(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 12, 2019 – Continuing its commitment to anticipating every detail of the luxury travel experience, Crystal has announced a partnership with Allianz Global Assistance, a leading specialty insurance company, to provide travel protection to its guests. “We understand that sometimes, unfortunate and unexpected events can disrupt travelers’ vacations, regardless of how much planning is done. In these instances, it is important to us that our guests feel cared for and that their investment is protected to the greatest extent possible,” said Tom Wolber, Crystal’s President and CEO. “Allianz is renowned throughout the industry as the top service provider for travel insurance, and they share our dedication to providing a superior standard of service to each traveler.” Guests booking a Crystal voyage can choose a travel protection plan through Allianz to safeguard against certain travel disruptions, subject to terms and conditions. In the case of covered medical emergencies, travelers have access to 24-7 global assistance, primary medical insurance and evacuation anywhere in the world to ensure quality medical care at the nearest appropriate facility, as well as transportation home. “We are honored to be the exclusive travel insurance provider for Crystal,” said Mike Nelson, President of Allianz Global Assistance USA and CEO of Global Travel Insurance, Allianz Partners. “Traveling with the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line merits the gold standard in travel protection, allowing discerning travelers to explore the world with peace of mind that their health and financial wellbeing are protected.” Guests can purchase Allianz travel protection plans at any time after booking and prior to their Crystal voyage by contacting their preferred travel professional or Crystal’s reservations department. (PRESS RELEASE)_With only eight sailings left in 2019, Victory Cruise Lines, committed to small-ship cruising on the North American and Canadian coasts, is welcoming first-time and avid cruisers onboard with unbeatable deals. The Great Lakes, French Canada and New England coasts offer some of the best fall foliage and weather in the country, with crisp fresh air, evergreen coasts and quintessential boutique experiences, guests are sure to fall in love with the region and the new cruise company. Great Lakes Grand Discovery (9 Night) Guests can take in the awe-inspiring roar of Niagara Falls, the charm of a horse and buggy ride around Mackinac Island and the fascinating culture of America’s industrial revolution in Detroit, to name a few. Sailings will embark or disembark in Toronto or Chicago with additional ports of call in Cleveland, Ohio; Sault Saint Marie, MI and Little Current, Manitoulin Island (Ontario, Canada). Oct 4 (Now $4,889 per person, discounted from $6,389 per person) Oct 13 (Now $3,989 per person, discounted from $6,389 per person) French Canada and Great Lakes (9 Nights) Showcasing the splendor of the French-Canadian countryside including the Thousand Islands Corridor as well as the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The stunning natural views are challenged only by Kingston’s Gothic cathedrals and the region’s many historical monuments. Oct 1 (Now $2,499 per person, discounted from $6,385 per person) Oct 10 (Now $2,499 per person, discounted from $6,385 per person) French Canadian Great Lakes, Nova Scotia & New England (12 Nights) Sail from Montreal to Boston and discover the beauty of French Canada, from it’s cobblestone streets and ornate architecture to the dramatic rocky shores of Nova Scotia, where whales are known to say hello to passing ships! Guests will then explore the quintessential New England towns of Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts before disembarking. Oct 19 (Now $2,499 per person, discounted from $7,779 per person) St. Lawrence Seaway & Jewels of French Canada (10 night) For a slightly shorter cruise still chock full of history and dramatic views, this itinerary sails from Toronto to Portland, Maine via the stunning seaways of Nova Scotia. The refreshing sea air, views of lighthouses and sounds of seagulls and waves crashing are sure to delight each and every guest. Oct 22 (Now $4,700 per person, discounted from $7,100 per person) (PRESS RELEASE)_Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 12, 2019) — MSC Cruises — the world’s fastest growing and fourth largest cruise line — is continuing to expand its presence in the North American region with the introduction of Tampa as a new homeport for the Company. Starting Nov. 11, 2020, MSC Armonia will begin sailing from Tampa to the Caribbean, Mexico and The Bahamas year-round, with a full Winter season (Nov. 2020 – April 2021) of 4- to 5-night short cruises followed by a Summer season (May 2021-Nov. 2021) of week-long cruise options. “As MSC Cruises expands its presence in the U.S., the introduction of Tampa as a homeport plays an important role in our long-term deployment strategy for this region,” said Ken Muskat, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises USA. “We’ve seen increased demand for cruise options from Tampa as vacationers from around the world look to explore the city and surrounding areas pre- and post-cruise. We’re looking forward to bringing MSC Armonia, one of our more classic and charming ships, to Tampa and to introducing even more travelers to the MSC Cruises experience, inspired by our European heritage.” “We are thrilled that MSC Cruises will be offering year-round cruises from Port Tampa Bay next year,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “MSC Cruises offers an enriching and immersive cruise experience, bringing together people from around the world. Tampa is also known for the unique experiences the city offers its residents and visitors, appealing to a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures. We couldn’t be more excited for MSC Armonia’s new home to be Port Tampa Bay.” ITINERARIES FROM TAMPA TO THE CARIBBEAN, MEXICO AND THE BAHAMAS For the Winter 2020-2021 season, MSC Armonia will offer a variety of 4- and 5-night sailings, visiting destinations such as Key West; Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso, Mexico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new private island destination in The Bahamas. With options for guests to book back-to-back cruises with new destinations on each sailing, travelers also have the ability to extend the length of their vacation with 9- or 10-night options. In addition, for those looking to get away during the holiday season, MSC Armonia will offer several 7-night cruise options in December 2020, including Christmas and New Years. (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (September 11, 2019) – Today MSC Group announced that industry veteran Michael Ungerer joined its cruise business as CEO of MSC’s new luxury brand. Mr. Ungerer joins MSC with over 30 years of senior management experience in cruising as well as in luxury hospitality. He will be based out of the Company’s global headquarters in Geneva and will report to Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruises business and broader passenger division. Mr. Vago commented: “I am particularly pleased to make this announcement as it marks a key step forward in the set-up of the organizational structure that will lead the development of our new luxury brand. For us, this was a natural progression of the work done across our contemporary brand MSC Cruises since its inception, including with the development of our highly-successful premium ship-within-the-ship concept MSC Yacht Club. “Central to our new luxury brand will be above all respect for the environment — with the introduction of new ground-breaking technologies — as well as innovation in both hardware and experience, two core MSC values that extend to all our business. To this end, Michael —whom I wish to welcome to the broader MSC family — brings to the table precious and deep industry and luxury-specific experience as well as personal and professional values that are aligned with our own.” Mr. Ungerer added: “I am immensely honored and totally excited about the opportunity this one-of-a-kind, truly outstanding project presents. This crowns my professional career and perfectly complements my luxury hospitality and cruise industry experience. Furthermore, I am extremely proud of working closely with a visionary leader like Pierfrancesco Vago and an iconic shipping family that has been able to build a long-term sustainable business in a people-centered culture over many years with values which I deeply share.” Earlier this year, MSC confirmed an order for four luxury cruise ships to be built by Fincantieri for a total value exceeding EUR 2 billion (≈$2.3 billion USD). The vessels will have gross tonnage of approximately 64,000 GT and will feature the latest and most advanced environmental and maritime technologies available. Additionally, these super-yachts — which will introduce to the luxury segment a broad range of new guest experiences and other activities as well as feature generous ratios of public space — will also showcase a highly-innovative design. The first of the four vessels will be delivered by Spring 2023. The remaining three will come into service one per year over the following three years through 2026. Mr. Ungerer, 53, is an Austrian citizen and holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD where he also graduated from the Independent Director Program (IDP). (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (September 9, 2019) – Guests on board MSC Cruises’ recently launched MSC Bellissima, which means most beautiful, will be more dazzled than ever before! The world’s largest privately-owned cruise line announced today that their newest flagship would now feature the world’s first crystal stateroom adorned with glittering Swarovski crystals. The Swarovski staircases have been an iconic feature of MSC Cruises’ ships for more than ten years, and with this new collaboration with Swarovski on board MSC Bellissima, this sensational stateroom will bring a touch of extra sparkle and glamour to MSC Cruises beautiful flagship. MSC Cruises modern and innovative ships are distinguished by the brand’s signature European style demonstrating a skillful use of marble, crystal and glass to create iconic design features. The collaboration with Swarovski spans more than ten years, when in 2008 the first iconic Swarovski staircases were unveiled on MSC Fantasia. Since then, the staircases have become a stand-out design feature on board eight ships in the fleet, including MSC Bellissima, and are one of the most photographed spots on the ship. Swarovski, like MSC Cruises, is a family company with a history of more than 120 years, renowned for designing, manufacturing and selling the world`s highest quality crystals. Both companies share a passion for elegance, craftsmanship, innovation and the close-knit spirit that only family companies can foster. MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago described the collaboration as a “symbol of sophistication on board MSC Cruises ships.” The new crystal stateroom will be in the MSC Yacht Club, the premium ship-within-a-ship concept, and will be recognizable thanks to a crystallized number on the outside of the stateroom door. Every element has been carefully chosen to add elegant touches and complement the design with 700,000 crystals used to embellish the space. This includes crystallized furniture, such as the bedside tables, sideboard and coffee table. The wall sconces have been specially designed, offering stunning lighting throughout the stateroom. Even the walls have feature a touch of glamour, with beautiful coral artwork sparkling with crystals. In addition to the new stateroom — and the 96 breathtaking steps with more than 61,000 Swarovski crystals — other details on board MSC Bellissima include crystal detailed wallpaper in the MSC Yacht Club and a crystallized Active Panel illuminated by custom LED with 500,000 crystals per sqm built into the design of the Champagne Bar to add an extra touch of refinement to the sophisticated bar on deck 7. The new crystal stateroom developed in collaboration with Swarovski and DE JORIO DESIGN is sure to become a coveted addition to the all-inclusive MSC Yacht Club where guests can