(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, Florida (July 2019) – Azamara®, the boutique cruise line, is taking its partnership of eight years with PerryGolf™, the international leader in luxury golf travel, to a new level. For the upcoming 2020/2021 itineraries, a total of 24 worldwide golf voyages will be offered, including play at more than 70 marquee courses in 23 countries, with 25 of the courses ranked among the world’s top 100*.

“As we continue to focus on delivering unique and immersive travel experiences for our guests, those keen to combine their love for golf with their passion for travel are in for a treat; we are now offering 41% more golf voyages than in 2018 and 2019 combined,” said Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara. “It’s always golf season somewhere in the world and PerryGolf is uniquely qualified to take our guests there with a seamless and truly integrated golf cruise program”.

“We love creating bucket-list experiences for our guests and providing them with opportunities to golf across the globe and our exclusive partnership with Azamara is a perfect reflection of that. In particular our annual flagship British Isles golf voyage which includes attendance at The Open,” said Gordon Dalgleish, President and Co-Founder of PerryGolf. “With Azamara’s dedication to Destination Immersion®, our guests can play outstanding golf courses while also enjoying everything these amazing destinations have to offer.

 NEW ALBANY, IN, July 31, 2019 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a leader in U.S. river cruising, announces the opening of sales for the 2020 season of its fourth vessel, the American Countess. As the newest paddlewheeler on U.S. rivers, the American Countess is already showing record-breaking interest. While still under transformation, the boat will officially debut for her inaugural voyage on April 5, 2020 and will travel from New Orleans to Memphis. To explore upcoming sailings, please find the full schedule here.

Built using the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995, the American Countess was cut in two as part of her planned lengthening, with the addition of a 60-foot mid-body section. The American Countess will offer many of the same exciting heartland and deep South itineraries as her sisters - the American Queen and American Duchess, and will be sailing from April 2020 to January 2021, with additional sailing seasons to be announced.

“This opening of sales milestone is the next step towards her grand reveal in April 2020,” shared American Queen Steamboat Company EVP of Hotel Operations and New Construction David William Kelly. “On behalf of the entire AQSC team, we are thrilled to see the interest in her inaugural season, and we know that it will be nothing short of what you’ve come to expect and enjoy when sailing with our fleet.”

Currently under construction, the American Countess will accommodate 245-passengers over the course of six- to 15-day itineraries, including her own “Mighty Mississippi” cruise. The new boat will feature four decks including a Sun Deck, and 123 comfortable, inviting staterooms in four categories. Guests aboard will enjoy cabins that feature a sleek, modern design, offering guests the perfect place to relax and recharge in between delicious dining, premier shore excursions, Broadway-caliber performances and more.

The unveiling of the American Countess follows the recent addition of the M/V Victory I and M/V Victory II to the American Queen Steamboat Company fleet under the Victory Cruise Lines name, alongside the flagship American Queen, the American Duchess, a 166-guest boutique paddlewheeler sailing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest.

For additional information and reservations on the American Countess, please contact the American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit www.AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com or call a professional travel agent.

(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif., July 29, 2019 – Signature jazz evenings will regale guests onboard the new Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess at Take 5, the only jazz theater at sea. Celebrating the iconic sounds, culture and history of jazz, the new lounge will also feature hand-crafted cocktails by Princess partner and Master Mixologist Rob Floyd in a chic bar setting.

Debuting onboard the cruise line’s newest ships Sky Princess (October 2019) and Enchanted Princess (June 2020), Take 5 will offer curated experiences honoring the roots of jazz, the birth of BeBop, contemporary jazz and iconic female artists, while highlighting how destinations helped shaped this musical genre.

“Our new signature lounge, Take 5, introduces jazz theater: a harmonious collection of live performances and interactive experiences that bring to life the stories behind this music genre,” said Denise Saviss, Princess Cruises vice president of entertainment experience. “Take 5 sets the stage for our guests to enjoy the music and dance in a space that recalls noteworthy jazz clubs in their heyday.”

Take 5 celebrates this important American art-form, with live performances by dedicated jazz musicians, dance lessons, engaging speakers and workshops, guest performers and after-hours parties. It will also feature surprise, pop-up performances so no two nights are the same. Carefully curated, custom media content will play on screens including archival footage and iconic imagery. 

A selection of the Take 5 afternoon enrichment and themed nights, will include:

A Night in Harlem – sounds of the roaring 1920s will transport guests to the underground world of the speakeasy in the heart of New York City with iconic sounds of the prohibition era. Guests can expect tunes from artists like King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Original Dixieland Jazz Band and Charles “Buddy” Bolden.

