(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 16, 2019) – Cruise guests ready to travel through time and space need to look no further than Princess Cruises newest ships – Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess – to experience Phantom Bridge, a world’s first game combining digital and physical elements for the ultimate immersive escape room. “Phantom Bridge, our newest Discovery at SEA interactive attraction, will offer our guests the exclusive opportunity to live a real-world, gamified experience with more than 700 different outcomes for the ultimate adventure,” said Denise Saviss, Princess Cruises vice president of entertainment experience. “Partnering with Farbound to deliver this unprecedented technology and world’s first interactive Mediascape Room further solidifies our commitment to share innovative and distinctive offerings to our guests.” On the Phantom Bridge, Princess Cruises guests will face immersive environments and show moments as they race to solve puzzles and travel to endangered time periods. The entire ship will transform and respond to guest actions, enveloping them in the story. Developed exclusively for Princess Cruises by Farbound, the leader in gamified real-life experiences, the debut of Phantom Bridge will feature the first MediascapeTM Room, the proprietary gaming and show-control system that runs the entire game play. “As Princess Cruises is committed to delivering a completely different and memorable experience for its guests, we are so honored to be working with them as Farbound’s partner. This new class of entertainment offerings will strengthen and hold Princess Cruises position as the leader in the travel industry.” said Tim Rheault & Steve Trowbridge, Co-Founders of Farbound. Phantom Bridge offers a range of activities including:
Phantom Bridge will also debut onboard the cruise line’s next ship, Enchanted Princess, summer 2020. Guests can try Phantom Bridge in the new Experience Center located on deck 18. The event lasts 23 minutes and can accommodate up to six people. For families looking for immersive, enriching and fun experiences while traveling, Princess Cruises has partnered with Discovery Inc. to create Discovery at SEA onboard programming that brings to life destinations and fan-favorite Discovery and Animal Planet shows. Guests can choose from exclusive, family friendly shore excursions and onboard activities like Stargazing at Sea. Younger cruisers, 17 and under, will also enjoy the recently renovated Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Centers. More details about the robust onboard features and itineraries of Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess can be found at www.princess.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 15, 2019) – New for the 2019 season and celebrating the cruise line’s 50th year sailing in Alaska, Princess Cruises has partnered with a team of local experts in Alaska to give guests even more exclusive and authentic experiences ashore as part of the cruise line’s award-winning Local Connections program.
“Local Connections in Alaska was designed to connect our guests with the people of the destination, and offer them interactive experiences with local chefs, artists and expert guides,” said Bruce Krumrine, Princess Cruises vice president of shore excursions. “With 50 years of experience sailing to the Great Land, we know the type of shore excursions our guests desire. From cooking with an Alaskan Chef to axe throwing with Lumberjacks, we know they’ll love every authentic experience and create long-lasting memories.” With a total of 15 featured shore excursions in four Alaska ports, Princess Cruises has partnered with well-known chefs, artists, wildlife experts, seafaring captains and much more. Examples include:
Other Alaska Local Connections shore excursions include: (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 15, 2019 – Crystal Expedition Cruises’ has appointed seasoned Hotel Director Harry Ter Horst to oversee the hospitality operations aboard Crystal Endeavor, set to launch in August 2020. With an esteemed career of nearly 30 years, Ter Horst served as Hotel Director aboard Crystal Esprit in 2015 and worked across the globe in various positions aboard cruise ships, expedition ships and private yachts. He most recently served as Hotel Director with Hurtigruten and is also experienced in the launch of new ships – having introduced new vessels with Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean International – and the anticipatory hospitality and superior service provided aboard a private mega-yacht. “Harry is an expert at ensuring that guests’ experience is seamless and that every detail and desire is accommodated,” said Crystal’s senior vice president of hotel operations, Toni Neumeister. “His blend of management and shipboard experience across the expedition and luxury sectors and natural gift of genuine service and hospitality make him uniquely and perfectly suited for Crystal Endeavor. We are delighted to welcome him back to the Crystal Family.” Ter Horst will join the German-built expedition ship at the MV WERFTEN Shipyard early next year. “I am thrilled to return to Crystal as this exciting new chapter begins and look forward to sharing adventures with our guests and making their travels as memorable as possible,” Ter Horst said. “Crystal’s philosophy for hospitality and service is special and it’s an honor to again be a part of this dedicated team. It feels like coming home, and I know our guests will feel the same.” Aboard Crystal Endeavor, Ter Horst will oversee service operations for the yacht’s 200 guests, which includes private butler service for every suite. The largest, most spacious luxury expedition yacht in the industry, Crystal Endeavor will feature elegantly casual, expansive public spaces; all-suite guest accommodations; Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; a full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including designated “mud rooms” and helicopter lounge. In her inaugural 2020 season, Crystal Endeavor will sail through Japan and the Russian Far East; Antarctica via the Ross Sea; New Zealand and Tasmania; Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines. In 2021, Crystal Endeavor will add New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands; Alaska and the Aleutian Islands; Norway and the United Kingdom; Canary Islands, Atlantic and South America to her repertoire, as well as an extraordinary voyage through the rarely traveled Northeast Passage. (BPCL NEWS)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line dedicated the Grand Celebration’s Helm to Private First-Class Gregory Carter last week. Gregory Carter was a U.S. Marine killed in action during Vietnam whose body was recently uncovered after being buried in an unmarked grave in 1969. Pfc. Carter was drafted at age 19 as a graduating student attending Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale. Vietnam Veterans of America discovered Pfc. Carter’s unmarked grave earlier this year at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fort Lauderdale. The event included a luncheon, ship tour, and commemorative plaque presentation to the family of Pfc. Carter. Approximately 50 people — including six local commissioners, the mayor of Riviera Beach, a NASA astronaut and high-ranking officers of the armed forces attended the event last week.
(PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (July 11, 2019) – AmaWaterways today christened its revolutionary new ship, AmaMagna, in Grein, Austria. The festive ceremony saw guests on board joining AmaWaterways co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst along with Godmother Samantha Brown, respected travel expert and Emmy Award-winning television host, as she officially christened the 23rd ship in the fleet. “With AmaMagna’s double width design allowing for more personal space, amenities and dining venues, I have had this unique ship on my mind for years and today we are thrilled to officially welcome her to the AmaWaterways family,” said Schreiner. “We are grateful to have so many of our friends and travel partners here with us as we celebrate this exciting time for our company.” Honoring the long-standing tradition associated with ship christenings that originates more than 4,000 years ago, a priest blessed the ship and crew while Godmother Brown broke a champagne bottle against AmaMagna’s hull, signifying good luck on the journeys ahead. “Through the years, we have celebrated each new ship the Ama way – with lots of love! Samantha shares many values with our company – most notable through her PBS series “Places to Love”, where she discovers the emotional heart of travel through the people who are changing, challenging and strengthening a destination,” said Karst. “She is a perfect fit as Godmother for this very special ship that is also challenging ideas of what river cruising can offer people in search of personalized travel experiences.” The striking new ship was welcomed by Grein Mayor Rainer Barth and a distinguished group of regional government and tourism representatives. Afternoon festivities included speeches by Schreiner, Karst and Brown, along with lively local entertainment celebrating the Blue Danube Waltz, Sound of Music and Austrian singer Falco. Following regionally-inspired cocktails and a gala dinner, guests were also treated to a sun deck show featuring dazzling LED performers and fireworks to cap off the festivities. “I am proud to be Godmother to this incredibly innovative ship,” said Brown. “I have always been impressed by the warmth and attentive care that the crew have shown to me and my family during our previous AmaWaterways cruise, but while traveling on board AmaMagna this week, the ship and the service have exceeded all my expectations of what a cruise experience can be.” AmaMagna is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, yet welcomes only 20 percent more guests, allowing generous personal space – with more than half of the 98 staterooms designated as suites measuring between 355 and 710 sq. ft. All staterooms and suites are appointed with stylish décor and natural wood accents. The suites feature full outside balconies, open seating areas and luxurious bathrooms, complete with double sinks and walk-in showers. Six Grand Suites (474 sq. ft.) and an Owner’s Suite (710 sq. ft.) provide even more amenities with separate seating areas and sizable bathrooms complete with spa-like bathtubs. With four restaurants to choose from, the ship delivers award-winning cuisine and service along with enhanced guest amenities such as an onboard cinema; a large boutique; an expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with a large exercise area offering group classes in stretching, cardio and core strengthening and spin classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host. A juice bar and two massage rooms, along with manicure, pedicure and hair services; and a sun deck with a large heated pool, relaxing whirlpool and sky bar add to the enjoyment on board. All sun deck facilities are easily accessible via an innovative pop-up elevator serving all four decks. Exclusive to AmaMagna, guests may take advantage of a Concierge Golf Program, providing the opportunity to experience four top-level golf courses in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany while enjoying the magic of river cruising. AmaMagna’s itineraries include Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube and Christmas Markets on the Danube. (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (July 11, 2019) – AmaWaterways is celebrating this year’s holiday season early by giving travelers three extra reasons to make special memories with friends and family. The Holiday Triple Savings apply to 38 festive sailings along the Rhine and Danube rivers. Guests booking these select river cruises between June 25 and August 31, enjoy savings of $1,000 per person, a complimentary stateroom upgrade and a $50 onboard credit per person*. “The holiday season in Europe is one of my favorite times to travel, and I’m excited to offer our guests the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “With multiple onboard festivities planned, exciting excursions and delectable cuisine, our guests can truly relax and enjoy all of the joy and cheer that the holiday season brings.” Cruising over the Thanksgiving holiday period, guests can relax with friends and family and enjoy a traditional feast with all the delicious trimmings while the attentive crew onboard take care of all the arrangements. With most Christmas Markets opening the last week in November, guests will be amazed by the dazzling décor and festivities on shore while being surprised and delighted by seasonal events on board. Events include tree-trimming, caroling and “Shoes for St. Nick”, which encourages guests to leave their slippers outside of their stateroom door to be filled with tasty treats like the children of Europe do on St. Nicholas