eat, drink, swim and sunbathe in a lavish, private club atmosphere while enjoying access to all the recreation opportunities offered throughout the ship. With 95 exclusive suites located in the prestigious foredecks of the ship and 24-hour butler and concierge service, the area serves as the perfect haven for guests to pamper themselves throughout the cruise. Guests wishing to stay in the dazzling stateroom number 16018 will need to book early to ensure availability but will be pleased to discover that this marvel is available at no extra cost and will match other MSC Yacht Club stateroom prices, and will be available starting mid-November. (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (September 10, 2019) - International premium cruise line Princess Cruise has accomplished another major milestone in preparation for the debut of its newest ship, Sky Princess, with the completion of sea trials. The new cruise ship set out to sea from the construction dock at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and was put through a series of maneuvers to test the propulsion, steering and navigational equipment. After a successful six days of trials, Sky Princess is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing to prepare for the maiden Oct. 20, 2019 seven-day Mediterranean & Adriatic cruise from Athens to Barcelona. The ship will sail a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in North America on Dec. 1, 2019 for sailing a season of Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale. The 3,660-guest Sky Princess shares all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships - Regal Princess, Royal Princess and Majestic Princess. The ship also will feature breathtaking Sky Suites, with expansive views from the largest balconies at sea. In addition, two entertainment experiences have been announced for Sky Princess - Phantom Bridge, a world’s first game combining digital and physical elements for the ultimate immersive escape room, and Take 5, the only jazz theater at sea, celebrating the iconic sounds, culture and history of jazz. In addition, guests can make the most of their vacation time with the Princess MedallionClass™ experience, featuring the complimentary OceanMedallion™ wearable device that delivers an entirely new level of service and creates a vacation that is more simple, effortless and personalized. The Princess Cruises fleet continues to expand with Enchanted Princess in June 2020, and three additional ships arriving in 2021, 2023 and 2025. Additional information about Sky Princess and Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com. Win a Trip to Highclere Castle Viking is offering U.S. residents a chance to win a trip to Highclere Castle, with the grand prize including roundtrip international Business Class air for two, an 8-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy river cruise and the 3-night land extension program visiting Oxford and Highclere Castle. For more information and to enter by October 31, 2019 visit: https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/special-offers/highclere-castle-sweepstakes-river-hp.html (PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (September 9, 2019) – Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) today announced it has partnered with Focus Features, Universal Pictures and Carnival Films for the release of the new full-length film Downton Abbey, based on the Emmy® Award-winning series. Viking became a household name during its sponsorship of the celebrated series MASTERPIECE through the years Downton Abbey aired on PBS, and this new premier partnership builds on the company’s continued commitment to enriching cultural programming. Today marks the film’s global premiere in London, which will be in U.S. theaters on September 20. For years Viking has offered a variety of ways for its guests to experience life at Highclere Castle, the filming location of Downton Abbey. In celebration of the premiere, the company today unveiled a new Pre/Post Cruise Extension, Great Homes, Gardens & Gin, which was designed to give guests an exclusive look at several country estates that have served as the settings of acclaimed PBS and MASTERPIECE productions. Starting in 2021, the new five-day extension will be available on Viking’s Rhine Getaway river cruise itinerary and British Isles Explorer ocean cruise itinerary and allows guests to explore Oxford and experience English country life. The program includes Viking’s Privileged Access® tour of Highclere Castle, as well as a visit to Broughton Castle, home to the influential Fiennes family, whose members include the renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and actors Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes. The castle also served as a setting for the award-winning MASTERPIECE series Wolf Hall. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Sept. 10, 2019) - Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, announced today on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” that GRAMMY Award-winning artist and superstar Kelly Clarkson will serve as the godmother to its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, debuting in Miami in November. The cruise line’s President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Stuart appeared on Clarkson’s new nationally syndicated daytime show produced and distributed by NBCUniversal, to invite her to join the Norwegian Cruise Line family as godmother to Norwegian Encore. As godmother, she will perform at the christening ceremony in Miami on Thursday, Nov. 21, as well as fulfill the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the beautiful Norwegian Encore. “We knew we wanted someone who represents our core values,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer. “Kelly is a role model who is passionate about family and community, as well as music and entertainment. These are our passions too! We are honored to have her join our family of godparents and look forward to celebrating Norwegian Encore’s debut in Miami with her, this November.” To celebrate her new title as godmother to Norwegian Encore, Clarkson and Norwegian Cruise Line recognized