The Birth of Big Band and BeBop – heading into the late 1940s, post-war jazz and the birth of BeBop showcases the amazing speed and technical ability of these incredible musicians. Music from artists like Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins and Dexter Gordon will fill the air while costumed bow-tied-wearing staff deliver classic cocktails.

The Way You Look Tonight – celebrates the incredible women of jazz throughout history, and how these legendary vocalists and instrumentalists changed musical history. Guest can expect songs from artists like Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday to Norah Jones.

Toda La Noche – Fiery Afro-Cuban Jazz – an unforgettable journey through the Caribbean celebrates the spicy rhythms of Afro-Cuban jazz with classic beats spanning Latin, European and African American influences. Before the show, guests can take salsa lessons to popular Buena Vista Social Club covers. Featured music includes songs from artists like Tito Puente, Irakere and Dizzy Gillespie. This night ends with an invitation back for a ‘descarga’ jam session.

A Sophisticated Evening of Cool – the cool jazz sounds of the 1950s will fill the space as guests journey on the ultimate American jazz road trip, taking in sounds all the way from New York to California. Guests can expect songs from musical legends like Miles Davis, Chet Baker and John Lewis.

Contemporary Directions – A Festival of Jazz – honors recent decades of jazz music, featuring local artists from the various destinations the ships sail.

Take 5 patrons will never miss a beat as they sit back, relax and order a drink directly to their seat with on-demand service, just one of the features available as part of the Princess MedallionClass experience on Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess.

More details about the robust onboard features and itineraries of new cruise ships Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess can be found at www.princess.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_TRUCKEE, CA, July 30, 2019 – Small ship vacationing is on the rise with expedition cruising leading the charge. One company on the cutting edge of this expansion is AdventureSmith Explorations. Its founder, Todd Smith, shares his insights and thoughts on the recent growth.
 
“Expedition cruising is a perfect match for travelers seeking to check off hard-to-reach, bucket-list destinations sustainably and actively,” explains Smith. “Flexible routes allow for spontaneous exploration and that spirit of adventure that today’s travelers value.”
 
On the Growth of Small Ship Expedition Cruising: We have seen remarkable growth in interest in expedition cruising since the founding of our company in 2003. Year over year from 2013 to 2018, our booked passenger count grew over 150%. All the while, the expertise of my team at  AdventureSmith Explorations has also grown, making us one of the premier resources for world travelers seeking expedition cruises and wilderness adventures. To keep up with the expansion, over the past year, members of our staff have traveled to the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon, Australia, Alaska, the Columbia River, Baja California, Galapagos, Panama, Patagonia, the Polar Circle, Antarctica, the Arctic and Indonesia to scout out new expedition cruises and ships.
 
Cruise destinations in high demand: Alaska, Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands are consistently our most in-demand destinations for expedition cruising. These are true expedition destinations, where small ships thrive in narrow inlets and small island chains in remote locations, going where larger cruise ships can’t, and having the flexibility to explore each place in-depth.
 
Some emerging destinations: Emerging destinations include the Arctic, Indonesia and Australia. We’ve seen more and more routes and small ships sailing in these locations in the past few years. A recent blog post from my AdventureSmith team about what is new in expedition cruising for 2019 provides more information; we’ll be publishing a similar one for 2020 in the coming months.
 
Expedition cruise passengers: As world tourism grows, our specialty market is also growing. The typical expedition cruise passenger is educated, 40 to 70 years of age and interested in exploring destinations in-depth and with an element of discovery, active adventure options and education. They are sustainability minded and interested in contributing to communities and natural environments in a positive way, becoming ambassadors and advocates for these destinations upon their return.

(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., July 29, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard kicked off the company’s 4th Annual Transatlantic Fashion Week at Sea the day before departure with a special “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in the flagship store’s acclaimed Blue Box Cafe. Rose Marie Bravo, Vice Chairman of Burberry, welcomed special guests and the voyage’s headline designer, British Milliner Stephen Jones OBE, to the exclusive event. Jones’ eclectic designs have been making a mark on the fashion industry for more than 40 years, and his celebrity followers include Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger and Britain’s Royal Family. Bravo will also join the Transatlantic Fashion Crossing at Sea.

Located within the Tiffany & Co. Flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York City, the Blue Box Cafe reflects a modern luxury experience. The iconic Tiffany Blue® is at the forefront of the Blue Box Cafe. The Blue Box Cafe serves American classics made with the highest quality, regionally sourced ingredients.  The simple menu – which evolves through the seasons – is a refined take on signature New York dishes, reinvented to be uniquely Tiffany. The setting is as inviting as the food is inspiring, serving customers who have always dreamed of having Breakfast at Tiffany. 