Day – a delightful experience for travelers of all ages. Guests will enjoy browsing the iconic Christmas markets of Budapest, Vienna, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Cologne and Strasbourg purchasing unique gifts for loved ones at home and indulging in local seasonal treats like hot spiced wine, known as Glühwein, Lebkuchen gingerbread, and crispy German pork rinds. Finally, guests on the New Year cruises can countdown to 2020 while attending a festive gala dinner, and enjoying complimentary champagne, providing the perfect background for welcoming the New Year. Holiday Triple Savings apply to a selection of dates and ships - including newly launched AmaMagna and AmaMora - on a variety of itineraries including the Iconic Christmas Markets, Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Christmas Markets on the Danube, Magical Christmas Markets, and New Year departures of Melodies of the Danube, Romantic Danube and Enchanting Rhine.* Add to the Yuletide festivities with a pre- or post-cruise land program in Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, Lucerne or Zurich. Related: Carnival Sunrise to Bermuda (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (July 11, 2019) -- Carnival Cruise Line will operate its largest Bermuda season ever in 2019-2020, with more than 40 voyages visiting the nation, including eight week-long cruises departing from Baltimore and Charleston next year. In total, six different Carnival ships – Carnival Breeze, Magic, Pride, Radiance, Sunshine and Sunrise – will offer four- to nine-day Bermuda cruises from five homeports along the eastern seaboard between now and next year. Carnival is the only cruise operator to offer round-trip Bermuda cruises from Charleston, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale. Nine-day Bermuda departures have also been added to the New York-based schedules of the totally transformed Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance that include four-day cruises to the island as well. Carnival’s diverse Bermuda schedule not only encompasses a wide range of cruise durations and homeports but also a variety of ship sizes and amenities, providing consumers with unprecedented opportunities to visit the popular destination. “Guest feedback on our Bermuda program has been nothing short of sensational and we’re delighted to expand our offerings to provide even more guests an opportunity to experience all this tropical island paradise has to offer,” said Fred Stein, Carnival’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment. The seven week-long cruises to Bermuda from Baltimore will be offered aboard Carnival Pride and spend three days in Bermuda, while a seven-day cruise from Charleston aboard Carnival Sunshine will feature two days on the island along with a visit to the private Bahamian destination of Princess Cays. Baltimore departure dates include May 31, Aug. 2 and 23, Sept. 6 and 20, and Oct. 4 and 18, 2020. The cruise from Charleston departs Oct. 17, 2020. While in Bermuda, guests can relax on the island’s legendary pink beaches, enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports, and visit historical landmarks such as Royal Naval Dockyard and Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere. Numerous shopping, dining and golfing experiences are also available. PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 11, 2019 – Travelers can soon take in Europe’s historic destinations from a bold, new perspective on board the amplified Allure of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International has revealed the signature feats and innovative experiences coming to the renowned Oasis Class ship as part of a 58-day, $165 million transformation. Guests will be able to conquer a continent’s worth of adventures and come back for more with Allure’s upcoming lineup of new features, including the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, completely redesigned Adventure Ocean kids and teens spaces, the first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Quantum Class original Music Hall. Reimagined as the ultimate summer vacation in Europe, Allure will open its season of 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from homeport Barcelona, Spain on May 10, 2020. Bold Family Favorites Whether the moment calls for thrills or relaxation, vacationers sailing on the amplified Allure of the Seas can test their courage or sit back at the Pool and Sports Zone neighborhood that will now tout the perfect family day out. Feature highlights include:
(PRESS RELEASE)_New Albany, IN, July 11, 2019 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a leader in U.S. river cruising, announces its 2019 holiday voyages that are now available for booking. With itineraries for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s aboard the American Queen and American Duchess, two of the most elegant paddlewheel steamboats in the U.S., guests can experience time-honored Southern traditions along the Mississippi River. This season, sailings will include traditional holiday dinners, stunning antebellum mansions and plantations, world-class music and more onboard these limited-edition sailings. Festive-themed sailings include: Thanksgiving Guests are invited to traverse the mighty Mississippi, gathering with family and friends to enjoy Thanksgiving favorites, from a grand feast to parades and football games. The journey on the American Queen will showcase the diversity and drama of the lower Mississippi River with history-filled stops in cities known for jazz, barbeque and, of course, the King