(PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., July 25, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard and famed celebrity auction house Julien’s Auctions will be offering an exclusive auction exhibition of Sports Legends Memorabilia onboard Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossing, from New York to Southampton, England, September 15-22, 2019. The auction exhibition will feature coveted sports collectables including American baseball legend Babe Ruth’s Brooklyn Dodgers coaching uniform from the 1938 season. Julien’s Auctions’ highly anticipated sports auction event will offer 350 pieces from a private collection, amassed over 30 years, and will take place on Thursday, November 14, at the Standard Oil Building in Beverly Hills and live online at juliensauctions.com. This multi-volume catalog set also features a signed baseball from Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe, five Babe Ruth single-signed baseballs and a pair of Muhammad Ali boxing shorts from 1980 with a handwritten message from Ali. Guests on Queen Mary 2’s seven-night Transatlantic Crossing, Sept 15-22, will enjoy:
“Julien’s Auctions brings exclusive events to our guests onboard furthering our mission of creating lasting memories for our passengers,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “It will be a thrill for Queen Mary 2 passengers to see up close famed sports memorabilia from the greats such as Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.” Highlights of the auction include:
The top item in the sale, Babe Ruth’s coaching jersey, is part of the fastest growing alternative investment sector in the auction world; recently, a Babe Ruth New York Yankees road jersey sold for $5.64 million. “These items represent the dreams and ambitions of the sportsmen who captured the hearts of millions,” said Brett Hughes, Managing Director of Global Sports for Julien’s Auctions. “To own any of these items will doubtless be a dream come true for the lucky buyers. For true fans, the value of each lot is beyond price and will become a family heirloom.” 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)_MIAMI (July 24, 2019) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the leading luxury ocean cruise line, today released details of five new theater performances that will debut on Seven Seas Splendor when the highly anticipated luxury cruise ship launches in February 2020. From a dueling battle between rock and country musical genres to a story of adventure and romance to a thriller filled with intrigue, these lavishly staged musical productions await guests on Seven Seas Splendor’s inaugural season. All are produced by Regent’s theatrical team of accomplished choreographers, writers and directors: · Bohemian Soul follows a group of bold travelers who follow the sun, collecting a rich array of music, dance, and cultural styles along their journey. As the travelers raise their tents in Paris, the city’s young mayor finds himself drawn to a mysterious Bohemian girl and the call of the open road. Bohemian Soul highlights an eclectic array of music and world dance styles that invite audiences on the adventurous trek. · Diamond Run, featuring an international man of mystery who crisscrosses the globe in pursuit of a priceless blue diamond -- and the beautiful jewel thief who wants it for herself. This heart-pounding spy thriller features songs by Madonna, Tina Turner, Duran Duran, Shirley Bassey and more. · Crossroads, halfway between Nashville and Los Angeles lies the “Crossroads Warehouse,” the site of a decades-long battle between diehard country and rock fans. This conflict is about the music as these two groups battle through the best rock and country hits. · Boogie Wonderland, New York’s most popular radio station celebrates Disco Day! The DJ announces an extravagant one-night-only disco party and fashion contest in New York’s hottest nightclub. As four friends work their way through the city dancing and singing the most popular disco songs, Boogie Wonderland is their story. · Divos & Divas, celebrating the best male and female vocalists of the last seven decades, presented by the Regent Production Cast and Regent Signature Orchestra. The evening features a line-up of favorite songs from the repertoires of some of the greatest singers of all time. “These captivating theatrical performances on Seven Seas Splendor are unrivaled in luxury ocean cruising,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “They were created and produced by our team of Broadway choreographers and directors. We recruited some of the finest, most talented musicians and performers to deliver unforgettable and engaging productions for our valued guests." (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 23, 2019 – Beginning September 1, 2019, Crystal Society members will enjoy greater flexibility and freedom of choice when it comes to their benefits as part of the company’s newly enhanced loyalty program. Crystal has announced that, because of its expanded portfolio of global luxury experiences, Crystal Society members can now earn and redeem milestone benefits for the Crystal experience of their choice – Ocean, River, Yacht and the upcoming Expedition cruises affording significantly more options for travelers wanting to enjoy other Crystal brand experiences. Crystal is the only luxury cruise line that can offer travelers four distinct experiences exploring the rivers and oceans of the world. “We are tremendously grateful for the incredible number of guests who continue to return ‘home’ to Crystal again and again – many who have sailed with