Attendees at the breakfast who will also join the Transatlantic Fashion Crossing included Gail Sackloff OBE, a fashion insider who collaborates with Cunard on curating the annual Fashion Crossing, and film director Mark Bozek, who directed the critically well-received documentary, “The Life and Times of Bill Cunningham,” a film that offers a wholly unique insight into the iconic fashion photographer.

During the Transatlantic Fashion Week voyage, Stephen Jones will highlight more than 90 of his millinery masterpieces in a show called “Hats Ahoy! A Millinery Parade,” specially created for this Cunard event Crossing. Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Crossing will also feature renowned shoe designer Stuart Weitzman; luxury menswear consultant, Stanley Tucker; fashion journalist, Hilary Alexander OBE; Editorial Director of Footwear News, Michael Atmore; and Vice President Creative and Fashion Director of Modern Luxury, James Aguiar. Between them they will host a variety of Q&A's, workshops and presentations on the world of fashion. Bozek’s “The Life and Times of Bill Cunningham” will also be screened during the voyage, the first time it will be shown at sea, featuring a personal introduction and a Q&A with the director. 
 
For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – July 29, 2019 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the only provider of two-night cruises to Grand Bahama Island, today announced the launch of its all-new ‘Get Away Again’ program – offering an instant $25 onboard credit for each $100 deposit for up to four future two-nights sailings aboard Grand Classica or Grand Celebration. Repeat cruisers who choose the cruise line for their dream escape to the Bahamas will be rewarded for their loyalty with this new incentive. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line also encourages first-time travelers to relive their experience with family and friends by booking a return trip.

“With exciting entertainment options, globally inspired dining options and plenty of poolside activities, there’s always something new to discover while onboard our ships,” said Francis Riley, senior vice president, sales and marketing, of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “This program offers instant gratification to reward repeat cruisers and makes it more affordable than ever for travelers to book their next island escape.”

The ‘Get Away Again’ program offers guests an incentive for booking a repeat cruise while still on board or up to seven days after debarkation. For each $100 deposit made towards a future sailing, guests will instantly receive an onboard credit that can be used immediately, or during a future two-night cruise. The $25 onboard credit per $100 deposit can be used for up to four bookings totaling up to $150 in onboard credits, or up to $250 for Cruise & Stay deposits. The unique Cruise & Stay program lets guests extend their island escape at one of four premier resorts and hotels, including Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, The Grand Lucayan, Marlin at Taino Beach Resort and Club, and Pelican Bay Hotel. Guests have one year to select their sailing dates and may use the deposit towards a booking, combinable with any other offers available at the time.

Recently named a winner of Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Award for Best Entertainment, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is the only provider of two-night cruises to Grand Bahama Island with daily departures from Palm Beach. While sailing to paradise, guests can choose from several fine dining options, including gourmet burgers at The Bull; an intimate, candlelit dining experience at Admiral’s Steak and Seafood; zesty Italian fare at A Slice Above; or experiential, interactive dining at The Rock Grill – which gives guests the opportunity to cook their own meat and seafood dishes on a lava rock.

Each night onboard offers a different experience, with several nightly shows including the popular Celebration Nights and Let’s Dance! Production. Adult cruisers are welcome to cap the night with drinks and laughs during a late-night comedy show while younger travelers can mix and mingle at one of the Dancing Martian’s glow parties.

With a host of summer offers, like Kids Sail Free and Girls Getaway, as well as exclusive offers for teachers, military members/families, and solo travelers, now is the time for loyal cruisers to take advantage of the savings and book their next escape with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit: www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com or call 888-530-2775 (English) / 888-530-2776 (Español).

(PRESS RELEASE)_(New York, New York, July 26, 2019) Beyond Cruises, a leader in small ship cruising, has now made cruising for solo travelers even more enticing by greatly reducing single supplements. This discount is available on their exotic itinerary which combines island hopping on a mega yacht in the Seychelles with a Kenya wildlife Safari, in 4x4 vehicles.

Small ship cruising is perfect for solo travelers, especially on board the 21 cabin Pegasus, used for exploring the Seychelles. Beyond Cruises offers a personalized cruise experience not found on larger cruise ships. The crowd-free environment fosters socializing whether at the deck bar, open seating dining or during excursions. Each yacht has an intimate ambiance and a community of like-minded fellow travelers. On a Beyond Cruises adventure, singles are never “lost in the shuffle,” solo travelers are comfortable either joining in with like-minded fellow passengers, or enjoying alone time. With a passenger to crew ratio of almost 2 to 1, all guests receive special attention. 