of Rock and Roll at Graceland. This themed cruise runs from Memphis to New Orleans on November 24-December 2. Plantation Holiday Market Amid the glittering elegance of an American Queen cruise is a seasonal spirit larger than life. Guests can experience the best of the antebellum South by indulging in the holidays while becoming acquainted with the traditions of the Cajun and Creole cultures. The highlight of this trip is the experience at Nottoway Plantation, where guests will enjoy live music and dancing and witness the ceremonial lighting of bonfires on the levee followed by a special fireworks display. This themed cruise runs between Memphis to New Orleans December 8-16 and December 15-23. American Music Holiday Nowhere else is the music as memorable as it is onboard one of AQSC’s music holiday cruises. Guests can discover the sights and sounds of America's rivers and the roots that inspired a variety of musical genres. Special musical performances by the boat’s sensational ensemble will take centerstage throughout the nine-day sailing. Whether it's the sounds of New Orleans jazz, the strains of the uniquely American musical art form the delta blues, the rock and soul of Memphis, or the homegrown country music melodies in Nashville, guests will find that it all harmonizes with the rhythms of the river. This themed cruise runs between Memphis and Clarksville (Nashville), December 1-9 and December 8-16, and from Memphis to New Orleans, December 15-23. An American Christmas The merriment of the holidays comes to life on the American Duchess. This voyage whisks guests away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays to experience the easygoing life on the river. From Memphis to New Orleans, this trip makes stops at gracious towns brimming with Christmas cheer and palatial mansions draped in holiday finery. This cruise sails from Memphis to New Orleans December 22-30 and a round trip voyage from New Orleans on the American Duchess December 22-30. New Year’s Celebration This cruise has been specially curated to celebrate not only new beginnings, but the achievement and beauty of the year concluding. Evening entertainment will sample the sounds of the South, including an onboard gala with music, dancing and a champagne toast on New Year’s Eve. The highlight of the evening will include a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate with an elaborate firework show from the decks of the steamboat to ring in the New Year. This themed-cruise is roundtrip from New Orleans, December 29-January 3. Offering the most inclusive river cruise experience in North America, holiday fares with AQSC begin at $1,199 per guest. All sailings include a one-night, pre-voyage hotel stay, hop-on hop-off shore excursions in all ports, wine and beer with dinner and a host of other amenities. To learn more about AQSC’s holiday voyages and savings, please visit: https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/2019-holiday/ For additional information and reservations, please contact American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5280, visit AmericanQueenSteamboatCompany.com or call a professional travel agent. (PRESS RELEASE)_VALENCIA, Calif., July 9, 2019 – Luxury cruise line Cunard and famed celebrity auction house Julien’s Auctions have partnered with House of Taylor to offer an exclusive auction exhibition of Property from the Lifestyle of Elizabeth Taylor onboard flagship liner Queen Mary 2, on the October 18 Transatlantic Crossing departing out of Southampton, England. House of Taylor is the entity that preserves and sustains Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy. Julien’s Auctions has announced that the Property from the Lifestyle of Elizabeth Taylor auction will take place from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, 2019, at The Standard Oil Building in Beverly Hills and live online at juliensauctions.com. This three-day event celebrates the lifestyle and singular career of the three-time Academy Award-winning Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and will offer her iconic fashions, film costumes and accessories, including show-stopping evening gowns and haute couture ensembles by designers Givenchy, Versace and more. Guests on Queen Mary 2’s October 18 Transatlantic Crossing will enjoy: A daily, rotating exhibit of the Lifestyle of Elizabeth Taylor Collection Exclusive opportunity to bid on choice items in advance of the general auction in December 2019 Q&A with Darren Julien, President and CEO of Julien’s Auctions and Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions “It is an honor to offer our guests an exclusive preview of Elizabeth Taylor’s stunning collection onboard Queen Mary 2 and give our passengers an experience available only on Cunard,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “Elizabeth Taylor was a fan of Cunard and sailed frequently on our ships.” Highlights of the auction include:
Additional auction items include jewelry, wigs, fine/decorative art and household items from her residences around the world, as well as other pieces from her life and career. “Julien’s Auctions is honored to present this three-day celebration of the life and spirit of an extraordinary woman who needs no introduction – Elizabeth Taylor,” said Darren Julien, President/Chief Executive Officer of Julien’s Auctions. “We are excited to present this exhibition of glamour, beauty and style to passengers on Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2.” 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. |
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