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​news

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MSC Debuting ROBOTRON on 'Seascape'

8/31/2022

 
PictureROBOTRON (Credit: MSC)
(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland – August 31, 2022 – MSC Cruises’ new U.S. flagship will be packed with high-tech fun. Today the company announced a range of advanced onboard entertainment options on the upcoming MSC Seascape, starting with ROBOTRON – a thrilling amusement ride coming to the seas for the first time and combining the breath-taking rush of a rollercoaster with personalized music and lighting. The ship will also feature two new VR experiences and additional high-tech entertainment designed for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “We are excited to give our guests more access to cutting-edge experiences, which is why MSC Cruises’ is committed to bringing our newest ships to the U.S. We’re the first cruise line to offer something like ROBOTRON at sea, and we can’t wait for thrill-seekers to discover the ride of their life surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean. Our new virtual reality motorcycles and flight simulator – plus fan favorites like the MSC Formula Racer and XD Cinema – will also feature truly immersive experiences, providing the most exhilarating line-up of rides we’ve ever offered.”


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RCL Implementing Starlink Fleetwide

8/30/2022

 
PictureRoyal Caribbean Group is implementIng
SpaceX’s Starlink (RCL)
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – Aug. 30, 2022 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) announced today its plan to implement SpaceX’s Starlink – making the Group the first in the cruise industry to adopt its high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better onboard experience for guests and crew fleetwide. The innovative broadband internet service will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands.

Deployment of the Starlink technology across the fleet will begin immediately, leveraging the insights obtained from the trial onboard Freedom of the Seas, which has received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from guests and crew. The installation is slated to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2023.


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Celestyal Updates Health Protocols

8/30/2022

 
PictureCredit: Celestyal Cruises
(PRESS RELEASE)_ATHENS, GREECE (August 30, 2022)  Celestyal , the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced a relaxed COVID-19 policy.  For all sailings from August 26th, 2022, all guests 12 years of age and above must continue to be fully vaccinated including proof of a booster (if their original vaccine course was completed more than 270 days prior to embarkation).  All guests are required to have a certified negative COVID antigen test taken no more than 48 hours or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation, as opposed to the earlier requirement of the test being taken 24 hours prior to embarkation. For those recently recovered from COVID, they can provide a doctor’s note supplemented with the positive test result corresponding to the date which the guest has been diagnosed positive and the negative test result corresponding to the date of recovery.  For citizens of EU countries and countries participating in the EU DCC scheme, an EU DCC (Covid recovery certificate) is required. Masks which were previously mandated in all indoor areas, are no longer required, but instead highly recommended for indoor areas and outdoors when in large crowds.
 
“In accordance with updated guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, CLIA and Greek health authorities, we are pleased to announce the further relaxation of our health protocols,” said Celestyal Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden.  “The more flexible requirements provide our guests with the option of testing prior to departing for Greece as well as more flexibility when it comes to masking onboard.  We will continue to liaise with the European Healthy Gateways, CLIA and Greek authorities, as well as all destinations we visit on our cruises, to ensure that we are following the latest protocols with the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve continuing to be our top priority.”

Celestyal’s health and safety measures are continuously evaluated and adjusted based on new and updated prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.
For more information https://celestyal.com/us/, contact your professional Travel Advisor or call 1 (877) 337-4665.

Virgin Unveils New Perks Program

8/30/2022

 
PictureCredit: Virgin Voyages
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL - August 30, 2022 - Recognized as one of the best ocean cruise lines in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards, Virgin Voyages has made its mark on the travel industry as one of the most sought-after holiday havens for rejuvenation, relaxation and a hint of adventure on the high seas. Having launched two award-winning ships in a span of just nine months, 2023 promises more industry-first milestones for Richard Branson’s newest travel brand. As an exciting precursor to the most epic loyalty program at sea, set to make its formal debut in 2023, Virgin Voyages is saying “Ahoy!” to The Sailing Club. This incredible dual-pronged perks program is teeming with brilliant benefits and exclusive offers for the remainder of 2022 and unlocks a limited window of opportunity for its Sailors to elevate themselves to the brand’s highest status tier in 2023. 

“This brand was built on innovation, so we’re taking a truly unique approach and developing a program that will give Sailors a taste of what’s to come while rewarding those who’ve supported the brand all along,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, President and Chief Experience Officer. “I’ve met so many incredible Sailors – many who’ve voyaged with us more than 10 times since we’ve launched – and this new program is a thank you for their commitment. We’d also love their help in shaping the future and are seeking their ideas to create a game-changing loyalty program they’ll fall in love with.”


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MSC Updates Health Protocols

8/29/2022

 
(PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, Fl. – August 29, 2022 – MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand, will update health and safety protocols for U.S. residents on cruises departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The cruise line will relax COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for U.S. residents on sailings beginning September 1, in line with public health guidelines in its home ports and destinations. While no longer required, MSC Cruises still recommends all U.S. residents be fully vaccinated and tested prior to sailing. Requirements for non-U.S. residents remain unchanged.