Beyond Cruises’ exotic voyage combines a Kenya Wildlife Safari to the world famous Masai Mara National Reserve with a small ship cruise exploring the Seychelles (often called the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean). Both Nairobi (Kenya) and the Seychelles were recently named on Travel + Leisure’s Best Places to go in 2019. Available all-year-round, this itinerary takes advantage of the new Kenya Airways non-stop service from New York to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and the gateway to East Africa.

Kenya Safari

After landing in Nairobi, East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, guests will experience the beauty and wonder of Kenya’s vast savannas and snow-capped mountains. On a 5-day safari, guests will visit some of Kenya’s most renowned game-viewing locations.  The itinerary includes two nights at the Lake Naivasha Country Club. Lake Naivasha, a fresh-water lake and part of the Great Rift Valley, is famous for its multitudes of pink flamingos. The program includes a boat ride across the lake, and game drives in Nakuru National Park. 

The next two days are spent in the Masai Mara National Park, game viewing in a 4x4 safari vehicle, and taking in the beauty of the vast savannas. Guests will stay at Keekorok Lodge, the oldest lodge located in the heart of the Masai Mara Reserve, which was recently refurbished to offer a more luxurious look and feel, with bright and airy rooms decorated with tribal art and craft. The itinerary will include daily game drives to spot some of the famous inhabitants of the reserve including lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. This is also the location of the annual great Wildebeest migration that cross the Mara River. Safari goers looking for an adrenaline rush can book an optional Balloon Safari which includes a champagne breakfast.  On the final day, experience another game drive on the way back to Nairobi where there will be an overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Seychelles - Island Hopping on a Mega Yacht, the Pegasos (21 cabins)

·       Unique small ship island hopping voyage
·       Chance to dive into a breathtaking underwater world, walk through tropical jungles and capture heaven beaches
·       Increased air access by various airlines

After a short flight from Nairobi to Mahe, Seychelles, guests will depart from Port Victoria to begin a 7-night small ship cruise to explore this Indian Ocean archipelago, located just under a thousand miles off the coast of East Africa. The Seychelles offers fantastic snorkeling, world-famous white sand beaches, and unparalleled coral reef diving.

Island hop in this unspoiled paradise, stopping at islands which will captures one’s senses. Guests will discover Giant Aldabra Tortoises in the Mangrove forests of Curieuse Island as well as be able to swim and snorkel at the world-famous Anse Lazio beach on Praslin. The Seychelles is known for its remarkable underwater world, packed with vibrant reefs, tropical fish, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. Guests can walk through a centuries old rainforest at Vallee de Mai where they can see unique fauna and flora including the rare black parrots and the world-famous Coco de Mer palm trees. Passengers can then return to their Beyond Cruises’ yacht and relax on the deck and enjoy the stunning views.

About the M/Y Pegasos

A mega yacht, the Pegasos accommodates up to 44 guests in 21 cabins, in a relaxed and congenial atmosphere. On board guests can enjoy magnificent sea views as they stroll on its 2,550 square feet of open deck. Passengers can relax with friends in the handsomely appointed lounge and enjoy ocean view dining in the warm and spacious restaurant area.  A platform on Pegasos’ stern enables guests to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit. A Zen mini spa is also located on the Lower Deck for passengers’ added relaxation.

The Kenya & Seychelles Itinerary starts at $4,389.00 pp with a reduced single supplement of $240.00 (during off-season, $450.00 during peak-season) for a 5-Night Safari/7-Night Cruise.  Government taxes are included in the price. A $300.00 port charge is not included. This Safari/Cruise experience is available for booking a 5-Day/7-Night Safari/Cruise. Beyond Cruises’ passengers will be able to take advantage of special rates on Kenya Airways flights.

This itinerary will serve to compliment Beyond Cruises’ already enticing roster of iconic and exotic destinations including Cuba, Iceland, the Adriatic Sea, Greece, Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, the Mekong River, the Rhone River, the Marne-Rhine Canal, Bali, Costa Rica and Panama, India, Spain & Portugal, and The Eastern Mediterranean.

For more information and reservations contact your local travel agent or call 1-800-833-2111  

(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif., July 26, 2019 -- Princess Cruises has been recognized by SHAPE magazine as a winner in its fifth annual Healthy Travel Awards for the second consecutive year, recognizing the cruise line's fleetwide and state-of-the-art Lotus Spa and Fitness Centers, and family friendly offerings like the Glacier Bay National Park Junior Ranger Program in Alaska.