us since the beginning,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “Choices are what make luxury truly personal, and the new Crystal Society benefits allows guests to earn loyalty milestone rewards on the Crystal Experience of their choice, and also redeem these rewards on any experience of their choice.” The shipboard credits members receive (now known as As You Wish credits) will continue to be offered in the same amounts at the same milestone levels but can now be applied to the cruise fare if the member wishes. Crystal Society members will enjoy up to $10,000 toward future sailings depending on their milestone level. The new program will retroactively apply to past and future Crystal voyages, with milestone credits accrued as follows: Duration Ocean, River, Yacht Expedition 5 to 15 nights 1 2 16 nights or more 2 4 Travelers are welcomed into the Crystal Society program after their first sailing, enjoying special perks and recognition each time they return. In addition to the new enhancements, members receive 2.5% Crystal Society Savings on all worldwide voyages; exclusive 2.5% onboard booking savings; hosted cocktail parties on every voyage following the members’ first voyage; complimentary upgrades; milestone recognition and commemorative pins at various levels; and exclusive onboard events on select sailings. Former free cruise awards will be converted to equivalent Crystal Society Cruise Credits, earned at the same levels as before and following milestones of 25, 50, 70, 100, 125 and 150 cruises. If members currently have a free cruise reward that they have yet to redeem and do not wish to use the new equivalent Crystal Society Cruise Credit which goes into effect on September 1, they must book their cruise no later than December 31, 2019 and must sail before December 31, 2020. (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., July 23, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard is bringing together two of the biggest names in exploration and mountaineering as Queen Elizabeth returns for a full season in Alaska in 2020. Sir Ranulph Fiennes – acknowledged as the ‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ by the Guinness Book of Records – will headline an engaging series of lectures; he will be sharing personal insights of his adventures as Queen Elizabeth sails through the pristine beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Guests will experience a first-hand account of Sir Ranulph’s notable expeditions. These include the 1972-82 Transglobe, the first surface journey around the polar axis, as well as the Pentland South Pole Expedition, which was led by Sir Ranulph and achieved the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic Continent. Sir Ranulph has since climbed Mount Everest as well as the North Face of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps, guided by Kenton Cool, and has raised $22.8 million for charity throughout his career. Mountaineer Kenton Cool, one of the finest alpine climbers of his generation, will also join Cunard onboard Queen Elizabeth in Alaska. Cool has summited Mount Everest fourteen times, including his 2009 climb when he guided Sir Ranulph’s Everest expedition. Cool holds the unique title of being the first person in history to climb the three Everest peaks -- dubbed the “Triple Crown” -- in one climb, an achievement thought to be impossible. He will share this and other remarkable life experiences with guests. “Cunard is famous for our renowned onboard enrichment program, offering guests exclusive access to some of the most revered and inspirational speakers,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Kenton Cool are two of the greatest outdoor record achievers living today and our passengers will be thrilled to hear first-hand accounts of their explorations while sailing though the awe-inspiring nature of Alaska onboard Cunard’s majestic Queen Elizabeth.” Sir Ranulph will be the first featured guest speaker in Alaska, on Queen Elizabeth’s sailing between Vancouver and Juneau (June 2-4, 2020). Kenton Cool will board the ship on June 12 and sail on voyages through July 2, 2020. Earlier this year it was announced that Cunard will visit Glacier Bay during its 2020 Alaska voyages. Cunard will be the only cruise line offering 10, 11 and 12 day roundtrip voyages from Vancouver in 2020 that soak up the majestic and pristine drama of both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. In other experiences only to be found on Cunard, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Alaska with a Cultured Heritage Guide on every sailing. For relaxation, guests can indulge in Mareel Wellness & beauty (Cunard’s new holistic spa concept) on every voyage, offering oceanic treatments and mediation rituals inspired by wilderness. As night falls, with the backdrop of Alaska, guests will enjoy a unique sense of occasion with an Ice White Ball in the spectacular Queens Room on every voyage. Cunard has doubled its Alaska program in 2020, offering a full season from June through September. All voyages are roundtrip out of Vancouver ranging from nine to 12 nights and one getaway voyage to San Francisco for an overnight stay on the 4th of July, 2020. The Alaska voyages will feature full days in ports such as Ketchikan, Victoria, Juneau, Skagway and others. 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. (VIRGIN VOYAGES NEWS)_Here's a new video from Virgin Voyages about their private beach club in Bimini. You can learn more on their website. Sir Richard Branson's new cruise line begins departures from Miami next April aboard Scarlet Lady.
