(PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (July 23, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) celebrated today its first Welcome Back sailings in the Mediterranean—the latest milestone in the company’s return to service. Last week, guests embarked the award-winning Viking Sea® and sister ship Viking Venus® in the Maltese capital city of Valletta—a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site—where the ships are homeporting this summer. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, both ships are sailing three new itineraries sailing roundtrip from Valletta. The new voyages include the 11-day Malta & the Adriatic Jewels, the 11-day Malta & Greek Isles Discovery and the 21-day Malta, the Adriatic & Greece itineraries. Viking has also partnered with Lufthansa to offer non-stop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport to Malta, exclusively for Viking guests—making the transatlantic journey to Europe even easier. “We are delighted to be back in the Mediterranean and to be homeporting in Valletta. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we thank the government of Malta for its support and partnership in developing these fantastic new voyages,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, from on board Viking Sea in Valletta. “With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Malta is truly a gem in the Mediterranean that many American travelers have yet to discover. My daughter, Karine, and I have enjoyed our time in Malta immensely, and we look forward to introducing even more travelers to this wonderful country.” Last month the Maltese Government eased rules for the arrival of international travelers—and now allows vaccinated Americans with CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards to arrive in the country. Full details of Malta’s Traffic Light System for travelers can be found on Visit Malta’s website here. Also in June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it has eased travel recommendations for 110 countries and territories. As part of the new recommendations, the CDC specifically ranked Malta as “Level 1” or the lowest for risk of COVID-19. (PRESS RELEASE)_WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – July 20, 2021 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the originator of the two-night cruise to the Bahamas, is extending its gratitude to essential workers for their dedication and service during the COVID-19 pandemic with its new Hometown Heroes initiative. Essential workers nationwide can book a FREE escape to Grand Bahama Island – departing between July 22, 2021 and September 30, 2021 – with a second guest who is paying a special price of $129. Though not combinable with other offers, the cruise line’s popular Kids Sail FREE can be applied for those who are parents – making this a safe, wonderful and affordable getaway for the whole family. “Essential workers have always been heroes, putting their lives at risk daily to help others, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put even more strain on those on the front lines and we are so appreciative of their sacrifices. We want to say, ‘thank you’ by offering a free and relaxing getaway to Grand Bahama Island, our second home,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “With our updated health and safety measures in place, we are able to offer essential workers and their families a stress-free, micro-cation option that will allow them to return to work refreshed and recharged.” Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is the only cruise line offering two-night getaways to Grand Bahama Island, while sailing onboard Grand Classica, and essential workers who book a cruise through the Hometown Heroes initiative will have access to al fresco dining; full-service spas; interactive kids’ programs; various entertainment options; and the popular Par-a-Dice Casino. The ship features unique dining venues – all of which exemplify the line’s comfortable luxury appeal – including The Rock Grill, an unforgettable dining experience where guests can cook their own meals using hot lava rocks, and Admiral’s Steak & Seafood, featuring mouth-watering dishes like Angus Beef Carpaccio and Peruvian Sea Bass. As the fight against COVID-19 is not over, the cruise line has implemented a series of protocols to ensure the health and safety of guests and crew onboard and ashore. Travelers who choose to set sail with Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will enjoy a safe, stress-free micro-cation, preparing them to return to work motivated and energized. Essential workers are encouraged to book their future getaway by visiting www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com or calling 877-954-9626. For more details on the Hometown Heroes initiative, visit https://www.bahamasparadisecruise.com/hometown-heroes.php. Follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Facebook at Facebook.com/BPCruiseLine, Instagram @BahamasParadiseCruiseLine, and Twitter @BPCruiseLine. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 20, 2021 – The great Alaska adventure is now underway – Royal Caribbean is back and bolder than ever as the first cruise line to sail to the Last Frontier since September 2019. Yesterday, Serenade of the Seas kicked off the highly anticipated comeback of the summer season when it departed on the first of a series of 7-night cruises from Seattle. The sailing marks a celebratory moment for the cruise industry, local workforce, regional suppliers and Alaska’s beloved communities that were significantly impacted by the absence of all cruise tourism, which normally represents more than 60% of the state’s visitors and generates upwards of $3 billion for its economy each year. Ninety-seven percent of the entire onboard community on Serenade is fully vaccinated. A local favorite, Serenade sets course for classic cities and quaint towns like Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, as well as the jaw-dropping Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier. The ship will be joined by Ovation of the Seas in Seattle starting Aug. 13, rounding out Royal Caribbean’s great Alaska comeback in 2021. “Cruising in Alaska is finally back, and we are excited to be the first to return. Alaska is one of the most popular destinations among our guests, especially families with young kids – children who are ineligible for the vaccine today,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are grateful for the support of our partners, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and other government and health authorities. This is a return that is significantly felt by many, including those whose communities rely on cruise tourism. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 19, 2021 - Carnival Cruise Line announced today that three more ships will resume guest operations in September, and another four in October – bringing the total number of ships to 15 – as the line's successful restart of operations continues to ramp up. Based on the success of its initial resumption of service and the guest response to the onboard experience and health and safety protocols that have been implemented, Carnival will continue to operate all its ships as vaccinated cruises through at least October. The three ships for September are Carnival Glory from New Orleans, starting Sept. 5, Carnival Pride from Baltimore, starting Sept. 12, and Carnival Dream from Galveston, starting Sept. 19. Turning to October, the four additional ships to restart will be Carnival Conquest from Miami, effective Oct. 8, Carnival Freedom from Miami, effective Oct. 9, Carnival Elation from Port Canaveral, effective Oct. 11, and Carnival Sensation from Mobile, effective Oct. 21. Related to this announcement, Carnival is notifying guests and travel agents of an extension in its pause of operations through Sept. 5 for Carnival Pride from Baltimore, Sept. 11 for Carnival Dream from Galveston, Oct. 4 for Carnival Conquest from Miami and Oct. 16 for Carnival Sensation from Mobile. Cruises on Carnival Sunshine from Charleston, Carnival Ecstasy from Jacksonville and Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral will be cancelled through Oct. 31. In addition, a three-day cruise on Carnival Miracle from Long Beach on Sept. 24 is being cancelled, and then Carnival Miracle will begin sailing from Long Beach on Sept. 27. “We are very excited about our restart and greatly appreciate the support of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By the end of July, we will have five ships in our restart plan, including the introduction of service on Mardi Gras, and we are seeing a great combination of strong demand and strong guest satisfaction scores tied to the positive guest experience on board.” (PRESS RELEASE)_New Albany, Ind., July 19, 2021 – American Queen Steamboat Company®, part of the Hornblower® Group, is celebrating Christmas in July with up to $1,000 in bonus savings. With the 2021 season almost sold out following the recently announced Freedom campaign, guests are encouraged to book soon to take advantage of savings on select holiday itineraries aboard the American Duchess™, American Queen®, American Empress® and newest paddlewheeler to join the fleet, the American Countess™. “Our thoughtfully curated voyages celebrate the season with memorable enrichment programming, as well as shoreside experiences that immerse guests in the sights and sounds of this festive time of year,” said Shawn Bierdz, president of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Our team is dedicated to creating an atmosphere that embraces the genuine and hospitable spirit of the season so that guests can experience the time-honored traditions of the South while creating new memories.” This season, sailings will include traditional holiday dinners, stunning historic mansions and landscapes, world-class music and more on board these limited-edition sailings. Each nine-day, festive-themed sailing for 2021 include: Memphis to New Orleans
Los Angeles (July 15, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced its newest ocean ship – the 930-guest Viking Mars® – was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Viking also announced that Viking Mars, which is scheduled to debut in early 2022, will officially be named by her ceremonial godmother, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the eighth Countess of Carnarvon. The ship will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe before embarking on voyages in Asia and Australia. “The day that a new ship meets water for the first time is always a special moment in time, and today is especially meaningful because for the second time, my dear friend Lady Carnarvon will honor us by serving as godmother to a new Viking ship,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. “The last year and a half has been a period of uncertainty for all of us, and it is in those times that you know your true friends. Lady Carnarvon has done so much to help Viking, including opening her home almost weekly for our guests to experience life ‘At Home at Highclere’ on Viking.TV. She is truly a like the sister I never had. We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone, and we look forward to welcoming Viking Mars to our award-winning ocean fleet next year.” "I am both honored and privileged to be chosen as godmother to the Viking Mars, the latest addition to Viking’s beautiful cruise ships. I’ve no doubt she will delight the many guests who travel with her across the seas and oceans," said Lady Carnarvon. The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of Viking Mars began at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when a member of the Viking team cut a cord that signaled water to begin flowing into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set Viking Mars afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out. (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., July 15, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages, the all-inclusive, luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers, announced today that it will serve up six distinctive dining options aboard its newly constructed small, expedition ship, World Navigator. All guests on all voyages can explore Atlas’ regionally inspired gourmet fare through the tantalizing array of options featured in the menus of Porto, Alma, 7AFT Grill, The Dome, Paula’s Pantry, and in-room dining. World Navigator launches on August 4, embarking on her inaugural Egypt and Greek Isles summer season, with alternating departures from Athens (Piraeus), Greece, and Cairo (Alexandria), Egypt. For more information about World Navigator and her dining offerings, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. “We are happy to present World Navigator’s gourmet dining options,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Our menus draw inspiration from our company’s Portuguese heritage, as well as from the many captivating destinations we will visit, to deliver a delightful gastronomical experience on an Atlas luxe-adventure voyage.” Porto is World Navigator’s main dining room, named in celebration of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Portuguese heritage, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a choice of indoor and al fresco seating. Breakfast will present both a la carte and continental buffet options, while Porto’s lunch offers a blend of international fare and local dishes, balancing freshly prepared proteins with plant-based superfoods, smoked