American Queen Voyages. “Ocean Victory will deliver guests an intimate sailing experience that really allows them to become captivated by the destination’s many natural wonders. We’re thrilled to have welcomed our first guests onboard as we embark on our journey to Alaska’s Inside Passage.” Photos by Gerry Barker Related Story: All Things Cruise By Gerry Barker MIAMI BEACH_The message you hear coming from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts is loud and clear: "We are open." Here at Seatrade Cruise Global, Carlene Henry-Morton, from the Ministry of Tourism, and Melnecia Marshall, from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, talked about how cruise travel is making a strong comeback following the pandemic. They noted that before the pandemic started, St Kitts (officially known as St. Christopher Island -- St. Kitts and neighboring Nevis are one country), they were hosting over one million guests yearly in 2018 and 2019. In a normal cruise season, they noted ships make as many as 400 calls there. "Through July we have seen a strong rebound with cruising," they said. In March, the island recorded 74 cruise ship visits, and they expect those numbers will continue to grow. Currently, visitors over 12 need to be vaccinated and have a negative test result 24-72 hours prior to arriving. Actually, my wife Pam and I were on one of the first cruise ships to visit St. Kitts last year, when World Navigator, operated by Atlas Ocean Voyages, stopped for a day visit at the Carambola Beach Club on beautiful South Friar's Bay. At that time, guests arriving by ship were restricted to staying in a "bubble" while on shore excursions. That's no longer the case. Guests can get off the ship and explore on their own or on an excursion. |
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