and awarded 20 deserving music educators on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” with a seven-day cruise, showcasing the mutual appreciation for education and travel as a powerful tool that connects people and promotes awareness and understanding around the world. “I am so honored to be named the godmother to Norwegian Encore, and to get to be a part of such a special ceremony to christen the new ship in Miami,” said Kelly Clarkson. “I believe that surrounding yourself with the ones you love and taking time for them is important while having the most amazing and unforgettable vacation, which is what Norwegian Cruise Line stands for and provides for its guests.” Taking the brand’s exclusive, stand-out attractions to the next level, Norwegian Encore will feature the world’s longest race track at sea at 1,100 feet with four high-speed curves extending up to 13 feet over the side of the ship; the largest outdoor laser tag arena at nearly 10,000 square feet with the addition of augmented reality elements; and new immersive escape room and interactive theatre experiences in the 10,000-square-foot Galaxy Pavilion. In addition to featuring many of the highly rated restaurants and lounges that have made the Breakaway Plus class one of the most innovative and successful in the company’s history, Norwegian Encore will debut a new elevated Italian dining experience, Onda by Scarpetta, in collaboration with LDV Hospitality. The Tony Award®-winning musical, “Kinky Boots” will headline the world-class entertainment on board, with returning guest favorites “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical” and the rocking Beatles cover band of The Cavern Club. Launching this fall, Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning Nov. 24, 2019; Bermuda, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning Apr. 22, 2020; voyages to the Western Caribbean from Miami beginning Dec. 12, 2020; and in the spring of 2021 will make her West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle. For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 10, 2019 – Guests aboard Crystal Endeavor’s “Indonesian Immersive & Great Barrier Reef” remote expedition, departing October 15, 2020, will explore the great southern islands of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef and Indonesia’s tropics. They will also enjoy some of the world’s most celebrated cuisine, created and prepared by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the culinary star behind Crystal’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar. Chef Nobu – whose only sea-going restaurants have been featured aboard Crystal ships since 2003 – will join the 16-day voyage to host an array of special events and dining experiences. On the menu for Crystal Endeavor guests will be three limited-availability omakase, or chef’s choice, dinners. Two hosted in Umi Uma for 30 guests each, will feature a menu of Nobu’s specialties selected and prepared by him and his chefs and include a signed cookbook by the acclaimed chef. Another, extravagant Omakase Sushi Bar & Ultimate Vintage Connoisseur Wine Dinner limited to just nine guests in the expedition yacht’s Vintage Room, will offer a multicourse feast, each dish paired with specially selected sake and wines. The dinner will be hosted by Nobu, Sake Master Hazu and Crystal’s own head sommelier. “We are delighted to welcome Chef Nobu back as he sails for the first time aboard Crystal Endeavor,” said Toni Neumeister, Crystal’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “A highlight of every Crystal Ocean voyage, and now expedition voyages, is the phenomenal cuisine served in Umi Uma on board, and it’s an even greater pleasure to have the master himself join our guests for these special occasions. Not only famous for his innovative approach to classic dishes, Nobu is known for his warm and engaging character, which makes every guest feel at home even as they learn and dine alongside a master.” In addition to the extraordinary dining experiences, guests will have a number of opportunities to mingle with Nobu. The chef will conduct a cooking demo and host a cookbook signing and photo session during the cruise, while Sake Master Hazu complements the programming with a sake tasting. Guests can also learn a unique style of floral design that incorporates western and Japanese design concepts with Nicolai Bergmann, one of today’s most renowned floral artists. The hosted omakase dinners in Umi Uma will be offered for $200 per guest, while the omakase Ultimate Vintage Room experience will be offered for $1,000 per guest. All other programming and events are inclusive. Nobu’s signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare is served as part of the all-inclusive Crystal Experience aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity and will debut aboard Crystal Endeavor when the German-built expedition yacht launches in August 2020. All Umi Uma & Sushi Bar chefs are personally trained by Nobu himself in his restaurants around the world, and the master chef frequently sails on Crystal voyages for special events and ongoing refinement of cooking techniques. (CARNIVAL NEWS)_Celebrating its West Coast expansion and the anticipated arrival of its newest ship Carnival Panorama in December, Carnival Cruise Line collaborated with Amazon Treasure Truck in Los Angeles this weekend to bring fun, interactive pop-up activities with Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. At the event, Shaq judged a high-flying dunk contest at the on-site Sky Zone trampoline park and chatted with guests at his “CFO Fun Fact Zone.”
Upcoming stops include San Diego on Sept. 15 and San Francisco Sept. 29 both showcasing shoreside activations of popular Carnival Panorama features. The line’s first new ship on the West Coast in 20 years, Carnival Panorama is set to debut Dec. 11 with a special three-day cruise then launch seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises Dec. 14. Carnival’s West Coast expansion also includes new sailings aboard Carnival Miracle from San Diego and San Francisco beginning later this year. |
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