vegetables, a variety of flavorful cheeses, cold and carved meats, soups, and much more. All Things Cruise recently caught up with Monique Ponfoort, CEO of Aurora Expeditions. Based in Australia, Aurora has been in the expedition cruise business for over 30 years, specializing in trips to the Arctic and Antarctica. Ms. Ponfoort’s career spans more than 25 years in the travel and cruise industry – including eight years in expedition cruising, managing the Asia-Pacific market. She was named CEO of Aurora last year. READ MORE. (PRESS RELEASE)_GALVESTON, TEXAS, July 15, 2021 - Carnival Breeze returns to service today when it departs on a four-day cruise from Galveston, part of its popular schedule of short cruises from that port. The ship is the line’s third to resume service, following the sailings of Carnival Vista from Galveston and Carnival Horizon from Miami in early July. “We’re delighted that Carnival Breeze is our first ship to return operating short cruise itineraries and our second ship to resume from the Port of Galveston,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Short cruises are very popular with our guests – roughly half our fleet operates cruises of five days or less – so we are excited to broaden our itinerary offerings to include these convenient and affordable getaways.” Today’s sailing will visit Cozumel while five-day cruises departing on Mondays and Saturdays call at Cozumel and Costa Maya or Progreso, Mexico. Later this month, Carnival Miracle begins sailing Alaska cruises and the line’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, sets sail for the first time from Port Canaveral. Carnival Cruise Line was the first cruise line to recognize the incredible potential of Galveston as a homeport, launching the port’s first year-round cruises in 2000. Today, Carnival is the number one cruise operator from Galveston and the only cruise operator with three year-round ships at the port. Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream operate 150 voyages annually from Galveston, carrying an estimated 750,000 passengers a year. Proudly sailing as America’s Cruise Line, Carnival operates from 14 U.S. homeports – the most in cruising – providing consumers with a convenient and affordable way of getting to and from their cruise. Roughly half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of a Carnival homeport. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. (PRESS RELEASE)_PUERTO AYORA, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR, July 15, 2021 – With everyone eager to resume traveling, some destinations – such as the Galapagos Islands -- are ahead of the curve in welcoming visitors back successfully. And with the number of tourists still at a fraction of what it was pre-Covid, this could be one of the best times to visit the Galapagos in a generation. Getting to the Galapagos at this point is relatively easy even by pre Covid standards. Steps have been taken to make it easier for foreign tourists to visit the islands, and as of July 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to test for entry into Galapagos. Visitors are now able to enter both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands by presenting proof that they’ve received full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and will no longer be required to present a negative PCR or antigen test. The Galapagos is among the most successfully vaccinated locations in the world right now. Thanks to a successful campaign to fully vaccinate the adult population of the islands, nearly 100 percent of the over 30,000 adults in Galapagos have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Also, mainland Ecuador aims to have every adult vaccinated by end August. The aggressive vaccination campaign underscores the national government’s commitment to safety and its desire to quickly reopen the islands to visitors. According to Ecuador’s Ministry of Health, 100 percent of adults 18 and over who were willing to be vaccinated had received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and 17,630 adults (87.62 percent) had received their second dose by the end of May. With tourism still just ramping back up, there will be fewer visitors in and around the islands during the first stages of the anticipated tourism rebound. What this means for those lucky enough to get down there in these next few months is that there will be fewer tourists in the Galapagos than at any point in the last 30 years. The opportunity to experience this magnificent archipelago and have it nearly to yourself is a travel opportunity that might never present itself again. Tour operators serving this region are pleased with the progress islanders are making toward reopening goals, reports the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA). “A nearly 100 percent vaccination rate in the Galapagos seems to be almost unprecedented and of course gives a lot of confidence to travelers that they can visit,” says Jim Lutz, founder and president of Vaya Adventures, a tour operator specializing in custom travel to South America. “We are seeing more and more people are planning and booking trips to destinations perceived as relatively safe to travel, and the Galapagos is obviously among the most appealing choices right now because of how many people they’ve managed to vaccinate already.” According to Todd Smith of AdventureSmith Explorations, most of the archipelago’s fleet of passenger vessels will be operating this summer. Pre-pandemic in 2019, the islands attracted about 250,000 visitors and contributed $350 million to Ecuador’s economy, making it the country’s most popular and important tourism destination. By some estimates, more than 80 percent of the islands’ 30,000 residents rely directly or indirectly on tourism for their livelihoods. Tourism is strictly regulated in the Galapagos and is often considered one of the world’s great ecotourism success stories. When tourism suddenly ceased in March 2020, thousands of people were thrown out of work and the islands lost 85 percent of their GDP. Restaurants and hotels were shuttered; passenger vessels sat empty in harbors and thousands of guides, crew members and other workers reliant upon tourism found themselves without employment. Many locals ran out of cash and turned to bartering for staples such as fish and rice, according to local news reports. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most pristine oceanic archipelagos and home to hundreds of wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth. Designated as one of the world's first World Heritage Sites in 1978, today the Galapagos archipelago is considered one of the world's foremost tourist destinations for natural history and wildlife. |
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