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Atlas Announces Second Guest Free Offer

8/29/2022

 
PictureCredit: Atlas Ocean Voyages
(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., August 29, 2022 – Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition this winter with Atlas Ocean Voyages and take advantage of the yacht-style cruise line’s Second Guest Sails Free offer. Travelers can choose among 20 expeditions aboard World Navigator and Atlas’ newest ship, World Traveller, departing November 18, 2022, through March 22, 2023, on nine- to 12-night itineraries, cruising roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina. Aboard the 11- and 12-night expeditions, guests also cross the Antarctic Circle and join the Order of the Blue Nose. Travelers can also choose a special nine-night Chilean Fjords expedition, departing December 12, 2022. Additionally, all guests enjoy a complimentary, roundtrip charter flight between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Ushuaia, and receive an Atlas expedition parka as part of their all-inclusive luxurious expedition. Atlas’ Second Guest Sails Free offer is applicable for all new bookings made with deposit from August 31 through September 6, 2022, in a Veranda- or Horizon-category stateroom. Expedition fares start at $7,499 per stateroom. For more information, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.


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Holland Promoting Roundtrip U.S. Travel

8/25/2022

 
(PRESS RELEASE)_ Seattle, Wash., Aug. 25, 2022 — With a rise in travelers wanting to explore global destinations without taking international flights, Holland America Line is launching its “See the World from Your Doorstep” campaign, highlighting the cruise line’s leadership in roundtrip travel from U.S. homeports.

Those who want to avoid a long-haul flight can sail roundtrip from Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Diego or Seattle with Holland America Line. The brand has more cruises over 15 nights roundtrip from the U.S. to destinations around the world than any other cruise line, visiting 225 ports in 91 countries.  

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AQV Announces 2023 Kentucky Derby Cruise

8/25/2022

 
PictureCredit: American Queen Voyages
(PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, FL – Aug. 25, 2022 –  Today, American Queen Voyages™, part of the Hornblower® Group,  announced details for their 2023 Kentucky Derby Cruise, a highlight of the Ohio River season. Aboard the newest paddlewheeler in the riverboat fleet, American Countess, the nine-day voyage will begin with a pre-cruise hotel at Louisville’s fabled Brown Hotel on Monday, May 1.  Itinerary highlights include competing in the annual Great American Steamboat Race while onboard, lectures by horse racing historians and a new celebration of Kentucky cuisine with Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau. A limited number of escorted VIP 2023 Kentucky Derby ticket packages are available for additional purchase. 

“The Kentucky Derby Cruise is one of my favorite sailings as it captures the magical energy of Louisville during race week,” explains John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages. “Last year’s special cruise conflicted with my obligations at the launch of our new Alaska expedition ship Ocean Victory but  I look forward for 2023, cheering on the American Countess in the Great American Steamboat Race and celebrating all the festivities.”  


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AQV Hosts Office Grand Opening

8/25/2022

 
By GERRY BARKER

​FT. LAUDERDALE --
American Queen Voyages hosted the grand opening of their new offices here on Wednesday, July 24. City dignitaries, media and invited guests got the chance to tour their 12th floor facilities atop the Coastal Towers building at 2400 E. Commercial Blvd.

American Queen's fleet of ships include riverboats, expedition ships and exploration vessels that travel the rivers of North America, the Great Lakes, Alaska and the Pacific coast (read about our recent Ohio River cruise on American Queen HERE). Check out the event:
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Guests kept the bartenders busy (above). On the right, Pam and  I got to meet Cameron Clark, far left, chief strategy and business development officer for the Hornblower Group, AQV's parent company, along with Christopher Kail, second from right, AQV's scheduler.
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Their impressive Training Academy includes this conference room, right, and a mockup of a stateroom bedroom, below, where trainees learn how to properly
​prepare a room for guests
.

​All Photos by
North Palm Beach Life
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It's not all work. AQV's Christopher Kail shows off a rescued boat propeller alongside cornhole boards.
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Employees can also
unwind with foosball.
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Or go old school with a retro
Pac Man arcade game.
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AQV's marketing area, above, along with the company's mantra, right.
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Carnival Updates Health Protocols

8/25/2022

 
(PRESS RELEASE)_Carnival Cruise Line is informing guests and travel agents of additional updates to its pre-cruise testing protocols for unvaccinated guests for voyages departing September 6, 2022, and later. These changes are consistent with what local destinations have advised will be acceptable for arriving cruise guests, and Carnival will continue to work closely with local destinations to protect the health of its guests, crew and the communities the cruise line visits. The updated protocols are:

  • In addition to lab administered tests, self-testing is accepted for unvaccinated guests on cruises 15 nights and shorter.
  • Certain destinations do not accept unsupervised pre-cruise self-testing, including Bermuda, Canada, Greece, and Spain. If used for visiting these destinations, self-testing must be supervised by a medical professional.
  • Regardless of the type of test taken, unvaccinated guests will be required to present their negative test results via VeriFLY or as part of the embarkation process. 

Additionally, travel insurance is no longer a requirement for unvaccinated guests unless it is required by a destination, such as Bermuda. Irrespective of vaccination status, travel insurance is required for all guests visiting Fiji.

Details on guidelines for submitting proof of testing and other COVID-related protocols are available on Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. webpage. Carnival encourages guests to refer to this information as they prepare for any upcoming cruises and to carefully read any other follow-up pre-cruise communications.

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