The SHAPE Healthy Travel Awards, featured on shape.com, represent the best wellness hot spots and programs to relax, refuel, get inspired, and reconnect while on vacation. Award categories include the best in hotel gyms, restaurants, and cruises, as well as healthiest amenities and family getaways.

"We’re honored to be acknowledged by SHAPE magazine in its Healthy Travel Awards. In addition to the Lotus Spa and fitness center, we’re equally thrilled to see the Glacier Bay National Park Junior Ranger Program in Alaska recognized,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “The Junior Ranger Program is a special partnership with the National Park Service designed to help our youth guests appreciate the vast wildlife and landscape exclusive to this region of the world. We’re always striving to offer our guests the most unique and transformative experiences to promote wellness and relaxation, ensuring they come back new.”

Princess Cruises offers Lotus Spa and Fitness Centers aboard all 17 of its cruise ships, sailing to more than 380 destinations around the globe. With a vast selection of relaxing massages, facials and body treatments to choose from, as well an outdoor jogging track, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and dynamic group fitness classes like yoga and indoor cycling, guests can choose to relax and work out with ocean views to renew the mind, body and spirit while on board.

In partnership with the National Park Service, the cruise line also offers the Glacier Bay National Park Junior Ranger Program. Designed to bring Glacier Bay and the Alaska wilderness to life for thousands of children, the highly regarded program features interactive games, activity books and presentations by Park Rangers. Upon completion of the program, each child is designated a Junior Ranger and receives his/her very own rangers badge and certificate. 

“Travelers today are looking for transformational vacations that give them exciting new experiences to explore—and also help them relax and reenergize,” said Elizabeth Goodman Artis, SHAPE editor in chief. “For the 2019 Healthy Travel Awards, SHAPE found the best, most innovative wellness programs out there to help them do just that.”

For more details about Princess Cruises Lotus Spa and Fitness Centers and wellness offerings, visit www.princess.com/wellness.

(PRESS RELEASE)_​PROVIDENCE, RI, July 25, 2019 – Families can now introduce children to the wonders of the polar ice cap with rate incentives for Arctic cruises on new bookings made by October 31, 2019, aboard Poseidon Expeditions’ Sea Spirit.
 
Think Norway and the North Pole. Somewhere in between is the Svalbard Archipelago, a High Arctic wilderness that polar bear, reindeer and walrus call home.
 
The 114-guest Sea Spirit will conduct five 2020 Arctic Wildlife Safaris into this region. Children under age 12 travel at half of the regular per person price in a double-occupancy cabin with an adult. For adults, early booking discounts are from 10 to 15 percent depending on the accommodation. An extra savings of $800 per adult will be applied.
 
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for parents or grandparents wishing to expose their youngster to an amazing environment of diverse wildlife, glaciers and legends from the heroic era of Arctic exploration,” said Steve Wellmeier, managing director of Poseidon’s North America office. “What better way for a child to spend part of their summer break than experiencing firsthand the archipelago’s whales, migrating birds, polar bears, walruses and so much more, while exploring with family aboard a safe and comfortable expedition ship?”

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 25, 2019 – The Stardust Supper Club – a new dining and entertainment concept that debuted aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity following the ship’s dramatic 2018 makeover – takes the spotlight in the 11th episode of “Crystal Cruises Presents: A Culinary Journey Hosted by Jon Ashton.” The event takes place on the first and final “Black Tie Optional” evenings of voyages of eight days or more aboard Crystal Serenity, combining an intimate dining experience and with entertainment from Crystal Serenity’s Show Band and featured vocalist, Ballroom Dance Quartet and featured violinist that are reminiscent of the Sinatra and Martin heyday.  

In the episode, Chef Jon Ashton joins Crystal’s own expert culinary team to create a menu of appetizers, soup, entrees and desserts that are indulgently classic of this era. Caviar, seared beef tenderloin, Chilean sea bass, white asparagus soup and decadent chocolate dessert are all featured, along with a glimpse into the creative process of both the event’s menu and its ambiance. The assistant cruise director, Raphael Derkson, takes viewers into the ship’s stylish Stardust Club for a look at how the space is transformed for the occasion before the final dishes for the evening are revealed.

Visiting an array of locales around the world with Crystal Serenity, the “Culinary Journey” video series features local chefs, farmers and expert guides showcasing the signature dishes – and tips for preparing them – in an array of locales, taking him and viewers off the beaten paths into the heart of each place’s culinary spirit. The videos are published on Crystal’s Crystal Insider blog and Crystal Cruises’ YouTube channel.