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (July 18, 2019) -- Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Panorama, successfully completed its sea trials in the Adriatic Sea earlier this week in anticipation of its inaugural cruise from Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 11, 2019, becoming the line’s first new ship on the West Coast in 20 years. Currently in the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Carnival Panorama had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the ship’s sophisticated technical, mechanical and navigation systems. “Carnival Panorama is a wonderful addition to the fleet and she passed all of her maneuvers and tests with flying colors. We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard this beautiful ship,” said Carnival Panorama Captain Carlo Queirolo. As the newest ship in the fleet, Carnival Panorama will offer innovations such as the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea and a new ChooseFun WaterWorks aqua park inspired by the line’s Chief Fun Officer, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, as well as popular onboard venues like Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Brewhouse, featuring BBQ favorites created by Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri and craft beers brewed on board. Carnival Panorama will also offer a variety of accommodation choices, including the tropics-inspired Havana area with colorful staterooms and its own Cuban-themed bar and pool; Family Harbor with extra-roomy staterooms and the Family Harbor Lounge; and luxurious Cloud 9 Spa staterooms with special amenities and privileges. Following an inaugural three-day voyage to Ensenada, Carnival Panorama will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach Dec. 14. The week-long adventures will visit spectacular seaside resort towns including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 17, 2019 – The World’s Most Awarded Cruise Line has earned top honors in Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards, as cruisers name Crystal Cruises the “Top Small Ship Cruise Line in the U.S. & Canada.” The annual awards are based exclusively on the reviews and feedback shared by well-traveled cruisers in the online community. Cruise Critic, the world’s largest online cruise resource, amasses cruisers’ detailed assessments and reviews of their experiences around the world to determine the best of the best for traveling around the world. The results are categorized by destination and by cruise ship size sailing there – large ships accommodating 1,200 or more guests and small ships accommodating 1,199 or fewer guests. Crystal Cruises’ two ocean-going ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, have earned the industry’s most esteemed accolades over the decades. The two have recently undergone dramatic redesigns, further enhancing the all-inclusive luxuries and personalized service for which Crystal is known, with new butler-serviced Seabreeze Penthouse accommodations, new dining experiences and interactive technological amenities. The ships’ worldwide itineraries include voyages of less than seven days to the 100+-day World Cruise. U.S. and Canada sailings include spring and summer sailings exploring Pacific Coast cities like Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco and Astoria; Alaska’s glaciers and wilderness; New England’s fall foliage and colonial history; eastern Canada’s French cities and forested islands; and the Eastern Seaboard.
Located aft on deck 17, The Reef offers many enticing features, including:
Splashpad featuring Winnie the Whale – this interactive and inviting water playground features a splash pool, assorted water sprays and showers where families can enjoy a day of splashing, laughing and playing. The focal point is an interactive Winnie the Whale feature which “rains” from its fluke and sprays from her spout. Winne is also part of the cruise line’s Animal Planet™ endangered species program in the Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Centers where the kids learn about the anatomy of humpback whales. Whale Fluke Mural Photo Walls – colorful and vibrant murals of a whale’s fluke have been painted at both entrances to The Reef for guests to pose and take fun photos. Game Zone – bringing family competition to a whole new level with oversized backyard games comfy lounge sectionals, and a kid-friendly bar setting, families can enjoy special drinks while challenging the kids to a game of oversized backyard games like cornhole. Refurbished Pool, Jacuzzi and Bar – the pool, spa and bar have been updated to match the newly designed space featuring updated signage and contemporary artwork. Morgan’s Bar opened with a new kid-friendly and fruity mocktail menu, including “Crazy Coconut” and “Berry Nice to Meet You” thirst-quenching drinks. New Outdoor Spaces – with a variety of plush seating and lounging options, from single sun loungers to sectional chairs and couches with tables, The Reef transforms into an inviting space for groups of all sizes aimed to be comfortable and conversational. The space also features new fixtures, finishes and canopies offering plenty of shade. (ROYAL NEWS)_Royal Caribbean International heats things up with the $115 million transformation of Navigator of the Seas. Among the next-level adventures now on board the newly amplified ship is the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea. To Dry For touts a menu of services, from blowouts to hairstyling and polish changes, perfect for guests looking to sit back and get ready for a night out on the town after an unforgettable day on the pool deck or exploring idyllic, tropical destinations.
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (July 16, 2019) – As part of the second annual Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge, sponsored by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books, kids sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line this summer read an astonishing 250 million Dr. Seuss words through fun, educational activities across the line’s 26-ship fleet, helping to surpass the overall goal of 250 million Dr. Seuss words read during the nationwide campaign.
The summer reading program, which started May 21, ended yesterday with a book reading to local children from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida in Port Canaveral, Fla. aboard Carnival Liberty. As the Official Seagoing Partner of Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge, Carnival encouraged young cruisers sailing on its ships in June and July to read as many Dr. Seuss words as possible during book reading sessions on board. Kids could then log their words and monitor their progress using a word tracker on Seussville.com. All those who registered and entered their Dr. Seuss word count at Seussville.com before July 15 were also eligible to win a free Carnival cruise. Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge is part of Seuss at Sea, Carnival’s exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises that showcases the wonderful words and world of the beloved children’s author through fun, family-oriented entertainment, youth activities and unique dining experiences. “Carnival Cruise Line is the leader in family cruising carrying more than 900,000 kids a year and we’re excited to have been the Official Seagoing Partner of Dr. Seuss’s Word Challenge again this year,” said Melissa Wisecarver, director of youth experience for Carnival Cruise Line. “The onboard program reinforces the importance of reading – even on vacation – in a fun and creative way and contributes to this year’s overall word goal.” Launched in 2014, Seuss at Sea has become one of the most popular children’s programs in the travel industry and includes such fun activities as The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends and the Seuss-a-palooza Parade and Story Time, as well as character interactions, Dr. Seuss toys and games, and popular movies shown on board. Dr. Seuss Bookville, a vibrant and colorful family reading venue, is also featured on select ships, including the new Carnival Panorama set to debut later this year. |
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